Global Solidarity Seminar

April 15th – 18th, 2027 | New York City

Reparations in the fight for global justice

Hosted by the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee and the Community Church of New York

You’re a member of the next generation. You’re inheriting a world full of phenomenal possibility and extraordinary harm. You know that human rights have been under attack, and the systems that undermine our universal worth and dignity aren’t new. But another way is possible, and, together, we can create it.

Come join us to learn about international human rights, global solidarity, and the United Nations. This year’s theme is reparations in the fight for global justice. We will explore reparations for slavery, Indigenous Land Back campaigns, Haiti’s independence ransom, and climate reparations. Come ready to ask questions, challenge ideas, and connect with other young people who care about building a more just world.

Open to teens in the 10th to 12th grades.

Thanks to generous support from the UU Service Committee and the Community Church of New York, we are able to subsidize the cost of this seminar for all selected applicants

Applications are open through January 15, 2027.

Apply as a youth participant

Apply as an adult advisor

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the hosts of this seminar?

The Global Solidarity Seminar is hosted by the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) and the Community Church of New York (CCNY). The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee is an international human rights organization established in 1939 that works to advance human rights and support communities confronting injustice around the world. The Community Church of New York, founded in 1825, is a Unitarian Universalist congregation with a long history of progressive religious practice, social justice activism, and engagement in movements for human rights and liberation.

Is the Global Solidarity Seminar the same as the UN Spring Seminar?

The Global Solidarity Seminar is a reimagining of the UN Spring Seminar, which was run for many years by the UU-United Nations Office and its partners. We are inspired by its legacy, and hope that UU youth once again have the opportunity to gather in New York and learn from international human rights advocates about issues being discussed at the UN.

Who can I reach out to if I have any questions?

All questions should be directed to Rev. Karishma Tauben, Minister for Youth & Young Adults at Community Church ([email protected]).

What are the departure/arrival times?

All participants are expected to arrive in NYC no later than 4pm on Thursday, April 15th, and depart no earlier than 3pm on Sunday, April 18th.

What is the cost?

Thanks to generous support from the UU Service Committee and the Community Church of New York, we are able to subsidize the cost of this seminar for all selected applicants. We ask participants and their congregations to contribute up to $500 toward the cost of attendance, which covers guest speakers, supplies, meals, and lodging. Contributions of any amount are appreciated, but if you are unable to contribute, that is absolutely okay. We are committed to ensuring that all selected participants are able to participate fully, regardless of their ability to pay. Your contribution (or lack thereof) will not affect your admission to the seminar in any way.

How can we support the seminar?

We welcome any donations to the seminar to support its sustainability in future years. You can give directly here. If your congregation is interested in taking a collection for the seminar, we’d be happy to provide you with additional information and resources – just reach out to Rev. Karishma ([email protected]).

What is the application process?

The application for youth participants is here and the application for adult advisors is here. Both applications will close on January 15, 2027.

When will I hear back about my acceptance?

All applicants will hear back about their acceptance by mid-late February. If you have questions about your application, please contact Rev. Karishma at [email protected].

When does travel need to be booked by?

Travel to and from NYC needs to be arranged by participants and communicated to program staff by March 15. More information will be provided upon acceptance. Local travel to/from the airport or train station will be arranged by program staff if it occurs on the opening/closing days of the program.

Can my parent/guardian come?

Parents and guardians are welcome to apply as adult participants. We anticipate having four adult spots available and will give particular consideration to applicants with experience chaperoning youth or working with young people in school, congregational, or community settings. However, the seminar is designed to give youth an independent experience of learning, relationship-building, and collective action. Some of the programming of the seminar may be open to the general public, but we expect youth participants to be able to attend and participate fully on their own, without a parent or guardian present.

Can my whole youth group come?

Absolutely! Groups of youth from the same congregation are encouraged to apply together. While we cannot guarantee acceptance for every member of a group, we will make every effort to support youth in attending together, building relationships, and bringing what they learn back to their congregations to support future action. The seminar is designed for students in grades 10–12. Ninth graders may be considered on a case-by-case basis.