Unity Principles

1. One Power & One Presence
   There is only one power--the power of God the good, the power of Love at work in the Universe. God is the Source and Creator of all. There is not a struggle between two powers of good and evil. Evil as we know it is simply a belief in seperation from God and emerges from our fears.

2. Divinity of Man
   We are created in the image and likeness of God...there is that of God in every man. We are always connected directly to God without needing anyone to intercede for us. Therefore, we can receive huidance directly. We all have the potential to follow the example of Jesus who shows us how perfectly express our Divine nature and thereby become the Christ.

3. Law of Mind Action
   This is similar to the golden rule--do unto others as you would have others do unto you. Said in other ways: what you put out comes back to you multiplied; thoughts held in mind, produce in kind; what you sow, so shall you reap; what goes around comes around. The energy (of thoughts and intentions and actions) we put out acts as a magnet and draws to us like energies. What we focus on expands...therefore, if we want a life filled with love, we must intentionally extend love to others and to the world. Hatred never ceases by hatred.

4. Prayer & Meditation & Denial & Affirmation
   These are tools to use to redirect our thoughts and to come in conscious contact with God. We deny the power of how things appear to be, and affirm the truth of our divine nature (even if we cannot see it). This helps restructure our subconscious mind and false beliefs we may be holding. Prayer and mediation allow us to talk to God and listen for guidance and experience our divine connection to Spirit.

5. Action
   Unity is based on living truth principles in the world. It is practical Christianity. Reading, studying, discussing are inspiring but not enough. We must walk our talk...keep practicing, without judging ourselves--see our mistakes and start over. Unity teaches us to live what Jesus our wayshower taught us. Until we experience the power of living truth, our lives will remain unchanged.

Turst Agreements

1. I will attend and remain at all scheduled activities at their designated times and places.

2. I will give my loving support and attention to all speakers addressing the group, and to all workshop and activity leaders.

3. I will remain in designated boundaries unless authorized by the International Team to leave for a specific and special purpose.

4. I will not have in my possession, nor will I use any illegal substance or alcohol.

5. I will not smoke. Both Y.O.U.ers and Sponsors agree to abstain from smoking during the entire conference week. Further, I acknowledge it is illegal for minors to purchase, possess, or receive tobacco in the state of Missouri.

6. I will not burn incense or candles unless they are part of scheduled group activities.

7. I will remain in my designated lodging and remain in the group(s) to which I am assigned.

8. I will be centered during group meditations, and remain silent and respect other people's space.

9. I will abstain from all sexual activity and honor the personal boundaries of others. International Conference is not the place for expressions of romance.

   *NOTE. Specifically, I will not touch a person in any way intended to be sexually provocative. I will not engage in prolonged kissing. My dancing will be non-provocative. At Fuzzy Lane, my hugs will be of a friendship nature for male and female alike. I understand Fuzzy Lane to be an opportunity to give and receive hugs from numerous delegates, not just a few or only one.

10. I will respect others' needs for sleep between Lights Out and Wake-up times.

11. I will not drive, nor will I ride in any automobile throughout the week except to be officially transported to and from off grounds motels.

12. I will not use a walkman or radio at any scheduled events. Walkmans and radios with headphones may be used only at free time or bedtime, so long as it does not disturb anyone else.

13. I will respect the property of others, which includes not taking anything that belongs to someone else without their permission.

14. I will respect the grounds and property of Unity Village and the Hotel, and all persons present at Unity Village and the Hotel, including staff and other visitors.

15. I will look for the Highest Good in all people and situations, and for ways I can give and receive to make this event a special experience for myself and everyone else.

Sponsor Code of Ethics

1. I, as a Youth of Unity Sponsor, dedicate myself to the principles of Truth as taught and exemplified by Jesus Christ, and interpreted by Unity School of Christianity and the Association of Unity Churches.

2. I dedicate and consecrate myself to expressing the living Christ and honoring the Christ expression in others. I look to the indwelling Christ for inspiration to guide, govern, and prosper me and to behold the divinity in all people and situations.

3. I emphasize the importance of prayer, contemplation, and reflection. My own prayer consciousness demonstrates my dedication to God.

4. I teach Unity teachings. I come prepared for all lessons and activities. I prepare Y.O.U.ers for events by helping them to understand what the event is about, how it functions, the importance of agreements, and by helping them clarify their own personal and spiritual growth expectations.

