Dear Friend, 

Just about four years ago, I dedicated my monthly Seasons of Giving message to congregational stewardship volunteers. In spring of 2020, the pandemic was in full swing, unemployment was skyrocketing, and UU congregations had shifted to virtual operations on a dime.

It felt like freefall, and no one knew when the landing would come or what it would look like. At the time, I wanted to offer support to the wonderful folks who were helping to keep our congregations going.

We’re in a different moment now as a faith and as a society, but our congregations and UU organizations still face extraordinary pressures. In 2023, inflation strained the budgets of many of the folks who support UU communities. At the same time, rising expenses (especially healthcare and insurance) have increased the cost of compensating staff. Many UU communities are still recovering from the deep disruption of the last four years, still imagining and living into a new way forward. These are real stressors, but there are a few things I’d like you to know:

If you are a stewardship volunteer for your UU congregation or community, thank you. Congregations are the heart of our faith. Your commitment and care make essential ministry possible. 2023 was a hard year for philanthropy, in general, but all signs are pointing to better outcomes for 2024 and 2025. Keep faith and take heart.

Most of all, I want you to know that Unitarian Universalist ministry matters. Last week, the Arizona Supreme Court handed down a decision that reinstated a 19th century abortion law—a law that was established when Arizona was still a Confederate territory and before women had the right to vote.

Our voice in the public square as progressive people of faith is essential. At a time of rising Christian nationalism, the faithful witness of progressive UUs, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and others offers a life-saving alternate way forward. And our welcoming sanctuaries can be equally life-saving, as a place where people can come together to find healing, to make sense of the world, and to discover ways to transform it in the direction of equity and justice.

If you are not on the stewardship team of your congregation, there are many ways to lend them your support:

• Reach out to your stewardship volunteers and thank them!
• Offer to write a personal thank you note to someone in the congregation, letting them know how important the congregation is to you and how much their giving means. You can do this at any time of the pledge cycle—during pledging season, when a pledge is complete, or just because. Consider offering to write five notes.
• Consider an increase in your personal pledge to your congregation. If you decreased your pledge because of a dissatisfaction about a community change, please reconsider.
• Be willing to talk about money in church, remembering that financial support at all levels matters. People matter.
• Be bold in embracing the mission and purpose of your congregation. People are generous because of what their giving makes possible, so don’t be shy!

Whether you are a volunteer, a religious professional in the parish, or a community minister serving society, thank you for all the ways you support our faith.

Our faith is life-saving.

Your generosity is a blessing.

Recent news from around the UUA

• UU the Vote 2024 is Underway: The UUA's nonpartisan civic engagement initiative begins organizing effort for 2024 (Press release, March 28)

• Pink Haven Coalition Helps Transgender People Relocate and Access Gender-Affirming Care (UU World, March 28)

• Recording and Resources Available: Climate Justice & Racial Reconciliation in Predominately White Congregations (Side With Love, March 25)

• How to Help Unhoused Families at the UUA Emergency Overnight Shelter (UU World, March 21)

• UUA Shares Images from Inside Temporary Overnight Shelter (March 14)

Matching Gift Challenge Continues this Spring

24 Farnsworth Street Serves as Temporary Overnight Shelter

As of March 1, the UUA's Boston headquarters is hosting up to 25 families for temporary overnight emergency housing and support. This effort is a partnership with the United Way, the Black Refugee & Immigrant Coalition, the Greater Boston YMCA, and other community-based organizations, and is administered through the United Way's SafetyNet Shelter Grant program. Families have been determined to be eligible for the state of Massachusetts's Emergency Assistance family shelter program but could not be immediately placed due to a lack of EA shelter availability.

UU World magazine has details on this decision, as well as background on the Massachusetts shelter program. Vacancies on the upper floors of the Farnsworth office building plus the MA shelter program's overflow crisis led UUA leaders to reach out to state officials. The shelter will operate nightly through May 31. 

The UUA recently shared images of the shelter space, including cots laid out in neat rows (above left) and cribs for infants (at right). Click for more photos. 

Interested in donating clothes, supplies, or cash? 

Immediate needs include disposable diapers in multiple sizes; baby wipes; new baby bottles; new baby clothing, sizes 0-3; and high chairs and strollers, which may be gently used or new. Donations may be dropped off at 24 Farnsworth by appointment—email Segree Bowen, UUA Hospitality Services Manager. Massachusetts UU congregations serving as drop-off sites include churches in Beverly, Boston, Belmont, Malden, and Wellesley Hills. Find more info here about the drop off times and directions, as well as the United Way shelters' Amazon wish list.

