Due to technological advancements in both the congregational certification process and the way the Association produces delegate credentials, we are able to send credentials to congregations about two months ahead of the bylaw mandated deadline (forty-five days prior to each General Assembly).  Check to see if your congregation is certified.

This is an exciting development because the UUA is now able to engage congregations to select their delegates, make plans, and raise money for GA when registration and housing open in March, rather than in May.  This will hopefully foster more discussion in our congregations around who will represent them at GA and how the congregation can support its delegates, rather than simply handing out credentials to whomever has already made plans to attend.

In addition to encouraging participation in our democratic process, the early production and mailing of credentials has allowed two major General Assembly mailings to be combined.  For the first time, credentials will arrive with the annual Notice of Meeting, a comprehensive booklet with information about traveling to GA, the program schedule, information for first-time attendees, the Tentative Agenda, and other GA related materials.

The Tentative Agenda contains the Report of the Commission on Social Witness, the draft Statement of Conscience “Peacemaking,” and proposed Study/Action Issues for 2010-2014.  It also includes amendments to UUA Bylaws and Rules providing for the removal of committee and board members for cause and relating to the election of President and Moderator, and a Business Resolution submitted by the Ballou Channing District, “Green Revolution.”

Delegate credentials were sent together with the Notice of Meeting in BRIGHT PINK 9″x12” envelopes. They should arrive at certified congregations during the first week of March. Registration and housing reservations for General Assembly open March 1. Encourage your congregation’s leadership to make plans for General Assembly now!