UUA General Assembly

General Assembly

Programs and Events

Preliminary Schedule

Click here to view the current program schedule grid. Subject to change. (PDF document)

Program Sampler

Click here to view a sample of GA programming. It is not possible to find out when individual programs are scheduled until scheduling assignments are finalized May 1st. A complete listing of programs, time slots and room assignments will be available online here in May.

Ware Lecturer

Holly Near is a unique combination of entertainer, teacher and activist. She was born to parents from North Dakota and New York who were political activists, ranchers, and supporters of culture in the rural community of Ukiah, California. Holly moves comfortably in this blend of west coast sensibility and east coast sophistication. An immense vocal talent, Near's career as a singer has been profoundly defined by an unwillingness to separate her passion for music from her passion for human dignity. Holly Near is an ambassador for peace inviting the audience to its best self. She is a skilled performer who brings to the stage an integration of world consciousness, spiritual discovery, and theatricality.

Click here to view Holly Near's website.

GA Planning Committee Featured Programs

Immigrants: The New Civil Rights Movement
Evoking powerful strategies honed alongside Cesar Chavez
in organizing the United Farmworkers Union, legendary
labor and human rights activist Dolores Huerta is leading
the nation's next exploding social justice issue: immigrant
rights. Learn how the plight of 8 million undocumented
workers could affect our nation's future - and yours.
Dolores Huerta

The Interdependent Web:
Responsible Consumption and You
Seeds of Simplicity presents an upbeat, energizing look at
voluntary simplicity movement and how it is advancing
responsible, just consumption for the sake of your wellbeing
and your planet; featuring actor Ed Begley, Jr. and
Cecile Andrews, author of "The Circle of Simplicity," with
host Carol Holst.
Ed Begley, Jr., Rev. Ken Brown
Cecile Andrews, Carol Holst

The Signature Project
The Signature Project is truly a one-of-a-kind experience.
Patrick Dunning magically merges technology with music,
visual art and story-telling to celebrate the interconnectedness
of life. Selected audience members will join over
350,000 other artists who have signed their name as a part
of Patrick's inspiring cosmic landscape.
Patrick Dunning

William "Upski" Wimsatt: This Is What Democracy Looks Like
William "Upski" Wimsatt is an accomplished author, organizer,
entrepreneur,and philanthropist all rolled into one.
Currently, Mr. Wimsatt is working with the League of
Independent Voters, an inspiring organization dedicated to
mobilizing new young voters to elect progressive politicians
that will be accountable to their constituencies.
William "Upski" Wimsatt

Creating a Progresive Pro-Family Agenda
How can we reclaim the powerful rhetoric of Family from the
religious and political right? “Family matters” affect everyone,
regardless of their gender, age, income, marital status,
living situation, or sexual orientation. Panelists will offer
strategies for making the conversation wide enough to
include and nurture us all.
Judy Shephard, Rev. William Sinkford
Bill Doherty

Reason: Why Liberals Will Win the Battle for America
The professor, author, public-radio commentator, and former U.S. Labor Secretary will tell us both why and how we can take back America from the radical right. It will take not only reason and common sense, but also passion, long-term commitment, and a willingness to tell Americans what's really happening to our nation .
Robert Reich

Service of the Living Tradition

This year, the Service of the Living Tradition will return to its original Friday evening time slot. The service will recognize, remember and thank our leaders, both lay and professional, for their many different ways of ministering. Celebrate with fellow UUs as traditional UU hymns are sung and the fellowship of ministry is commemorated.

Sunday Morning Worship

On Sunday morning, we will be inviting residents of the Long Beach community to join us for worship. The service will convey the Good News of Unitarian Universalism, a faith of open minds, loving hearts and helping hands. Worship will be open to all, both Unitarian Universalists and those who may be seeking our faith.

Sponsorship of GA Events

Associate Member Organizations, Independent Affiliate Organizations and Related Organizations listed in the UUA Directory, as well as UUA Staff and UUA Committees can sponsor events at General Assembly. In addition, UUA District offices can sponsor up to two events from congregations in their district. Packets with GA Event Request Forms will be mailed to qualifying sponsors in late October.

The GA office will do their best to honor scheduling requests made on the Event Request Forms that are received by the early deadline of December 1, 2003. Events that are requested by the early deadline will also be listed in GA promotional materials. Events for which forms are received between December 2, 2003 and February 2, 2004 (final deadline) will be assigned times by the GA office and not listed in GA promotional materials.

December 1, 2003: Early deadline for event requests
February 2, 2004: Final deadline for requests for all GA events, exhibits, ads, and A/V equipment orders
March 16, 2004: Deadline for receipt of event edit mailing, photos for GA program and payment for A/V.

Click here for more information about sponsoring events, including what types of events and the number of events an organization may sponsor (PDF document).

Planning Committee Sponsorship

The GA Planning Committee will sponsor up to fifteen programs at the General Assembly in Long Beach, CA, June 24 - 28, 2004. Ten of the fifteen programs selected will receive funding up to $500.

Deadline: Applications were due at the UUA by October 15, 2003 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Late applications will not be considered.

The Planning Committee will award sponsorship to UU Congregations and/or individual UUs that would otherwise not be eligible to sponsor GA programming. UUA Staff and Associate Member, Independent Affiliate or Related Organizations can sponsor their own GA events and are therefore ineligible for Planning Committee sponsorship.

The GA Planning Committee is looking for significant, innovative programs that will appeal to many UUs attending GA. Lectures, presentations, performances and workshops will be considered. Original ideas are especially welcome.

Click here for a PDF of the Application Guidelines.

Contributing to GA

Those interested in putting on a workshop at GA in Long Beach had two options: applying for Planning Committee Sponsorship by October 15, 2003 or soliciting sponsorship from a UUA District Office. Districts may sponsor up to two programs from congregations in their district. Districts had until February 2, 2004 to submit their events to the UUA.

Musicians or performers wishing to contribute talents during GA ceremonies, worship services, or other events may submit information about themselves to the GA Office. Information will be kept on file for Planning Committee consideration. Mail to: Unitarian Universalist Association General Assembly, 25 Beacon St., Boston, MA 02108.

Unitarian Universalist Association
25 Beacon St. | Boston, MA 02108 | 617-742-2100