5. I adhere to all church policies and state laws. I undertake activities that support the ministry in which I serve, and the Regional and International Representatives. Should I disagree with their plans or leadership styles, I will first address the issue directly with them, rather than speaking about it with others.

6. I hold sacred my role as Sponsor and agree not to assume the role of professional counselor. I am not involved in Y.O.U. to be "one of them", or to be seen as a parent, or to "fix" anyone. Nor will I use Y.O.U. as my support group. I realize that my highest role is to pray with, support, and encourage Y.O.U.ers to live to their Christ potential. I create an atmosphere of love, safety, and support.

7. I respect and hold sacred all participants' expectation of confidentiality when sharing, informing them in advance of my one obligation to report any threat of harm to oneself or to others.

8. My behavior sets the highest example, not compromising the integrity of the Y.O.U. experience in any way. Specifically, in my role as Sponsor:
   • My words and expressions honor the Christ in all people. I do not tell jokes or speak words which contain sexual innuendoes or dishonor any race or ethnic group.
   • I use my role to be an encourager and supporter. I do not engage in put downs or in any physical, mental, emotional or sexual harassment.
   • I do not prolong hugs, or return/initiate a kiss.
   • I do not touch anyone in a sexual manner, including but not limited to, the genitals, buttocks, or breasts.
   • I am not with teens or adults in any compromising location or situation.
   • I exercise good judgment in regard to my relationships so as to invite only the highest respect.
   • I do not use illegal substances or alcohol.
   • I truthfully, accurately, and in a timely manner complete all forms and requirements for events.

International Officer Guidelines

The purpose and goal of the International Youth of Unity (Y.O.U.) is to unify all young people who are seeking to express the indwelling Christ in accordance with the principles of practical Christianity as taught and interpreted by Unity School of Christianity and the Association of Unity Churches.

Each year at the International Y.O.U. Conference, by simple majority vote of the Conference body, three officers are elected to serve and assist in the operation of the International Y.O.U. These three officers are President of Service, President of Prayer, President of Communications.

The success of the International activities depends greatly on the dedication, commitment, and ability of the International Officers. It is both an honor and a responsibility to serve. In order to serve effectively, officers must be willing and able to fulfill the responsibilities of the office. Officers must commit to making time for all planning activities and presentations. Listed below is a description of the Officer Responsibilities and Qualities followed by a job description for each office. Thank you for your prayerful consideration.

All Officers

• Have a good understanding of Unity principles and apply them to daily life.
• Endeavor to live in accordance with the Jesus Christ principles of love and truth as taught by Unity School of Christianity and the Association of Unity Churches.
• Serve as spiritual representatives for Y.O.U. worldwide.
• Demonstrate leadership abilities.
• Display orderly conduct, self-discipline, cooperation, and consideration of all.
• Maintain active membership in their local Y.O.U. chapter, but cannot hold office.
• Create and implement a vision for Y.O.U.
• Create, hold, and sustain a consciousness of prayer.
• Create and maintain a consciousness of loving communication.
• Create and implement new ideas to serve.
• Demonstrate a prayer consciousness and personal relationship with God.
• Utilize effective listening skills.
• Make presentations and lead workshops.
• Write a column for 6 issues of the Youth of Unitimes newsletter.
• Organize and plan the annual International Conference.
• Report on accomplishments to the YOU Conference body at annual conference.
• Lead Joy Songs.
• Prioritize commitments between Y.O.U., school, social, job, and family.
• Accept responsibility for the over all "feeling" of International events.
• Communicate regularly with the International Consultant.
• Possess good communication skills, written and oral.
• Dress in a manner that reflects the professional, leadership, nature of the role.
• Maintain confidentiality in internal matters relating to policies and individuals.
• Cooperate, communicate and work with leaders in worldwide organizations.

President of Service

The President of Service shall serve as chairperson of the International Y.O.U. projects involving service as well as other types of projects which further the development of Y. O.U. He/she presides over all business matters and meetings. Specifically he/she will:

• Set and hold a consciousness of loving service.
• Coordinate an international service project.
• Conduct an annual International Business Meeting.

Be clear about what service means. Do you think of everything you do as a service to God? Your whole life is a form of service.., so who or what do you serve? In Y.O.U. we say that serving is giving of ourselves through love by sharing our time and talents to benefit others. Think of creative ways to develop a consciousness of serving. Engage others in helping you. A serving consciousness reflects the desire to be of service to others out of love and generosity. It is knowing that everything you do affects others whether you see it or not. Service is wanting to have a positive impact on our world. One way to develop a consciousness of serving is to enter into an activity with generosity.

