Renaissance Program

Religious Education Leadership Training

The Renaissance Program is a major component of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) Religious Education Credentialing program. Each 15-hour module provides standardized basic training in a specific area useful to Religious Educators in local congregations. The following modules may be taken in any order:

• Administration of RE Programs
• Adult Learning and Faith Development
• Curriculum Planning in the Local Congregation
• Ministry with Youth
• Multicultural Religious Education
• Philosophy of Religious Education
• Teacher Development
• Unitarian Universalist History
• Unitarian Universalist Identity
• Worship for All Ages

View the Renaissance Program brochure.

Participation

Modules can accommodate between 12 and 20 participants. Preference is given to Religious Educators if the workshop is oversubscribed.

Sponsorship

Various groups may sponsor a Renaissance Module. Requests go to the Renaissance Planning Office at the UUA. The UUA will provide leadership lists and program materials, while the sponsoring group is responsible for registrations, publicity, and local arrangements for hosting the workshop. Many of the modules require that reading materials be mailed to participants in advance of the workshop; this mailing is also the responsibility of the local sponsor.

Cost

The cost of sponsoring a Renaissance module is shared by the participants and the sponsoring group. The registration fee is determined by the local planning committee, based on its estimates of the conference costs. The conference budget must include:

• Honoraria for the leaders
• Meals and accommodations
• Leader travel expenses
• A refundable deposit fee to the UUA for the Display Box
• The cost of publicity and copying handouts
• Materials and supplies as needed

Recognition

When a participant has completed five modules, or a minimum of 75 hours of Renaissance training, the Renaissance Program will send a Letter of Recognition, in appreciation of the time that has been given in the service of quality religious education for our children, youth and adults. A participant may include these five modules and any additional modules toward completion of any level in the Religious Education Credentialing Program.

Scholarships

It is strongly recommended that congregations give financial sponsorship to a Religious Educator who is attending on their behalf. A limited amount of scholarship help is available from the UUA through the Beatley and Earle endowment funds, whose interest is annually available in modest amounts for RE grants to individuals. Please contact us for more information on these funds. Some District RE Committees have funds available for Renaissance scholarships. Summer conferences may offer financial assistance.

Schedule

Renaissance modules around the continent are included on the UUA Calendar of Events.

More Information

The Renaissance Office at the UUA has a comprehensive planning guide that covers everything, including sample schedules, a budget worksheet, sample participant letters, and summaries/goals of each module.