As Unitarian Universalists recently affirmed seven Shared Values that define our faith, this series explores each one, using a podcast episode from a diverse list of pods as the "text" to generate thought, discussion, and learning together. In October, we began with a covenanting session and discussed how we care for one another.

Next up in March, we will delve into the shared value of Equity: We declare that every person is inherently worthy and has the right to flourish with dignity, love, and compassion. We will base our exploratory discussion on an episode of the Maintenance Phase podcast called “Glorifying Obesity” and Other Myths About Fat People (Transcript). Content note: co-hosts Aubrey Gordon and Michael Hobbes use profanity in the episode.

What is your understanding of fat liberation? Where might opportunities for fat thriving to exist in our UU spaces? How might all of us work toward fat liberation together as a faith?

Join us as we learn and co-create a more liberatory future together!

We gather on Wednesday, March 12 from 7:00 to 8:00pm ET. We will open the Zoom room at 6:00pm and stream the episode during an optional pre-gathering listening session. Come prepared to listen and share ideas in our learning community!

Sign up now to receive the Zoom link for this gathering and further information about our gatherings taking place on the second Wednesdays of the month through May 2025. More information is available on our website.

Let's connect on Wednesday, March 26 from 12:00 to 1:00pm ET! Join your peers to share ideas, questions, concerns, and support.

This gathering is open to all New England Region congregational administrators.

The Zoom link will be sent to all congregational administrators. To ensure receipt, please check that all information for your congregation on my.uua.org is current and correct. Latecomers and early departures are welcome.

We look forward to gathering with you!

Let's connect on Wednesday, April 16 from 7:00 to 8:30pm ET! Join with your peers to share ideas, strategies, questions, concerns, and to receive and offer support.

This gathering is open to current New England Region Board members and those who will be on the Board within the next several months.

The Zoom link and our pre-gathering survey will be sent to all Board members. To ensure receipt, please check that all information on my.uua.org for your congregation is current and correct. Latecomers and early departures are welcome.

We look forward to gathering with you!

Every year First UU Society of Syracuse, hosts a keynote presentation given by a transgender/gender nonconforming person, offers workshops from and for the trans community only, as well as additional workshops for cisgender people who are ready to learn more about how to be an ally. They create a space and time where transgender people, allies, advocates, and accomplices can bravely (and with more safety than usual) explore, learn and grow, bear witness, and be witnessed. We are really excited about this year’s keynote: Spencer Bergstedt, a trans man, a lawyer, a trans activist, a parent. You can find him on his Trans Dad channel on Instagram. UUA staff are offering tech support and registration assistance for this event.

This event is happening on Saturday, April 26. You can register to attend this event online. You can watch it together at your congregation! If you’d like to have a watch party or engage as a congregation please reach out to your regional staff.

We encourage you to share the link to register to participate online with your congregation. However, please do not share the link to register in public such as on your website or Facebook page. In these times we would like to make it more difficult for trolls to learn about and access the space to keep it safer. 

Are you or someone you know a lay leader in Unitarian Universalism who will be entering the first year of seminary in 2025, or is undertaking undergraduate work to prepare for seminary?  Thomas Scholars qualify for this award by demonstrating their outstanding commitment to Unitarian Universalism as lay leaders.

For more information and to apply for this and other ministerial scholarships available from the UUA please visit our website. Applications must be submitted no later than Tuesday, April 15.

Bennett Award for Congregational Action on Human Justice and Social Action:

Submissions must be received by Friday, April 25.

Submit a nomination.

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Skinner Sermon Award:

Submissions must be received by Friday, April 25.

Submit a nomination.

Wondering if this is the year to bring youth to General Assembly in Baltimore? Make sure to sign up for the Lifespan Faith Engagement Newsletter to receive the latest updates on the GA Youth Community. View and share the most recent announcements now about available programming, leadership opportunities, financial support, and youth supervision requirements. 

Join LFE for an info session on Friday, March 7 from 3:00 to 4:00pm ET that will provide further details. Religious Education Professionals are encouraged to email any questions about making GA an enriching experience for youth.

Please share the following with the BIPOC youth and emerging adults in your orbit!

Now on Thursdays at 8:00pm ET BIPOC Youth and Emerging Adults (ages 14-24) virtual drop-ins! Drop in, stay for a while, leave when you are ready. This is a casual opportunity to meet other UU BIPOC youth and emerging adults. The time is lightly facilitated by two BIPOC adults with an opening, check-in question, and closing, but the space exists to be shaped by those who show up. Join us in BIPOC UU community to lean on each other and connect. 

Register to receive the Zoom link. Parent/guardian permission required via the registration form for attendees under age 18.

Note that this is a closed space for UUs who identify as Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Color and are between ages 14 and 24. We will consider expanding up to age 35 if there is interest – let us know!

If you are unsure whether this is a space for you, email Nico Van Ostrand for a chat.