Guide for the Frugal
The General Assembly (GA) Office and Planning Committee are committed to the goal of making GA accessible to the maximum number of attendees possible. Recognizing that traveling to and participating in General Assembly can be a costly venture, we have prepared this guide to help potential attendees take advantage of the many available cost-saving opportunities.
General Assembly on a Budget
Registration
The GA Volunteer Committee funds full-time GA registrations in exchange for volunteer work at GA. More about volunteer positions.
Financial Support is available for those experiencing financial hardship, as well as Youth (high school) and Young Adults (18-35). Funds collected via voluntary contribution during GA registration are distributed in the same year they are donated.
Additional funds for youth and young adults may be available from the Lifespan Faith Engagement Office; contact yayaministry@uua.org.
Register early, when rates are lowest. Registration rates increase April 1 and again on May 16.
Some GA events are made available at no cost at UUA.org, and delegates who wish only to participate in business (not programming) may register with the business-only online option.
If you attend GA as a delegate from your congregation, your travel and registration expenses may be tax deductible. Consult the IRS or a tax professional.
Transportation
General Assembly 2024 will be posted on the rideshare site RickyRides . Drivers and riders can post ride offers or requests with by location (zipcode). Congregations can create a post and put park-and-ride information in the description.
Read about other transportation options, including Greyhound, Amtrak, and regional rail in Pittsburgh.
Food
Buying items such as fruit, bagels, granola bars, instant oatmeal, and carrying a refillable water bottle can eliminate the need to buy breakfast and lunch out.
Planning your schedule ahead of time and knowing when and how you will eat meals will keep you from spending impulsively on concessions or fast food.
Local Cheap Eats
Lodging
Share the cost of housing by staying in a hotel with flat-rate pricing. For example, four people can share a room at a hotel with flat-rate pricing, split the cost up to four ways, and enjoy amenities such as parking, a refrigerator in the room, wi-fi internet access, and a pool and fitness center.
Interested in finding a roommate to share the cost of housing? The GA Room Share Board is a resource for anyone. Simply fill out the form below and you’ll automatically be added to the Room Share Board. There, you can browse the list of others interested in room shares, and reach out directly to discuss options.
Dormitory-style housing may be available at a local college or university. Additionally, the Local Area Task Force may organize a Home Hospitality program (bed and breakfast style accommodations with local UU hosts).
More about GA Housing.
All information is subject to change.
