Need community building ideas for an online young adult spiritual community (Unitarian Universalist)?

Question

Hi,
I am on the Steering Committee for the Church of the Younger Fellowship, a Unitarian Universalist online congregation for young adults aged 18-35. I am working on trying to build a greater sense of community in our congregation and increase discussions and general interaction, all of which can be quite low. It can also be difficult to get members to volunteer to help with this process, which is not something which can only be done by a small group.

Any suggestions on how we might increase member interaction and create a sense of community? We have discussion boards, a religious library, groups which can be used for educational and social purposes, blogs, and news sections, as well as an area to share joys and concerns which is the most popular section. Participations in discussions and groups tend to be quite low, especially.

Thanks!

Answer 1

I think one of the biggest things you can do is what you've done here. Get the word out. I wasn't even aware of its existence. Particularly, I think you need to alert the local congregations. This is something they can pass on to their youth who are college bound.

Answer 2

I think the reason people are more affected by a child's death is because they seem helpless. They haven't have the time or chance to experience life. It's the same reason why people get more upset in a movie when a puppy dies than when 10 humans are killed. A puppy has less means of defense or knowledge as we do, just like a child has less than adults. It is also a way to distract from how awful the other death(s) is.

Answer 3

Have you poked through the archives of the UUA mailing lists? They would have fewer responses but be much more focused. I belong to Websters, for web keepers. They must have one or six for young adults and those who minister to them.