Our Programs
Five interconnected program areas designed to serve communities at every stage — from newly forming fellowships to established denominations seeking deeper global connection.
ICUU supports Unitarian and Universalist communities worldwide through programs rooted in faith, leadership, justice, and global solidarity.
Faith Expansion
Growing UU communities in new regions across the globe
Faith Expansion & Community Building
This is the heart of the ICUU's work. We develop and distribute starter kits for new Unitarian and UU groups, giving emerging communities the tools they need to gather, worship, and govern themselves from day one.
An online course — "How to Start a Unitarian Community" — walks founders through every stage of community formation in a self-paced, multilingual format, alongside a micro-grant program for emerging fellowships.
- Starter kits for new UU communities
- Online multilingual course for community founders
- Regional mentorship networks
- Country-specific growth strategies
- Micro-grants for emerging fellowships
Global Worship
Connecting communities through shared spiritual practice
Global Worship & Spiritual Life
ICUU will convene monthly multilingual global worship services, bringing together voices, music, and liturgy from across the membership — genuinely co-created, drawing readings, prayers, and music from multiple regions each month.
We will build a shared library of liturgies, rituals, and seasonal resources that any member community can freely adapt and use, developed with cultural sensitivity.
- Monthly multilingual global worship services
- Shared library of liturgies and seasonal resources
- Global choir and arts collaboration program
- Cross-cultural worship co-creation
Leadership Development
Training the next generation of UU leaders worldwide
Leadership Development
ICUU will invest heavily in growing the next generation of Unitarian and UU leaders at every level. Ministerial and lay leadership training programs will be offered online and in regional cohorts, covering theology, pastoral care, community governance, and organisational management.
Youth leadership academies will identify and support young adults aged 16–30 who show leadership potential, providing mentorship, training, and real responsibility.
- Ministerial and lay leadership training
- Youth leadership academies (ages 16–30)
- Cross-cultural competency workshops
- Governance & conflict transformation training
Justice & Solidarity
Acting on the great moral issues of our time
Justice & Solidarity Work
ICUU will speak and act on the great moral issues of the time, not as a political body but as a community of conscience. We will issue rapid response statements when member communities face persecution, displacement, or human rights violations.
Long-term partnerships with global human rights organisations will connect our advocacy to broader coalitions, while climate justice initiatives mobilise member communities around environmental action.
- Rapid response statements for persecuted communities
- Global human rights partnerships
- Climate justice initiatives
- Crisis fund and mutual aid coordination
Service Projects
Matching communities with opportunities to serve
Service Projects
The UUWYN model of matching service projects with potential service providers or individuals is an outstanding model for the ICUU to follow — connecting communities and individuals ready to make a difference around the world.
Through this program, ICUU helps congregations and individuals find meaningful service opportunities that align with their values, skills, and geographic context.
- Service project matching platform
- Congregation-to-congregation service partnerships
- Individual volunteer matching
ICUU Uniqueness
The revived ICUU offers a unique value proposition within the global Unitarian and Unitarian Universalist movement — a true membership-based international federation where individuals, congregations, and national organisations participate in governance and shape the future direction of the organisation.
✦ Strengths to Leverage
- Unique membership-based global federation model
- Strong global vision focused on leadership development and human dignity
- Established legacy and brand recognition from the former ICUU
- International support network from former leaders and partner organisations
- Potential reach across 12 countries from launch
✦ Opportunities
- Growing demand for global faith networks
- Access to international grants aligned with human rights and democracy
- Digital expansion for low-cost global reach
- Youth engagement programs developing future leaders
- Strategic partnerships with NGOs, universities, and foundations
- Re-engagement of former ICUU member organisations
How We Grow the Global Movement
Partner Church & Sister Congregation Model
Formally pairing congregations from different countries for mutual support, generating financial flows and genuine human connection between communities.
Diaspora Communities
Connecting UU-affiliated and UU-curious individuals in major cities worldwide, becoming bridges between established and emerging communities.
Strategic Alliances
Sustained alliances with the humanist movement, human rights networks, climate justice movements, and progressive interfaith bodies.
Ready to Get Involved?
Join the ICUU and become part of a global movement committed to spiritual freedom, human dignity, and justice for all.
Become a Member