Process Observations on Business Meetings
This is Charles Du Mond’s and Rev Meg Riley’s last year serving as Co-Moderators (5 years). I have appreciated their gracious, open, and authentic style of leadership. Yes, mistakes, apologies, learnings, and ALSO compassion, good humor, and modeling a partnership in leadership that is so healthy for us all to emulate. These are volunteer positions!
I appreciate that many tasks for delegates have moved into gatherings prior to GA over time. This enables the possibility of seeking input from congregants and having discussions in advance. It remains a continuing education effort to congregants who are NOT GA geeks 😊 to learn about the timeline and provide on ramps for participation. It is important to begin promoting the General Assembly opportunity in December, so that people have time to learn about the opportunities and get registered. Paricularly delegates should be on board by the beginning of April or so, to engage in the pre-GA activities.
I was disappointed nearly all the workshops were scheduled the same time as the business meetings, and so did not attend those. Some were video recorded in advance, and therefore available, however, most were not.
Process Observations on Meet the Moment Waves
These were 3 morning 90 minute sessions around 11 topics. Much “pre=work” was done- creating compelling videos, running focus groups and sharing data. This provided a welcome jumpstart to our experiences. And there is much in terms of resources for followup and continued engagement. I attended the Trans Wave and met amazing people. Definitely re-energizes my commitment to UU identity. If I had to choose between workshops and these Meet the Moment Waves, I would choose the waves, so I’m glad the time in the schedule was preserved. As but one practical note, I’d love to see us create graphics for what is inside each of our bathrooms, eg urinal, stall, changing table, etc.
Process Observations on Evening Sessions: Service of the Living Tradition, Synergy, Ware Lecture, and Sunday Service.
Each of these was a tremendous experience. This page https://www.uua.org/ga/off-site/2025
offers descriptions of each of these. The music, the messages, were uplifting and soulful.
Recommended video on Congregational Safety
I came across a workshop by a congregation who shared what they have done to create safety in their congregation.
and a file with lots of practical examples: tinyurl.com/uusafety
I think it’s always good to build on the work of others, and not try to re-invent the wheel, but customize to our needs.
Election Results
Again we have a Co Moderator Team! They will serve for 6 years. Rev. Dr. Kimberly Quinn Johnson (she/her) and Bill Young (he/him), having received 74.9% of the vote will begin their terms after this GA. You can find information about them: https://www.uua.org/uuagovernance/elections/candidates-uua-moderator-2025-2031
Our Association has not had a Study Issue for quite a few years (Of course, as we have congregational polity, there’s no mandate here, but having multiple congregations working to inform themselves on an identified issue brings common understanding with more depth. And resources are provided to help congregations dive into the issue at hand.)
So, many UU Congregations, over the next 3 years, will be examining their response to:
https://discuss.uua.org/t/proposed-csai-abolition-transformation-and-faith-formation/1902
There are about a dozen areas to research/study, and similar number of possible actions for congregations to take.
If there are others who wish to join with me to form a study/action plan for our congregation, please contact me. Contacting me does not commit you, but gives me an opportunity to share further information. I especially encourage our Board members to take a look. It would be great to have a Board member to consider this.
Finally, the following 3 Actions of Immediate Witness were affirmed. Again, there is no requirement for congregations to follow the recommendations; however, there are many resources available for congregations that wish to become active on these issues. I find their guidance helpful.
We Declare and Affirm: Immigrants Are People Who Have Inherent Worth and Inalienable Rights
Defending LGBTIQ Freedom Amid Funding Crisis: A Call for Global Solidarity
Please click on the links to dive into the calls to action.
Did you know?
That the UUA is unveiling its first virtual hymnal! So many great resources packed into each entry (there are about 30 now, and more in the pipeline) Music available in all keys (!!), background info, slides with lyrics, as well as the traditional scores. Wow
That, fairly recently, a group of people in Kenya, Indonesia, Germany, Philippines, and the USA have established a vehicle for youth to connect internationally. I am wondering if Jenni Papp knows more? It’s not officially associated with UUA, FYI Below is the link to their website and a video.
Stats:
2483 attendees in person in Baltimore, with 796 more on line. Additionally, 143 children were in person.
There were 1882 delegates from 592 congregations representing 48 states and 4 countries: Canada, France, Mexico, and the Virgin Islands.
Next GA (2026): mostly virtual newly creative format 2 weekends: June 12-14 and June 26-28 for local/regional meetings (some in person?) stay tuned for more information!
Next In Person GA in San Jose CA (2027) June 23-27
In summary, I found most of General Assembly this year a rich mix of the most human of endeavors- striving to live out our values- exemplified in meaningful, inspiring and uplifting ways. There is much more that occurred than I have shared in this brief report. I look forward to sharing even more, for those who are interested, and possibly organizing activities from the CSAI and AIWs, should others choose to engage with these topics.
I am so glad I attended!
My contact Information:
216 299 3064
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