National Emerging Adult Taskforce (NEAT)

Photo of three emerging adults smiling in the sunlight in front of a statue with the words "Together" painted on it.

The National Emerging Adult Taskforce (NEAT) formed in August of 2018 in the Pacific Western Region.

Since then, the group has worked tirelessly to connect Emerging Adults to one another and to their UU faith. In 2022, the group decided to fully nationalize and to expand its ministry to the entirety of the Association.

Highlights of this work have included:

  • Interviewing young adult professionals and institutions across the UUA to identify healthy practices that promote faith formation in emerging adults
  • Creation of a Emerging Adult Playlist of resources for congregations
  • Crafting a letter outlining best practices for religious professionals
  • Formation of a small group ministry curriculum and program
  • Providing a pastoral care network of religious professionals specifically for emerging adults
  • Designing and implementing yearly the “Other Side of the Bridge” welcome ceremony and worship
  • Publishing a monthly UU Emerging Adult newsletter. To receive the newsletter, sign up here.

NEAT’s work continues with monthly gatherings and ongoing initiatives. For more information about this leadership body, email Eric Bliss, ebliss@uua.org, Youth and Emerging Adult Ministry Specialist.