by Carlton E. Smith
Lead – Pacific Western Region
About 80 Unitarian Universalists of the Pacific Western Region engaged with questions about the future of UUism in our Region at the October 17 and 21 Town Halls on Zoom.
At the heart of the two online gatherings were a series of polls that enabled participants to register their preferences on questions such as What do you think about the direction that the Region is going in? How are you willing/able to gather? and How far are you willing to travel for an in-person event?
In addition to the polls, there were opportunities for members of the Transitions Team and PWR Staff to introduce themselves, as well as for participants to connect with each other in breakout rooms.
“There’s clearly a deep desire for UUs in the Pacific Western Region to talk with one another and to be part of something larger than themselves,” said Bob Miess, representing the Pacific Central District while serving as the Administrator at the Unitarian Church in Livermore, California. “Going forward, I can see us making more time for those opportunities both at Town Halls and other online and in-person gatherings.”
Mary Nordhagen, President of the Mountain Desert District, sensed an upswing in interest around building bridges between congregations, though distance continues to be an issue.
“As a member of a very small, some might say tiny, congregation, I am really excited to hear the energy behind making connections between congregations,” said Mary, a long-time member of the UU Fellowship of Missoula, Montana. ”I heard the concern about the large geographic area of the region, but I also heard ways to work around that and still form relationships with UUs outside our immediate areas.”
Rhoda Whitney echoed Mary’s thoughts. “It was good to see all the interest people expressed,” said Rhoda, who serves on the MDD Board with Mary and has maintained membership for many years at First Universalist Church of Denver – site of PWR’s 2024 Regional Assembly. “I regret that we did not have time for all the questions people had and hope we will be able to do that in future town halls.”
Keith Strohmaier, representing the Pacific Southwest District, expressed appreciation for everyone who turned out for the Tuesday evening and Saturday morning Town Hall events.
“While we on the Transitions Team put the Town Halls together with the help of PWR Staff, none of our work would have mattered if Unitarian Universalists of the Region chose not to register and log on,” said Keith, a dedicated member of the Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara. “We are grateful for each person who took time to share their perspectives and ask the questions they had of us.”
As far as what happens next, Libby Fitzgerald, representing the Pacific Northwest District, spoke to both the short- and long-range goals of the Transitions Team.
“Over the next few months, we are focused on finalizing the legal requirements that will officially establish the Pacific Western Region in the state of Colorado,” said Libby, who currently serves as the Director of Religious Education at Inland Northwest UU Community. “Beyond that, we will use the insights gathered from our first Town Halls to help design the Regional Assembly in Denver, April 19-20, 2024.”
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