International Engagement Resources and Opportunities

Congregational Engagement

Our online map tracks the congregations that are engaged with global Unitarian/Universalism in action. Take a look at the Internationally Engaged Congregations map - you'll be inspired by the connections being built and the initiatives moving forward. After reading what other groups have done, start planning how your congregation can get involved. We'd love to work with you! Reach out to our office at international [at] uua [dot] org if you would like to coordinate a special program or visit.

International Worship Services

Host an International Worship Service at your congregation: Hear the history of global Unitarian/Universalism, explore the present diversity of international opportunities available, find your place in this story of our global faith and learn how you can shape its future through active engagement with our global community. 

Your congregation may wish to hold a United Nations Sunday service, a service focused on the inspiring achievements of the UU Holdeen India Program, or a service that explores the depths and complexities of our global U/U faith. Please international [at] uua [dot] org (subject: International%20Worship%20Service) (contact our office) if you would like a representative from our staff to lead the service or work with you to put a worship service together.

United Nations Sunday celebrates the work of the United Nations and the Unitarian Universalist UN Office (UU-UNO). Each year, the UU-UNO encourages congregations to dedicate one service around United Nations Day on October 24th to celebrate our interdependent world community. A UN Sunday resource packet is created each year highlighting the suggested theme and providing readings, a religious education curriculum, a sample order of service, and more. 

UN Sunday Resources

Global Chalice Lighting

Each month, the International Council of Unitarians and Universalists shares words to be read during the lighting of the flaming chalice, the symbol of our Unitarian Universalist faith. Each month's words are offered by a different Unitarian or Unitarian Universalist group from around the world, and are translated into several languages, including English. Congregations around the world are encouraged to use the reading for at least one worship service in the designated month, identifying it as the Global Chalice Lighting for that month and naming the group which submitted it. Reading these words during worship is a simple and profound way of expressing your congregation's commitment to international engagement.

Monthly Chalice Lighting Words

International Blog

UUs around the world are connected through a story of bold, compassionate faith that we've been creating together for centuries. Read on our blog about international encounters, opportunities, and explorations, and how individuals, groups, and communities are creating new chapters every day in the story of our global faith.

Subscribe to the blog

Act Globally

Act Globally is a seasonal newsletter from the UUA's International Office that includes announcements and news for engaging with global Unitarian/Universalism in action.

Subscribe to Act Globally

International Justice & Action

Engage with our global U/U faith through justice work. Unitarian Universalists around the world are active in campaigning for human rights, working for peace, and protecting our planet - consider how you can get involved. Find resources to connect with Unitarian Universalist global justice programs and organizations that have opportunities for you to take action and make a difference.

Act for Global Justice

Engagement with the United Nations

• Congregations can appoint an Envoy or multigenerational Envoy Team to serve as a link between the congregation and United Nations initiatives for human rights, peace, and climate justice. Learn about the UU-UNO Envoy Program.
• Attend the UU-UNO's annual Intergenerational Spring Seminar in April to learn about an issue of global concern and how individuals, congregations, and communities can make a difference. Youth and adults are invited to join the leadership team to make the Seminar an inclusive community and a profound and meaningful experience for all. Learn about the Intergenerational Spring Seminar.

Beyond the UN Sunday, Envoy, and Seminar programs, there are lots more ways to be involved with the UU-UNO.

Engagement with the Holdeen India Program

The Holdeen India Program provides aid for humanitarian service ventures and social enterprises that seek to advance prosperity for all of India's people. 

• Incorporate stories from HIP partners into your worship and Religious Education programs.
• Screen the Holdeen India Program film at your congregation.

Learn more about the Unitarian Universalist Holdeen India Program.