Youth Caucus held its second business meeting in a different location, but it was no worse attended than the first. A multitude of youth came out to decide whether or not to sponsor a Social/Action Issue (SAI), and, if so, which one to sponsor.

Chris Trace, a member of the Commission for Social Witness, spoke to the youth about SAIs, the process of adoption and turning the issues into Statements of Conscience. He then discussed briefly each issue up for debate and possible selection at the 2000 General Assembly. Chris hurried off to do CSW business, and the youth thanked him loudly.

After a bit of minor youth business, Rachel Wallis stood up and spoke about a planned new Action of Immediate Witness (AIW) about responsible investing as it relates to the Unitarian Universalist Association and investments in Fidelity. Fidelity is a major investor in Occidental Petroleum, which is guilty of environmental degradation. Occidental Petroleum is planning an expedition into South American lands, which happen to be the ancient sacred lands of a tribe known as the U'wa. The U'wa have pledged to commit mass suicide if the expedition goes forth. Co-writers of this AIW include Colin Bossen, and Katie Stefanski. Wallis related the importance of getting signatures in order to get this AIW on the agenda.

The next guest speaker was Chuck Thomas, an important advocate for S-3: An Alternative to the "War on Drugs." He came in an attempt to enlist the Youth Caucus into support for his issue. He spoke of the need for both youth and UUA help, as well as the importance the youth could have on the next day's deliberations. Thomas then spoke of the need for compassion when dealing with drug abuses, and the apparent biases in the system against homosexuals and minorities.

After Thomas left, the caucus meeting began. The abortion issue was read through and then there was a period of discussion where it was clear that many youth cared about that issue, and were very concerned.

Then the remaining four issues were read, and some short comments were allowed on the War on Drugs issue. It seemed that the caucus wanted to decide between S-2 and S-3. A check was done to see if anyone wanted to speak on the other SAIs, but no one did. The goal of the caucus was to reach consensus, so a straw poll was taken to determine where we stood. Most of the youth preferred S-3, but some people who wanted to do the abortion issue. After discussion, those in favor of the abortion question were asked if any of them wanted to block consensus. Blocks to consensus were registered, but concerns were addressed and consensus was reached.

The meeting adjourned with several people going off to discuss strategy to bring the abortion issue to the attention of the UUA without endorsing this year's SAI, and several people going off to write the speech to be given at Saturday's plenary.

Reported by Phil Morse-Fortier; formatted for the web by Kasey Melski.