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NEWS TO USE FOR MORE THAN JUST PERSONAL GAIN UU WOMEN & RELIGION CONTINENTAL NEWS EMERGING WINDS FOR FUTURE SAILING
We’re steadily sailing out of a highly successful UU W&R presence at this past June’s UUA General Assembly. I give thanks for a magnetic booth*, mostly run by Geri, Sue, Rosemary, Laurie and Barbara, an inspiring peace march organized for GA attendees by Sue and Geri, Barbara’s brisk sales of our new consciousness-raising course, “Unraveling the Gender Knot” and connecting with like-minded organizations such as UUWF (UU Women’s Federation), IALRW (International Assoc. of Liberal Religious Women) and the 7th. Principle Project (the only specifically oriented UU organization for saving Earth’s biosphere) by Rosemary, Barbara and Helen. In addition, are two important aspects that gave strong verve to our GA achievements, the monetary and morale building contributions of women from our grassroots Women & Religion movement and Allan Johnson’s “telling-it-like-it-is” workshop, “Privilege, Power, and Difference: From Patriarchy to Peace”. Here’s what Pat says (referring to “Unraveling the Gender Knot” course): Allan
Johnson readily saw the logic of making work for peace the action
component of his presentation at GA. Bless him - and the three
women who have developed the wonderful curriculum to help to get his
message and that of thousands of feminists out to this needy world! Here’s what Sue says: It's
absolutely true that women care about peace, have the most to lose in
its absence, have gifts for mediation, compromise, patience, and Peace
should be every woman's primary cause. It's also true that an unpeaceful woman can be a dangerous thing. We are not all, always, angels. All
the more reason... So, if I have any kind of vote or input, it is that
Peace is Primary in all of UU W&R’s themes and work. I believe balance, peace and harmony are natural urges in all of us who live on Earth. Patriarchy has distorted how we all are the same in our basic needs. (Helen) “Creating
a new model of relationship that is based upon mutuality and respect”
(as Janet puts it) is the direction UU W&R is sailing in. After UU W&R holds our annual meeting (in the hurricane-Earth-balancing environment of *
RE: Our magnetic booth: The effective, informal networking done by
those who staffed our GA booth brought several organizations “to our
doorstep” asking to partner with us in various UU projects (agenda
items for the Annual Gathering). W & R WOMEN IN THE DISTRICTS ACROSS OUR CONTINENT GIVE GREAT SUPPORT Thanks to the many women who gave monetarily and (as Sue puts it) gave strong heart support from across our continent. Here are two of the quotes (from when the UUA sent UU W&R an evaluation form to substantiate our credibility for the status of being a UUA Affiliate): Women’s activities have always been important in religious communities without respect to denominations. The women and goddess centered courses, Heritage calendars, and other women’s activities produced by UU women’s groups such as Women & Religion provide alternative worship formats, women centered education and the warmth of community which bring women into our congregations and/or keep them connected and active as members. Accotink UU Church has done the Cakes for the Queen of Heaven curriculum which generated a women’s spirituality group and transformed over the years into an earth-based spirituality celebration group (with children and men participating). We have also done Rise Up and Call Her Name and look forward to doing Unraveling the Gender Knot. These curricula would not be available without the dedication and focus of UU Women & Religion. We also have benefited from ideas and community in workshops offered by UU Women & Religion at General Assembly and in the Joseph Priestly District. The UU Women and Religion Committee in JPD sponsors an annual gathering of women on a spring weekend which connects us to each other and gives us an opportunity to learn and expand our spirituality. Because we have opportunities to grow through UU Women & Religion, we strengthen our congregations by providing ceremonies, Sunday services, summer services and Adult Ed classes, and offering expanded views for our Lifespan education program. I joined my current UU church because of the Religious Education program, but I am drawn to participate, in large part, because of women’s programs such as those offered thru UU Women & Religion. Marsha White Member, Accotink UU Church We also strengthen UU congregations with our women’s spirituality events and consciousness-raising as it helps make a place where women who are seeking the goddess connection can be comfortable. The connections I made at "Cakes" really integrated me into our congregation , turning me from a sometimes attendee into an active participant in congregation life. Nuala Besides heart, it took money to do what we in the Core Group planned for GA. That kind of grassroots generosity came through for us, too. In fact, we went $100. over our goal of $2300. Most contributions were $25. I hope each of you has received a personal thank you by now. We of the UU W&R Core Group (the board of trustees), wholeheartedly, thank you for all your support! A special thanks goes to our treasurer, Geri Kennedy, also. She’s obtaining UU W&R’s tax-exempt status for when tax collection time arrives. ELECTIONS – ELECTIONS – ELECTIONS AND CEDAW RATIFICATION To achieve Here’re the Senate Terms Expiring in 2004:
