General Assembly 2003
 |
Home About Us | Programs & Services | News & Events | Publications | Giving & Funding | Press Room |
|
GA 2003 Home Program Schedule |
General InformationFor the first time in a quarter century the General Assembly has come home to Boston - the city in which both Unitarianism and Universalism have such deep roots. Like me, you may not have realized that we were once the majority religion here, and that Boston has seen 73 Unitarian and 23 Universalist congregations over the years. Partly because there are still so many of us in New England, and partly because our convocations are growing each year, this will be the largest General Assembly in the history of the Unitarian Universalist Association. The Service of the Living Tradition this Sunday at the Fleet Center is likely to draw the most enormous crowd of Unitarians and Universalists in well over a hundred years. It's certainly exciting for all of us to be a part of this historic assembly. Just glance through the program and you'll see a breathtaking panoply of worship services, major programs, entertainments, lectures, panels, concerts and workshops surrounding the important business sessions of our association. Use this book to plan your days well, in sampling all of this inspirational and educational largess, and by Monday, you may find you have a new concept of the promise and possibility of Unitarian Universalism. But do remember to respect the larger crowds this year in a convention center that, like most, doesn't have as many big meeting rooms as we'd like. On the line that lists the room for each event, you'll see in parentheses the capacity of that space; remeber, the small rooms will fill fast. Familiarize yourself with the floor plan, start early and note several alternative events, and you'll be fine. If you're a delegate, take your seat promptly for plenary sessions; non-delegates, remember that this year we have to give priority seating to those whose voting cards must be seen for counting. There will be plenty of room for observers to view a simulcast (without captioning) of all plenary proceedings in Ballroom C. Except for the Fleet Center, there's just no space in Boston big enough to hold us all! Yes, this is a big GA, a positive indicator of the growth and health and enthusiasm of our movement. May it be a time of renewal, inspiration and challenge for us all. Charlie King, Chair
Accessibility Services Persons with vision, hearing or mobility impairments or other special needs will find information about various kinds of assistance and accessibility at the Accessibility table in front of Room 111 of the Hynes Convention Center. An Accessibility Hospitality Lounge is located in Room 111 of the Hynes Convention Center. Alcohol Any General Assembly event offering alcoholic beverages must also offer attractive non-alcoholic beverages with equal accessibility and prominence. No alcoholic beverages will be served to anyone under the age of 21. Annual Program Fund The UUA Financial Development Department staffs the Annual Program Fund tables in the Convention Center Registration Lobby. Purple Honor Society ribbons are distributed here. Detailed information about Planned Giving, the UUA Capital Campaign, Friends of the UUA and UU congregations' contributions to the APF is available. Badges and Ribbons GA registration and name badges are required for admission to GA events except the Service of the Living Tradition. Non-registrants may visit the Exhibit Hall, but must pick up a pass at On-Site Registration, Room 108 in the Hynes Convention Center, before entering the Hall. Delegates must wear delegate ribbons and have voting cards in order to vote at the Plenary Sessions. Banners Banner carriers for Opening Celebration banner parade should report to the staging area in Exhibit Hall C at 6:00 p.m. Thursday to line up for the parade. Banner poles will be on sale in the staging area. Please try to make other arrangements for the security of your purses or other valuables and don't bring them to the staging area. After the Banner Parade, banners will be collected and hung in the Hynes Convention Center. Only those individuals who can pick up banners or make arrangements to have their banners picked up on Monday between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. should leave their banners to be hung. If you cannot arrange for your banner to be picked up during these hours, do not leave it to be hung. The banner pick up location is Hynes Convention Center Exhibit Hall C. The Hynes Convention Center and the UUA are not responsible for any banners that are lost or left behind. Please be advised that banners cannot be retrieved at any time other than Monday between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Chaplains This year the chaplains are members of the UU Trauma Response Ministry who are available to assist ministers and congregations when major crises occur. A chaplain is available at any hour during GA for assistance in case of personal emergency or pastoral care. Also, the chaplains lead the early morning "Spiritual Practices" programs. Contact information during GA will be printed in the daily newsletter. After GA, to contact UUTRM call 866-730-8181 or contact the UUA Department of Ministry and Professional Leadership. Chemical and Electrical Sensitivities Hynes Convention Center Room 307 is reserved for those with Chemical and Electrical Sensitivities. Plenary proceedings and other programs will be broadcast to this chemical-free room. Check at the Accessibility table in front of room 111 for listings. Children's Programs Children through age 5 participate in the GA child care program located in the Hilton Hotel. The Day Camp for children ages 6 - 10 gathers in the Hilton Hotel in the morning and spends some time exploring Boston. Pre-registration is required for these day time children's programs. Evening babysitting may be arranged by individuals using referrals from the hotels.Collections The Planning Committee intends for the registration fee to cover all GA programming events. In the occasional instance in which a collection may be taken during an event (such as the Service of the Living Tradition) or the purchase of a ticket is required (for meal functions in some years), this must be announced in advance in the Program or on the registration form. Exhibit booths in the Exhibit Hall and those events which are classified as "private" and do not appear in the Program are exempt. Commission on Social Witness The Commission on Social Witness is responsible for overseeing the Statements of Conscience processes, including Study/Action Issues and Actions of Immediate Witness. Members:
Cyber Cafe & People Finder Check and compose e-mail in the Cyber Cafe in Hynes Convention Center Room 107. Please limit your stay to fifteen minutes. Dances and Coffee Houses The fabulous GA dances and entertaining coffee houses will be offered each night this year. In addition a game room is available Friday night, Saturday night, and Sunday night. Take advantage of the games there or bring your own. Election The UUA Nominating Committee submitted a single slate for elections and there were no candidates by petition. The slate therefore will be elected without the need for delegate vote. Installation will be held during the GA Closing on Monday evening.
