It’s almost impossible for me to believe it’s already been a month since our successful first-ever Solidarity Summit. Funded by the UUA’s Side with Love Campaign, we brought in organizing partners to help educate us on the history, and impact, of three constitutional amendments to our Commonwealth, along with some practical talking points to engage with neighbors and strangers. Following that work, I’ve joined the Virginia UU State Advocacy Network (VUUSAN) Board. Three stalwart remaining leaders on that Board are planning to retire over the next year or two, and we are working to bring on six new Board members representing our statewide geographical and demographically diverse UU congregational life. There will be future gathering points throughout the Commonwealth this year to engage with the VUUSAN. Locally speaking, two upcoming are: in January at a Richmond Interfaith Public Policy Day, and again in April at a UUA-led conference also in Richmond. Robin Jester Wootton was an immense organizing force for this Summit, and set us up well for local impact. I also thank Kate McGaw and the Summit Planning Team, along with the dozens of volunteers for welcome, hospitality, and safety. Following that event, Robin and I were both also asked to speak as experts on the marriage equality amendment for a joint NAACP and League of Women Voters panel on the three constitutional amendments.
In addition, I’ve joined the William & Mary Campus Ministry Team as we work to “unfreeze” our UU Circle on campus. Over time, I will get more and more engaged with their Student Affairs. It seems an appropriate place for me to be with all the current and retired W&M faculty and staff and alumni. If you are currently part of the W&M faculty and staff, and would like to work with me to support our UU students, please reach out to me to brainstorm collaboration!