Here's How NGU Works
A: Yes it is. There are consultants employed by some regions to assist you in joining or setting up a group. To find a consultant in your area, or find support for NextGen, Send an Email to the the Young Adult Program Coordinator at Unity Worldwide Ministries.
A: You are certainly encouraged to, but under no circumstances is it a requirement to attend a Unity ministry. NextGen SpiritGroups are open to newcomers at any point. Attendance at NextGen events is dependant upon the individual event's parameters. Contact the event's hosting region or organization to find out more about a specific event.
A: Most times, NextGen events are open to whomever would like to attend--the more, the merrier! However, some events might have parameters in place due to the nature of the event. Contact the event's hosting region or organization to find out more about a specific event.
A: No, that seems to be a common myth. We welcome any and all. We are geared toward serving the 18 to 35ish crowd. Many NGUers will fit in one or more of these categories:
Previous YOUers
Young families
Raised with Unity teachings
People looking for a non-traditional, spiritual community
New to Unity after the age of 18
YOU sponsors/junior sponsors
A: For those who were in YOU, this may sound familiar. The regions are as follows:
- Eastern
- Great Lakes
- Northwest
- South Central
- Southeast
- Southwest
- West Central
A: A spouse or significant other is certainly welcome to come along, as long as newcomers fit in with the parameters of the event; check with the event organizers for final confirmation. If they are not there to join in spiritually, then we kindly ask that they do not take away from those that are there for spiritual reasons. When it comes to kids, it is always wise to ask the retreat planner(s) what accommodations they have for children. Usually, if informed ahead of time, accommodations for children are happily made.
A: What do 18 and 35-year-olds have in common? It's simple ... life. Real life─whether it be voting for the first time, getting married, having your first child, higher learning, or military service. This is the age range when many of these things happen for most people. This is the beginning of our adult spiritual path. Being "freshmen" in the school of life is a big thing to have in common.
Often there are questions about the age range of NextGen. Over time it has become clear that, in general, the 18-35ish range works. Some groups may have a narrower age range, based on what works for their group, but 18-35 is still the official range for Next Generation Unity as an organization. Having a variety of age ranges, as well as a variety of backgrounds, makes the group more interesting and provides the opportunity for mentorship.
Additionally, with the advent of the Ambassador and SpiritGroup models for NextGen Unity, it has become possible for the wide spectrum of demographics within NextGen to coexist based on personal interests and life experiences. For example, NextGen SpiritGroups are designed to be one of a number of possible SpiritGroups offered by a Unity ministry. NextGen SpiritGroups offers a space for young people that is not required to be influenced by existing church leadership. At the same time, members of a NextGen SpiritGroup could continue to attend their NextGen group, but also branch out into other SpiritGroups the church may offer, based on their personal interests. The variety offered by the SpiritGroup model, with the additional options of travel and outreach with the NextGen Ambassadors program, allows for many different life circumstances and spiritual pursuits to find what speaks to the individual, and as all members are adults, age range becomes immaterial in those settings.
A: Send an Email to the Young Adult Program Coordinator at Unity Worldwide Ministries to get connected with resources to start your own group, or groups that already exist!