“Spirited Youth” is no longer maintained, since there is no YYA staff at present – and we’re thinking about how this ministry can be integrated into our other work.

The Coalition is pleased to recognize the following youth of the United Church of Christ as "ONA-Spirited," demonstrating support for and affirmation of lgbtq people and helping shape a Church and society inclusive of persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Each group listed receives a certificate honoring their witness and is announced at The Coalition National Gathering and General Synod when it happens.

For more information on how to be listed as ONA-Spirited, see About ONA-Spirited Youth.

Youth Group - United Congregational Church, UCC Worcester, Mass.
For their participation in a "Vigil Against Hate" held at a neighboring Unitarian Universalist church after rainbow symbols on the church's signs were defaced with swastikas and their rainbow flag was stolen.

Rhode Island Conference Youth Delegation to General Synod 2001
For their faithful, peaceful counter-demonstration to the stingingly anti-gay presence of Fred Phelps and members of the Westboro Baptist Church, Topeka, KS.

Word Fellowship (Senior High) - Central Congregational, UCC Providence, R.I.
For engaging in several ONA-Spirited activities including participation at a Cleveland Gay Pride parade and retreats/lock-ins at the church which dealt with sexuality, relationships, and "isms" in our culture. The group's mission statements express commitment to being non-violent and radically inclusive.

Confirmation Class - United Church of Christ Redlands, Calif.
For their participation in the "Youth Discipleship Project" at Diamond Bar Congregational Church, Diamond Bar, Calif. They attended "Open and Affirming in the UCC," the first of seven seminars designed to "...allow youth to communicate about tolerance, acceptance, exploration of racism and a progressive look on how Jesus might confront modern day issues."

Senior High Fellowship, First Church Congregational Fairfield, Ct.
For engaging in conversation with six adult members of the church about the meaning of the congregation's Open and Affirming commitment, including a review of its "Open and Affirming Policy Statement," an exercise on "Being Gay," and discussion of how misconceptions about others (based on race, sexual orientation, religion etc.) can be changed and inclusion increased.

OWL Group, Wayside UCC, Federal Way, WA
Our Whole Lives discussion

OWL Class,Union Congregational, UCC, Elk River, MN
OWL discussions

8th & 9th Grade OWL Class, First Congregational, Colorado Springs, CO
OWL discussions

Mayflower 8th Grade Class, Mayflower Community Congregational Church UCC, Minneapolis, MN
OWL discussions

Youth Group,Solomon's UCC, Chambersburg, PA
Bridging our Differences/ONA Statement

New York State Youth Event, UCC, Painted Post, NY
safe space/Tim Brown, Aaron Aanenson

OWL 7th - 9th Grades Class, New Ark UCC, Newark, DE
OWL discussions