Proposing a Program for General Assembly

Request for UUA General Assembly 2024 Program Proposals

General Assembly provides opportunities for attendees to learn and grow through educational workshops, lectures, and discussions on a wide range of topics. We are seeking exceptional programs that will significantly enhance the overall experience for GA attendees. We welcome submissions from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences, with a special emphasis on historically marginalized communities, people of color, and the voices of our youth.

Virtual GA participants will receive:

  • Memorable, high-impact content for faith formation, with an easy and accessible experience.
  • A sense of belonging in the online community, with flexible approaches for a variety of needs.
  • Renewed connection to the wider faith of Unitarian Universalism.
  • Inspiration and support to carry forward to local congregations and beyond.

About the Theme - "Love Unites, Stories Ignite"

In a world filled with division and challenges, the theme for this year's General Assembly is a powerful reminder of the core principles that unite us as Unitarian Universalists. "Love Unites, Stories Ignite" celebrates the profound impact of love as a binding force that transcends boundaries and fosters connections within our faith community and beyond.

Our faith has always been rooted in the power of storytelling, and this year we'll explore how our stories can ignite change, inspire compassion, and help us build a more just and equitable world. Through storytelling, we share our experiences, our dreams, our struggles, and our triumphs. It is through these stories that we can find common ground, deepening our understanding of one another and the world around us.

The 63rd General Assembly will take place virtually Thursday, June 20 through Sunday, June 23, 2024.

On-Demand Programs

In an effort to address Zoom fatigue during the four days of General Assembly, we are exclusively requesting proposals for pre-recorded on-demand programming. This approach grants attendees the freedom to watch sessions at their convenience, without being tied to a specific live schedule. Proposals for fully pre-recorded programs (workshops, lectures, panels, worship services, etc.) will be selected for attendees to view on-demand. If your proposal is selected, video submissions will be due by April 30. Please understand that we will be unable to extend this deadline. Applicants should possess the ability to autonomously produce a pre-recorded program 90 minutes or less intended for on-demand viewing.

The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) is guided by a mission and principles that emphasize justice, equity, inclusivity, spiritual growth, and community. Here are proposed focus areas for workshop proposals at the 2024 UUA General Assembly, aligning with the UUA's mission and principles:

  • Advancing Social Justice and Equity:
    Workshops exploring strategies to address systemic racism, economic inequality, LGBTQ+ rights, gender equity, climate justice, and other pressing social justice issues in alignment with the UUA's commitment to justice, equity, and compassion in human relations.
  • Nurturing Inclusive Communities:
    Workshops focused on fostering inclusivity and diversity within congregations, empowering marginalized voices, promoting accessibility, and creating welcoming spaces for all, reflecting the UUA's principle of affirming the inherent worth and dignity of every person.
  • Spiritual Growth and Exploration:
    Workshops designed to deepen spiritual practices, explore various religious and philosophical traditions, encourage personal growth, mindfulness, and ethical living, aligning with the UUA's commitment to a free and responsible search for truth and meaning.
  • Interfaith Dialogue and Cooperation:
    Workshops facilitating dialogue and collaboration with individuals from different faiths, promoting understanding, respect, and cooperation, in harmony with the UUA's principle of acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth.
  • Strengthening Environmental Stewardship:
    Workshops addressing environmental challenges, sustainability, ethical consumption, and practical actions to protect the planet, reflecting the UUA's principle of respect for the interdependent web of all existence.
  • Building Stronger Congregational Leadership:
    Workshops focusing on leadership development, effective governance, conflict resolution, congregational growth, communication strategies, and nurturing resilient congregational communities, in line with the UUA's commitment to the democratic process.
  • Empowering Youth and Young Adults:
    Workshops targeting the unique needs, aspirations, and concerns of youth and young adults within the UUA, empowering them to take active roles in the UUA's mission, reflecting the UUA's commitment to the inherent worth and dignity of every person.
  • Promoting Human Rights and Global Citizenship:
    Workshops examining global issues, human rights violations, refugees' concerns, international cooperation, and promoting a global perspective in alignment with the UUA's principle of the goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all.
  • Liberating Religious Practices and Theologies:
    Workshops exploring liberal religious traditions, theological diversity, evolving beliefs, and the liberation of religious thought within the UUA, embracing the UUA's principle of the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process.

These proposed focus areas aim to align with the mission and principles of the UUA, fostering growth, understanding, and action within the Unitarian Universalist community and beyond.

Important Dates

  • January 12 – Program Proposal deadline
  • End of February – Selection notices will be sent to all applicants
  • March 15
    • Deadline to report any edits or presenter changes.
    • Deadline to upload speaker photos and bios.
    • Deadline to submit a trailer video
  • April 30 – final video for on-demand programs due

Other Information

  • In late February or early March, you will receive an email to let you know if your program proposal was chosen for General Assembly. The email will provide details about your event, including the event title, program description, and presenters. Please proof this information carefully. This email will also include a link to an RSVP form. You must complete the RSVP form by March 15 to confirm your participation in GA Programming. You will also use this form to communicate any edits to program title, description, or listed speakers.
  • If chosen, you'll be given the choice to create Your On-Demand Program with a Live Audience of GA Registrants. If you'd rather engage with a live audience, you'll have the chance to set up your own Zoom meeting during March or April. The GACS office will extend invitations to 2024 GA registrants to join your session. You can present your meeting live on Zoom and also record it for later on-demand viewing by others.
  • Modest financial support is available and will be distributed based on financial need and the strength of the proposal. For the most part funds will be awarded in the form of a GA registration discount code which will offset the cost of presenter(s) registration.
  • Presenters for On-Demand programs are encouraged to include a Call-to-action (i.e. provide next steps to attendees). Examples include:
    • schedule a private virtual meeting for follow-up discussion. Schedule a meetup in the GA app
    • drive them to your website
    • provide your contact information for questions.

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