Next month, voting opens for the election of the UUA President. This is the final stage of a process that began in the spring of 2022. In February 2023, UUA Secretary Bill Young affirmed the Rev. Dr. Sofia Betancourt as the sole candidate for UUA President after no additional candidates emerged from the nomination by petition period.
At the time, the UUA Secretary stated, “I am announcing that a referendum election on Rev. Dr. Betancourt’s nomination will be held this year. This will ensure delegates can participate in our democratic process on behalf of their congregation. For this election, the ballot will open starting June 1, 2023, and will conclude at a posted time on Saturday, June 24, 2023 during General Assembly.”
General Assembly & Delegate's Corner
While voting for UUA President opens June 1, delegates will also cast votes at General Assembly (GA) on the proposal for a revised Article II, which reflects feedback from thousands of Unitarian Universalists. Is your congregation ready to take part? If you are a delegate representing a congregation, are you prepared to vote reflective of your congregation's wishes?
This newsletter offers information and essential resources to help you in preparing for the presidential election, to participate in discussions about revising Article II of our UUA bylaws, and other business up for a vote. All are invited and encouraged to take part in this historic time in Unitarian Universalism. 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.
In addition to the presidential election, Unitarian Universalists are also taking part in an Association-wide discernment process about what’s at the heart of our theology. Congregations are encouraged to review and discuss the Article II Study Commission’s proposed revision of Article II of UUA bylaws so their delegates are ready to vote at GA. Join #A2TheConversation today.
Delegates cast votes on business and in elections at GA. It is critically important that congregations inform their delegates about their positions on issues and individuals so that delegates can carry a congregation’s position forward at GA. Learn more about the responsibilities and opportunities associated with serving as a delegate.
All are invited to meet the candidate for UUA President, the Rev. Dr. Sofia Betancourt, at the next presidential forum on May 20. Held as an in-person event at the Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara, CA, there will also be a livestream and online participation is welcome. Registration is encouraged but not required.
Rev. Dr. Betancourt has been discussing different topics at each of the presidential forums held so far this year. You can find a recording of the first presidential forum, details about the final forum to be held in Texas in June, and much more on our 2023 UUA Presidential Election page.
The UUA Board of Trustees will host three online workshops in May to discuss the input that Unitarian Universalists have shared about the proposed changes to Article II, as well as amendment guidelines. Everyone is invited to attend these workshops and delegates are responsible for submitting the proposed amendments. Learn more and register online.
Whether you are a first-time delegate or a long-time GA attendee, you are encouraged to attend the What to Expect at GA 2023 webinar, to be held online on Monday, May 22. Get an overview of this year’s multiplatform GA as well as information for delegates about business sessions.
Three business mini-assemblies for GA delegates have been scheduled. A Rules of Procedure mini-assembly, a mini-assembly for the business resolution regarding continued fossil fuel divestment, and a mini-assembly for proposed changes to Article II. Learn more on the GA Governance page.
The UUA has been hosting an online space for discussion about GA business, including proposed changes to Article II. Join the conversation with other Unitarian Universalists in advance of GA this June.
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