Where In the UU Blog-o-Sphere?

Everything you could want to know seems to be on someone's blog these days. Chris Walton, editor of the UU World and creator of Philocrites, has provided a very handy listing of UU blogs and categorized them by content. I have found it a very useful way to look at how the work of the UUA board is being perceived, interpreted and conveyed to others. Take a look and see if you find it helpful. It can be found at http://www.philocrites.com/archives/003616.html#diaries.

Values and Global ENDS for the UUA
DRAFT Statements as of January 2009


During the past two UUA Board meetings trustees have worked to develop draft statements of values and ENDS for the Association – “Association” meaning the entirety of the Board, administration, and the 1000+ congregations that have covenanted to be together to form the Association. Those familiar with Policy Governance will recognize that ENDS is not an acronym, but rather a Carver branded term for the broad vision and strategic directions developed for a non-profit organization. Based on the Open Space sessions at GA2007, the Appreciative Inquiry of GA2008, and conversations with the UU Ministers Association, District Presidents Association and others, the Board has created initial language for the values, vision, and strategic direction of our Association.
Trustees will be meeting with congregation boards and district leadership during the next three months, face-to-face and with webinars online, to gather additional feedback before finalizing the values and ENDS of our Association at the April 2009 UUA Board meeting.
The following are questions that trustees might use when meeting with UU leaders to review the draft ENDS:
• What is your initial reaction to the draft ENDS developed by the UUA Board?
• Does this reflect your dreams for Unitarian Universalism?

o Reflects almost all of what I want the UUA to be
o Reflects most of what I want the UUA to be
o Captures the right ideas but I don’t like the words
o Missed the mark entirely


The following working drafts were adopted at the October 2008 Board meeting:

Values: (Key values that underlay all our work)
Wonder . . . Connections . . . Transformation

Global END Statement:

Grounded in our covenantal tradition, the UUA will inspire people to lead lives of humility and purpose, connection and service, thereby transforming themselves and the world.


The following definition of our Sources of Authority and Accountability (or “owners” in Carver language), was developed by the UUA Board at their January 2009 Board meeting:

Sources of Authority and Accountability (owners):
• Our member congregations
• Current and future generations of Unitarian Universalists
• The heritage, traditions, and ideals of Unitarian Universalism
• The vision of Beloved Community
• The Spirit of life, love, and the holy

The following strategic directions, or high level ENDS were drafted by the UUA Board at their January 2009 meeting, and are the broad directions that the Board gives to the President:

Our ENDS are growing Unitarian Universalist congregations that. . .
Unlock the Power that Transforms Lives
• In our congregations, people deepen their spiritual lives. They:
• Develop a personal spiritual practice
• Participate in meaningful worship
• Learn and practice empowered leadership and generosity.
• Find their ministry in the world
• Our congregations are:
• Vibrant—joyful and excited about their ministries
• Intentionally multi-generational and multi-cultural.
• Networked with each other
• Congregations are:
• Active participants in ministerial preparation and development
• Shared ministries
• Agents of mission and extension

Invite people into congregations that live out covenant through:
• A strong, articulated sense of UU and community identity
• High expectations of their members
• Full participation in Associational life
• An open and inclusive outreach and welcome
• Embracing and struggling with issues of oppression and privilege

Move toward sustainability, wholeness and reconciliation through ministries, partnerships, and alliances.
• Our congregations answer the call to ministry and justice work:
• Grounded in the communities in which they live
• Nationally, internationally
• With interfaith partners and alliances
• The public engages in meaningful dialogue and takes action informed by our prophetic voice and public witness.

These are all at equal priority and are to be achieved within a justifiable cost.