UUA Resource Development Office: Judith Frediani, Director Gail Forsyth-Vail, Adult Programs Jessica York, Youth Programs Pat Kahn, Children and Family Programs

“The past is never dead. It’s not even past.” William Faulkner

 Provide information about TOF resources and the philosophy of using history as faith development  Demonstrate that participants can create a history curricula from TOF stories and activities  Demonstrate teaching history by focusing on themes: look at a broad theme across history  Offer an activity that is faith development for participants  Inspire participants to use history as a living thing

Responses from participants: Our congregational history Are there videos linked to TOF – “heroes” history? Interactive class – how do we teach history? Need a grasp of the whole history so we can feel confident about the context Trouble searching for stories – description instead of just title? “canon” of stories that all kids/youth should hear and re- hear? Timelines for children and youth – image library online? Recommended “standards” for all ages Visuals, sensory stimuli, best practices in presenting stories Congregations and beyond opportunity?

Tapestry of Faith Philosophy

 How do we live out values society does not support?  How do we balance the needs of community vs. individual?  What responsibility do we have to bring everyone to the table? How do we make sure all voices are heard?  How have we learned to be a pluralistic faith community?  How can we empower people today to see themselves as co-creators of our UU history (living history)?  How do we not create myths, not put people on pedestals, but tell the truth – even when it is uncomfortable?

 In the winter of , the Common Vision Planning Committee conducted a survey of Unitarian Universalists to collect basic information about how UUs feel about the inclusion of gay, lesbian and bisexual persons in our religious movement (the survey did not include questions about transgender people).  About 14 percent of the respondents were gay, lesbian, or bisexual; 86 percent identified themselves as heterosexual.  Listen to some of the voices of those respondents who identified themselves as heterosexuals.

 Recall your own journey as you learned about homosexuality. For some of us, this is a "coming out“ story. For some of us, this is a "learning about" story.  What important events or people did you encounter along the way?  What role, if any, has your Unitarian Universalist faith played in your journey? Form triads and share some of your reflections (10 minutes) after which we’ll re-gather in the large group.

 How have attitudes and assumptions changed since 1989 in our Association?  Our congregations?  The broader society?  What work remains to be done?

"History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again." Maya Angelou

Where do we come from? What are we? Where are we going?