1. UU Identity Renaissance Module
WELCOME!
UU Identity Renaissance Module
Session Three:
Unitarian Universalist Identities –
Then and Now
renaissance program

2. Session 3 Agenda
renaissance program

3. This session will be recorded. We will begin recording now.
Reminder!
This session will be recorded. We will begin recording now.

5. Opening Reading renaissance program #683 by Theodore Parker
Be our a religion which, like sunshine, goes everywhere;
Its temple, all space;
Its shrine, the good heart;
Its creed, all truth;
Its ritual, works of love;
Its profession of faith, divine living.
renaissance program

6. Sharing As a person of faith, I used to ______, But now I ________.
renaissance program

7. River Journey Sharing

8. Principles Taboo
How would you describe Unitarian Universalism without using the Principles and Sources?
renaissance program

9. Taboo Words Inherent Growth Liberty Worth Responsible Dignity Truth
Inter-dependent
Justice
Meaning
Compassion
Democratic
Web
Equity
Conscience
Life
Free
Community
Acceptance
Peace
renaissance program

10. Envisioning an Alternate Reality
What if, instead of adopting new Principles, the UUA had decided to get rid of unified Principles?
renaissance program

11. Envisioning an Alternate Reality
What if, instead of adopting new Principles, the UUA had decided to get rid of unified Principles?
Three Big Questions:
How might UU identity be different?
How might it be the same?
What would we teach our congregations about what is at the core of a UU identity?
renaissance program

12. First and Last Principles
What are some of the relationships Frances Manly draws between the Principles?
How do our Principles affect our perspectives and individual or collective searches for meaning?
What are the relationships between the Sources and the Principles?
renaissance program

13. UU Identity Development
Social Media and
UU Identity Development
renaissance program

14. Social Media and UU Identity Development
How is social media developing UU identity already?
Maintaining connections to UUs who live in other places
UU Young Adult Connections page on Facebook
Sharing UU identity with non-UU friends
Standing on the Side of Love (SSL), UU World links on Facebook, Twitter
Distributing resources more easily
Faithify (a UU crowdfunding website)
Pinterest (sharing religious education) resources)
renaissance program

15. Social Media and UU Identity Development
How do you see social media influencing religious identity development?
Maintaining connections with UUs in other places
Sharing UU identity with non-UU friends
Distributing resources more easily
renaissance program

16. For sale: baby shoes, never worn.
Six-Word Stories
For sale: baby shoes, never worn.
Ernest Hemingway

17. Group Projects renaissance program
Design a volunteer training session focused on fostering and promoting UU identity (for RE teachers, youth advisors, membership volunteers, etc.)
Design a workshop for parents/other adults focused on fostering and promoting UU identity beyond the congregation - at home, school, or in the workplace
Design a multigenerational justice project or other activity to promote and foster UU Identity development in people of all ages
renaissance program

19. Session 3 Reflection Questions
How do the UU principles impact or connect with your own faith identity? Why?
Is UU identity more fixed or fluid? Why? Is that more of a liability or a gift?
How does Unitarian Universalist identity formation today differ from the way it was in the past?
How might you use the Unitarian Universalist Principles as a tool for forming Unitarian Universalist identity in children? Youth? Young adults? Older adults?
How is social media changing methods of Unitarian Universalist identity formation?
What social media tools might you use for forming Unitarian Universalist identity in children? Youth? Adults?
renaissance program

21. Reminder!

22. Closing Words by Ma Theresa Gustilo Gallardo from the Worship Web
Some came here to be blessed with answers in a tumultuous world.
Let us hope too, however, that many of us have been blessed with questions.
To direct us with a clarity of mind to steer our logic towards
kindness and justice always.