When is General Assembly
This year the assembly is in Pittsburgh, PA from June 21-25.
What’s a Delegate at General Assembly?
The UUA organizes an annual event called “General Assembly” or ‘GA’ which is a gathering of congregants from UU churches, ministers, and allied groups to worship, educate, connect, and conduct the business of the UUA. Delegates participate in conducting the business of the UUA as representatives from their congregation. All the delegates represent the member congregations of the UUA.
Who are Delegates?
Delegates are members of their congregations. Each congregation decides how to select them. Delegates could be selected by: volunteering, or by a nominating group that identifies and recommends them, or the Board of Trustees appoints them. At a congregational meeting, delegates can be elected; or a Denominational Affairs Committee helps recruit, train, and orient the delegates.
How Does ESUC Select its Delegates?
The UUA tells each congregation on a proportional basis how many delegates they can send to GA. East Shore will have 7 delegates this year plus a few alternates. East Shore is using a new process this year to select delegates. The Board has asked the 8th Principle Ministry team to develop a list of possible delegates for their approval using criteria already approved by the Board. You can fill out the Delegate Nomination form for criteria at forms.gle/K5GuxAiJFpP2Mah86. Individuals can also self-nominate directly to the Board by emailing Nicole at [email protected].
Why Do People Want to be Delegates?
They have feelings about the items being voted on. They want to represent their congregation’s opinion to the gathering of member congregations. They want to participate in the process that determines the direction UUism will take on various issues.
What Do Delegates Vote On? What are This Year’s Issues?
This year’s big issues are the proposed revision to the UUA’s Bylaw Article II that has our 7 principles and 8 sources. See esuc.org for more info. Also, the referendum election of a new UUA President. There may be other items to vote on, such as a statement of witness, and they will be published closer to General Assembly for delegate review.
How Does ESUC Support Delegates?
This year the 8th Principle Ministry Team will make sure you have what you need to be a knowledgeable delegate, and individual members will be available for your questions. Experienced delegates will be a resource for you to understand the process.
What Are a Delegate’s Responsibilities?
Delegates attend GA either remotely or in person and vote on various topics. Last year, the UUA began moving away from a focus on parliamentary process to the actual issues. What it’s like to be a delegate is changing. Attending online is possible and free if you are only a delegate. Business is done during half-days and not concurrent with other activities, leaving time to attend workshops and other events the rest of the days. Delegates bring back news and information to their congregation. At East Shore, that means writing an article and/or participating in a service about what happened at GA and what your experience was like.
How Can You Become a Delegate?
Just complete the short Google form at the Delegate Nomination form found at forms.gle/K5GuxAiJFpP2Mah86. Criteria for being a delegate and submitting your name is at the link. The Board will also accept volunteers as candidate delegates from the congregation. The Board will make the final decision among the full slate, using the criteria described on the nominating form, during the April 11, 2023 Board meeting.
What Has Other Delegates’ Experience Been?
As an in-person delegate, Grace Colton found 2022 GA to be energizing and meaty. “You experience the energy of hundreds of other UUs in one room thinking about the future of our faith. There are people to talk with, including VIPs. Sessions give you the context and rationale for the issues you are voting on. You can speak to the question being voted on, or not, and amendments that have been approved in “mini-assemblies” are included in the final voting of any particular item. I found I needed to expect preparation before GA. After all, an educated voter makes better decisions. Preparation was worth it for the meaningful topics to vote on and a sense of community living into UUism!”
As an online participant, Maury Edwards says “I would love for more congregants of East Shore Unitarian Church to experience that wider world. And to consider being a delegate to ensure appropriate representation. Delegates do not have to pay to attend General Assembly’s business meetings. Delegates can attend virtually which is how I have attended for the last three General Assemblies and plan to again this coming June.”
by Grace Colton