Two-Part Fall Social Witness Convening of the Commission on Social Witness

Gather, Inspire, Launch! : Two-Part Fall Social Witness Convening of the Commission on Social Witness

**NOTE: This event has already taken place. Below, you can find video (with transcript) and audio files, text transcript, links and resources under each topic, and contact information for speakers.**

Across the world, we UUs find ourselves pulled in many directions for justice & health, humanitarian aid, and earth care. Amid this trying time, let us inspire one another through collective action!

At the UUA General Assembly this past June, the delegates voted to affirm three bold statements for healing action. The delegates also adopted a formal UUA Statement of Conscience on Undoing Systemic White Supremacy. Join these two meetings to find out what UU leaders around the country are doing, what you can do, and who you can partner with to carry forward these bold actions full of inspiring possibilities.

Gather, inspire, and launch your social witness action! The Commission on Social Witness invites you to the Fall Social Witness Convening in two parts. Attend both sessions to find out about all the statements and actions!

Part One

Offered Wednesday, Oct 6, 7-9 p.m. ET/4-6 p.m. PT

“Defend and Advocate with Transgender, Nonbinary, and Intersex Communities” with guest speakers:

  • Shige Sakurai and Alex Kapitan, lead authors and members of TRUUsT (Transgender Religions professional Unitarian Universalists Together)
  • Adrian Ballou, sharing on behalf of Rev. Michael Crumpler, UUA LGBTQ and Multicultural Programs Director
  • Janine Gelsinger, Executive Director, Unitarian Universalist Justice Arizona (UUJAZ)
  • Michael Soto (he/him) Executive Director of Equality Arizona

“Stop Voter Suppression and Partner for Voting Rights and a Multiracial Democracy” with guest speakers:

  • Donna Scheidt, lead author & member of UUSJ (Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice) Democracy Action Team
  • Fred Van Deusen, Convener of UUSJ Democracy Action Team
  • Nicole Pressley, UUA Organizing Strategy Team Field & Programs Director
  • Rev. Lisa Garcia-Sampson, Executive Director of 'Forward Together', the Unitarian Universalist Justice Ministry of North Carolina
  • Julia Sayles, lead author & member of UUSJ's Democracy Action Team
  • Min Choi, Reeb Project

Part Two

Offered Wednesday, Oct 13, 7-9 p.m. ET/4-6 p.m. PT

“The COVID-19 Pandemic: Justice. Healing. Courage.” with guest speakers:

“Undoing Systemic White Supremacy: A Call to Prophetic Action" with guest speakers:

  • Carey McDonald, Executive Vice President of the UUA
  • Susan Leslie, UUA Partnerships & Coalitions Organizer
  • Members of the Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism Organizing Collective Board
    • Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism, known as BLUU, started in 2015 when a group of Black Unitarian Universalists decided to organize to put the Black experience and liberation work at the center of Unitarian Universalism. Since its inception, BLUU has become a key resource for Black UUs and other spiritually grounded Black folks seeking a spiritual community that can hold all of who they are, including their commitment to building toward collective liberation as an act of faith. Please enjoy these videos from BLUU's Executive Director, Lena K. Gardner and BLUU's Community Minister for Worship and Spiritual Care, Rev. Mykal Slack. To learn more about BLUU, visit BlackLivesUU.org or email info@BlackLivesuu.org
  • Members of the Diverse & Revolutionary UU Multicultural Ministries Steering Committee
  • Members of the Allies for Racial Equity Leadership Collective
  • Paula Cole Jones, 8th Principle Project