Conference Announcement

CAUUC Spring Conference (in person and online)

CAUUC stands for Chicago Area Unitarian Universalist Council

Date:  Saturday, April 13   9am-2pm 

Location: Unitarian Church of Evanston and Zoom

Fee:  Free, recommended donation $15

Welcoming Congregation Renewal:

The Work of Welcome is Never Done

The UUA Welcoming Congregation program came about in the late 1980s in response to the findings of the Common Vision Planning Committee, a diverse group of clergy and laity that was tasked with collecting information about how welcome and accepted lesbian, gay, and bi-sexual persons felt in their UU congregations.  Since that time, transphobia and gender identity has made its way to the center of politics and legislative agendas with increasing attention by media outlets.  This changed landscape calls UUs and our congregations to renew our commitment to being welcoming.

The conference will include education, advocacy/allyship, and action components in support of our focus:  improving how welcoming we are to people that identify as transgender or non-binary.  We are looking to elevate those voices and create deeper understanding of the lived experiences of the members of this community through keynote addresses, panel discussion with Q&A, and breakout groups.  Come join us to learn, support, and gather momentum in our collective welcoming work.

Keynote Speakers:

Rebecca Kling (she/her) is an educator, organizer, storyteller, and advocate for social change. Kling served as the community storytelling advocate and director of education programming at the National Center for Transgender Rights, as well as on the leadership team of Harbor Camps, a sleepaway summer camp for trans and non-binary youth. She is the co-author of the book The Advocate Educator’s Handbook: Creating Schools Where Transgender and Non-Binary Students Thrive.  She is also the co-founder of Better World Collaborative, a social impact consulting firm working to combat the recent flood of anti-trans legislation. She lives in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood.

Kim Frank (she/her) Over the past 15 years Kim has worked with Youth Outlook supporting LGBTQ youth as a Program Coordinator, Youth Leadership Trainer and community educator. Kim served as a high school youth group adviser at Countryside Church UU for over 20 years and was one of three Con Manager’s for the MidAmerica Region ensuring safe and meaningful Con experiences for youth. Kim is also Chief of Staff at Humboldt Park Health, a safety-net hospital that provides equitable care in the HP community and beyond with their Ambulatory Care program. Kim has a bachelor’s degree in social work from Northeastern University.

For additional details and to register for the conference, please visit: uuchicagoarea.org/conference

You may also proceed directly to the event registration/donation site:  cauuc.brownpapertickets.com

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