UPLIFT Access - October 2024
Amidst the violence caused by catastrophic hurricanes, the exorbitant cost of healthcare, and the scarcity of affordable, accessible housing, my thoughts turn to the upcoming elections. NPR and my social media feed make it impossible for me to turn away from these human-caused disasters that disproportionately affect disabled people, especially our Black and brown and transgender siblings. There are times I feel completely powerless against the inhuman, corporate greed that increases global temperatures, medical bills, and rent on a regular basis.
Beloveds I know well, and those I’ve never met, suffer, their most basic needs unfulfilled, and, frequently, all I can do is care. It can be beyond discouraging, and eventually leave me feeling numb. However, I know there is a day coming up in which I can affect who has the power to choose care over violence, love over greed. On November 5, I’m going to vote all the way down the ballot for leaders who are most likely to put love in the center of every decision they make. I encourage you to do the same, and let your voice be heard!
At my polling place in Columbia, Missouri, I vote using a machine equipped with a screen reader and a Brailled-button pad. This allows blind people like me to vote privately and independently. This accessible voting guide can help you find options in your state, so you can be ready to cast your ballot on or by November 5.
From the Buddhist-inspired blessing from hymn #1031 in Singing the Living Tradition:
May you be filled with loving kindness. May you be well.
May you be peaceful and at ease.
May you be whole.
With Love,
Gretchen Maune (she/they)
Accessibility Resources Coordinator
Image Description: Gretchen Maune is a white elder millennial with long dark hair holding a white cane with a black handle.
As Accessibility Resources Coordinator, Gretchen provides virtual resources for Unitarian Universalist congregational and organizational leaders to create spaces, events, programs and communities which are accessible and inclusive to disabled participants. [learn more]
UPLIFT Access Monthly Accessibility Resource Webinars
Join us for our next UPLIFT Access Resource Webinar on Thursday, October 17 at 12:00pm ET / 9am PT for a discussion of Voting and Disability Justice. Join representatives from Side With Love, New Disabled South, and Rev. Amanda Schuber, the UUA’s Disability Justice Associate.
Check out last month’s recording: Sacred, Collective Care and Safe, Clean Air with CB Beal and Meghan Garvey
Provide Hurricane Relief
Donate to the UUA’s Disaster Relief Fund
New Disabled South Mutual Aid: Donate to directly support Disabled victims of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton
Mosaic Fall Conference 2024
Registration is now open for the 2024 National Fall Conference of Mosaic: Fostering Belonging and Liberation!
Mosaic is a hub of connection, resources, and support for Unitarian Universalists dismantling racism and oppression. This multigenerational National Fall Conference is a dynamic, multi-platform gathering for congregational teams and individuals engaged in the work of building multicultural communities. Running from October 17-20th this event will bring together congregational leaders dedicated to building multicultural communities with love at their center.
Over two and a half days, participants will share in collaborative conversations, cutting-edge workshops, and gain invaluable insights from community leaders within Unitarian Universalism and beyond. Participants will depart from the convening with renewed hearts and spirits, with new Mosaic tools in hand, ready to support and inspire others to foster belonging and liberation. Learn more and register to participate.
UPLIFT Trans and Nonbinary+ Gatherings
Starting their fifth year of programming, Uplift Trans and Nonbinary+ events include gathering spaces, pastoral care, and more! Check out their page for further information.
Accessible Publications from Skinner House
Skinner House Audiobooks are NOW AVAILABLE through Libro.fm and other channels!
Coming soon:
- Spilling the Light by Julián Jamaica Soto (coming soon!)
- The Release: Creativity and Freedom After the Writing Is Done, by Elizabeth Jarrett Andrew, late November
- Authentic Selves: Celebrating Trans and Nonbinary People and Their Families, by Peggy Gillespie, 2024-2025 Common Read, late October
Available Now:
- Searching for Solid Ground: A Memoir by Reggie Harris, with Linda Hansell
- Swinging on the Garden Gate: A Memoir of Bisexuality and Spirit by Elizabeth Jarrett Andrew
- Trusting Change: Finding Our Way Through Personal and Global Transformation by Karen Hering
- Mistakes and Miracles: Congregations on the Road to Multiculturalism by Nancy Palmer Jones and Karin Lin
- Incantations for Rest: Poems, Meditations, and Other Magic by Atena O. Danner
- Why Can’t I Fix It: The Questions We Ask When We Love Someone with Addiction by Nathan Detering
- A Fire at the Center: Solidarity, Whiteness, and Becoming a Water Protector by Karen Van Fossan
- The Tending Years: Understanding Your Child’s Earliest Rituals by J.L. Shattuck