Building a New Way Globally at General Assembly 2015

By UUA International Resources

[gallery type="rectangular" ids="7625,7616,7627,7622,7618,7619,7617,7624"] The 54th anniversary of the UUA’s General Assembly was a rich and interconnected hub of activity on the international front as we hosted guests representing over eight nationalities. Additionally, numerous events, workshops, and celebrations with an international focus lent an especially diverse atmosphere to this year's annual U/U gathering, garnering visibility and praise for our attending partners, and the organizations they represent, in global Unitarian/Universalism.

Introduction of the Coalition of International U/U Organizations & International Guests

https://youtu.be/4Au8EInJYSc?t=2h36m7s The Global Unitarian, Universalist, and Unitarian Universalist (U/U) Story has a rich past, present, and future. Representatives from our international partners shared wonderful news about our global faith. View the presentation in full above and/or read the transcript. Attending International Partners Rev. David Gyero Hungarian Unitarian Church - Transylvania Lara Fuchs UUs of Basel & UUs of Geneva - Switzerland Rev. Roux Malan Unitarian Church of Cape Town - South Africa Rev. Petr Samojsky Religious Society of Czech Unitarians - Czech Republic Vyda Ng Canadian Unitarian Council Arman Pedro UU Church of the Philippines Tetsuya Higuchi Rissho Kosei-kai - Japan Rev. Jorge Espinel Iglesia de la Gran Comunidad - Colombia

Engaging the Global U/U Story Reception

https://vimeo.com/133374637

Workshops

Find yourself in the Global U/U Story! There is a variety of internationally themed workshops, worship services, and events taking place in Portland at this year’s General Assembly! Stop by Booths #516-519 in the exhibit hall to connect with the Coalition of International UU Organizations and post stories of global connection on our sharing wall!

WEDNESDAY JUNE 24

5:45P–7:30P EVENT: UUGAC GA WELCOME CELEBRATION LOCATION: ZIMBABWE ARTISTS PROJECT | TICKETS: $5 DONATION – EMAIL ANNE PICKAR

The UU Global AIDS Coalition, in partnership with the Africa Connections group at First Unitarian Portland, is putting on an informal introductory event to let international organizations and local volunteers meet and get to know each other. This is especially planned for people new to GA – we hope it will be a way for them to meet people from the other international organizations.Sign up at the UUGAC table or RSVP via email by 6/10 with names and headcount.

9:30P–11:59P EVENT: ICUU GLOBAL UU COMMUNITY PARTY LOCATION: HOLOCENE | TICKETS: $35 BOOK ONLINE

International Council of Unitarians & Universalists (ICUU) requests the pleasure of your company to meet companions of liberal faith from Colombia, Czech Republic, Philippines, Switzerland, Transylvania, United Kingdom and elsewhere following the GA Opening Ceremony! Celebrate ICUU’s 20th birthday with cake and hear about work done internationally by the ICUU and its member groups, including the UUA. Learn how you can be part of this global collaboration; Enjoy music from a local marimba band, followed by dancing; Mingle, eat, drink and share the joy of the wideness and reach of Unitarian Universalism!

THURSDAY JUNE 25

10:45A–12:00P  WORKSHOP: KUJENGA MADARAGA: BRIDGING CULTURES THROUGH INT’L UU COALITION LOCATION: D137-138

A new form of international engagement for congregations and beyond, ICUU coalitions are multi-national, multi-lateral and truly multi-cultural. Existing coalitions supporting the development and sustainability of African U-U groups are open to more partners, and new coalitions are needed for South American and European groups. Your congregation can join in. Speakers Rev. Steve Dick Rev. Fulgence Ndagijimana Rev. Jill McAllister Rev. Michael Leuchtenberger

2:30P–3:00P  EVENT: UU-UNITED NATIONS OFFICE: UNITARIAN UNIVERSALISM IN ACTION AT THE UNITED NATIONS LOCATION: UUA EXPRESSWAY

Join the UU-UNO staff at the UUA Expressway Gathering Place to hear more about Unitarian Universalism in action at the United Nations.

