The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee advances human rights through grassroots collaborations.

UUSC at General Assembly 2016

May 12, 2016

General Assembly (GA) is a special opportunity for Unitarian Universalists to join together in advancing human rights. UUSC and the UU College of Social Justice (UUCSJ) have planned exciting workshops and events in Columbus, Ohio. Many events, but not all, are being held at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, 400 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215.

SCHEDULE

Download a printable PDF flyer of our workshop and booth schedule, including booth meet and greet times!

WEDNESDAY

UUSC Booths Open

Come visit The Good Buy and UUSC Action Center booths during exhibit hall hours throughout GA. The Good Buy, UUSC’s online store for conscious consumers, will offer a wide selection of ethically sourced goods.

Exhibit Hall hours:

Wednesday, June 22, 12:00–7:00 p.m.
Thursday, June 23, 10:00 a.m.–4:45 p.m.
Friday, June 24, 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
Saturday, June 25, 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 26, 12:00–3:30 p.m.

Boycott Wendy’s Rally

The Rally will be from 1-2 pm in front of Wendy’s; General Assembly attendees will meet in front of the Convention Center at 12:30 for rides (Entrance C on High St, across from the Hilton). Wheelchair accessible transportation and return rides are available – RSVP NOW to reserve a seat on the bus or request wheelchair-accessible transit. Public parking located at St Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 30 West Woodruff Avenue (2 blocks from the Wendy’s). Wendy’s is the last major fast food chain refusing to sign onto the Coalition of Immokalee Worker’s Fair Food Program, which improves wages and working conditions for farmworkers. Find out more about the Boycott Wendy’s movement!

THURSDAY

Hands & Hearts: Interfaith Collaboration to Support Syrian Refugees
Thursday, June 23, 1:15 –2:30 p.m.
Convention Center – Battelle Grand B

This workshop will introduce UUSC’s partners who are working to address the needs of refugees fleeing violence and oppression in the Middle East. It will also cover service and advocacy opportunities, focusing on what we can do to create a more welcoming environment before refugees arrive, by addressing anti-Muslim bigotry.

Catherine Orsborn, Shoulder to Shoulder
Rev. Abhi Janamanchi, Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church
Pamela Sparr, UUSC

FRIDAY

General Session
Friday, June 24, 9:00 –9:10 a.m.

UUSC President Bill Schulz will introduce Tom Andrews as UUSC’s new President and CEO.

Organizing Our Congregations More Effectively for Social Justice
Friday, June 24, 1:15 –2:30 p.m.
Hyatt – Delaware AB

Many congregations have either recently restructured the way they organize themselves to be more effective in their social justice ministries or are currently in the process of doing so. Learn about trends and what’s working for UU communities of various sizes and types – including ways to organize for social justice in a non-church setting.

Rev. Alan Taylor, Unity Temple
Rev. Alison Miller, Morristown Unitarian Fellowship and UU Legislative Ministry of New Jersey
Rev. Nathan Hollister, Sacred Fire Unitarian Universalist
Pamela Sparr, UUSC

Black Lives Matter Outside Our Borders
Co-sponsored by UU United Nations Office and UUSC
Friday, June 24, 3:00–4:15 p.m.
Convention Center – Battelle Grand A

This program will address institutionalized inequalities and discrimination faced by individuals around the world, emphasizing racism against people of African descent. Participants will gain a greater understanding of economic inequalities, and will also explore ways in which people of faith can work together to address inequality, discrimination, and racism.

Bruce Knotts, UU-UNO
Dr. Janice Marie Johnson, UUA
Robert Hawkins, NYU School of Social Work
Amber Moulton, UUSC

Beyond the Border: Local Actions on Immigrant Rights
Friday 6/24/2016, 4:45 – 6:00 p.m.
Hyatt – Union E

The UU College of Social Justice and Standing on the Side of Love bring groups to the U.S./Mexico Border to witness the crisis facing migrants and refugees when they arrive. Hear about the actions these participants have taken, and learn skills to mobilize your congregation, from supporting immigrant-led organizing like #Not1More to stopping new anti-immigrant policies.

B Loewe, #Not1More and Mijente

SATURDAY

Bridges Not Barricades: Faith in a Time of Fear
Saturday, June 25, 3:00 – 4:15 p.m.
Convention Center – E170-172

In a time when fear and the rhetoric of exclusion are on the rise, interfaith partnership is essential. Our theological diversity and commitment to tolerance position us well for these alliances, yet we are often unprepared to join in interfaith worship, prayer, or even conversation with people of different religions. How can we reclaim the vocabulary of our faith and take our place at the interfaith table?

Rev. Kathleen McTigue, UUCSJ

UUSC Awards Gala
Saturday, June 25, 8:30 –10:00 p.m.
The Greater Columbus Convention Center – Battelle South Ballroom South Ballroom

Come hear UUSC President Bill Schulz in conversation with human rights activist Martin Luther King III on the 50^th anniversary of his father’s Ware Lecture to the UUA General Assembly. The oldest son of MLK Jr. and Coretta Scott King, MLK III has worked tirelessly to advance their vision of a more just and equitable world. UUSC is proud to present him with its annual Eleanor Roosevelt Award for Human Rights Leadership, which has gone to such luminaries as Anita Hill, Kerry Kennedy, Barney Frank, and John Lewis.

Please take a moment now to RSVP online for the Gala. Please note that while your RSVP helps us to be prepared, it does not actually reserve a seat. There is often a crowd already gathered when the doors open, so as always, we recommend arriving early to get the best seating. There will be seating for special needs and companions clearly marked at the front of the room and along the aisles.

SUNDAY

UUSC Booths Open
Sunday, June 26, 12:00-3:30 p.m.
Last chance to visit UUSC’s the Good Buy and Action Center booths! Booths close at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday.