Be an Emissary

Emissary - a person on a special mission.  I would say this was the theme of the day.  Here's the breakdown...

Workshop #1 #UUsGetSocial Digging Into Facebook, Twitter and Video-Making and Sharing
Why, oh why didn't someone from communications attend this GA?!?!  That is what went through my mind as I sat through this wonderful workshop.  In short, three experts provided many concrete suggestions on how to effectively utilize Facebook, Twitter and Video Sharing sites.  This workshop was so packed with ideas, I don't even think I can effectively communicate them all on this blog.  So, hopefully I can connect with the communications committee when I return.  However, for all you other folks out there, there was one suggestion that stuck out - be a missionary (or, as some people are calling it - give witness).  Share your faith by sharing, and re-tweeting UU posts.  Check in to First Church whenever you are there.  Or, create some UU content of your own - a 1 minute video on how your faith feeds you; a post about how the latest news story reflects one of our UU values; do something nice for others, just because.

FYI, youth (or parents of youth), this workshop sparked an idea for a curriculum this fall.  I hope to vet the idea with Sharon, Katie and you before it is decided upon, but I just wanted you to know, interesting things are on the horizon!

Workshop #2 Beyond Ramps and Restrooms: Inclusion through Technology
The very last workshop of GA, and it was the workshop I was presenting.  Suzanne Fast, EqUUal Access Board Chair, Mark Bernstein, UUA liaison to EqUUal Access, and I each presented on a specific function of congregational life (Worship; Meetings/Gatherings/Small Group Ministry; and RE) and how we might improve access for people with disabilities through the use of technology.  If you are interested in what we shared, you can access all of our content by visiting my other blog Beyond Ramps and Restrooms.

In addition to sharing how technology could be used to make our congregations more accessible, we also demonstrated how technology could be used to fight for equal rights for people with disabilities.  In the middle of our workshop, we asked people to be part of our 'flash mob,' and to call their senators and tell them they support the Convention on Rights of People with Disabilities (CRPD).  Here is Bill Schulz, president of UUSC about CRPD.

The U.S. Senate is expected to vote soon on the international human rights treaty known as the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). If ratified, this treaty would protect the rights of all people living with disabilities, in the United States and around the world. 

Progressive people of faith and other activists throughout the country are calling their U.S. senators and asking them to vote in support of this treaty. UUSC, the Unitarian Universalist Association, and EqUUal Access are all reaching out to supporters right now, so that together we can be a strong voice for the rights of persons with disabilities. Our goal is to generate 500 calls in the next three days in support of CRPD. Please participate — call your U.S. senators today!

Here is what Bill Schulz did not tell you - CRPD was modeled after the United States own American's with Disabilities Act (ADA).  In 2012, the US had the opportunity to ratify the treaty, but it was voted down by 5 VOTES!  Now, there is the possibility that the CRPD will be brought to the senate floor this July - but it will not be brought to the floor unless they can guarantee it will pass.  So, call your senator now, and let them know that you support the CRPD and they should too.  Here is how to call...

1. Call the U.S. Senate to voice your support for the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Dial 855-782-5763 (toll-free) to be connected to the office of one of your U.S. senators.

2. When a staff member from your senator’s office answers the phone, please say the following:

“Hi, I’m [name], and I live in [home state]. I support swift U.S. ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. We urgently need the protections for people living with disabilities to be supported and extended throughout the world. Please vote to support this treaty.” 

3. That's all you need to say! If you would like additional information, it is available at uusc.org/crpd.

We are asking you to make telephone calls if possible (rather than send e-mails) because we believe that phone calls from constituents to their senators will make the greatest impact at this crucial moment.  [sic]

There is strong support for this treaty because it aligns with respect for the inherent worth and dignity of every person. This treaty is modeled on the Americans with Disabilities Act. It would bring greater legal protections to persons living with disabilities, including children, people who lack access to safe drinking water and sanitation, and others whose rights are currently being denied.

 Ware Lecture
Moving on, I attended the ware Lecture this evening (i.e. The Key Note speaker of GA).  This year, Sister Simone Campbell (The Nun on the Bus) delivered the Ware Lecture.  She shared poignant stories from her life and the lives of people she encountered.  She spoke about deep listening, though she didn't call it that.  She had some great one liners and since I cannot share her entire speech with you here, I will share her best quotes.

When you walk towards trouble there you find hope.

When you approach situations with doubt, not certitude, you are practicing faith.

Reality is more important than theory.

When you tell the story, you spread hope. (This was in response to a story that came straight from Cincinnati of a woman, Margaret Kisler, who died because she did not have health insurance).

 Unless I am open to the god [in others], I am in conflict with the god in me.

It is an unpatriotic lie that we are [a nation] based on individualism. 

In community, it all gets covered.

As you may have guessed, her end point was that we must be open to others (even our 'foes') and learn to live as one, or else, we build our own downfall.

Worship Witness, Water Fire
Finally, the day ended with GA's worship witness event - Water Fire.  I confess, I did not go to the opening worship, nor did I stay very long, but it was still a rather moving event.  Thousands of us (UU's and Non-UU's alike) gathered around the central basin.  We sang and watched as the fires in water were lit.  UU scavenger hunts were handed out to thousands of participants, and from it (as well as the map) it appeared as if there were several 'UU Centers' set up around the event.  Including but not limited to...

• A UU Stage for UU Bands
• A Love Tent
• A UUA Tent
• A Sidewalk Chalk Tent

Of course, we UU's were, then, called upon to 'give witness' and to 'reach out in love.'  I suspect the UU congregations in Rhode Island were be a bit more crowded this summer.

UU's at GA witnessed at Water Fire this year, where they light wood pile torches on
the river.  Thousands of Non-UU's and UU's showed up for the event.

Emissary, Missionary, Giving Witness and Reaching Out in Love, this is Meredith Plummer.  Good night First Church!