Congregational Resources for Fall 2024

By Central East Region of the UUA

Several arms and hands with different skin tones are intertwined and connected.

Over the past several weeks, the UUA has been sending emails with resources to congregations in response to the election results. We have compiled some of those resources here for you. This is by no means an exhaustive list but we hope it helps you find what you are looking for.

Resources for Leaders

Community Resilience Hub - We know many of you are already doing your part to build strong, connected, and resilient communities. Our Community Resilience Hub is designed to offer ongoing support, including the latest updates, resources, and events, to help guide you through the challenges we face.

Growing Democracy Worship Collection - A new Worship Web collection of resources has emerged from a collaboration between Worship Web and UU the Vote. Check back often; more pieces will be added during November 2024—including material to follow the U.S. Presidential election.

Leadership and Readiness in Troubled Times - It’s also important to have conversations with the leadership of your congregation to consider the financial, spiritual, pastoral, and programmatic resources you are investing in and prioritizing in the coming times – not just for those who are already among you, but for those from a diversity of backgrounds and experiences whose values align with Unitarian Universalism, but for whom our dominant culture often presents a barrier to deep belonging. These resources have been curated by UUA Congregational Life staff for addressing internal and external communications, conflicts in the congregation, risk assessment and readiness and more.

Safety Resources - The Safe Congregations Team has a list of resources for congregations to look at safety in their congregations. These include building security, behavioral covenants and safety policies. Of note is the UU Institute course title Threats from Without, Care from Within, which is free, but does require a free account to access the materials.

From Radical Welcome to Long-Term Belonging

Now is a critically important time for everyone in the congregation to get the training and support they need to offer newcomers, visitors, and returning members a radically inclusive welcome and a path to long-term belonging. UUA Congregational Life staff and our colleagues at the UU Association of Membership Professionals (UUAMP) have a wealth of resources to help.

Partnerships within the UU World

For members, friends, and visitors who are already part of vulnerable groups, it is important to ensure that you are offering specific and responsive care. Make sure these folks also know about national UU organizations and formations that provide specific connection and support:

We hope these resources gathered in one place will help our congregational leaders find what you are looking for at this time. Still have questions? Reach out to your primary contact.