After November, and Always

by Laurie Coltri, for the Board of Trustees

The UUCC Board of Trustees has the responsibility to set visionary goals for how the congregation should fulfill our mission and live our values.  (The Executive Team and volunteers are responsible for deciding how to implement the goals.)

In the immediate aftermath of the November national election, the Board turned its attention to how it could fulfill its visionary responsibilities in a changed landscape – or, maybe more accurately, a landscape clarified, and more unfortunate than some of us expected.  In a discernment circle, we took turns articulating how the board might fulfill its role after this revelation.  We asked the question “How can we best lead as a Board in response to the challenges created or exacerbated by our national election results?” and each board member had an opportunity to give two responses.

The results of the circle are listed at the end of this post.  The visionary responses fell into four basic categories:

• The time is NOW to make sure we are clear about our mission and values, and are acting on them rather than just talking about them.
• We have unique resources which could be leveraged for justice-making. (Rev. Lisa, being new to the area, was especially perceptive in recognizing special things we have.)
• We need to get out of our isolation, partner with others, and not reinvent the wheel – others have been working on these justice issues for a long time, and mostly just need support. It’s important both to act with humility and to not waste energy.
• We need to also not forget that we are also a congregation that cares for each other, and that our mission is also to grow, thrive, and care for one another.

We think that the national election aftermath mandates that we – UUCC – intensify our focus on End 6 (engaging and connecting with those outside of our congregation) and End 7 (engaging in intersectional justice work as a faith practice, led by and in relationship with those who are most affected).  As individuals, as small groups, as an institution, and in a movement with others, the time is NOW to get active.  If the opportunity to help affords itself, please say yes if you are able.

And a personal note from me, the board President: let’s serve justice with a generous side of joy.  Forces against justice want us to give up in despair.  The ultimate act of sedition is to find joy in all the unexpected places.  When you hold fast against injustice, sing.  When you march, literally or metaphorically, for a better world, dance.  And be grateful that each of us is not in it alone.

Don’t Hesitate
by Mary Oliver

If you suddenly and unexpectedly feel joy,
don’t hesitate. Give in to it. There are plenty
of lives and whole towns destroyed or about
to be. We are not wise, and not very often
kind. And much can never be redeemed.
Still, life has some possibility left. Perhaps this
is its way of fighting back, that sometimes
something happens better than all the riches
or power in the world. It could be anything,
but very likely you notice it in the instant
when love begins. Anyway, that’s often the
case. Anyway, whatever it is, don’t be afraid
of its plenty. Joy is not made to be a crumb.

Board’s November 2024 discernment circle responses

• Identity and overall purpose – the congregation should be very clear on its identity and values, and to act in accordance with its mission and values, rather than get bogged down in talking:
  • We are running out of time to be wishy washy. We need to get super clear about who we are and start building/acting RIGHT NOW.
  • Be who we say we are.
  • Too much talking in UUism.
  • Getting Super Clear, transparent and explicit in our opposition to the likely onslaught of discrimination, etc.
• Resources unique to UUCC for taking action
  • We have an opportunity, as a safe(r) state, to leverage the access we have – and the protection we have (even if it is temporarily)
  • Proximity to DC is an opportunity for action. The first day I felt hope was on Jan 21 when folks gathered on the mall to protest.
  • OBIC is a unique asset (for example, for hosting meetings)
• Outreach and partnership
  • Bringing in groups that are already actively in The Fight in various arenas and take action. Those groups need help. Partnering instead of making up our own stuff.
  • Uniquely positioned as an already existing community to continue the work to strengthen the bonds that exist among us and continue to broaden our community. This will be critical to ensuring a safe future for all people.
  • No need for us to figure out what to do. We can model and partner with other organizations that have experience and are already doing the work.
  • Get out of our shell.
  • Ends statements – we need to be focused on end 7 and on end 6 – when we join with others, centering those who are most affected, lean into it, we can be a force of assistance.
• Self-care & renewal
  • Experiencing sharing of positive things for people to hold onto, read, say to each other – it has been helpful – and would like to see us generating things like that.
  • Making sure we have balance in covering all of the three parts of the mission.