Emergencies All hotels and the Convention Center have personnel who can assist with medical emergencies. In the Hynes Convention Center, dial 2111 on any house phone. For additional information or in case of non-emergency medical needs, go to the Local Information table in the Convention Center Registration Lobby. The UUA carries an insurance policy to cover accidents. Please inform the GA Office of any medical emergencies or accidents. Evaluation The Planning Committee encourages your comments on individual events during GA, as well as overall quality. Feel free to approach Planning Committee members during the Assembly and please fill out the evaluation form found in this program. The GA Planning Committee reads the evaluations. Feedback on individual events will be forwarded directly to the sponsors and leaders of the events. In addition to your written feedback, the Planning Committee would like to hear from you at the GA Feedback session on Monday morning. Events Open to the Public The Service of the Living Tradition and the Exhibit Hall are the only events open to persons who are not registered for GA. Non-registrants must pick up a pass for the Exhibit Hall at On-Site Registration, Room 108 in the Hynes Convention Center, before entering the Hall. Registration and a GA badge are required for attendance at all other events. Exhibit Area The Exhibit area, located in Exhibit Hall A of the Convention Center, features exhibits and sales by UU-related organizations, individual UU artisans, and commercial businesses.
General Assembly Office The GA Office is located in Room 109 of the Hynes Convention Center. Office Hours:
General Assembly Office Staff The General Assembly Office Staff work to coordinate the many aspects of the General Assembly.
Harrassment The UUA affirms its commitment to maintain a work environment free of discrimination and harassment based on race, color, national origin, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. The Association expects all employees to conduct themselves in a professional manner with concern and respect for their colleagues, and those we serve. This expectation also extends to all who attend the General Assembly. Let us remember our UU commitment to the worth and dignity of all people. Inclusive Language The UUA expects the use of inclusive language in all presentations and programming events. Anyone who encounters sexist or other inappropriate language at GA is urged to speak directly to the person who has used it in order to increase individual awareness. Literature Distribution Materials promoting GA events, position papers on business items, and any other leaflets may be handed out by individuals, but may not be left on tables in lobbies. Materials may not be distributed near the entrance to the Plenary Hall or in a manner that impedes traffic. In the Exhibit Hall, all materials must be distributed within exhibit booths. No materials may be distributed inside the Plenary hall except official business papers authorized by the Planning Committee. Local Information The GA Local Information table in the Convention Center Registration Lobby is staffed by UU volunteers and the Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau, who provide information and answer questions about the area. Here you will find maps, information about how to get around the city, and brochures from places of interest. Lost and Found Bring it or look for it in the Volunteer Office, which is in the Show Office off the Main Lobby of the Hynes Convention Center. Medical Needs For non-emergency medical needs, get information from the Local Information table or your hotel staff. See also Emergencies. Meditation Room The Meditation Room is located in the Westminster Room of the Hilton Hotel. It is open for quiet meditation beginning 7:00 a.m. Friday through midnight Monday. Message Center A message center is maintained in the Convention Center Registration Lobby. This is for leaving messages for individuals attending GA and is the best way to contact them. If calls come to the GA Office for individuals, notes will be left in the Message Center. Newsletter In consideration of environmental impact, the newsletter will be limited to one page of announcements each day. Extensive coverage of GA events will continue to be posted at www.uua.org/ga both during and after GA. Offices GA Office & UUA Finance:
Photography Flash photography of GA events is not permitted. Taking of non-flash photographs by individuals is allowed only during the first five minutes of a presentation. Please be sensitive to whether someone may not want their picture taken. The UUA engages a professional photographer, Nancy Pierce, to document activities and programs of the General Assembly for reporting and archival purposes. Planning Committee The GA Planning Committee selects the theme for each GA, reviews the site, and sets the daily schedule. The committee determines which organizations affiliated with the UUA may present program material. In addition, the committee oversees the annual Ware Lecture, Opening Events, music, ambiance, and evening activities. Sites are selected four to five years in advance by the UUA Board, based on recommendations by the Planning Committee. Jan Sneegas, the GA Manager, serves as UUA staff liaison. Members:
