Ethical Explorers

First Unitarian Society’s Ethical Explorers—“E2”— is a first-of-its-kind program in ethical and humanist education. Come join us for a unique program that bridges religion, secularism, arts, and culture! Through the free process of discussion, reflection, and creation, we tackle new ethical themes and related art projects each month. We periodically share our discoveries during monthly Intergenerational Assemblies.

Zola Rosenfeld, E2 Director

10:30-11:30 AM, most Sundays

E2 Mission Statement

The E² Life-Long Learner Program is committed to excellence in holistic education. Drawing from an expansive collection of religious and secular resources, the program’s mission is to nurture independent thinkers and seekers in their quest for truth, social justice, and peace, fostering love and transformation in our ever-evolving world.

Want to know more? Come on by and experience E².

Who Can Participate?

The E2 curriculum is dynamic and inclusive, designed for learners aged 5 to 15 and individualised for each cohort.

Who Works with E2 Youth?

Created and facilitated by Education Director Zola Rosenfeld, learners explore Humanist and Unitarian Universalist values through the lens of global visual, performing, and literary artists– including artists chosen by the youth.

Zola Rosenfeld Bio

E2 Calendar

The current programming year runs from September 2025 through May 2026.

View Calendar

E3 Art Exhibit

The programmatic year ends with our annual Ethical Explorers Exhibition (E3!)- a gallery and talent show displaying projects and performances created over the year’s course, with an additional Certificate of Achievement ceremony.

OWL

Honest, accurate, age-appropriate information about gender and sexuality changes lives. It dismantles stereotypes and assumptions, builds self-acceptance and self-esteem, fosters healthy relationships, and prepares participants to be responsible and informed citizens of the world. First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis is proud to offer Our Whole Lives (OWL) – a comprehensive lifespan sexuality education curriculum.

Topics explored in OWL differ by age group (ages 5-95+), but typically explore relationships, bodily autonomy and consent, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, sexual health, and cultural influences on gender and sexuality.

Registration for 2026/2027 OWL is TBA.

Program Year 25-26 registration is CLOSED. OWL 2025-26 Calendars

Our Whole Lives (OWL)

OWL Participation Guidelines

Participation Guidelines:
Participants must be pre-registered to participate in the class. No drop-ins or guests are permitted during OWL classes.

For youth OWL: all custodial parents & guardians must attend a complete Parent or Guardian Orientation led by our volunteer facilitators. Parents & guardians must also complete a signed permission form in order for the youth to attend any OWL class.

Adult participants or parents/guardians and youth must commit to ensuring attendance at OWL classes.

Current Programming

Our age-group offerings differ depending on demand each year. If you are interested in requesting an age group, please contact us.

2025-2026 program offerings:

Registration for 2025/2026 OWL has ended– promotional info and registration links for 2026/2027 OWL are TBA.
Interested in becoming an OWL facilitator? We offer semi-annual weekend trainings FREE (meals included!) for members who can commit to facilitating a class! Stay tuned for registration info and more info regarding 2026 facilitation trainings at FUS.

Who Teaches OWL Classes?

OWL instruction is provided by certified volunteer OWL facilitators from the congregation. Facilitators are required to complete a training for their specific age group in order to be certified. OWL is a curriculum developed by the Unitarian Universalist Association, and you can find more details on their website.

Official OWL Website

OWL Facilitator Trainings

Interested in becoming an OWL facilitator? We offer semi-annual weekend trainings FREE (meals included!) for members who can commit to facilitating a class! Stay tuned for registration info and more info regarding 2026 facilitation trainings at FUS

Child, Youth, and Family Programming

What does it mean when we say, “all are welcome”? At First Unitarian, you will see families of all kinds! We are an LGBTQ+ affirming, anti-racist, pluralistic congregation that is always striving to expand our practices of radical inclusivity. We value not only racial and ethnic diversity, but diversity of thought, spiritual belief, cultural background, gender expression, and beyond. Our goal is not to indoctrinate or assimilate, but to embrace diversity and meet each individual (including children!) where they are in their unique journey of identity formation, ethical development, and community engagement.

Multigenerational Space

Available During Assembly

Our new multigenerational space is now open in the Upper Assembly Hall!

Children of all ages are invited to attend Assembly and utilize the quiet, calming activities and materials provided. Located along the window-side of the UAH; ask an FUS greeter to direct you!

Intergenerational Assemblies

Every Month

Each month, typically on 4th Sundays, youth spend the morning upstairs with the congregation and facilitate key aspects of the Assembly. This often includes chalice lighting, reading an all-ages story, and sharing projects from Ethical Explorers during a dedicated “Wisdom Moment”.
For more information about special Intergenerational Assemblies, like our annual Solstices and Equinox assemblies, click here to learn about Seasonal Celebrations at FUS.

Watch a past Intergenerational Assembly here.

Child & Family Dinners

3rd Sundays, 5pm to 7pm

Join us for child & family dinners in the Chalice Room! Our fantastic Kitchen Ministry team will provide the entree; feel free to bring any dessert, drink, or cold appetizer that you’d like. Please bring an index card describing your dish and any potential allergens.

All are welcome; if you have any friends who you’ve been wanting to bring around FUS, this is your opportunity! Contact Zola or Christine Salm to RSVP, notify us of dietary restrictions, or learn more.

Spanish Storytime

1st Sundays, 9:45am

Christine and Tania aim to offer a space of belonging for kids and their caregiver with music and stories en español. We hope you’ll join us on the first Sunday of each month at 9:45am, this month in the Skyline Room. Email Christine with any questions. ¡nos vemos!

Board Game Group

3rd Saturday of each month from 6pm-9pm

Bring a favorite game or try something new at this intergenerational game night, held the third Saturday of each month from 6:00–9:00 in the Chalice Room. Snacks are welcome (no peanuts or tree nuts), and no childcare is provided.

Coming of Age

1st and 3rd Sundays beginning in October 2025

8th-10th graders are invited to participate in a humanist Coming of Age curriculum that supports youth in their exploration of their personal identity, values, and beliefs. Beginning in October 2025 and running through May, this youth group will meet two Sunday mornings a month during Assembly. Register here today!

Mystery Penpals

New Jan-March Program

We’re looking for kids, youth, and adults who want to exchange some fun mystery notes with each other to help warm our hearts during these long winter months. At the end, we’ll have a reveal party where we get to find out who our new friends are.

Guardians: Register kids Pre-K thru 9 here Adults and older youth: register here

Safe Congregation Policy

What is a “safe congregation”? First Unitarian Society holds ourselves to a high standard of behavioral conduct and accountability, both in adult interactions and in adult-child interactions. All adults should familiarize themselves with our Safe Congregation Policy, applicable to both members and non-members. All volunteers working with youth are expected to know this policy, as well as undergo a background check and sign onto our Safety Policy and Code of Ethics. These policies and safeguards are an important part of keeping us accountable as a community and establishing a common understanding of how to build strong, positive, and appropriate intergenerational connections

Safe Congregation Policy Safety Policy & Code of Ethics

Contact

Phone: 612-377-6608 x108
Calendly: Schedule a Meeting
Hours: Available in-office Tuesdays & Thursdays 10-4.
Available remotely throughout the week.

Zola Rosenfeld, Director of Ethical Education

Schedule a Meeting on Calendly