This is a call for delegates to represent FUUSN at this year’s General Assembly, which will take place on June 19-23, 2019, in Spokane, WA.
What is General Assembly?
General Assembly (GA) is the annual meeting of our Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). Attendees worship, witness, learn, connect, and make policy for the UUA through a democratic process, in accordance with our 5th UU Principle. GA is the opportunity for congregations to influence UUA decisions about the overall policy for carrying out the purposes of our denomination and exercise direct control of its affairs, including electing leadership and choosing which social justice issues to focus on in the upcoming year. There are always amazing workshop offerings to choose from, inspiring services and lectures, and several thousand UUs with whom to share fellowship. The GA is also a lot of fun, kicking off with the parade of banners from hundreds of UU congregations and organizations from all over North America during the opening ceremony. And, of course, there will be music.
What Is the Theme of This Year’s GA?
The theme of 2019’s GA is the “Power of We.” In a time of great challenge and heartbreak in our world, what does our faith demand from us? At this year’s GA, participants will explore the power, possibility, purpose, struggle and joy of finding the path forward together as Unitarian Universalists. Attendees will leave inspired, with the tools needed to carry on the work into their own congregations and communities. Join with other UUs to work for collective liberation inside and outside our faith.
For more information about GA, visit the UUA’s website at www.uua.org/ga. Or feel free to talk to past attendees, including, among others, Laurel Farnsworth, Julia Huston, Jacki and Pat Rohan, Susan Bartlett, Bobbie Sproat, and Meg and Bill Holland.
How Can I Become a Delegate?
Based on the size of our congregation, FUUSN is entitled to send up to 9 delegates to the GA. This includes both adults and youths (accompanied by an adult), as long as you are a voting member of FUUSN. In addition, Delegates who cannot attend in person can register to participate online. Whether attending in person or online, of course, all Delegates and are expected to attend the plenary and business sessions as well as participate in any votes taken. FUUSN will pay for registration, and Delegates attending GA in person will be responsible for travel and lodging. There may be scholarship aid available to help defray those costs, so if you are interested but unsure of finances, please contact Rev. Erin Splaine (minister@fusn.org) to discuss your needs. Financial aid may also be available from the UUA (www.uua.org/ga/registration/financialaid).
Registration is now open. If you are interested in becoming a GA Delegate, please contact Ted Hess-Mahan by email at tedhessmahan@gmail.com or by phone at 508-847-4855. Please note that if you register after April 30, the registration rates will go up, so let me know as soon as possible.
–Ted Hess-Mahan