DEMOCRATS REPUBLICANS Evan Bayh of IN Robert Bennett of UT Barbara Boxer of CA Christopher Bond of MO John Breaux (retiring) of LA Sam Brownback of KS Thomas Daschle of SD Jim Bunning of KY Christopher Dodd of CT Ben Nighthorse Campbell (retiring) of CO Byron Dorgan of ND Mike Crapo of ID John Edwards (retiring) of NC Peter Fitzgerald (retiring) of Russell Feingold of WI Chuck Grassley of IA Bob Graham (retiring) of FL Judd Gregg of NH Ernest Hollings (retiring) of SC John McCain of AZ Daniel Inouye of HI Lisa Murkowski of AK Patrick Leahy of VT Don Nickles (retiring) of OK Blanche Lincoln of AR Richard Shelby of Barbara Mikulski of MD Arlen Specter of PA Zell Miller (retiring) of GA George Voinovich of OH Patty Murray of WA Harry Reid of NV Charles Schumer of NY Ron Wyden of OR
The offices of candidates must be called, please, to be sure that person is in favor of CEDAW before you vote. Let’s not ignore the House of Representatives, still. The House Resolution 21 urging the Senate to ratify CEDAW is still open for co-sponsors. Remember, the whole House is up for Election. Many House members are now running or may in the future be running for the U. S. Senate. Educating them has importance for these reasons, too. ACTION ALERT: Between now and Election Day, Nov. 2nd, we need the candidates of all parties and genders to declare their position on CEDAW ratification. Query them on Call-in TV and radio talk shows; at Public Forums; Candidate Debates; Town meetings; social events, a call, fax, Email, a personal letter or a visit to the candidates’ offices. You will know what is the best opportunity in your particular state or community. The CEDAW website is www.womenstreaty.org From Planned Parenthood’s President, Gloria Feldt: “Seventy-two years. That’s how long it took for the 19th. Amendment to be ratified after the 1848 women’s rights convention at Seneca Falls, led by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and others. |
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JOSEPH PRIESTLEY DISTRICT NEWSThe JPD Women and Religion Retreat in 2005 The W&R Resource Library… now offers several transcripts for Sunday Services. Your Invitation to join in the Healing Energy Phone: 215-877-2777 P.S. When
I was involved with the Dances of Universal Peace, I got to know Jeanne
as a dance leader and recommend this event to those of you who live in
the Philly area. Helen Pop From Planned Parenthood’s President, Gloria Feldt: “Twenty-six years.
That's how long Nelson Mandela spent in prison, protesting and fighting
against apartheid. Margaret Sanger didn't see the U.S. Supreme Court
strike down laws that made contraception illegal until 1965, the year
before her death. |
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JOSEPH PRIESTLEY DISTRICT, SOUTH, NEWS From 2515 Churchville Road The Women's sanctuary. We plan to meet on the Second Sundays and Fourth Fridays of each month. The Women's conversation. We share leadership of the rituals. This year we will continue working through The Twelve Wild Swans book by Starhawk and Hilary Valentine, as well as doing seasonal and spontaneous rituals. Childcare is available if requested one week in advance. For more information, contact Becca Motil at Rmotil@aol.com. From
Full Circle’s Earth Centered Celebrations Full Circle celebrates the new and full moons and the eight solar holidays of each year. The full moon circles focus on feminine energy and are open to all adult women. New moons are limited to women registered for the Weavers Covenant Group. Solar holidays such as solstices and equinoxes include men and youth too. All events are followed by a potluck feast. New participants of all backgrounds and beliefs are always welcome. Full Moon Women’s Circles meet on each full moon throughout the year and focus on feminine energy. We explore personal issues and our spiritual connection to Goddess and God. We celebrate with song, dance and sharing in a sacred and safe space, opening wide the opportunity to celebrate with other women. Bring an ingredient to add to a potluck green salad. Fall full moon circles are scheduled for September 28, October 27 and November 26 from Sun Circles celebrate the equinox, also called Harvest Home, we pause in gratitude for the bounty of the harvest and the many blessings that will sustain us through the dark half of the year. Our celebration will include an observation of the United Nations’ International Day of Peace with a rededication of our Peace Pole and the addition of a 5th language plaque. Women, men and children of all ages are invited to join us on September 19 from drumming and a potluck supper. Bring