Did you miss this year’s annual report during Session Three of this year’s General Assembly? The good news is that you can watch the presentation on YouTube at this link (YouTube, approximately 14 minutes).
Members of the executive team – UUA President Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt, Executive Vice President Carey McDonald, Vice President for Communications & Development Rev. Nancy McDonald Ladd, Vice President for Finance & Investments Dave Valentine, and Vice President for Programs & Ministry Rev. Ashley Horan – offered a concise summary of the work of the UUA over the past year, and the results that the Association has delivered.
“Your UUA is showing up powerfully for your values in the public square and in the courts, as your voice at the national level to counter this authoritarian regime. That work has become deeper and broader, and led to powerful coalition relationships that make us stronger,” said Carey McDonald, in recounting the ways that the Association has pushed back against increasing authoritarianism.
Shared Values and Financial Sustainability
Rev. Nancy McDonald Ladd highlighted the ways that the Association has used its voice to communicate UU values. “We must continue to show up boldly in our UU identity, clearly proclaiming Unitarian Universalism as a vital and historic religious tradition in this country, especially as we seek to counter the deadly and ever-encroaching narratives of Christian nationalism,” she said.
Dave Valentine emphasized the Association’s transition towards sustainable business practices. “We are moving toward financial practices that are more industry standard, supported by technology, timely, and more transparent… The journey toward sustainability is real, and so is the community making it together. We invite you — congregations, leaders, and members — into ongoing partnership with us, to help build the path forward,” he said.
Meeting the Moment
Of the Meet the Moment framework she is spearheading, Rev. Ashley Horan said, “You are sharing stories of compelling, innovative, courageous work with us that showcases what it looks like for UU congregations and communities to show up nimbly and skillfully, embodying the best of what our faith can be – even and especially in the midst of unprecedented challenges… [the UUA is] making exciting, critical investments in lifespan faith formation, justice organizing, leadership development, congregational resourcing, and many of the UUA’s cornerstone systems and services to meet the emerging needs of these times so that we can hold the heart of the faith with you.”
Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt expressed gratitude to all who have served this year, thanking “every UU who has given of their faithful commitment in these complex times. Your service matters and we are so grateful.”
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