North American Unitarian Association

 Can Cycles of History Explain our Troubled Times? George Friedman (a geopolitical forecaster, founder of Geopolitical Futures and NYT bestselling author of “The Next 100 Years”) published “The Storm Before the Calm,” predicting in 2020 the reshaping of foreign policy, economics and culture that we are currently experiencing. He explains this upheaval as a unique convergence of two cycles that the U.S. has repeatedly experienced throughout its history – a 50-year socioeconomic and an 80-year institutional cycle. He saw these cycles converging in the mid-2020s with great disruption, but resolving in the 2030s stronger and more stable. An optimistic message for our troubled times. An alternate view argues that, although society’s sentiments swing back and forth in the years after wars or plagues, there’s no steady metronome rhythm to history.

Joyce Francis, Ph.D., taught international relations at George Mason, Tulane, and American Universities. She serves on the NAUA Academy Advisory Board and is a founding member of the 2-year-old Salish Sea Fellowship in Port Hadlock, WA, where she directs its Adult Learning Programs (ALPs).

This is her third Academy presentation; previous topics were “Race Amity” and “Rise of the Nones.”The NAUA Academy takes place on the second Tuesday of the month from 4:30 to 6:00 PM PT.

• Draft NAUA Principles and Foundations
  Principles and Foundations of the NAUA The Principles and Foundations below are in draft form to be be discussed and voted on at Summit 2026 and if approved to be… Read more: Draft NAUA Principles and Foundations
• Sept 19, 2026- The Courage of Crazy Wisdom
  Sept 19, 2026: NAUA Service – The Courage of Crazy Wisdom in a Dangerous Time with Rev. Alex Holt “Crazy Wisdom” can be many things but Wes Nisker told us… Read more: Sept 19, 2026- The Courage of Crazy Wisdom
• Unjust Persecution
  As President of the North American Unitarian Association, the NAUA, I feel it is my duty to offer a warning to you. Association with the NAUA may be a risky… Read more: Unjust Persecution
• Sept. 2026 – When our Justice System Fails
  In this session, we will watch one story in which the falsely accused is ultimately proven innocent and the accuser seeks the forgiveness of the exoneree.  Then we’ll explore the… Read more: Sept. 2026 – When our Justice System Fails
• Aug. 15, 2026: NAUA Service – Peace, Love, Understanding and Manure by JD Stillwater
  Social polarization is a natural, predictable phenomenon. So is manure. Science Ambassador JD Stillwater recounts a profound event of peace-making and innovation that happened one afternoon long ago in a… Read more: Aug. 15, 2026: NAUA Service – Peace, Love, Understanding and Manure by JD Stillwater