What kind of issue is appropriate for a Congregational Study/Action Issue (CSAI)?

• An issue complex enough to merit three years of study and action by congregations and districts before a position on the matter is adopted by the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), and after adoption, a fourth year of focused implementation.
• An issue for which there is a strong “yes” to questions of grounding, fit, and opportunity:
  1. Grounding: Does Unitarian Universalist (UU) theology and practice resonate with the issue historically, ethically, and spiritually? 
  2. Fit: Do our member congregations have the resources and people to take meaningful action on this issue? 
  3. Opportunity: Do circumstances make it likely that our member congregations would become respected participants in public dialogue on this issue? 
• An issue that lends itself to study and action that would enable UUs to put our Principles into practice
• An issue that lends itself practically to congregational and/or district study and action projects
• An issue that the UUA has not recently adopted a position on through a General Resolution (before 1996) or a Statement of Conscience (after 1996), unless further study and action would substantially enhance or change the UUA’s position 
• An issue that is not so urgent that it would be appropriate for immediate advocacy through an Action of Immediate Witness at the next General Assembly (GA)

Please note the following:

• You are encouraged to contact socialwitness [at] uua [dot] org for feedback and assistance on choosing, narrowing, and articulating your CSAI proposal.
• You are encouraged to review past social witness statements on issues related to yours. 
• A proposed CSAI may neither direct the actions of UUA. staff nor require the UUA to encumber funds.

What should my proposed CSAI look like?