The Stand High, Stand United (SHSU) program provides weekend enrichment experiences for Roxbury, Dorchester, and other Boston youth. SHSU operates out of the UU Urban Ministry (UUUM) headquartered in Roxbury. Experiences range from learning about animals and working on plays to visiting local places like Drumlin Farm or hiking in Blue Hills.

We have about 35 children, ages 7-11, participating in the program this year. There are two SHSU events in a typical month: Explorers Club meets at First Church in Roxbury on the second Saturday; and a field trip or outing is usually planned on the fourth Saturday. Volunteers help the kids and there’s usually learning in both directions. We have a number of volunteers from Lexington, so car pools can be arranged.

There is also a “Coming of Age” program that meets the two other Saturdays each month. This group consists of secondary school children, most of who have graduated from the SHSU program. This group views and discusses videos on racism and participates in various social action activities like the Walk for Hunger and, more recently, rallies against location of the BioTech Research Lab in South Boston.

In addition to these two programs, the UUUM sponsors an after-school program for secondary school kids to help them with their homework and provide informal tutoring on subjects they’re having trouble with. This program meets every day that school is in session. Most of the volunteers are college students from BC and BU, but there are also adult volunteers. Additional volunteers are especially needed during college breaks and after the end of the college academic year.

Opportunities and contact information

SHSU Explorers Club events and outings — Contact Cris Carter or Pete Tasker if you’re interested in being a volunteer for these activities.

UU Urban Ministry's after school program — Contact Pete Tasker if you’re interested in helping out during college breaks.

UU Urban Ministry's programs for urban children — check for information on their website: uuum.org.