Each officer identifies and researches possible service projects. The President of Service is responsible for bringing this to the attention of fellow officers prior to the first Conference planning meeting. During the Conference planning meeting, everyone shares their findings, and a project is selected. The President of Service is responsible for announcing the project to Y.O.U. chapters and following through with its organization and completion.

The President of Service facilitates meetings including the annual Business Meeting at the International Conference. He/she must have a working knowledge of Robert's Rules of Order. He/she is responsible for the coordination and dissemination of any proposed amendments to the bylaws. He/she will also coordinate the assignment and completion of tasks.

President of Prayer

The President of Prayer shall serve as chairperson of the International Y.O.U. prayer panel and of the prayer and healing aspects of the Y.O.U. ministry. Specifically he/she will:

• Set and hold a consciousness of prayer.
• Serve as spiritual representative for Y.O.U. worldwide.
• Create team unity and connectedness.
• Lead prayer and healing services.
• Receive and process special prayer requests.
• Communicate directly with Silent Unity.
• Write a prayer panel six times a year.

The President of Prayer holds the space where all can feel a deep connectedness to God. It is a place of peace, a place where healing can take place. The President of Prayer leads prayers, meditations and group building experiences. For our organization and its members to be successful and to work together with purpose, there must be a deep feeling of connection with God and with one another. The President of Prayer helps facilitate this and provides opportunities to continuously strengthen relationships and team connections. He/she represents Y.O.U.'s consciousness of prayer, trust, peace, sharing, and appreciation.

President of Communications

The President of Communications shall serve as chairperson of all International Y.O.U. communication. Specifically he/she will:

• Set and maintain a consciousness of open, loving communication.
• Coordinate the minutes of the International Business Meeting.
• Handle International Correspondence and communications.
• Write thank you cards and letters.
• Recognize and facilitate any need for deeper communication.

The President of Communications honors the formative power of the word. He/she is an example of loving communication and encourages that in others. He/she helps the group be conscious of their words and energy to build awareness of what they are sending out into the world. The President of Communications recognizes that our thoughts are prayers and asks "If this is true, what are we praying for" or, "What message are we sending?" or "Is this the message we really want to be expressing?"

The key to success in all our relationships is clear communication. Communication keeps us informed and makes us feel as though we belong and are important to the group. The President of Communications makes calls, writes letters, and is responsible for keeping the regional officers informed of international activities. Being appreciated is important. The President of Communications sends thank you notes to speakers, musicians, for donations and support, for help at activities or simply to appreciate someone.

Bylaws

International Youth of Unity
Bylaws
Revised & Adopted August 6, 1999

Article I - Identification

Section 1.01 Name The name of this organization shall be the 'International Youth of Unity' (hereinafter referred to as "International Y.O.U." or "Y.O.U.").

Section 1.02 Principal Office The principal office of the Y.O.U. shall be at the principal offices of the Associaton of Unity Churches, a non-profit corporation oragnized and existing under the laws of the State of Georgia, in Lee's Summit, Missouri, or at such other place as the Association of Unity Churches shall hereafter designate.

Section 1.03 Operation The International Y.O.U. operates under the direction of the Association of Unity Churches' Board of Trustees, who shall designate a person(s) to serve as Y.O.U. Coordinator.

Article II - Purpose

Section 2.01 Purpose The purpose of Y.O.U. is to encourage and assist in the spiritual growth of all young people who are seeking to express the indwelling Christ in accordance with the principles of practical Christianity as taught and interpreted by Unity School of Christianity, Unity Village, Missouri, and the Association of Unity Churches.

Section 2.02 Levels of Organization In the accomplishrnent of the stated purpose, the Y.O.U. shall have three levels of organization: Chapter, Regional and International.

Article III - Membership

Section 3.01 Chapters The Y.O.U. is an organization of young people's groups that are formed under the direction of a duly recognized minister in a nnnistry which is a member of the Association of Unity Churches ("Chapters").

Section 3.02 Membership by Chapter Membership in the International Y.O.U. is by local Chapters, which have received a Charter from the International Y.O.U.

Section 3.03 Chapter Charter A Chapter Membership Application form shall be requested from, completed, and returned to the Y.O.U. Coordinator at the Association of Unity Churches. Upon approval of the Application, a Chapter Charter will be issued.

