WHAT IS A CON?
There are two main kinds of “Cons”, a training (also called a working conference) or a social conference (also known most commonly just as a “Con”). For information on trainings please check here.
SO WHAT IS A SOCIAL CON?
In its simplest terms a social Con or conference is a weekend youth retreat for Unitarian Universalist youth. Usually in a church, Cons draw youth from all over the district to laugh, dance and be merry. But a conference is much more than good time. It is a safe place where youth can express who they are without fear of judgment. This safe space can allow the walls of classification to crumble. People who would normally not even talk become the best of friends. It becomes a world onto its own, a place for discussion, laughter, love and celebration.
WHAT TO EXPECT
One thing I have learned over the years is to expect anything from a conference. But of course, there are always some constants that give a Con structure and help to make it a more meaningful experience.
Touch Groups
A Touch Group is a family group within the conference which meets two to three times that weekend. You are randomly assigned to a Touch Group when you register, so you don’t automatically clump with those you know. It is there to help you get to know more people, have fun, and to help others with the conference experience. There will also be one or two people assigned to lead your group. These wonderful individuals are there to help everything get started, with games to play and creative topics to discuss.
Energy Committee
The Energy Committee is a group of 2 or 3 people called the Energy Coordinators. The coordinators are awesome people who walk around making sure that there’s good energy and positive vibes. The Energy Committee is not a police force- the community is responsible to tell Energy Coordinators about anything that makes bad energy (ex:rule infractions). The Energy Committee then tells the co-deans and the chaplains and the Conference Rules Committe is then formed; the Energy Committee is not responsible for making punishments. People can approach E. Coordinators to tell them of any bad energy, they can write it to the committee in an Energy Bag (usually in the bathrooms). EVERYTHING said to the Energy Committee remains anonymous.
Worship
The nightly worships are a time for spiritual growth and exploration. It is a time where we can come together as a faith community. The first worship is usually centered around the theme of the conference and reflections on life. The second night is for celebrating the bonds of community that have been created, and exploring our community and ourselves. Worships are often the defining moments of a conference and it is hard to have a good Con without good worships.
Workshops
Workshops are held during the day on Saturday. Generally, workshops are based on the theme of the Con and give you an opportunity to create, learn or discuss something that interests you. Sometimes, though, workshops are just to hang out and have fun (i.e. fun with makeup).
Coffee House
A coffeehouse is a non-judgmental, non-competitive place to perform your favorite songs, poems, stories, jokes, or share any other wonderful talents you have.
The Rules (better name: the covenant)
In order to attend any Conference in this district you must sign the Metro District Covenant 2008-2009
There is a covenant that we (the Metro NY Young Religious Unitarian Universalists) have created. It is a record of the promises that we have made to each other as a community. The covenant governs the way that we will be in community together, and the way(s) in which we will treat each other and build that community.
ONE MORE VERY IMPORTANT THING
Have Fun! Even though it seems like there are a lot of rules and stuff, that’s just to keep things nice, relaxed, and to create an environment where people can have fun. So remember, no matter what you’re doing at the moment, have fun.