FAQ

Q: Is Next Generation of Unity (NGU) an official organization within the Unity movement?
A: Yes, it is. There are consultants employed by the Association of Unity Churches International and some regions. To contact the consultant for your area visit the consultant's page.

Q: Am I required to attend a Unity Church to attend NGU events or meetings?
A: You are certainly encouraged to, but under no circumstances is it a requirement to attend a Unity Church. Also, you do not have to attend a NGU group to be able to go to a NGU retreat or event. Events are open to anyone who feels called to attend.

Q: Do I have to be from the hosting region to go to that region's retreat?
A: Absolutely not. All retreats and conferences are open to all NGU'ers who would like to attend.

Q: Is NGU only for former Youth of Unity (YOU) members?
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

Q: How do you support both 18 year olds and 35 year olds? Aren't they in different places in their lives?
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 NGU. Over time it has become clear that, in general, the 18-35ish range works. Having a variety of age ranges, as well as a variety of backgrounds, makes the group more interesting and provides the opportunity for mentorship.

Generally: we often find that the youngest people in the group, those in their early 20's, are mainly in a place of receivership. They are often very busy with school, work, and life. While they will come to NGU meetings, they often do not have time to commit to the organizational aspects of the group.

Those in their mid and later 20's are usually gaining more stability in their lives and may have more time to commit to organizing a NGU group. As they are committing at a deeper level to NGU, there might also be a desire to become more involved and committed to the church community, possibly as a prayer chaplain or board member.

NGUers in their early 30's have often become strong leaders of the group, they can be intentionally training others in the group for leadership while stepping into greater involvement in the church and region.

Q: How are regions set up with NGU?
A: For those who were in YOU, this may sound familiar. The regions with the region's consultant (if appliciable) are as follows:

•    Eastern: currently no consultant
•    Great Lakes: Keith Mitchum
•    Northwest: Nick Muncie-Jarvis
•    SouthCentral: Jason Warner
•    Southeast: Tiffany Emitt
•    Southwest: currently no consultant
•    West Central: currently no consultant

To get further information as to what region your area is in or to contact your consultant, visit the consultants page
 

Q: What if I have a spouse or significant other who is not in Unity, can they come with me to a retreat? What about kids?
A: A spouse or significant other is certainly welcome to come along. 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 are having for children. Usually, if informed ahead of time, accommodations for children are happily made.

Q: I do not have a "chapter" of NGU at my church, or even in my area, what can I do to start one?
A: NGU³: Evolve, Support, Serve is a resource for creating NGU groups. Rachel Simpson, the young adult specialist, is available to support you in creating your group along with your regional consultant. You can also email Rachel at ngu@unity.org for NGU³: Evolve, Support, Serve. Note: NGU groups must be connected to, and supported by, a Unity Church, a Unity minister, and/or a licensed Unity teacher.