Unitarian Universalist Urban Ministry: Bethany House

LOCATION

Boston, Mass., USA

ORGANIZATION

The UU Urban Ministry (UUUM) was founded in 1826 when Rev. Joseph Tuckerman established a ministry-at-large with the dual focus of empowering Boston’s most underprivileged citizens and transforming the spiritual consciousness of its most privileged residents. The mission of the UUUM is to unite communities and transform individuals through education, service, and advocacy. The ministry engages communities and congregations in social action and change with programs that empower youth and adults to realize their full potential. For more information, visit www.uuum.org.

PROJECT

This project is for one intern, based at Bethany House, which is a safe and affordable living community that embodies diversity in race, class, religion and sexual orientation. Bethany House has commitment to empowering and enriching the lives of women by fostering a sense of community and belonging in a way that is intentional. The residents of Bethany House are women typically between the ages of 18 and 30. The intern will assist the Director of Bethany House in running the day-to-day operations as well as building relationships in the house and with the community at large. The intern will also assist other staff and leaders at Bethany in planning and carrying out events, gatherings, and special projects for the support and connection of the community.

Examples of Projects

  • Draft a proposal for a Resident Advisory Council
  • Create and facilitate discussion groups on UU principals in action
  • Coordinate a BH volunteer project with a community based organization
  • Develop a resource guide on for those seeking to understand Trans issues
TIME-FRAME

Any eight week period between June 1 and August 30, with some flexibility. Approximately 25 hours per week.

SITE-SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS

Due to the nature of this work, this placement is for female-identified applicants only. Additionally, preference will be given to applicants with a demonstrated interest and understanding of cooperative living, homelessness, domestic violence, and/or LGBTQ rights.

HOUSING AND STIPEND

This intern is eligible for housing, which will be a shared room at Bethany House. Further details and costs are forthcoming.

Interns are eligible for a stipend of no more than $1,500 from UUCSJ to assist with food, housing, local public transit, and incidentals, depending on a variety of factors. Applicants are encouraged to seek other sources of funding, including grants from colleges and foundations, congregational support, and Faithify fundraisers.

Applications for this placement are now closed for 2016.

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Heather Vickery is responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with UU congregations, State Action Networks, past UU College of Social Justice (UUCSJ) program participants, and regional staff in order to expand engagement in UUSC and UUCSJ’s work. As the Coordinator for Congregational Activism, she manages the workshop offerings and group visits to the UUSC/UUCSJ office and assists with communications for the Activism and Justice Education Team. Heather is an active member of the Boston Immigration Justice Accompaniment Network and a dedicated dog-mom to her rescue puppy Nova.

Heather may be contacted at hvickery@uucsj.org and 617-301-4303