Program Event Funding for Next GA The GA Planning Committee is offering grants of up to $500 for each of 10 programs to be presented at the 2004 GA. In addition, the Committee may sponsor other events without funding. Applications from organizations, congregations or individuals must be submitted by September 1. To obtain more information, contact the UUA GA Office or visit http://www.uua.org/ga. Programming Events Programming events offered during GA are sponsored by eligible organizations of the UUA as determined by the Planning Committee. These include districts, UUA staff groups, associate member organizations, independent affiliate organizations, theological schools and other denominational groups. The content of the event and the description printed in the Program are the sole responsibility of the sponsoring group. Project Equality Project Equality is a national interfaith program for equal employment opportunity sponsored by the UUA and a number of other major religious and non-profit organizations. Project Equality conducted an Equal Opportunity audit of properties used for GA in Boston. Registration Pre-Registration Badge Pick Up:
Service of the Living Tradition The Service of the Living Tradition will be held at the Fleet Center in Boston. All attendees are encouraged to use public transportation to travel to and from the Fleet Center. Flyers with directions are available at the Local Information area. For those with mobility concerns, limited shuttle service will be available. Please stop by the Accessibilities Services table to obtain a ticket for shuttle service. Please be advised that bags, oversized purses, backpacks, luggage, briefcases and like articles are prohibited at the Fleet Center. This policy will be strictly enforced. If you are in doubt about whether your bag will be allowed - don't bring it! Service Project The Service Project this year is YouthBuild Boston. YouthBuild Boston enables young people, ages 18-24, to learn trades and build affordable housing for homeless and low income families. It offers young people a second chance to obtain the educational, occupational, social, and leadership skills they need to assume full responsibility for themselves and their families. Please stop by the exhibit booth and make a contribution to support this worthwhile program and give back to our host city. Sites for Future General Assemblies
Smoking Smoking is not permitted in rooms in which business or program events of the Assembly are held. Smoking is permitted outside or in designated areas. Tapes for Sale Audio: Most events will be audio recorded (except when declined by the presenter) by Audio Archives and available for purchase at the Audio Archives booth in the main lobby of the Hynes Convention Center. Video: The Planning Committee will create "Souvenir" VHS videotapes (i.e. not professionally edited) that may also be ordered at the Audio Archives booth. Souvenir Videotapes cannot be duplicated quickly and therefore will not be available at General Assembly but will be mailed directly to the purchaser by July 31. The following events will be videotaped (pending permission of presenters): Opening Celebration, Youth Bridging Ceremony, Service of the Living Tradition, Ware Lecture, Closing Program, Planning Committee Sponsored Worship Services, and Planning Committee Sponsored Major Programs. Taping of Events If an individual or organization wishes to tape (video or audio) any GA event or portion thereof, written permission must be obtained from the speaker(s) or presenter(s). No tapes may be made for sale or commercial use without the express written permission of the Planning Committee. UUA Board The UUA is governed by a Board of Trustees consisting of District Trustees, selected by the various Districts; and four Trustees-at-Large, elected by delegates to General Assembly. The UUA Moderator, elected by delegates to GA, presides at the General Assembly and at meetings of the Board of Trustees and represents the Association on special occasions. The Financial Advisor and the UUA President, elected by the General Assembly, also sit on the Board.
UUA Headquarters Open House UUA Headquarters will be open to visitors from Wednesday, June 25 through Tuesday, July 1st. GA attendees are invited to explore the historic building at 25 Beacon Street, next to the Massachusetts State House on Beacon Hill. Visiting hours on weekdays and Sunday are from noon - 4:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. To get there by subway, take the Green Line to the Park Street station. Walk uphill across Boston Common toward the gold-domed State House; it is the first building to the left of the State House. Volunteer Committee District GA Coordinator: Linda Lu Schulz, Boston, MA
Volunteer Office The Volunteer Office is located in the Show Offices of the Hynes Convention Center, just off the Main Lobby. Staffed by volunteers, it serves as a coordinating center for the Volunteer Committee and provides a Lost and Found service. Hours are Thursday, Friday, Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.; Sunday, Noon - 8:00 p.m.; and Monday 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Young Fun Young Fun is a residential program for children ages 8 - 14, who have registered before GA begins. The program is staffed by adult UUs experienced in youth programming, who lead activities, field trips and religious education experiences for the youth. The Young Fun program is directed by Kathleen Murphy and is based at Emerson College. | |
|
Home | About Us | Programs & Services | News & Events | Publications | Giving & Funding | Press Room
Privacy Policy | Contact Us | Search | Site Map
Unitarian Universalist Association
|
