If, recognizing the interdependence of all life, we strive to build community, the strength we gather will be our salvation... If we join spirits as brothers and sisters, the pain of our aloneness will be lessened, and that does matter. — Marjorie Bowens-Wheatley

This workshop explores issues and events in the consolidation of the AUA and the UCA into a single entity, the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations. The workshop highlights important cooperative work done by the youth movements and religious educators of both denominations, which smoothed the way for the consolidation. Participants learn about some of the achievements of the young Association and its influence on the wider culture. They consider how the dual heritages of Unitarianism and Universalism have shaped our movement.

Before you lead this workshop, review the Accessibility Guidelines for Workshop Presenters in the program Introduction and prepare to accommodate anyone who may be in the group.

Goals

This workshop will:

• Tell the story of the Unitarian Universalist Association's creation
• Present stories of cooperation between Universalists and Unitarians prior to denominational consolidation
• Explore some events that have shaped the Unitarian Universalist Association and contemporary UU identity
• Consider the influence of our religious movement beyond Unitarian Universalist circles.

Learning Objectives

Participants will:

• Learn about initiatives, events, and cooperative ventures that preceded the AUA and the UCA consolidation
• Learn about the people involved in the consolidation
• Consider ways our faith movement and congregations have influenced, and might continue to influence, the broader culture and communities
• Reflect on ways the consolidation of Unitarianism and Universalism have affected their own religious paths.