Announcing the UU Climate Justice Revival, September 28-29

As climate change rocks our world, there is a spirit at work in the congregations and movements committed to justice. As we make the connections between climate and justice, we are called to re-imagine what it means to do this urgent work in community. How can our climate work be less isolated, more connected; less anxious, more nourishing; and less limited; more visionary?

Join UU congregations on September 28 and 29 for a national UU Climate Revival offering inspiring collective worship, creative learning, and new frameworks at the intersection of climate and justice, and the chance to weave together the threads that have always linked our deepest commitments.

The UU Climate Revival will equip congregations to enter into a new era of climate action—one that intentionally and faithfully breaks down silos and cultivates relationships that lead to flourishing collaborations that transform our congregations.

Celebrating 40 Years of Holdeen India

The UU Holdeen India Program is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Since 1984, this grantmaking fund of the UUA has supported hundreds of grassroots organizations in India as they secure social and economic change in their communities. Now reaching 2.5 million people each year, the program empowers communities with the skills to secure a better future.

If an organization is growing and innovating, Holdeen will keep supporting—for four decades in some cases. The first organization to receive a Holdeen grant in 1984, a women workers’ organization, continues to be a Holdeen partner today. In that time, this organization has grown from a small, community-based association to an international leader on women’s empowerment with branches across the country and supporters around the world. Holdeen’s now modest contributions support their newest initiatives and innovations, for which it can be hard to raise funds. 

This long-term approach, based on trust and solidarity, has had a transformative impact on the ground. Please join us in supporting the Holdeen India Program.

Nicole Pressley Named New Organizing Strategy Director

Article II Process Continues; Resources Available

The Rev. Dr. Sheri Prud'homme—assistant professor of religion and education at Starr King School for the Ministry in Oakland, California— wrote a theological analysis of the potential revision to Article II. Her essay and other valuable congregational resources are available on the UUA's website. In addition, UU World has created graphics using her work to help UUs engage this process.

In an effort to support congregations to continue to engage with the proposed Article II revision, UUA staff have collected and commissioned some resources from the field, including the Amplifying the Charge resource guide, the Article II Songbook, and full worship services. Visit Article II Congregational Resources for 2023 - 2024 to access these and other resources, including pre-recorded sermons, slide shows, stories for children, discussion guides, lesson plans and activities, TikTok videos, graphics, essays, and spiritual practices.

Article II Amendments were posted on the Discussion Forum in February. We encourage you to carefully read and discuss them with your congregations. 

General Assembly: Poster Fair Deadline Extended to April 30

Join in the excitement as we gear up for the Virtual Poster Fair in the 2024 GA App! Don't miss out - mark your calendars for the extended proposal deadline on Tuesday, April 30.

We're seeking stories, initiatives, and examples that ignite the spirit of Unitarian Universalism. Picture your work showcased in a dynamic Virtual Poster Fair, accessible to GA registrants via the GA App. We're on the lookout for proposals that embrace our theme, champion equity and inclusion, and offer practical tools to attendees. If your proposal is selected, you will have the opportunity to shine in multiple ways:

📄 Share up to 2 PDF documents showcasing your story or initiative. Whether it's a poster, flyer, or slides, let your creativity soar!

🎥 Optionally, prerecord a video discussing your topic. Accessibility matters - make sure your video is captioned.

💬 Host a virtual meet-up for curious minds to gather, ask questions, and delve deeper into your work. It's all about fostering meaningful connections.

Remember, to access the GA App and engage with attendees, you must be registered for General Assembly. Let's make this Poster Fair an inclusive, inspiring celebration of Unitarian Universalism.

Giving Through Your Individual Retirement Account

Donating to the UUA utilizing an IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) offers several benefits. Sometimes referred to as an “IRA Charitable Rollover,” a QCD can help you support the UUA's mission while maintaining tax advantages.

For 2024, individuals over 70½ years old can donate up to a total of $105,000 directly from their IRA to qualified charities. While QCDs are not tax deductible, they can still be advantageous—even for those who do not itemize deductions—as no income tax is incurred on the amount disbursed via QCD. Additionally, beginning in the year you turn 73, QCDs can be used to satisfy all or part of your required minimum distribution (RMD).

To donate via QCD, contact your IRA plan administrator and specify that you want to make an IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution. Be sure to notify the UUA that a QCD is coming, as financial institutions vary widely in how much gift detail they include with a QCD check.

