UUA News – September 2024

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This is a busy time for so many in Unitarian Universalism, and we send wishes from your UUA that you may find moments of peace, joy, and even rest amidst it all. Staff at the UUA have been working on a wide array of programs and resources to support congregational leaders and help us all take action for our climate and for voting rights, and to protect our collective democracy this fall.

We are excited that, on September 28-29, congregations across our Association will host UU Climate Justice Revivals to collectively reimagine a spirit-filled and liberatory future for all. This is an historic opportunity for congregations and communities to come together through conversations, art, music, worship, and advocacy, to realize climate justice and collective liberation. If you or your congregation are planning to participate in a UU Climate Justice Revival, consider sharing photos and reflections on your experience on social media and follow along with others using the hashtag #UUClimateRevival. This will be a first for our faith community, coming together in this way to support climate justice and a future where all can thrive.

The UU Climate Revival is an important milestone, and it is one of many ways that your UUA is supporting congregations and communities at the start of this new congregational year. From justice and leadership events across the country, to resources and support for congregational leaders and newcomers, you’ll find a range of resources in this email to help you further your ministries this fall.

With you on the journey,

Rachel
Rachel Walden supports UUA Communications as senior manager for digital and marketing strategy. When she’s not brainstorming content with her colleagues, you’ll likely find her outside.
In this video, UUA President the Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt shares greetings and welcome, as well as some of her deepest hopes for meeting the moment in the coming year. Please watch and share this video widely in your congregations and communities.
Watch the Video
Congregations will join together for worship, conversation, advocacy, and learning during the UU Climate Revival this September 28-29. With over 175 Unitarian Universalist congregations participating, this will be a groundbreaking opportunity to build connections with other congregations while visioning a thriving future in all our communities. If you are participating in a UU Climate Justice Revival, share your photos and reflections and follow along on social media using the #UUClimateRevival hashtag.
Join the Climate Revival
With less than 100 days before the U.S. national election, the work for UU the Vote remains clear: we are committed to building relationships to take immediate action and grow local power as we prepare for Election Day. UU the Vote will hold in-person and virtual events throughout the fall and all UU congregations and communities are invited. There are many ways to get involved locally and online.
Join UU the Vote
Mosaic is a hub of connection, resources, and support for Unitarian Universalists dismantling racism and oppression. The Mosaic Fall Conference, held in Bethesda, MD and online from October 17-20, will bring together congregational leaders dedicated to building multicultural communities with love at their center. At the conference, UUA President Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt will offer a welcome message and Nicole Pressley, Director of the UUA Organizing and Strategy Team, will provide the keynote address.
Explore Mosaic Fall Conference
The UUA Commission on Social Witness is restarting the process of inviting proposals from congregations for Congregational Study Action Issues. Congregational Study Action Issues (CSAI) are selected by member congregations for two years of study, reflection, and action. The deadline to submit an initial proposal for 2024-2025 is October 1.
Learn More About CSAIs
Our friends at SIECUS: Sex Ed for Social Change have invited Unitarian Universalists to sign on to their national letter of support for sex education. The work of SIECUS aligns with our own values shaping the development of the Our Whole Lives sexuality education curriculum, and the UUA has already signed on to the letter. Join us.
Support Sexuality Education
UUA Congregational Life staff know that serving on a congregational board is an opportunity for both spiritual growth and the development of leadership skills. They have developed a new training resource for congregational boards, and it is suggested that the entire board take the training together to support the development of relationships and common language and practices.
Training for Boards
Welcome visitors and members to your congregation by hosting a church book table or book fair. They can find books they’ll love while raising money for your ministries. The UUA’s inSpirit: The UU Book and Gift Shop has a curated selection of books centered around issues of social justice, equity, and spirituality that can help keep your crowd current on the latest progressive reading as they continue their search for truth and meaning.
Book Tables from inSpirit