Children and Youth Faith Development is based on a Cooperative model of involvement. What do we mean by a cooperative teaching model?

Cooperatives in all forms thrive in Austin from grocery stores to nursery schools.  The vision of First UU’s FD cooperative is a supportive community that thrives on commitment, love, and investment to nourish the faith journey of young and old. By dint of our deliberate intention, we become a community in both word and deed.

Where you come in: Parents and Guardians of enrolled children and youth acknowledge that by participating in First UU Austin’s Faith Development programming, you enter into an agreement to help nourish the community and faith development of our children and youth. Required as part of your family’s enrollment is 20 hours of FD cooperative involvement each calendar year.

There are many avenues of service within the department:

Educator Team

  • Lead Teacher (4-6 hours per month): Lead Teachers works within program teams under the guidance and support of the Lifespan Faith Development Director. They lead the lesson for their classroom on Sundays. Curricula, training, and tons of support are provided! This is an August – May commitment.
  • Support Teacher (2-3 hours per month): Support Teachers work within program teams in a support role in the classroom. You will work in the with the same lead teachers alternating Sundays with other support teachers on the team. This creates consistency and continuity within the classroom and program and builds stronger relationships across generations.
  • Middle School Advisor (4-6 hours per month): Help lead weekly Sunday meetings and plan social activities for our middle school youth. 1-2 hour commitment on Sunday mornings as well as some weekend events and lock-ins, based on the needs and desires of the group. Advisors from the past will share that they have the most fun of all getting to know our brilliant and talented teens! All advisors must attend an annual training and orientation.
  • Substitute Teacher (hours vary by need): Be ready to step in and cover for absent lead teachers, classroom helpers, or advisers. Training is provided before you begin.
  • Summer Lead Teacher (6 hours per month): The Summer Lead Teacher works with guidance by the Lifespan Faith Development Director and leads the lesson for their classroom on Sundays during summer. Curricula, training, and tons of support are provided! This is a June – August commitment.

Sunday LFD Table Greeter: Help spread the word about upcoming events at First UU Austin! The Sunday LFD greeter stays at the LFD table in the Gallery on Sundays to help greet families and tell people about upcoming events and classes at First UU Austin. The shifts are 8:50 – 9:15 a.m., 10:15-10:45 a.m., and 11:45 – Noon.

Family Ministry Team: This is a new team where we will be considering how to build partnerships between families, faith, First UU Church of Austin and home. In doing so, we hope to connect and support families to families within our church, build support systems for families to create and maintain an active faith in the context of family lives and to develop parents’ confidence in being a source of religious education of their children at home. Please join us as we explore family ministry.

Congregational Events Team (required hours vary monthly): Spearhead (or help out with) an LFD event like the Tree Trimming Party, Surprise Pals, Valentine’s Making Party, Easter, or Splash Day. Time commitment varies from event to even and can range between 2 – 8 hours per event.

Office Team: Are you a whiz at organizational tasks and available during the week? This may be for you!

Coming of Age Coordinator (hours vary by need): This coordinator will work with the Director of Lifespan Faith Development with the planning and implementing of the church’s Coming of Age program. Tasks will include reviewing curricula, helping find mentors, and assistance with scheduling.