3:30P–4:00P  EVENT: UUA INTERNATIONAL: MEET UU LEADERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD LOCATION: UUA EXPRESSWAY

Join the UUA International staff and connect with UU leaders from around the world!

FRIDAY JUNE 26

10:30A–11:00A EVENT: INTRODUCTION OF INTERNATIONAL GUESTS & INT’L UU ORGANIZATIONS LOCATION: OCC PLENARY HALL

Join us as we extend a warm welcome to all of our international guests and hear an update on the work of the Coalition of International UU Organizations!

12:00P-1:30P EVENT: UU PARTNER CHURCH COUNCIL (UUPCC) ANNUAL MEETING & LUNCHEON LOCATION: DOUBLETREE – OREGON ROOM | TICKETS: $35 PURCHASE NOW

All UUPCC members are invited to attend the UUPCC Annual Meeting and Lunch. You are encouraged to purchase your lunch ticket in advance. Remaining tickets will be sold during GA at the international booth in the exhibit hall through Thursday, June 25. There is no ticket required to attend the Annual Meeting if you are not coming for lunch. Lunch starts at noon. The annual meeting starts at 12:30.

1:15P-2:30P WORKSHOP: CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS ON HUMAN RIGHTS: INT’L SUCCESS STORIES LOCATION: OCC BALLROOM 203

Are answers to climate issues found only at the highest levels, or can vulnerable, poor communities help themselves? Hear from an Oregon UU climate scientist and from international guests who will describe how communities in their lands have successfully fought climate change or adapted to it. Learn Pairwise Ranking, a proven tool for priority setting in community work. Speakers Dr. Charles Miller Derek Mitchell Dr. Zsofia Sztranyiczki Raymond Firmalino

3:00P–4:15P WORKSHOP: UN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS: HUMAN RIGHTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE LOCATION: E145-146

We will look at Climate Change through a human rights perspective. We will discuss how we are all entitled to sustainable development. We will also discuss how the consequences of climate change will impact in disproportionate ways upon those who are least responsible for climate change and the least able to cope with the consequences and our shared responsibility. Speakers Rev. Peggy Clarke Rev. Kathleen McTigue Dr. Jan Dash Bruce Knotts

3:00P–4:15P WORSHIP: LIVING BRIDGES FOR WORLDWIDE RELIGIOUS COMMUNITY LOCATION: C123-124

Living bridges are built from Indian rubber tree roots, with loving care, over generations, by those in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills of India. Join in worship together with Unitarians and UUs from around the world, to strengthen the bridges that connect us as a worldwide religious community. Speakers Rev. Diane Rollert Rev. Gary Smith Rev. Dávid Gyerö

4:45P–6:00P WORKSHOP: FINDING OURSELVES IN THE GLOBAL UU STORY LOCATION: D139-140

Many congregations understand their story as a very local one – but a wider vision is possible. The global U/U story spans centuries, taking place within dozens of nations. While inspiring leaders from the past continue to be guides, it’s the dawning future of the story that calls for deeper engagement. Join global U/U leaders as we explore stories of our larger faith. Unlock the Global UU Story badge in the GA app by attending this workshop! Speakers Arman Pedro Rev. Petr Samojsky Rev. Dr. Terasa Cooley Rev. Eric Cherry