sweet or savory meatless dish to share for the feast. At our Hallows celebration of Dia de los Muertos, the ancient Mexican Day of the Dead festival, we honor our ancestors and others who have passed on with traditional altars, breads and offerings. Women, men and adolescents are invited to participate in the sacred circle which will include visiting altars, making papel picado, walking an indoor labyrinth and potluck feasting. Bring materials to build your own altar for loved ones who have passed on and a meatless dish to share. This celebration will be held Saturday, October 30 beginning at 6PM at the UU Church of Annapolis. From ARLINGTON’S LOUISE VOLINTINE AND SHARON SUNDIAL UUCA Sisterweb Women’s Fall Weekend “Connect and Celebrate” is the theme of this women’s event at Arlington UU Church. Join a circle of women at UUCA: reflect on your journey, build your gifts, share your stories and laughter. Friday evening features stories by the Sparrowhawk, potluck desserts and Circle Dancing. Saturday lures you with Mind, Body and Spirit Workshops from celebration includes a dance performance, a “Goddess Within” ritual and a moonlit labyrinth walk. Contact: Louise Volintine, louisa53 @ comcast.net (for a flier) Date: Friday and Saturday, Oct. 1 & 2 Location: Cost: $60 with special rates for early registration, students, families. Scholarships available. From ACCOTINK’S MARSHA WHITE Fall Equinox The Autumn Equinox is a harvest festival. We celebrate the nourishment and abundance that we have received this year which will help us prepare for the emptiness and stillness of winter. Light and dark are equals on this night. Come celebrate with us the turning of the food or drink (non-alcoholic) to share after the ceremony. Join us on Friday, Sept. 24 from Samhain This is the night of the grandmothers, of our ancestors. Goddesses of death and immortality. We welcome them as friends, celebrating the connection between death and life. We take this evening to remember those who have died. Bring a picture, memento or other items of loved ones who have died to share as part of the memory altar. There will be time to share a story about them in the service. Join us on Friday, Oct. 29 from 7:30- 10 PM. Winter Solstice This year at Accotink, Winter Solstice – the longest night of the year – is celebrated two times: in the church services on Sunday, Dec. 12. Come celebrate the winter season with song and ceremony of thanks and of hope. We will explore the dynamics of light and dark throughout the ancient and present civilizations. Light comes from darkness, growth from barrenness, and spring from the depths of winter. Our regular Sunday service times are A Spiritual Journey to Peru This will be a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in the energy and history of June 2005, Michele Porzel (member of Accotink UU Church, massage therapist, and healer) will lead 15 people on a magical journey to the sacred sites of We plan to explore Salt Mines of the Incas, Ollantaytambo, Pisac, temples, Traditional Indian Markets, and healing pools. We will experience Tihuanaca in ceremony at every site and lots of opportunities to buy the wonderful textiles and crafts of From Fall Equinox Service, September 19 at Got peace? Are you creating a home with “a place for everything and everything in its place”? Or searching for a new kernel of truth? Perhaps gleaning the fruitfulness of past actions and affiliations? The equinox and harvest time may inspire finding a new balance between what to save and what to let go. The pollen in the flower’s pistil (a peaceful homespot) has formed seeds, making ready for opportunities. Our stairs, in the Fireside Room. Please, bring food/drink to share afterwards. Tuppence and Evi will be with us again to facilitate movement as the key to wholeness in our being together. The remaining Dec. 19. Helen Popenoe, 301/229-0549 and Merry Urbia, 301/654-6725 From Planned Parenthood’s President Gloria Feldt “We have to keep marching. Imagine that each of the million marchers who gathered on the National Mall in April for the March for Women's Lives has trailed a continuous |
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NEWS FROM FRIENDS Barbara Schonborn gives us her “Unraveling the Gender Knot” course price list: We want to encourage leaders to work in pairs--or well-organized trios! Costs of the leader's course guide are: $30 first copy without medias $70 first copy with 2 DVDs--Who's Counting? and The Gods of Our Father ($20/DVD) $150 first copy with 2 videotapes--Who's Counting? and The Gods of Our Fathers ($40/video) $20 each for second copy and more copies without media Any applicable sales tax is included. Regular shipping costs are included. Expedited shipping will be billed. P.S. Starting Nov. 1, I’ll be facilitating “Unraveling the Gender Knot” at with me? Helen Popenoe, 301/229-0549 Dorothy Emerson gives us her latest endeavor to share: Peace-Making Women Through the Years “We have not ceased to love courage in learning to love peace, and high courage is often manifested by our peace workers.”
