Fourth in a series of posts following the UUA Board meeting April 17-20.
I describe General Assembly (GA) as part revival meeting, part convention, and part tradeshow. Originally meant to be where the business of the UUA was conducted, it also provides a wealth of workshops, information tables, and every sort of book, jewelry, music, and information booth of interest to UUs or that you can stick a chalice on. For people wondering how to feel part of "something much larger", a trip to GA will usually do it.
First of all, there is the experience of being among thousands of people who actually have similar value systems to yours. There is a comraderie in the lunch lines, workshops, and plenaries that will start conversations easily, and have you meeting people all over the country. Our president, Rev. Bill Sinkford, is always inspiring and amazing, and watching Gini Courter run a plenary is worth coming for by itself. You will find more things to think about, books to read, and ideas to take back than you thought possible.
But what if you can't fly or drive to Ft. Lauderdale? Start making plans now to attend the one next summer in Salt Lake City. This was be our presidential election, with two extraordinary candidates, Rev. Laurel Hallman and Rev. Peter Morales.
But you don't have to lose out on everything in Ft. Lauderdale. Most of the major events will be via streaming video - you can find out when they are by checking out the GA home page, and either watch in the privacy of your home on your computer, or better yet, set up a projector and screen at your congregation and invite others to join you and discuss what you saw afterwards. Maybe not as good as "being there" but a great way to catch the spirit.
Next post: Fellowship culture
2 comments:
No, I'm not going to Fort Lauderdale. My post is to thank you for blogging about your experience as a trustee. This is a great window for folks like me who don't have time to wade through all the material that the UUA posts about the board and what's going on in the association, but to hear about what rises to the top for you. Thank you for your service to our district and to the association.
Karen Eng
Oakland
Nor me, but I may combine one day at GA in Salt Lake with a trip to Bryce/Zion. Last year it was a combined day stopover in Portland while on the way up to a kayaking trip in the San Juan Islands.
As committed a UU as I am, I still find that I naturally allocate my precious vacation time towards outdoor passions. Perhaps one day, when I'm in vacation surplus (that is, retired), I may be a GA regular.
I second the thanks for this personal view of UUA workings. I deeply appreciate the leveraging of blogs and vlogs for improved communication.
Paul
Berkeley, CA
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