My First UU General Assembly
In 2010, the Unitarian Church in Summit was selected as a “breakthrough congregation” by the UUA. Several of us attended to represent the congregation in Minneapolis, where the event was held. As President of the Board of Trustees, I was one of them. It was my first General Assembly. I had resisted going to GA for years. Everyone I’d ever talked to found the whole thing exhilarating. But to me, it had all the hallmarks of an experience designed to rattle the nerves of your average introvert: lots of new ideas and issues, lots of people, many new sights and sound. So much to process in so little time! Imagine my delight when, during my first hours prowling the halls of the Minneapolis Convention Center, I found something fantastic: a meditation room! A retreat where I could take intentional breaks to digest the sensory experiences that washed over me during those four days.
Feeling liberated, I went forth happily to appreciate the GA experience. I moved in a sea of people with shared UU values and ideas about so many things. There were workshops on important topics all in one place, listed in the program book like so many delicious desserts on a menu.
Most gratifying was the experience of serving as a delegate, voting on governance issues and resolutions, shaping the path forward for the Unitarian Universalist movement.
It was all great. I have since attended 5 times in person and 3 times remotely.
I encourage all UUs to consider attending. Take a look at the 2022 General Assembly website by clicking here to find out more. 2022 will be a multi-platform event. You can attend remotely or on site, according to preference.
Registration is now open for folks who want to attend this year in person in Portland, OR, Registration for remote attendance will open in March.
Lorraine Franz