READY, SET, GO!

IT'S TIME TO GEAR UP FOR GENERAL ASSEMBLY

 

It's time to think about choosing your congregation's delegates.

While GA is for everyone, delegates have the added privilege and responsibility of representing your congregation in deliberations on important issues. This year, Congregation Presidents who serve as delegates will also get a $100 rebate on their full-time registration.

 

March is the month to apply to be a GA volunteer.  

GA volunteers get free GA registration in return for 24 hours of volunteer service at GA for adults, 14 hours for youth.  The application forms will be posted on www.uua.org/ga on March 1. Volunteers need to apply by March 31.  So if you want to be a volunteer, don't miss that deadline!  Think about it and get ready by checking out the volunteer opportunities at http://www.uua.org/ga/registration/financialaid/14930.shtml.  GA runs on volunteers-we need them! 

 

GA Registration and Housing Reservations open March 3. 

If you register before May 1, you get a lower registration rate.  (You can pre-register through mid-June and even walk in and register onsite, but why not make up your mind early and take advantage of the March-April discount?)

 

For housing, you'll find a selection of hotels, dormitories, and UU home hospitality to choose from, at a range of prices.  Descriptions of the housing options will be posted soon on www.uua.org/GA.  Again, you can sign up for housing anytime, but the early bird may have a better choice of worms.

 

March is the month to apply for Financial Aid.

If you want to attend GA but can't afford it, talk to your congregation leadership now.  Don't be shy, apply! In addition, applications for UUA financial aid will be available March 1, and most are due by March 31.  Here's what's available from the UUA:

 

• Congregational Matching Grant Scholarships provide free registration and a match of your congregation's contribution toward your attendance, up to $250.  You'll need to have a recommendation and financial pledge from your congregation when you apply, so now is the time to talk to your church board.  For all scholarship information, see
  http://www.uua.org/ga/registration/financialaid/15005.shtml

• Youth and Young Adult Scholarships provide free registration and up to $500 toward expenses. Just like for volunteering, the application deadline is March 31.
• There are also a limited number of competitive $1000 Youth Group Scholarships for youth groups who have gotten organized to raise money and bring most of their group to GA.  Check out http://www.uua.org/re/youth/events/gacaucus/56024.shtml

• Davidoff Fund Scholarships cover the cost of GA registration for lay delegates from congregations who have not been represented by lay leaders at GA in the last three years.  The application deadline is April 30.

The local folks are lining up an array of historical and cultural tours to help you get to know the small but fascinating state of Rhode Island. And they're assembling tips on things to see and places to eat. (Providence is recognized as a 'creative capital' and a top culinary spot, with foods in many varieties and price ranges.) 

The GA Service Project has been launched, focusing on the problems of hunger and homelessness.  We'll be supporting McAuley House and Housing First Rhode Island with an "Empty Bowls" project.  We're looking for artisans-professional, amateur and novice-to make or paint bowls to sell at GA to help these fine organizations-contact Nori Duncan (nori.duncan@gmail.com)  if you can help.

is being put together, with a fantastic array of talks, workshops and worships.  At any given time, you'll be torn by a host of great options for where to direct your attention.  The full schedule will be posted in the next month or so.  There will be entertainment options in the late evenings too.

There's a team at work planning our UU participation in Waterfire.  What is Waterfire? It's Providence's renowned artistic and communal event, and we'll play a major role in it on Saturday night at GA. (Check out www.waterfire.org if you're curious-it's a beautiful and spiritual experience.)