Section 3.04 Chapter Formation In order to form a Y.O.U. Chapter, there must be one or more young people ranging from 14 through 18 years of age and an adult sponsor.

Section 3.05 Chapter Name All Chapters shall be officially known and desigaated by the name of the Association of Unity Churches' member ministry sponsoring the Chapter ("(Name of Ministry) Youth of Unity"). Each Chapter may have an unofficial, distinctive name, chosen by its members. The Chapter shall use this name locally.

Section 3.06 Rules of Individual Membership Each Chapter of Y.O.U. may prescribe its own rules of membership, which are guided by local conditions and subject to the approval of the Association of Unity Churches' member ministry sponsoring the Chapter. Participation by individuals in Regional and International events, however, is subject to the standards set by the hosting organization.

Article IV - Regions

Section 4.01 Regions The Y.O.U. Chapters shall be divided into Regions, which will be approved by the Association of Unity Churches and kept on file at the principal offices of the Y.O.U.

Section 4.02 Regional Gatherings Each Region may have several gatherings a year, but must have one "official" gathering, to which all Chapters within the Region are invited and at which the annual business meeting is held. All Chapters in each Region are expected to adhere to the standards set by the Region in attending each function.

Article V - Business Meeting & Voting

Section 5.01 Annual Conference and Business Meeting An annual International Conference of the Y.O.U. shall be held at Unity Village, Missouri, unless otherwise provided for by the Association of Unity Churches. The annual business meeting of the Y.O.U. shall take place during the International Conference.

Section 5.02 Conference Delegates All Chartered Chapters shall be invited to send qualified delegates to the International Conference.

Section 5.03 Quorum At the annual business meeting, a quorum shall be two-thirds of the delegates registered and present at the International Conference.

Section 5.04 Voting At the International Conference, each delegate registered and present shall be entitled to one vote during elections. Each Chartered Chapter having at least one delegate registered and present, shall have one vote on all other matters brought before the Conference body.

Section 5.05 Approval Motions and elections are approved by simple majority unless otherwise specified.

Section 5.06 Meeting Procedures The Christ Spirit within and Robert's Rules of Order (Revised) shall be the guides for conducting the annual business meeting and determining proper procedure.

Article VI - Officers & Elections

Section 6.01 International Officers At the annual business meeting during each International Conference, the following officers shall be elected to serve for one term of office: President of Service, President of Prayer and President of Communications.

• Applications for the above three offices shall be requested from, completed and returned to the Y.O.U. Coordinator.
• Candidates for International office must be present at the time of elections.
• The officers elected at the annual business meeting shall be installed during the International Conference.

Section 6.02 Regional Representatives Each Region shall select at its "official" Regional gathering two Regional Representatives who will be officially recognized and installed at the International Conference.

Section 6.03 Other Offices International Officers shall not hold other Chapter, Regional, or International offices in Y.O.U.

Article VII - Duties of International Officers

Section 7.01 President of Service The President of Service shall serve as chairperson of the International Y.O.U. projects involving service as well as other types of projects which further the development of Y.O.U. He/She presides over all International business matters and meetings.

Section 7.02 President of Prayer The President of Prayer shall serve as chairperson of the International Y.O.U. prayer panel and of prayer and healing aspects of the Y.O.U. ministry.

Section 7.03 President of Communications The President of Communications shall serve as chairperson of all International Y.O.U. communications.

Section 7.04 Responsibilities Each International Officer assumes the inherent inspirational and administrative responsibilities of his/her office when installed.

Section 7.05 Replacement If any International Officer is unable to fulfill his/her term of office, the remaining Officer(s) and the Y.O.U. Coordinator may recommend a replacement to be approved by the Association of Unity Churches' Board of Trustees.

Article VIII - Amendments

Section 8.01 Amendments to Bylaws These Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the Chartered Chapters having at least one delegate registered and present, at any meeting of the International Conference when a quorum is present, subject to the approval of the Association of Unity Churches' Board of Trustees. Notice of any proposed amendments for which a vote will be taken at the International Conference will be provided to each chartered Chapter prior to the Conference.

Section 8.02 Procedure Any proposed amendment shall be submitted in writing to the Y.O.U. Coordinator. With the aid of the International Officers, the Y.O.U. Coordinator will consider and make recommendations regarding any proposed amendment.