Why Volunteer with our children?

Why volunteer in RE?

Peek into our Religious Exploration spaces on any given Sunday, and you might find stories, crafts, experiments,
discussions, music, poetry, laughter, worship, games, or thoughtful sharing.  It is a wonderful community to be part of,
 and those of us who know this secret wonder why we don’t have waiting lists.

1. Children get to know you and it’s the most amazing feeling to run into them in another context, see them smile and say,
 "I know you!" 
2. The schedule is flexible – you can still get to services, help with coffee, be an usher, or sing in the choir.  Teaching RE
is part of church life, not all-consuming.
3. Connect with new families in the congregation, and get to know other volunteers better.
4. The pressure is off!  You are not expected to know all, teach all, or impart Great Wisdom that you should already know.  
5. Our lesson plans ask questions and explore concepts in a way that children can understand… so adults can too!
6. You’re part of a team, and the Religious Exploration Committee and the Director of Religious Exploration have got
 your back.
7. Explore and further your own spiritual development, in a hands-on way.
8. Children and youth often bring deep questions, a sense of fun, and passion for things they believe in.  They are
teachers in this equation too.
9. Hold yourself accountable to the Principles (with the added bonus of relearning what they are!)
10. Stay young at heart, see the world through a child's eyes, and have a chance to play.
11. Where else will you hear two 12 year-olds discuss the beginning of the universe and quote Homer Simpson –
in the same sentence!
12. Learn about Unitarian Universalism while making a contribution to the congregation.  
13. Learn or renew an understanding of our sources and history.
14. Support the RE volunteers who are already doing this important and rewarding work.

Want some of this for yourself?  Please speak to me, or to one of the members of the Religious Exploration Committee:
Natasha Salaash, Yvonne Hanson, Stuart McIntosh, Sheena McCallion, Bryan Carroll
Love,

Mary-Anne


From religious educators across Canada, including me here in Saskatoon, here are some ways volunteering in RE can’t be beat:
 Many thanks to Andrea the DRE in Winnipeg for pulling all of our thoughts together....