-May Wright Sewell, Unitarian, 1915 Now more than ever in this time of terrorism and war, we need to seriously consider alternatives to armed conflict. One source for insight and guidance comes from women, particularly Unitarian and Universalist women, who worked internationally to develop ways to peacefully resolve conflict. As with much of women’s work throughout history, their stories and words of wisdom are buried in archives and libraries, inaccessible to most people today and thus not part of present public discussion. In this program, Dorothy Emerson will share the wisdom and actions of some of these women who stand before us in creating a world of justice and peace. Perhaps their example will empower us in our own work for a better world. Rev. Dr. Dorothy May Emerson is a Unitarian Universalist community minister, currently serving as a consultant to UU justice-making organizations and as Education Director of Rainbow Solutions Financial Services in investing and on money and empowerment. Founder of the Unitarian Universalist Women’s Heritage Society, she edited the first anthology of UU women’s historical writings, Standing Before Us: Unitarian Universalist Women and Social Reform, 1776-1936 (Skinner House, 2000). UU Women’s Federation has granted her the Margaret Fuller Award for Religious Feminists for her project on UU Women and Peace-Making. She is hoping to find others who will join her in creating an anthology of writings and biographical sketches of the women who worked for peace. Rev. Dr. Dorothy Emerson 225 Arlington Street 781-483-3133 I'm available to do Sunday services, evening programs, and retreats using this material. It's exciting to discover what our UU women have done--and are doing--toward a more peaceful |
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WOMUUNWEB DEADLINE for Winter 2004 issue is Dec. 2, please. Many thanks to Al Carlson, GWA Webmaster, for publishing this WOMUUNWEB issue #17 on the GWA website at www.jpd.uua.org Please, send your news to Helen Popenoe at hpop@verizon.net Respectfully submitted by Helen Popenoe thanks to the formatting instruction by Joyce Dowling. |
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PROPOSED AGENDA UU W&R '04 Annual Gathering Agenda, so far:
At the end of our decision-making, may we have strong unity of purpose and focus for the email discussions leading up to GA ’05. 1. Laurie’s idea for a GA W&R slot presentation 2. Dorothy’s “UU Peace-making Women” slot idea 3. Do our Peace March at GA ’05? 4. GA be the time of our Annual Gathering? (Before & after?) 5. The GA “Cakes” event status 6. UU W&R and UU WHS go in together for a large GA booth? 7. Join MSUU for a Womanquest 2? 8. Report and opportunities of partnering with other UU organizations who are attracted to our movement 9. Seek UUWF grant for improved direct support of District W&R programming? 10. Core Group Guidelines review 11. Tri-fold review 12. Core Group, automatically, include all District Conveners? 13. Measure the value of continuing to be an Affiliate of UUA (now that the annual fee is $100). Below are Geri’s minutes from our GA ’04 meeting (with my response): UU Women & Religion Meeting Held – In attendance: Fall Meeting - due to conflicting schedules and the costs involved for cross-country travel, it was agreed to try to have an in person gathering of some women on the East Coast, tentatively from September 24,25 & 26. Others would join in a telephone conference on Saturday, September 25. Helen to coordinate the East Coast meeting, with possible assistance from Geri to coordinate telephone conference. Annual meeting for 2005 – it was suggested that we use one of our program slots for our annual meeting. Laurie noted that this would only allow for a little over an hour – not enough time. It was agreed instead to meet the day before General Assembly in the future, beginning with GA Programming – the due date for programs with Planning Committee assistance would be September 1. Pat’s understanding in talking with a member of the Planning Committee was that most programming grants would be given to non-affiliated groups and that the paperwork required was significant. It was agreed that we would not submit any programs for grant support. Rosemary suggested that a program be presented about the threat posed by the “Bible Factor” affecting major politicians and political decisions and/or the issue of violence against women in the media. It was agreed to send an appeal for programming to our mailing list for suggestions and