WHY DO YOU WRITE CURRICULUM?
I started writing curriculum when I was Director of Religious Education in Augusta, Maine. There did not seem to be material available for:

* the younger ages (UU Alphabet and Dr. Suess and UU's) in the late 1980's and 1990's
* parents (UU Principles and Parenting - ironically came out same year as UUA's Parents as Resident Theologians)
* youth in the early 2000's (Small Group Ministry for Youth, now being embraced in a Tapestry curriculum)
* smaller Religious Education programs

Around 2000, I became involved with Small Group Ministry, and revised earlier curricula to follow the more relational, small group ministry format and method of inquiry.

HOW IS THIS MATERIAL APPLICABLE TO UU RELIGIOUS EDUCATION/EXPLORATION?
The curricula incorporate the UU Principles. UU Alphabet introduced historic Unitarians and Universalists, as well as things in congregational life (music, role of minister, etc.) The youth curriculum incorporated items that are in use in the UU Youth culture, such as the Components of Balanced Program, Steps to Building Community.
Religious education materials for children are also resources for parents new to Unitarian Universalism as they also learn about their new religious community.

HOW DO YOU PREPARE MATERIAL THAT IS INCLUSIVE RELATED TO GEOGRAPHY, ANTI-OPPRESSION AND WELCOMING DIVERSITY, AND SIZE OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM AND CONGREGATION?
The UU Alphabet was field tested by congregations selected geographically and by size. There was intentional consideration of gender, clergy/lay, racial and cultural background, and Unitarian and Universalist heritage in selection of individuals included. The other curricula were used by other congregations, not specifically as field test, but comments were encouraged and there were several readers for each curriculum. Comments regarding inclusivity are always welcome.

WHAT RESOURCES HAVE YOU USED AND HOW HAVE YOU PROTECTED THOSE RESOURCES? HOW MAY PEOPLE USE YOUR MATERIALS? (Copyright concerns about using materials created by others, and about protecting your own materials)
* The various stories and inspiration for material in the UU Alphabet and UU Principles and Parenting, including specific permission obtained.
* Dr. Seuss and UUs does not include the stories, which would be copyright violation.
* I ask that the source of my curricula be noted when using or referencing materials.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENT WRITERS?
* Writers can develop material specific to a congregation, but embodying material that can be used beyond a specific situation.
* Writers present a diverse approach to topics, and creative presentation of materials. In the process, I have found writing to be intentional development of my own values and spiritual practice. This then serves as an incentive for others to be creative.
* The interests and abilities of independent writers may result in invitations to write in other arenas, such as for a UUA (example: Tapestry of Faith), or Skinner House.