We are stronger together. Our collective wisdom and creativity combine to bring more justice into the world in ways that could not be imagined among any of us working alone. As Unitarian Universalists, we call one another into our better selves through collectively discerning social justice actions to clarify our shared commitments to justice, equity and compassion.

While called by various names, the social witness process is the method by which the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) comes to understand and act on the social issues of our times, finally bearing witness through statements adopted as Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) policy by the delegates of a General Assembly (GA). The process has been an integral part of our faith since the merger between the Unitarians and the Universalists in 1961. This process is congregationally driven and is facilitated by the Commission on Social Witness (CSW).

2022 Spring Social Witness Convening

The Spring Convening of the UUA Commission on Social Witness was a fantastic, inspiring event with 122 signing on and 190 registered. We are so grateful for your presence and all that was shared. Here are a few reminders & links from the meeting:

• Overview process and timeline for Actions of Immediate Witness (AIWs) for 2022
• New AIWs proposal ideas that have been shared thus far.
• Information on the UU the Vote Launch on April 10 @ 4pm ET
  • Register today!
  • UU the Vote launch outreach toolkit
• Information on the DRUUMM Worship Service May 4 here
• Link to resource document on how to act on the Transgender justice AIW: tinyurl.com/transAIW
• Meeting links: recording (YouTube), agenda, and updates (has lots more ideas for AIWs) shared in chat. Email socialwitness@uua.org for help getting in contact with someone listed in the "updates" doc.

With gratitude for this journey toward justice with you,

Alison & Pippin, Co-Chairs, Commission on Social Witness

No CSAI Proposals for 2022

The Commission on Social Witness, in consultation with the UUA Administration, UUA legal counsel, UUA Board of Trustees and the General Assembly Planning Committee, has decided not to invite a new Congregational Study Action Issue (CSAI) for the 2022-2026 period. This decision acknowledges the myriad critical social justice issues facing our world, the impact of the pandemic on UU congregations and groups, the need for additional support implementing current statements, and the Board's current process of bylaw revisions impacting the CSAI process. The CSW looks forward to engaging with proposers on the 2022 Action of Immediate Witness process and partnering with all UUs via the Side With Love Action Center.

New Actions of Immediate Witness (AIW) Process in 2022

The Commission on Social Witness is eager to present a new timeline for Actions of Immediate Witness (AIW) for 2022. The new timeline is designed to provide greater opportunity for collaboration and action planning among diverse groups. Please take note of the“at-a-glance” chart and timeline to plan for Actions of Immediate Witness in GA 2022.

About Our Social Witness Statements

The UUA makes two different types of social witness statements: Statements of Conscience (SOCs), which arise from Congregational Study/Action Issues, and Actions of Immediate Witness (AIWs).

• Congregational Study/Action Issues (CSAIs) are issues selected by Unitarian Universalist member congregations for three years of study, reflection and action. In the third year of this process, delegates at GA can vote to approve a Statement of Conscience (SOC) resulting from three years of congregational feedback on the CSAI.
• Actions of Immediate Witness (AIWs) express the conscience and carries the authority of the delegates at the GA at which it is passed. AIWs are initiated by individual delegates and move through their entire creation and adoption process during a single GA. Read proposed forthcoming AIWs.