General Assembly is made possible by the hard work of numerous committees, task forces, staff offices, and planning meetings, all of which begin their work several years in advance of the event.

General Assembly Planning

The Office of General Assembly and Conference Services, in collaboration with UUA Administration and the Board, oversees the development of each General Assembly. The Board is directly responsible for managing the General Sessions at GA and addressing matters specific to delegates.

Planning for GA is a collaborative effort involving the Office of General Assembly and Conference Services staff, UUA Board Moderator(s), a UUA Board liaison, Local Arrangements Chair(s), and the GA Advisory Council. In addition, the GA Worship Arts Coordinator, GA Music Coordinator, and Care Team Leads play key roles in the planning process.

Advisory Council for GA in 2025

• Carol Carter Walker
• DC Fortune
• Valerie Hsu, Baltimore Local Area Coordinator
• Eric Huffer
• Ann Verdine Jones
• Liane McCray
• Ro Morris
• LaTonya Richardson, Director, UUA General Assembly & Conference Services
• Rev. Meg Riley, Co-Moderator, UUA Board of Trustees

2025 GA Care Team Leads

• Rev. Kristina Spaude and Rev. Rodney Lemery (Chaplains)
• Chloë Meyer and Kim Diana Connolly (Covenant)
• Nicole Tearno (Systemic Justice)
• Michael Sallwasser and Kate Lone Newkirk (Safety)

The Board of Trustees is responsible for setting the agenda for and facilitating the General Sessions. The Board also moderates the Mini-Assemblies—dedicated time for delegates to discuss specific agenda items before they are brought to a vote in the General Sessions. This includes discussions on Proposed Business Resolutions and Bylaws/Rules changes.

General Assembly Mission of the Association Partnership (GAMAP) – Each September, the UUA President convenes a meeting of staff and stakeholders to set the theme for the upcoming General Assembly and identify key areas of theological focus.

Grid Meeting – The final portion of the GAMAP meeting is dedicated to drafting a schedule for the multi-day General Assembly. This draft is then reviewed and finalized by the Office of General Assembly and Conference Services.

Program Development Group (PDG) – The PDG is a diverse team composed of UUA staff, religious professionals, lay leaders, and members of the GA Planning Committee. This group is responsible for identifying and selecting high-quality programming for General Assembly that aligns with the vision and mission of the UUA and its member congregations.

Worship Arts Coordinator (GAWC) – The GAWC, hired by and working in collaboration with the Director of General Assembly and Conference Services, provides liturgical guidance and support to worship leaders for services held during GA. This includes services sponsored by other groups, such as the Service of the Living Tradition [UUMA], Synergy [Lifespan Faith Engagement Office], and the Sunday Morning Service [President], as well as the daily worship services. In partnership with the Director of General Assembly and Conference Services and the PDG, the GAWC identifies daily worship leaders for both in-person and/or on-demand services. Additionally, the GAWC manages the worship and celebration budget in collaboration with the Director of General Assembly and Conference Services.

GA Music Coordinator (GAMC) – The GAMC may be hired based on a recommendation from the Association for Unitarian Universalist Music Ministries (AUUMM), when available, or through direct hire based on skills and prior experience. The GAMC collaborates with worship leaders to select music and talent for each worship service and General Session. The GAMC also manages the Music budget in partnership with the Director of General Assembly and Conference Services.

In addition, the GAMC oversees the Music Ministry Team, which includes the GA Choir Director, GA Band Leader, and GA Accompanist. All members of the Music Ministry Team are recommended by the AUUMM and report directly to the GAMC.

UUA Staff & Committees

UUA President – In addition to participating in the General Assembly Mission of the Association Partnership (GAMAP), the UUA President invites the speaker for the Ware Lecture.

General Assembly and Conference Services (GACS) Staff – The professional staff overseeing the marketing and logistics of the multi-platform experience at GA. This includes managing registration, financial support, housing, the exhibit hall, advertising and sponsorship, production and accessibility services, entertainment, and programming.

Organizing Strategy Team (OST) – Responsible for planning and managing the GA Witness event. The Local Area Task Force and Conference Services Director provide logistical support for this effort.

