We are getting to that exciting time of year when thousands of Unitarian Universalists will join together in person and online for worship as a faith community, learning and growth with workshops and speakers, opportunities for connection and public witness, and perhaps most significantly this year, a time to engage in the democratic process through voting on business and in elections.
General Assembly (GA), the annual gathering of UUs, starts on Wednesday, June 21 at 6pm EST/5pm CST/3pm PST in-person in Pittsburgh, PA and online. There is so much to do at GA this year – from saying farewell to our current president and electing a new one, to taking part in the historic Ware Lecture, to worship with amazing UU musicians and worship leaders, to discussing and voting on essential business – and we can’t wait to be with you for it all.
Learn more about GA 2023 in this email newsletter, including how to register, details for delegates, the business agenda and programs, and other essential resources to help you make the most of our annual gathering.
With you on the journey,
Rachel
Rachel Walden supports UUA Communications as senior manager for digital & marketing strategy. When she's not brainstorming content with her colleagues, you'll likely find her outside.
Delegates are critically important to the democratic process at GA. Delegates cast votes for UUA President and other important positions, and they represent their congregations in votes on business decisions. Is your congregation in communication with your delegates, so your positions are represented at GA?
Delegates cast votes in UUA elections and this year, delegates can vote in the referendum election of the Rev. Dr. SofÃa Betancourt, who is the sole candidate for UUA president, as well as for candidates seeking a 3-year term on the UUA Nominating Committee. Voting begins June 1.
Award-winning author and professor Imani Perry will give our historic Ware Lecture at GA this year. Join us in person or online for this exciting event. Unitarian Universalists read Professor Perry’s moving and deeply reflective book, Breathe: A Letter to My Sons, for the 2020-2021 UU Common Read. We are honored to welcome Professor Imani Perry to GA.
There are so many amazing UU leaders and speakers participating in GA this year. The Rev. Chris Buice will lead worship in the Service of the Living Tradition and the Rev. Manish Mishra-Marzetti will lead Sunday Worship. UU clergy, religious educators and many others will offer workshops throughout GA, many of which are already available to watch online on-demand.
The business agenda for GA is now available! Learn more about the important issues up for discussion and voting – including changes to Article II of the UUA bylaws and a business resolution for complete divestment from the fossil fuel industry.
Two GA business mini-assemblies will be held online in the weeks prior: a mini-assembly for rules of procedure on June 5 and a mini-assembly for the divestment resolution on June 10. In accordance with UUA bylaws, a mini-assembly for the proposed new language for Article II will be held during GA, on June 22.
This is an exciting time in Unitarian Universalism and it is such an important time for all of us to be in community for the special kind of connection and spiritual nourishment that we can offer one another as UUs. The UUA strives to make GA more available to all, so we hope you’ll explore the financial aid and volunteer opportunities, as well as different tiers of registration we are offering this year.
Registrants can stay organized and connected throughout GA with the mobile app by Whova, available for iPhone, Android, or as a mobile-optimized website. With program listings, speaker profiles, exhibit guide, schedule and social media connections, the mobile app helps participants get the most out of the GA experience.
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