Unitarian Universalist Women*
[Registered as Unitarian Universalist Women’s Federation]
Who We Are
*UUWF is a continental membership organization that advances equity and justice for women through education and advocacy. It is an independent non-profit, 501 (c) (3) corporation and one of only three associate member organizations of the Unitarian Universalist Association.
Inheritor of a proud tradition, UUWF was formed in 1963 through consolidation of the Association of Universalist Women (founded in 1869 and believed to be the first organization of lay church women in the United States) and the Alliance of Unitarian Women (1890).
Purposes
• We affirm the inherent value of each woman within our community;
• We affirm the importance of women's voices in our religious quest;
• We link hearts and minds in service of women's truths;
• We pledge action against the religious roots of sexism;
• We pledge to support the diversity of religious feminisms;
• We work to raise consciousness of the linked nature of oppressions;
• We seek justice for all women in the struggle to transform institutions of oppression;
• We highlight and celebrate women's achievements – past, present and future.
Mission
We, the women of the First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Diego affirm and support the “Sacred Feminine” in all women by contributing to a community which promotes personal empowerment, spiritual enrichment and civic involvement.
UUW First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Diego
The branch of Unitarian Women at First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Diego is part of the continental organization. The structure of the local branch has the following components:
Steering Committee
A group of women dedicated to promoting membership and participation in the work of the organization. The Steering Committee meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Diego Hillcrest Campus. All are welcome to attend and/or become a part of the Steering Committee. Current Members: Georganne Hoctor, Sheila Marsh, Betty Hanson, Dorene Sulzer, Louise Klinke, Julie McKane, Nancy Bashant, Rose Van Oss, Betsy Stevens, Sue Haskin, Carole Courlange and Dorothy Pearlman
Membership in the national organization
Membership is currently $35 per annum January through December. [$25 is sent to the continental organization] Checks are made out to First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Diego with UUW [UUWF] in the memo line and submitted to a member of the Steering Committee.
On-going projects
Brown Bag Conversation: On the fourth Saturday of alternate months a speaker or panel presents a program of interest to women. Event is scheduled from noon to 2 p.m. in the Common Room at First Unitarian Universalist Church Hillcrest Campus. You bring your Brown Bag Lunch and the Steering Committee provides beverages and desserts. Out-reach, sisterhood, and environmental awareness is encouraged through carpooling.
Fund Raising: Victorian Tea, Bunko Night, sale of Chico Bags, participation in December Craft Faire, and the Church Rummage Sale are some current and past fund raising activities. UUW is contributing a portion of the funds to the Bard Hall church construction project. Other monies is donated to non-profit organizations which help women locally or internationally.
Craft Night: UUW sponsors an Affinity Craft group which meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. E-mail or call Dorothy Pearlman for meeting site as the group is hosted in the homes of current attendees: knitdap@yahoo.com or home phone: 858-569-6109
Craft Day: Susan Riegal-Harding hosts a fourth Thursday Craft Day at her Kennsington Home from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 4349 Adams Avenue; San Diego, CA 92116 e-mail: ssrh41@cox.net You bring your projects and lunch and share in sisterhood.
Baby Layette: Sandapp – San Diego Adolescent Pregnancy and Parenting Program. Baby clothing needed or check, new or gently used, zero to 6 month sizes, also blankets, infant towels and toys. For several years a small group of women at First Church have been providing layettes to supplement the program benefiting newborns through Sandapp. Over ahundered layettes are provided each year purly through donations. If you can help provide these items they can be dropped off at the UUW table or R.E. Office on Sunday or contact Nancy Bradford e-address: bradurk17@aol.com phone 858-278-9664
Women’s Service: In cooperation with the minister and associate minister, UUW participates in a yearly women focused Sunday Service.