Commission on Social Witness (CSW) – Composed of five members: three elected and two appointed. The CSW discerns and crafts the Association’s vision on pressing social issues. The Commission is responsible for both Congregational Study/Action Issues (CSAI), which lead to Statements of Conscience (SOC), and Actions of Immediate Witness (AIW). The CSW also moderates Mini-Assemblies—set-aside time for delegates to discuss specific agenda items before they are brought to a vote in the General Sessions, including proposed CSAIs, SOCs, and AIWs.

Lifespan Faith Engagement Office (LFE) – Provides support for General Assembly Youth, a program organized by and for high-school-aged youth, which includes business meetings and other events. The LFE also supports Young Adults at General Assembly (YA@GA), offering resources and activities for young adults during GA.

Volunteer

Local Area Task Force (LATF)

Join the Local Area/Arrangements Team for General Assembly!

Are you interested in supporting the upcoming General Assemblies? The UUA is looking for passionate volunteers to help make this event a success! There are several key roles available within the local area/arrangements team:

• Local Area Coordinator
  The Local Area Coordinator is recruited by UUA staff and appointed by the General Assembly Advisory Council (GAAC). This role involves meeting with the GAAC starting in April, one year prior to the General Assembly in the host city. The Local Area Coordinator serves as a liaison between the Local and National volunteer staff and the General Assembly and Conference Services staff and Advisory Council. This person will also be responsible for recruiting additional members for the Local Area Task Force.
• Atmosphere Coordinator
  The Atmosphere Coordinator ensures a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere at General Assembly, overseeing the banner parade and evening events. This role may also involve recruiting fellow UUs for pre-GA tasks, including banner preparation and hanging during the event.
• Information Services Coordinator
  The Information Services Coordinator oversees the Greeter/Ask Me staff and ensures that participants have access to information about local restaurants and events that would be of interest to General Assembly attendees.
• Social Justice Project Coordinator
  The Social Justice Project Coordinator manages the selection process for the local social justice project, liaises with local organizations, and oversees the complementary booth in the Exhibit Hall. This role also involves coordinating the “ask” before the collection/offertory at the Sunday service, including creating a video component.

Additional Key Roles

• Accessibility Coordinator
  The Accessibility Coordinator ensures that all General Assembly activities and spaces are accessible to attendees with diverse needs. They work closely with UUA staff and volunteers to ensure inclusivity throughout the event.
• House Manager
  The House Manager is responsible for managing ushers and overseeing front-of-house duties during plenary sessions and other large events. They ensure smooth operations and help guide attendees as needed.
• Administrative Assistant
  The Administrative Assistant manages the Volunteer Office, coordinating logistics, communications, and ensuring that volunteers have the support they need to be successful in their roles.

Ex-Officio Members (Multiple-Year Service)

Certain key positions are filled by individuals who serve for several years, selected at the request of General Assembly and Conference Services staff and the General Assembly Advisory Council:

• Production Manager/Stage Manager
  Oversees the technical production of plenary sessions, including the coordination of the tech/production company. This role ensures the smooth running of all production aspects during GA sessions.
• Registration Coordinator
  Managed by UUA staff, the Registration Coordinator is responsible for all aspects of registration, from sign-up processes to on-site management of attendee check-in and information.

If any of these roles sound like a good fit for you or if you want to learn more about volunteering with the Local Area/Arrangements team, please contact gacsadmin@uua.org for more details.

We look forward to having you join us in making General Assembly a transformative and inspiring event!

Care Team Volunteers

The UUA is looking for dedicated individuals to volunteer for a range of roles at the upcoming General Assembly in Baltimore. Whether you’re interested in offering support to attendees, assisting with the logistics of the event, or contributing to the spiritual and emotional care of participants, there are opportunities for everyone. See below for a variety of volunteer roles:

Accessibility Services

• Onsite Accessibility Services
  Assist individuals with mobility difficulties and those requiring other accessibility-related services. Experience providing services to people with disabilities is highly desirable. This role ensures that all attendees have the support they need to participate fully in General Assembly activities.
• Off-site Accessibility Support
  Help registrants who encounter accessibility issues with the GA Participation Portal. Volunteers will work with UUA staff to resolve problems, including troubleshooting and assisting with technical issues over the phone. Comfort with phone communication and problem-solving is essential.