a final decision would be made in September. The due date for submission is November 15. Collaboration with other Women’s Groups – it was agreed to begin conversations with the other UU Women’s organizations about more formal collaboration efforts. Communications – Geri reported that there were only about 90 names on the Continental list maintained by Marnie Singer. Of those, about 10 had been returned as undeliverable. Geri would let those present know the undeliverable names to see if anyone knew the new addresses and would then update the list with Marnie. Helen agreed to continue to include W&R updates and information in the Women Web and to see if we could assure that it is getting to as many of the W&R women as possible. General notes – All of our programming at General Assembly was a great success. About 75 people attended between the 2 introduction of the Gender Knot sessions, and there were over 100 in attendance at Allen Johnson’s session. He had a large number of people at the bookstore getting his books signed following his presentation. Sales of the Gender Knot Curriculum were good. The Silent Walk for Peace was attended by about 40 people all of whom reported a positive experience and many people indicated an interest in taking this idea back to their own communities. Networking at GA - A tentative plan is underway to share the cost of a double booth next year with the Women’s Heritage Society. CUUPS is planning a celebration of the 20th anniversary of the publication of Cakes for the Queen of Heaven to honor Shirley Ranck and asked if W&R would be interested in collaborating. UU – UNO office staff agreed to keep W&R informed of women affirming projects that we might want to support. The Adult RE group **** agreed to review the Gender Knot Curriculum and consider listing it on their website. (please let me know if you did other networking that should be noted here.) Ideas – prepare a presentation package for the Gender Knot that could be presented at the various districts’ annual meetings or leadership days. Send real bodies to do this if possible. Your minutes look good, Geri. Thanks.
Here’s what I see for changes:
The spelling of the newsletter I do is “WOMUUNWEB” and it’s found on www.gwa.jpd.uua.org
I don’t know how to “assure” that WOMUUNWEB gets to the readers who would want it besides what I’m doing now. Isn’t my UU W&R Email list big enough? I should think the Core Group members would spread the word when I let my list know of the new issue being out on the web.
Rosemary, also, suggested having a large continental gathering, another WomanQuest with the Lumsden white paper as the common launching pad for our thinking together.
When Cathy took her Red Hat Ladies Cruise instead of doing co-convener work for GA, she promised to organize the Fall Gathering. I’m game to do the agenda prep work and run the meeting.
In your minutes, (with the expectation Cathy would be the organizer) all I agreed to do was be sure Misty, Cathy and Nuala knew of the date change to the Sept. 25 weekend. Nuala’s still away (but was uncommitted to attend the Fall Gathering, anyway). Misty said yes to the Sept. 25 change.
In my notes, I wrote that you said you would do the seeking of input on program slot ideas.
Also, face-to-facers don’t have to pay for the conference call expenses.
Last thing – When you talk about the “Adult RE Group”, is that the UU C A R D S organization? We did pay our $50. to join; didn’t we?
Thanks, again, for your good minutes, Geri.
Love, Helen P.S. Is Marnie Collier now Marnie Singer? HPop (I still don't know on 9/9/04.) To review the last Annual meeting’s minutes, please, see the Spring 2004 issue of WOMUUNWEB on www.gwa.jpd.uua.org After Misty read these minutes from the My Best, Helen P.S. Please, send me your “Teleconferencing Intros.” answers, now, along with your agenda items. If you need a resend of the 8 questions (from Aug. 29th.), let me know. The
work I did (before my grandson’s caregiving days away from these
meetings) in teleconferencing at the American Bar Association for CEDAW
gave me the experience for understanding the face-to-facers end of the
meeting. Though it’s a decision-making head-trip, we are still whole people and still need context for the faceless voices. This is especially true for the
P.P.S. If you wish to see the UU W&R Guidelines, go to www.gwa.jpd.uua.org and open the Fall 2003 WOMUUNWEB. Then with Geri's minutes from the '03 Annual Gathering, you'll be updated. H Pop |
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