Networking Sessions

A wide array of networking sessions are taking place on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Descriptions for all networking sessions are below. Sessions subject to change.

Saturday: 8:30 am PT | 9:30 am MT | 10:30 am CT | 11:30 am ET | 12:30 pm AT (1 hour)

Networking Session A: Climate Justice through a Decolonizing Lens - with Erin Horvath
Climate justice, decolonizing, and right relations with the First Nations, are inextricably linked. At this networking session, meet with other Unitarians who are interested in approaching climate justice through a decolonizing lens and explore the resources the CUC has collated to support this important work. Please take a moment to fill out this Expression of Interest to be in touch with this movement and we’ll work to keep you in the loop before and after the May 2021 conference.

Networking Session B: Refugee Sponsorship During the Pandemic - with Samia Tecle
Middle East, Africa, Asia, Europe, Central and South America: emergencies around the world today threaten millions of refugees. Families and children forced to flee their homes arrive in refugee camps daily with little more than the clothes on their backs. During this pandemic, the situation is even more dire. Canada, and our UU congregations, are in a unique position to help directly and bring refugees to Canada. Come to this session to find out how to help someone find a new life.

Networking Session C: Musicians' Collective - with Nicholas Fairbank

This is an opportunity for Canadian UU musicians from across the country to discuss common issues such as forming a national network or collective, and policies around music and video sharing as well compensation to creators for online services and other events. This session is open to music directors, song leaders, instrumentalists, composers, conductors as well as others.

Networking Session D: Classical Lectio Divina - with Rev. Debra Thorne

Classical Lectio Divina is the contemplation of sacred text. This contemplative practice is like breathing between word and silence, between the inner and the outer knowing. It is listening to words with your heart and your spirit. It is a gentle sinking into words and finding meaning below the surface. It is a contemplative process shared with others. In our session, we will be using the poetry of a 21^st-century writer. Text will be provided.

Conversation With the CUC Board
Saturday, May 15, 3 pm PT | 4 pm MT | 5 pm CT | 6 pm ET | 7 pm AT (1.5 hours)

'Learn, Connect and Act'. Join the CUC Board for a conversation on what inspires us to action. We will share the results of the QUUest survey completed by individuals and groups in fall, 2020, and talk about where we go in the next few years to continue to grow the vitality of our national UU community.

Sunday: 8:30 am PT | 9:30 am MT | 10:30 am CT | 11:30 am ET | 12:30 pm AT (1 hour)

Networking Session E: Small Congregations under 100 - with Rev. Linda Thomson
Vibrant UU communities come in all sizes! Join other members and leaders of smaller congregations to share successes and challenges, form helpful connections, and support each other. CUC Congregational Life staff will facilitate the discussion and provide ideas and resources.

Networking Session F: Large Congregations over 100 - with Joan Carolyn
Join other members and leaders of large congregations to share successes and challenges, form helpful connections, and support each other in creating vibrant and welcoming communities. CUC Congregational Life staff will facilitate the discussion and provide ideas and resources.

Networking Session G: Soulful Singing: Singing Meditation for All - with Rev. Wendy Luella Perkins

As a warm-up to our Sunday service, join together with Unitarian Universalists from across Canada and beyond to sing songs of love and justice, healing and hope. Songs that re-kindle, sustain, and amplify our lights. Soulful Singing is an active meditative practice that cultivates awareness, joy, creativity, and community. In the circle of song, we'll connect to the liberating power of our individual and collective voices. Hallelujah!!

NEW! Networking Session H: A Space for UU Black, Indigenous, People of Colour

UU Black, Indigenous and People of Colour: while white people are having a conversation about white supremacy, we invite you to a conversation about your experiences of white culture - share experiences and your hopes and dreams with each other.

Open to any interested UU BIPOC (whether attending the Canadian Unitarian Council National Conference or not). Hosted on Zoom through the UU Ministers of Canada.

Saturday Wellness Lounge Drop-Ins :

Session 1: 11:30 am PT | 12:30 pm MT | 1:30 pm CT | 2:30 pm ET | 3:30 pm AT (1 hour)

Session 2: 2 pm PT|3 pm MT|4 pm CT|5 pm ET|6 pm AT1 (1 hour)

Caring for one another requires us to also care for ourselves. The Wellness Lounge is a space where you can take a break, recharge and meet new friends. Wellness-focused activities aimed at helping you find balance will take place in the Wellness Lounge on Saturday, in between Workshops. These activities are geared for all ages and all levels of mobility. This Lounge uses Zoom’s self-select Break Out Room feature, is by drop-in, and includes meditation, gentle yoga, conscious movement and chat over coffee/tea. Take a few minutes to drop by, centre yourself in the midst of a busy conference, and possibly even make new friends.