Chaplain Team

(Available both onsite and off-site)

GA Chaplains are responsible for coordinating care for attendees experiencing spiritual or physical crises during the event. Chaplains must be in final fellowship with the UUA Ministerial Fellowship Committee (MFC) and a member in good standing with the UUMA (retired ministers are also encouraged to apply). This role provides essential pastoral support for individuals in crisis.

Covenant Team

(Available both onsite and off-site)

The Covenant Team helps resolve conflicts among registered attendees and addresses violations of the GA covenant. Team members must have prior experience and training in conflict resolution and must understand the principles of covenantal community. This is a crucial role in maintaining a respectful and safe environment for all attendees.

Inclusivity Review

(Pre-GA)

Work closely with the Worship Arts Team to review General Assembly’s pre-recorded videos, written materials, and musical content through an Anti-Racist, Anti-Oppressive, Multi-Cultural (ARAOMC) lens. The goal is to ensure that all content reflects the UUA’s commitment to inclusivity and social justice. This position is a great fit for those passionate about anti-oppressive work and inclusivity.

Safety Team

(Onsite)

The Safety Team responds to incidents of harm, medical crises, and emotional emergencies, offering support as needed. The team also interacts with outside agencies, including law enforcement, to ensure the safety of all participants. This role is essential in maintaining a secure environment during the event.

Systemic Justice Team

(Off-site)

The Systemic Justice Team supports registered attendees from marginalized communities in advocating for structural change. Volunteers in this role will provide access and advocacy, working to challenge and change oppressive systems. Team members should have a strong understanding of oppression and its impact on different groups within the GA community.

Consulting Mental Health Professional

(Onsite)

A mental health professional will be recruited by the Local Arrangements Chair to provide backup support for General Assembly and Conference Services staff, the General Assembly Advisory Council, and the Chaplains. This role is crucial in ensuring that appropriate mental health support is available during the event. Complimentary registration will be provided through the General Assembly Planning Committee budget.

If you are interested in learning more about any of these roles or want to contribute to making General Assembly in Pittsburgh a safe, inclusive, and meaningful experience for all, please contact gacsadmin@uua.org for more information.

Production Volunteers

The UUA is seeking passionate volunteers to contribute to the success of General Assembly in Pittsburgh. Whether you prefer to support from home or work onsite, there are a variety of opportunities to help make this event meaningful for all participants. Below are the key volunteer roles available:

Off-site Production Volunteers

If you’re unable to attend in person but still want to contribute to General Assembly, consider joining the Off-site Production Team. Off-site volunteers will receive a virtual registration and team assignment in exchange for approximately 20 hours of work during General Assembly. Tasks may include:

• Transcription
• Video Editing
• Zoom or Chat Hosting

These roles are ideal for volunteers with a background in technical work or those comfortable with virtual platforms. You’ll be an essential part of the team that ensures the smooth execution of virtual sessions.

Onsite Production Volunteers

For those who can attend General Assembly in person, Onsite Production Volunteers play a critical role in supporting the logistics and attendee experience. Onsite volunteers will receive a full-time registration and a t-shirt in exchange for approximately 20 hours of work during General Assembly. Roles may include:

• Registration Check-in
• Ushering
• “Ask Me” Greeters

These volunteers will help ensure the event runs smoothly by assisting with attendee registration, providing information, and helping guide participants throughout the event. It’s a great opportunity to engage directly with attendees and be part of the in-person experience.

Vendors

• Honeycomb Strategies: experts in environmental stewardship with extensive knowledge of environmentally responsible meeting practices; contracted by General Assembly and Conference Services to monitor sustainability practices.
• Video West: audio-visual provider for the General Session Hall at General Assembly; contracted by General Assembly and Conference Services to ensure excellent production values.
• Stetson Show Management: a full-service special event and trade show contractor building out the GA Exhibit Hall.
• Child Care:  a local agency provides children with a comfortable, safe, and happy experience while their parents attend professional meetings; contracted by General Assembly and Conference Services to provide child care for children who have not yet completed 5th grade.
• Middle School Day Camp: UU Religious Educators and volunteers provide youngsters who have completed 5th through 8th grades with a faith-based curriculum and activities during GA.