Request for UUA General Assembly 2023 Program Proposals

General Assembly is the largest annual manifestation of the Unitarian Universalist community. We are looking for programs that are the best of the best - adding tremendous value to this experience.

The theme for General Assembly 2023 is "Faithfully Becoming."

We continue to live in times of transition and change; so much is in flux. The COVID-19 pandemic upended our lives, our communities, and the world. It made clear the devastating and deadly impacts of longstanding racial and economic disparities. The ongoing losses and threats from climate change (of which the pandemic is not unrelated), growing authoritarian movements and the rolling back of fundamental human rights – these all present tremendous challenges for our lives, our children, and our future.

Many feel worn out and overwhelmed. But times of significant change can also be moments of opportunity and possibility. Major shifts are happening. Our theology and our values as Unitarian Universalists are needed.

This General Assembly will be an exciting moment demonstrating the ways we are called into Faithfully Becoming.

We are at a threshold moment for our faith, and will choose the next path in our journey. We will consider new articulations of Article II (including our Principles and Purpose) and elect a new President to lead our Association. These are decisions that will shape who we are and how we respond to and grow through these times. These changes offer us possibilities for becoming more connected, courageous, inclusive, generous, and continuing our ongoing journey of becoming Beloved Community.

We welcome programs on this theme and that connect to these four focus areas:

• Becoming Adaptive and Resilient: Programs that equip congregations and leaders for these changing times. What is needed for congregations to nurture adaptive and resilient practices and to lean into change and experimentation. What new practices or programs are gaining momentum, engaging leaders, and fostering community for all ages, including children, youth and families.

• Becoming Theologically Rooted: Create opportunities for people to engage and deepen their understanding of our liberating theology and how it can offer hope, resilience and courage for these times.

• Becoming Skilled in Faithful Praxis: Opportunities to skill up in our justice work, to move beyond paternalism to partnership and solidarity in our justice work and to partner across congregations and nationally for change.

• Becoming Connected in Community: Opportunities to embody our community of communities through programs that bring people together around affinity and identity and theology for sustenance, relationships, care and networking.

Types of Programs

1. Live In-Person Workshops – Select proposals will be chosen for 90-minute programs that will be presented live in Pittsburgh. Proposed workshops must demonstrate the need for live attendee engagement/participation during GA and focus on developing skills and capacities for mission-focused work in congregations and communities. In-person workshops will also be streamed live for virtual attendees.
2. Live Interactive Webinars – Select proposals will be chosen for 90-minute live webinar workshops (not in-person in Pittsburgh). Proposed workshops must demonstrate the need for live attendee engagement/participation during GA and focus on developing skills and capacities for mission-focused work in congregations and communities.
3. On-Demand Programs – Proposals for fully pre-recorded programs (workshops, lectures, panels, worship services, etc.) will be selected for virtual and in-person GA attendees to view on-demand. If your proposal is selected, video submissions will be due by April 28. Please understand that we will be unable to extend this deadline. Videos should be up to 90 minutes or less. 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.

Important Dates

• January 13 – 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 28 – final video for on-demand programs due

Other Information

• If selected, you will need to review and reply to the Event Edit Email by March 15. In late February, the GA Office will email to you the GA Event Edit Email. The Event Edit Email will indicate all of your event specifications, including the scheduled date and time of your event (if live), as well as the event title, program description, and presenters. Please carefully proof the Event Edit Email to ensure that all of your event information is correct and that your presenters are available when scheduled (if applicable).
• In-Person Meeting Rooms
  Furniture arrangement in GA program rooms is TBD as we consider health protocols. Live In-Person Workshops will be scheduled in meeting rooms that will be equipped with a lectern and microphone, an audience microphone on a stand, and an LCD Projector and Screen Package. You will need to bring your own laptop. Contact Don Plante, dplante@uua.org, if you would like to rent additional AV for your presentation.
• Financial Support
  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.