The Unitarian Universalist Worldwide Youth Network (UUWYN) is entering 2026 with a renewed commitment to global engagement, interfaith collaboration, and community‑centered service. Building on the momentum of its recently launched Building Bridges program—which sent youth delegates to the 47th Annual Dávid Ferenc Unitarian Youth Conference in Kolozsvár (Cluj‑Napoca), Transylvania—UUWYN is expanding its international footprint once again. This spring, the organization will send a diverse cohort of youth leaders to Germany for the Unitariertag 2026, a major national gathering of the Unitarian community.
Expanding Global Engagement: Youth Delegation to Unitariertag 2026
The Unitariertag conference, held May 22–25, 2026 in Cologne (Köln), Germany, is organized by the Unitarier – Religionsgemeinschaft freien Glaubens (URfG), Germany’s national Unitarian religious organization. The biennial event brings together hundreds of participants for workshops, worship, cultural programs, and the official assembly of the German Unitarian community. Known for its humanist orientation and inclusive ethos, Unitariertag reflects values deeply aligned with global Unitarian Universalism.
Youth interested in participating may apply through UUWYN’s international travel portal, and those seeking financial support can submit a funding application through UUWYN’s scholarship program.
This year’s delegation marks a significant milestone in a partnership that spans nearly two decades. UUWYN and the URfG first began collaborating in 2008 through youth exchange programs initiated by UUWYN founder Shahan Islam. These exchanges have since grown into a sustained, multigenerational relationship involving shared worship, leadership development, and cross‑cultural learning.
“Sending youth from all continents to Unitariertag in collaboration and fellowship with Unitarian Youth in Germany is simply the next logical step following the successful onboarding of the URfG as a full-fledged member of UUWYN,” said Finn Prem, leader of the Bund Eigenständiger Unitarischer Jugend (BeUJ), the German Unitarian Youth Organization. “Our youth benefit immensely from these global friendships and shared commitments.”
Strengthening Ties in Africa: UUWYN Sponsors Sister Souurce’s First Global Worship Exchange
Over the Christmas holiday, UUWYN supported the inaugural Global Worship Exchange hosted by Sister Souurce, the first organization dedicated to Black UU women and girls. Founded by UUWYN Board Member Rev. Crystal Saiyge, Sister Souurce has quickly become a vital spiritual and cultural home for Black UUs worldwide.
The Kenya‑based worship exchange brought together local youth, families, and community members for shared worship, reflection, and celebration. UUWYN provided funding for food, water, and internet/data access to ensure that participants—many of whom face barriers to digital connectivity—could fully engage.
“We must absolutely support the growing youth and UU movement in Africa,” emphasized Islam. UUWYN Vice-President Rev. Justine Magara, who is the leader of the Unitarian movement in Kenya, added: “Sister Souurce’s strength in Kenya creates opportunities for U.S.-based UUs and allies to build meaningful cross-cultural relationships and impact. This is how global Unitarian Universalism grows—through real relationships and shared commitments.”
The exchange is expected to become an annual event, with plans underway to expand participation to additional African nations.
Domestic Impact: UUWYN Launches NIGHTLIGHT to Address Homelessness in Connecticut
While expanding its global reach, UUWYN is also deepening its commitment to local justice work through the launch of NIGHTLIGHT, a new program addressing homelessness in Connecticut. Inspired by two decades of engagement with New York City’s Midnight Run initiative—and informed by conversations with its Executive Director, Dale Williams—NIGHTLIGHT aims to replicate the model in Connecticut’s cities and towns.
The program mobilizes worship communities, civic groups, and volunteers to conduct evening outreach runs—typically beginning at 8:00 p.m.—to distribute food, clothing, hygiene kits, and essential supplies to individuals experiencing homelessness.
A member of the NIGHTLIGHT team described the urgency:
“Connecticut is facing its sharpest increase in homelessness in over a decade. Cuts to SNAP and food benefits have intensified food insecurity statewide. Major cities are reporting rising encampments and emergency calls. Many individuals cannot access shelters due to capacity limits, trauma, disabilities, or safety concerns. At night, the need becomes even more urgent.”
NIGHTLIGHT’s goals extend beyond immediate relief. The program seeks to reduce cold exposure, prevent medical crises, ease strain on emergency services, and build trust that can connect individuals to shelters, caseworkers, and long‑term support programs.
Interfaith Collaboration at the Heart of NIGHTLIGHT
When asked how a small organization can take on such a significant challenge, Islam emphasized the power of partnership:
“Of course we cannot do this alone. UUWYN will work collaboratively with community organizations, local police, the Unitarian Society of Hartford, Hartford International University for Religion and Peace, the Greater Hartford Interfaith Action Alliance (GHIAA), and other faith and civic partners. The NIGHTLIGHT logo itself incorporates symbols of many world religions; our mission is to mobilize interfaith and secular volunteers through a shared commitment to service.”
Rev. Magara added a theological grounding:
“Compassion is the principle that defines our Unitarian Universalist faith and our humanity. The best religion is one that gives out of compassion—not because we have much, but because we feel the conditions of others. Our work will break the loneliness experienced by those who have so little and with whom we share our communities.”
Upcoming Engagement: Glastonbury MLK Community Initiative
NIGHTLIGHT will host an informational table at the Glastonbury MLK Community Initiative on Saturday, January 10 at 2:00 p.m. at Gideon Welles School, 1029 Neipsic Road, Glastonbury. The event will feature:
- A keynote address by Bishop John L. Selders, Organizing Pastor of Amistad United Church of Christ and Assistant Dean of Students at Trinity College
- Musical performances
- Remarks from local and state officials
- Community readings and reflections
UUWYN invites participation from partners including Hartford International University, GHIAA, the Unitarian Society of Hartford, and all interested faith‑based and school groups.
Supporting the Work
Those wishing to support NIGHTLIGHT or UUWYN’s global initiatives may donate at uuwyn.org/donate. UUWYN Inc. is a Connecticut‑based nonprofit with 501(c)(3) tax‑exempt status; all donations are tax‑deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law.
