UUA President Announces Changes to International Programs Structure

The Rev. William G. Sinkford

February 27, 2006

Friends,

The Board of Trustees of the Unitarian Universalist Association has described its vision for international engagement with these words:

"Mindful of both the brokenness and the potential for reconciliation in the world, the Board of the UUA commits to strengthen and energize UUA member congregations by facilitating their connection to the transforming power of international engagement and partnership."

To actualize the Board of Trustee's vision for international engagement, the UUA is introducing changes to its International Programs work. Two new staff members will join the Association to fulfill this vision.

First, a new Acting Director for International Programs will serve on a short-term basis in order to provide an in-depth assessment of how our congregations are currently engaged in transformative international engagement and how this engagement might be strengthened. The assessment will include personal interviews with UUs involved in international work, focus groups, and surveys.

Cathy Cordes, who has served our movement for a number of years as Executive Director of the UU Partner Church Council (UUPCC), will serve as Acting Director for International Programs  on a halftime basis from April 1, 2006, through June, 2007; Cathy will continue her work with the UUPCC on a reduced basis. The UUA is deeply grateful to the Partner Church Council for facilitating Cathy's ability to take on this responsibility.

Second, in order to increase staff involvement in key policy areas, a Legislative Assistant for International Issues will join the Washington Office for Advocacy's Social Justice Internship Program. This new position, which will include a special focus on global HIV/ AIDS, is in the process of being filled; applications are due by noon on Tuesday, February 28. For more info rmation about this position and how to apply, please see www.uua.org/uuawo  or call Jeannette Jackson at 202-296-4672, ext. 10.

The UU Holdeen India Program (UUHIP), housed in the UUA's Washington Office, will collaborate in overseeing this internship position, connecting U.S. domestic policy with UUHIP's work in India on such international issues as human trafficking and women's rights. For more info rmation, see www.uua.org/international/holdeen.

The UUA is firmly committed to international engagement as a means of fostering justice, equity, and compassion in human relations. We are confident that these changes to our International Programs structure will enhance our support for the significant international work already being accomplished by our congregations.

In faith,

William G. Sinkford
President
Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations

Unitarian Universalist Association
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