6:00P–7:30P RECEPTION: ENGAGING THE GLOBAL UU STORY LOCATION: DOUBLETREE – OREGON ROOM | RSVP BY JUNE 15

Join us for an evening of celebration during General Assembly hosted by the UUA International Office, the UU United Nations Office and the UU Holdeen India Program. The Global U/U Story spans centuries and continents. Its chapters have been, and will be, shaped by the lives and ministries of faithful people from around the world. Join us for an evening that celebrates chapters of the story from the past, present and future. The Program
  • Welcome and introduction of U/U and interfaith leaders from around the world.
  • An excerpt from the Rev. Colin Bossen’s sermon “This Land is Your Land?” winner of the UU UNO’s 2015 Dana Greeley Sermon Award.
  • Recognition of the 2015 UU UNO Blue Ribbon Congregation Awards.
  • A presentation of Justicemaking work in India.
  • A preview of the film Righteous Among Us: The Journey of Waitstill and Martha Sharp.
The film tells the story of Waitstill Sharp, a Unitarian minister, and Martha Sharp, a trained social worker who in February 1939 boldly commit to a lifethreatening mission in Europe to assist refugees. It is narrated by Oscar- winning actor Tom Hanks. The Rev. Petr Samojsky, Minister of the Prague Unitarian Church and the film’s director, Artemis Joukowsky will join us during the reception to share a few words about the Sharps and the important role they played in shaping the Global U/U Story. There will be a cash bar, and light refreshments will be provided. Unlock the Global UU Story badge in the GA app by checking in at this event!

SATURDAY JUNE 27

7:00A–8:30A EVENT: INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S CONVOCATION ANNUAL BREAKFAST & MEETING LOCATION: DOUBLETREE – OREGON ROOM | TICKETS: $35 PURCHASE NOW

Keynote speakers Dr. Christine Nielsen and Arman Pedro will be sharing with us exciting details and the impact of Philippine livelihood projects initiated by NEW Pathways to Enterprise in partnership with organizations. We look forward to seeing you there as we continue to grow and work together, dedicated to enriching the lives of our sisters, women or girls, around the globe.

10:30A–11:30A EVENT: LATINO MINISTRIES GATHERING LOCATION: DOUBLETREE – MORRISON ROOM | RSVP

El ministerio Latino (Latino ministry), DRUUM (Diverse and Revolutionary Unitarian and Universalists Ministries) and Meadville Lombard Theological School invite you to a gathering of the Latino community at this year’s General Assembly in Portland. This is a great opportunity to connect and engage with people and initiatives working to strengthen the Unitarian Universalist Latino ministries in the United States and around the world.

11:00A–1:00P EVENT: UU-UNO ENVOY LUNCHEON LOCATION: DOUBLETREE – ROOSEVELT ROOM | $25 PURCHASE NOW

Join fellow Envoys and prospective Envoys at GA for a lunch with the UU-UNO’s Envoy Coordinator, Allison Hess. At this lunch, we will get to know each other and share some Envoy tips and tricks!

Lunch will be provided, buffet-style, from the DoubleTree’s Multnomah Grille.

1:15P–2:30P WORKSHOP: A BETTER WAY TO VOLUNTEER FOR JUSTICE LOCATION: OCC BALLROOM 255

Want to connect your UU passion for justice to the most urgent projects in your community and around the world? Learn about opportunities to match your skills with opportunities to become a UUSC volunteer, organize Commit2Respond activities, work as a UU College of Social Justice program leader or serve your congregation in new ways. Speakers Rev. Brock Leach Rev. Kathleen McTigue Pamela Sparr

3:00P–3:30P  EVENT: CROSSING BORDERS FOR JUSTICE IN INDIA LOCATION: UUA EXPRESSWAY

Meet with staff and learn more about the UU Holdeen India Program!

3:00P–4:15P WORKSHOP: COMMIT2RESPOND: ADVANCE THE RIGHTS OF CLIMATE-AFFECTED COMMUNITIES LOCATION: E141-142

Climate change affects our ability to live and thrive in a myriad of obvious and subtle ways. People living in poverty and in vulnerable and ecologically fragile areas are bearing the brunt of these negative effects. Learn how to address the key threats climate change poses to basic human rights in the US and around the world in this lively, interactive workshop. Speakers Pamela Sparr Kamila Jacob

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