Consult your tax advisor and/or financial planner when deciding whether a QCD is right for you. If you have questions about making a QCD gift to the UUA, please contact us at development@uua.org or (888) 792-5885. 

Meet Stewardship and Development Staff

As a way to help our readers get to know behind-the-scenes Stewardship and Development staff, we've added "Meet Stewardship and Development" as a feature to Seasons of Giving. First up this month is Caroline, Gift Processing Specialist. 

One favorite thing about working at the UUA: The collaboration within my group and our department

Something you'd like people to know: We appreciate all the gifts people send to us and all the notes that are sent with these gifts.

Upcoming Events

Side with Love Monthly Gatherings

Side with Love has recurrent, monthly offerings for a variety of individuals, congregational leaders, and campaign leads:

• 1st Wednesday: Green Sanctuary Orientation
• 2nd Monday: Side with Love Monthly Mixer
• 2nd Friday: UPLIFT Trans/Non-Binary Pastoral Space
• 3rd Sunday: Skill Up Trainings
• 3rd Wednesday: Green Sanctuary Community Meeting
• 4th Tuesday: UPLIFT Trans/Non-Binary Monthly Gathering
• 4th Wednesday: Climate IRA Peer Learning Circle
• 4th Thursday: Faithful Grounding

MidAmerica and Pacific Western Regional Assemblies: Threads that Connect, Stories That Inspire

Friday and Saturday, April 19-20 | Madison, WI;  Denver, CO; Online

A multi-day conference centered on connecting across individuals, congregations, and regions. Friday, April 19 - Saturday, April 20th. Please note that registration for in person attendance closed on Friday, April 12. Registration fees are on a sliding scale. 

From the Pacific Western Region: Come for a short visit or for the entire weekend. The business and programs of the Regional Assembly will conclude Saturday afternoon. Local dinners are being organized for Saturday night. Inspirational Earth Day worship at local Denver and Boulder congregations is being planned for Sunday, to welcome those who want an entire UU weekend of connection. People can attend either in person, at First Universalist in Denver, or remotely. We are planning a family friendly event and children are welcome. This is a great chance to connect with our larger faith and connect with new and old friends.

UUA Board of Trustees Upcoming Meeting

Thursday, April 25 - Saturday, April 27

We invite you to join the Board as it meets to discuss and make decisions about all facets of Unitarian Universalism. Thursday evening, the Board of Trustees will be in closed session. Meetings will be held on Friday and Saturday from 11 am ET / 8 am PT and 2 pm ET / 11 am PT. Please consult the board packet of the meeting (when it's available) for more information. Register to attend the April 26-27 meeting here. 

UUJEC Event: Highlight's of BLUU's Cooperative Housing Initiative

Thursday, April 25 | 10 am - 11:30 am PT / 1 pm - 2:30 pm ET

UU the Vote Partner Organization UUs for a Just Economic Community (UUJEC) welcomes Lena K. Gardner, Executive Director of Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism (BLUU). Lena will share updates on BLUU's work and highlight BLUU's Cooperative Housing Initiative aimed at changing the material conditions of Black and Indigenous families in Minneapolis MN. Lena is a co-founder of the BLUU; she has her Master of Arts in Justice and Peace studies from United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. Lena was active in the Movement for Black Lives between 2013 - 2016 as a central leader of the Black Lives Matter Minneapolis chapter and in her Unitarian Universalist faith locally and nationally since 2012.

Webinar held virtually on Zoom and can be viewed on Facebook Live. Visit the website for details on how to register or register directly on Zoom here.

Taproot: A National BIPOC Space (no April meeting)

May 9 | 8 pm ET / 5 pm PT

The work of the spiritual community is complicated. From busy schedules to the ever pressing tension brought on by systemic injustice, the need for faithful leadership grounded and resilient is imperative. This is all the more true for leaders within our communities and congregations who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPoC). Congregational Life is excited to co-create a network with congregational leaders that support them in emergent ways through Taproot: A National BIPOC Space. The organizing pillars of this collective are Rest & Renewal, Analysis Building, and Leadership Development. BIPoC leaders rooted in the Unitarian Universalist congregations are invited to take part in this monthly, virtual gathering to ground ourselves in resilient communities of care. Upcoming spring 2024 dates are May 9, and June 13 (no April meeting). Register here to attend.

Seasons of Giving is the monthly e-newsletter from the UUA's Stewardship and Development Office. Questions can be directed to Suzanne Murray at development@uua.org or (617) 948-4392.

Check UUA.org and UUWorld.org, as well as UUA regional websites, for the latest updates.