A Message from NER Developmental Lead |
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Dear New England Congregational Leader,
I know this last week before the Presidential election is particularly stressful for many of us. I want to be sure you are aware of several resources even if you may have discovered some of these through other channels. Remember that your New England staff are here for you. Reach out, please, about anything happening locally where you could use support or you think we might want to be aware.
Personal grounding before the election:
The first one you may not yet know about is an offering from Rev. Dr. Laura Solomon with daily practices leading up to the election. She writes, “As we come to the final days before the election, I invite you to continue doing the actions you are committed to (and vote!)... and I invite you into a practice of calming, reflecting, and regulating with me... We benefit ourselves and one another when we can show up as our most grounded and regulated selves.” You are welcome to distribute this within your congregation.
Community Resilience Hub:
This video introduces this effort. If you haven’t interacted with it, please do. The video highlights the need for our congregations to be in communication with each other and for an ability to make nimble decisions. The Community Resilience Hub has many resources, including on building and Sunday morning safety.
Events after November 5th:
Please share these within your congregation so the UUA can help you support your people.
Forward Together: Anchoring in Community Post-Election
Join Side With Love, UUA Congregational Life, and UUA senior leadership for a special three-event series following the 2024 election. These virtual events are designed for congregations and individuals to replenish our spirits, learn how we, as UUs, can respond to the evolving political landscape, and connect with others in our regions. Then, join Side With Love, BLUU, and DRUUMM for a powerful gathering to nurture and replenish ourselves for the work already done and the work that lies ahead. You can keep track of updates to these events at the Community Resilience Hub. Registration is required for the following events at the links below. Please note, one registration covers the first three listed.
- Wednesday, November 6 at 8:00pm ET, After Election Day: In session one, take a moment for spiritual grounding during this critical time. Join us to explore the resources UUA has prepared to support community resilience, receive insights from Side With Love on the evolving political landscape, and connect with your Regional Life staff for localized support.
- TBD (when the election is called), Meaning Making & Immediate Action: In session two, gather with UUA President Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt, Side With Love, and UUA Regional Life staff for a time of reflection and response. Together, we’ll assess congregational needs, explore immediate action steps from Side With Love, and find pastoral care and sustenance for the journey ahead. Please check your inbox for more information as it is available.
- Tuesday, November 19 at 8:00pm ET, The Way Forward: In session three, as we transition from uncertainty to resilience, join us to hear from Side With Love field staff about the movement landscape and congregational responses. Regional Congregational Life staff will host breakout sessions for each region to discuss next steps and strengthen plans moving forward.
- Thursday, November 21 at 7:00pm ET, Tools for Tending: Post-Election Spiritual Care: Side With Love, BLUU, and DRUUMM invite you to a 2-hour gathering for spiritual care and community support. Open to all, this event will nurture our spirits through somatic practices, grounding exercises, and small group connections. With music, reflection, facilitated caucus spaces, and visioning exercises, we aim to provide a space where you feel grounded, strengthened, and held.
Please take care of yourselves and each other in this time. And remember, we are here for you as well. There are times, as a leader or staff in a congregation, that you may need someone outside the congregation to check in with so that you can be the grounded, regulated leader your congregation needs. We’re here for you. Congregational Life Staff exists to support the well-being of our congregations and the people serving them. If you don’t know your congregation’s primary contact, that information is available on our website.
In faith, |
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Unitarian Universalist Association
New England Region
24 Farnsworth Street
Boston MA 02210
United States |
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