The Expanded Learning Time Initiative

Expanded Learning Time (ELT) is the initiative in Massachusetts which promotes the expanded learning time theory. This initiative is open to all public schools to compete for grants that would enable them to extend the learning day by approximately two hours either on a daily or seasonal basis. The goal of this redesign will equip students with the skills, knowledge, and leadership abilities required for full participation in the economic and civic life of our 21st century global economy. In a time where we are assessing the negative ramifications of the unfunded mandates under No Child Left Behind, ELT offers an alternative to the constraints of current public school policy.

Posted by Meryl on 06/11/08  •  Permalink  •  Comments 0   •  

UUA and UCC Lobby on the REAL Act

The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), the United Church of Christ (UUC), and Advocates for Youth lobbied together for the Responsible Education About Life (REAL) Act, on March 26, 2007. The REAL Act would provide federal funding for comprehensive sexuality education. The REAL Act is a much-needed alternative to the misleading and inadequate abstinence-only programs currently supported by the federal government.

The Unitarian Universalist Association and the United Church of Christ have a history of working together to promote comprehensive sexuality education. The two denominations co-created the Our Whole Lives curriculum, a comprehensive sexuality course for use in congregations.

For more information about the REAL Act lobbying day, please visit the UUWorld, the United Church of Christ, and Advocates for Youth.

Posted by Shelby on 04/05/07  •  Permalink  •  Comments 0   •  

Children’s Advocacy Ideas for Your Congregation

I received an e-mail last week from a Unitarian Universalist asking how she and a group from her congregation can advocate for children. She explained that they do not have have a lot of extra time or money, but they do care deeply about young people.

What can you do in your congregation to advocate for children, especially if you have limited time and money? The following three actions can make a difference in children’s lives:

1. Write an article in the congregational newsletter about why children’s issues matter to you. You may want to educate members about legislation on the state or federal level that impacts young people. Or you can encourage members to donate or volunteer with a local organization that serves children, such as an afterschool program.

2. Incorporate children’s issues into a worship service. If you don’t have a lot of time, you may not want to lead a whole Sunday morning worship service, if this is even an option at your congregation. But you could ask the minister or religious educator for suggestions about how to raise awareness of children’s issues during one worship this spring.

For instance, you could offer a prayer for children facing hardship. You could give a testimony about an experience you have had that deepened your commitment to helping children. Or you could hold a special offertory to raise money for a children’s organization.

3. Offer a letter writing table following worship. When the U.S. Senate is about to vote on a key piece of children’s legislation, encourage your fellow congregants to contact their senators. At this table, include a sample letter that you have written to your senators. Ask people to write their own letters, or to sign a copy of yours, and then offer to send these letters for them.

(This is a lot less time consuming when you are asking people to contact their senators than when you are asking them to contact their representatives. Because everyone in your state has the same two senators, it is easy to address and send all the letters. The process is more time-intensive if you ask people to contact representatives, since you then need to look up each person’s representative based on their zip+4.)

Please comment if you have additional suggestions!

Posted by Shelby on 03/07/07  •  Permalink  •  Comments 2   •