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North American Unitarian Association is a member service organization dedicated to supporting and promoting the practice of liberal religion by embracing freedom, reason, and tolerance—rooted in our commitment to the inherent worth and dignity of every person and all peoples.

Greetings, !

Registration for NAUA's 2025 Annual Summit is Now Open!

Let's build community and form connections across the globe!

"Communication is merely an exchange of information, but connection is an exchange of our humanity."  - Sean Stephenson 

"People are lonely because they build walls instead of bridges."
- Rev. Joseph Fort Newton

Here at NAUA, we build bridges! Bridges that unite us, bridges that embrace rather than deny our diversity. Bridges where all who support traditional liberal values can form connections that strengthen our humanity and promote respect for the inherent worth and dignity of all people, that join us together in advancing Freedom, Reason and Tolerance throughout the world. 

In fact, the theme of this year's Summit is "Building Bridges: Unity and Diversity." Your presence is cordially requested at this multi-day event. We need YOU and your unique ideas, personality and contributions. We want to form stronger connections between members, learn about one another, exchange perspectives and ultimately grow NAUA and our impact on society. 

What is an Elevator Speech?

You'll enjoy learning about the pieces of a typical elevator speech. An elevator speech is a useful and fun way to open conversations with others - without being patronizing or boring! Your task will be to develop your own elevator speech for describing NAUA, which may be used for discussion at the end of the Summit.

Liberal religion incorporates spiritual reflection. Begin your Summit experience by reflecting with Rev. Twinkle Manning and colleagues.

Greco-Roman Stoic philosophy and its modern interpretations provide strategies with which to deal with many of the stresses and challenges of modern life and particularly the current political situation. Some of these key Stoic concepts will be introduced and illustrated, followed by group discussion.

Jay Kiskel and Frank Casper lead a workshop about the life and death of the 5th Principle Project that they are winding down.

This session overviews the rational Liberal middle ground upon which we stand on many contentious issues. Helen Pluckrose argues that we do not need consensus or shared belief, but we need to insure that institutional power is not used coercively against right or left Woke or activists for any cause.

Alan Lindrup shows us how the U.U. Multiracial Unity Action Council advances social justice through broad, diverse coalitions, rather than through narrow identity groups.

Revs. Lynn Kerr, Alex Holt and Terry Cummings discuss how the NAUA is supporting congregations.

Rev. Dr. Todd Eklof will present a top-line presentation emphasizing the goals of the Strategic Plan and how it will be implemented. Stephen Polmar and Jan Anderson will be panelists for the discussion. Members of the Strategic Plan Workshop will receive copies of the plan prior to the workshop. There will be plenty of time for questions and discussion.

The objective of this panel discussion is to introduce a range of concepts on Unity and Diversity within the context of our liberal religious Faith. Within this limited time framing, no assumption should be made about expectations for decision-making or conclusions. However, NAUA members will have an opportunity to hear some of the challenges we face and opportunities that we have with respect to these important and critical issues.

NAUA members are entitled to participate in the NAUA Annual Business Meeting, elect Board members, vote on any bylaw changes, and ask questions. Please plan to attend!

NAUA's 3rd Saturday Worship Committee presents a special Summit service.

The Summit is designed for NAUA members, friends and anyone in the world who supports liberal religion. You do not need to be a Unitarian in order to attend! While most mid-week sessions are timed for North American evening participation, Friday through Sunday sessions occur throughout the day and should be viewable in most time zones. All sessions will be recorded, and those registered will receive access to the recordings for a full year after the Summit. So even if you are not available on all dates (Sept. 30-Oct. 5), it is still worth registering for later viewing. Participants will also be able to network and chat in the Zoom lobby for several days before, during and after the Summit. So you can still comment, ask questions and participate in discussions virtually on days and time zones around the Summit. 

• Attend the Summit to learn (and share) liberal religious practices that add meaning and comfort to your life
• Join the Summit and you just might meet your kindred spirit or alter ego somewhere across the country or across the globe
• Participate in advancing liberal religion (and especially liberal values) throughout the world, which will naturally foster greater unity and respect for diversity
• Suggest the Summit to friends who feel walled-in by society or abandoned by liberal religion
• Gift the Summit to someone you feel might benefit from learning more about or possibly joining NAUA
• Register TODAY so you can begin building your Zoom profile and are sure to receive all communications leading up to the Summit

If you have any questions about the Summit, registration or applying for a scholarship to cover the cost of your attendance, please email Summit@naunitarians.org.