Dear SGUUF,
While I wish I had something pretty or pithy to observe about spring in the Northern Hemisphere, I’m mostly thinking about the amount of live programming blossoming right in front of us. Through partnership with congregations, individual UUs, and our UU State Action Networks, we’re all able to “take shifts for the revolution,” as Rev. Ashley Horan says. I see the evidence of that daily in the stories and updates from around the country of UUs and other people of faith and conscience who are fighting for our trans beloved and who are fiercely resisting legislative attacks on climate, decriminalization, and trans children and families. (If you haven’t yet, read the beautiful op-ed by Rev. Sara LaWall from Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, ID about why her faith demands she protect and affirm her trans child.)
This month, we have opportunities for faithful and faith-filled actions for justice and rejuvenation. Please share in your congregation and community.
In faith and solidarity,
Audra Friend
Digital Communications, Data, and Technology Specialist
Side With Love
Sunday, March 19, 2023
4 pm ET / 3 CT / 2 MT / 1 PT
Skill Up: Evaluation is an Act of Love
Online
In this skill-up, you will practice ways to bring debrief culture and loving feedback to your own context. We need to be able to speak directly and frankly to each other about what we want and need from each other, what we think could be done differently, as well as celebrating our successes. Every time we love one another enough to offer debrief and appreciation, we deepen our relationships and the power of our collective. We can create groups and communities grounded in relationship and trust. Thus, we can meet the justice work of the moment powerfully and nimbly.
Wednesday, March 22, 2023
8pm ET / 7 CT / 6 MT / 5 PT
The Body Politic: Faithful UUs Showing up for Trans Justice
Online
UUs have long been part leaders in powerful multifaith movements fighting for trans and queer rights and liberation. Join UPLIFT Action and Side With Love staff for this webinar, lifting up the faithful work UUs are engaging in right now in the context of the wave of hateful legislation and violence against trans and queer people. We’ll hear stories from congregations and State Action Networks on the ground, and point toward ways you and your community can take meaningful action.
Thursday, March 23, 2023
7:30pm ET / 6:30 CT / 5:30 MT / 4:30 PT
Online
Join our Side with Love Fun & Spiritual Nourishment Squad for an hour of spiritual sustenance and grounding with others organizing on the side of love. Come drink in the music, meditation, play, and prayer.
We end with a Connection Cafe for those who wish to talk together. Show up as you are, whatever is in your heart, and with your camera on or off as you need.
Friday, March 31st
8pm ET / 7 CT / 6 MT / 5 PT
UUA Trans Day of Visibility Virtual Party for Trans/Nonbinary Families
Online
As legislators pass harmful laws in states all across the country and as people of faith and no-faith fight back, we want to remind transgender/nonbinary families that they are not alone. As Unitarian Universalists we believe that every body is sacred. This will be a time of reflection, celebration, and renewal as we prepare for what is and whatever is coming our way.
*NOTE: This space is intentionally multi-generational. It is open to and welcoming of trans/nonbinary elders as well as children, youth, and young adults. Standard UUA online safety measures apply to ensure all people under 18 are able to attend. We’re glad to have you here!
Saturday, April – Monday, April 3
Intergenerational Spring Seminar: Demilitarization & Abolition: Resist Policing and Empire
Online and in-person, Minneapolis, MN
This year’s UU@UN Intergenerational Spring Seminar has the theme of “Demilitarization & Abolition: Resist Policing and Empire,” and takes place both in-person in Minneapolis and online April 1-3. As an intergenerational event, Youth are especially encouraged to attend!
Militarized policing is a dire problem both in the U.S. and globally, and this year’s Seminar aims to help us increase our understanding of abolition and equip ourselves with skills to take action. Our keynote will be given by Andrea Ritchie, co-author of No More Police, and other programming will offer a mix of workshops, worship, and debrief.
Registration is tiered with a free, no-cost option for those who need it!