CEDAW Ratification Reminder
The following may not be news to you, but I would, now, like to present a bit of education about CEDAW, the U.N. Convention for the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. I’m sure you realize that such discrimination is the first step toward violence against women. I’m drawing the following information from the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee’s curriculum, Gender Justice: Women’s Rights are Human Rights. There’re also websites about it: www.womenstreaty.org and www.CEDAW2010.org.
The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee has confronted political, cultural and economic oppression throughout the world for over 66 years. They tell us that as a U.N. convention, CEDAW’s main key to U.S. usefulness is the definition it gives for what discrimination against women is. It is any distinction or restriction made on the basis of sex which has the effect or purpose of impairing the recognition, enjoyment or exercise of human rights. Article 2 mandates governmental condemnation of discrimination against women in all its forms and to ensure that national legal frameworks embody the principles of equality between men and women.
I learned on the womenstreaty website that President Obama's administration strongly supports U.S. ratification and has included CEDAW as one of the five multilateral treaties it has identified as a priority. So, with each Senatorial election, such as the one coming up in November, many of us who are educating the candidates of all parties (for whom we are the constituents) to try to get them to declare their support for ratification.
Before we go to the polls, November 2, let's educate our U.S. Senatorial candidates to endorse ratification of CEDAW!
Life As a Story That Never Ends
“We don’t accomplish anything in this world alone…and whatever happens is the result of the whole tapestry of one’s life and all the weavings of individual threads from one to another that creates something.” Sandra Day O’Connor
When a person dies, someone special who means something to me, either personally or by way of the news I learn about that particular person, I feel a commitment to carry on that person’s good memes.* Lucile Schuck Longview is such an influence in my life. She died last spring. This issue’s lead article, "Speaking our Truth: The Legacy of Lucile Longview" is Jane Flanagan’s tribute to Lucile. The article following Jane’s gives Lucile’s report to the International Association of Liberal Religious Women (IALRW) that I found in their archives. Lucile is a strong guiding force who, like Sandra Day O’Connor, was comfortable as a woman in a position of power. Lucile was looking for new answers from our UU religion. [in photo, left: Lucile Schuck Longview; right: Rosemary Matson]
Margaret Fuller Bicentennial Report
BICENTENNIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The following report, with additions and edits by Communications Assistant Carla Gomez, was prepared by Bicentennial Coordinator Reverend Dorothy Emerson in order to recap the events which have already taken place as part of the Bicentennial Celebration. Look for more exciting upcoming events to add to your calendar at www.margaretfuller.org.
RECAP
The celebration of Margaret Fuller’s Bicentennial is now in full swing. We have held the first five of our series of Conversations. The programs have been publicized to all of you via our newsletters and web site, as well as through the Mass Humanities website, Facebook, and press releases. The traveling display, “Why Margaret Fuller Matters,” has been shown in twelve locations in Massachusetts, including four of the Conversations programs.
The first Conversation, “Why Margaret Fuller Matters,” was held at the Margaret Fuller Neighborhood House (her birthplace) on Saturday, May 15. As participants entered, they had an opportunity to see the traveling display in the library where Margaret read her first books. The group was welcomed by Barbara Kibler, executive director, who described the facilities and programs the House provides for the community today. The program was moderated by project director, Dorothy Emerson, who presented a biographical sketch of Margaret’s life, focusing on her life in that house, as well as her experiences as a youth and young adult growing up in Cambridge. The project's Humanities Scholar, Laurie Crumpacker, Professor of History at Simmons College, then spoke about Margaret Fuller’s work, especially her front page articles in the New York Tribune, of which she had brought samples for all to see. A lively discussion followed. Refreshments were provided by the co-sponsor, the Margaret Fuller Neighborhood House.
The second Conversation, “Margaret Fuller in Groton: Shaping a Life, Framing a Mind,” was held on Sunday, May 16, at the First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church in Groton, which co-hosted the event and provided refreshments. Rev. Elea Kemler welcomed the attendees and explained that this was the church attended by the Fuller family while they lived in Groton. The program was moderated by Dorothy Emerson, who began with a biographical sketch of Margaret Fuller’s life focusing on her time in Groton. Marcia Synnott, Professor of History at the University of South Carolina, spoke about the importance of Margaret’s work and ideas, and Fritz Fleischmann, Professor of English at Babson College, spoke about Margaret’s time in Europe and the significance of her reports to the American public published in the New York Tribune. Another lively discussion ensued.
The third Conversation, "Portraying Margaret Fuller and Friends Onstage," was held on June 19 at the First Church in Belmont, in conjunction with one of the evening productions of the play, “The Margaret Ghost.” The author of the play, Carole Braverman, had been scheduled to speak but was called away by a medical emergency. Instead, Dorothy Emerson read portions of the playwright’s essay, “Searching for Margaret Fuller: Dramatizing Literary History.” Elizabeth Hunter, director of Theatre@First, spoke about her experience of producing the play several years ago, and again this year, as part of the Bicentennial. Actor Andrea Humez shared her experience of portraying Margaret. This event was also a fund-raiser, with refreshments donated by Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s (Alewife stores).
The fourth Conversation was the memorial service Margaret Fuller never had. Held in Bigelow Chapel at Mount Auburn Cemetery on July 18, this “Celebration of the Life and Legacy of Sarah Margaret Fuller Ossoli” was co-sponsored by the cemetery, which provided refreshments and donated a wreath for the celebration. The program was conducted by the Rev. Rosemarie Smuzinski and featured remembrances by key friends of Fuller, who appeared in historical dress. Rob Velella researched and prepared the script based on what these people wrote about her. Wendell Refior appeared as Ralph Waldo Emerson, Richard Smith as Henry David Thoreau, Rob Velella as James Freeman Clarke, Dorothy Emerson as Elizabeth Peabody, and Deb Goss as Julia Ward Howe. A pilgrimage to the Fuller Family Lot followed the service. The wreath was laid there, and Jessica Lipnack invited participants to come forward, take a flower, lay it on the cenotaph (monument), and share reflections on what Margaret Fuller means to them today.
The fifth Conversation took place on August 19 at the Old Manse in Concord. The program featured a dramatic dialog between Margaret Fuller and Edgar Allen Poe, portrayed by Jessa Piaia and Rob Velella. The Trustees of Reservations held special tours of the Manse, led by the co-sponsors, focusing on Margaret’s visits to the house. The dramatic presentation was followed by a question and answer session, with time at the conclusion for refreshments and casual conversations with attendees, staff, and performers.
The programs have been a resounding success. Charles Capper, Fuller biographer, stated that this is the largest and most comprehensive bicentennial ever held for an American author.¹ We are grateful to Mass Humanities for supporting these programs as part of this amazing Bicentennial year.
Meg Bowman, Humanist Heroine of the Year
Sociologist Meg Bowman was named the "Humanist Heroine of the Year" by the American Humanist Association at their annual conference in June. You can hear part of Meg's speech in this AHA podcast. Look for episode #52.Be sure to check out her new book, "Courageous Women," in our Store!
District UU Women's Retreats
Remember your first women's retreat? Decades ago it was a huge deal to get away and attend...because it was the only chance you had to gather with like-minded women. These days we are gathering all over!
The great news is that St. Lawrence District women have formed a W&R group and will be hosting a retreat this fall...and the Florida District W&R which just disbanded has discovered a whole new group of women willing to start it back up! I know we'll be hearing more from both regions. Revitalizing UU Women's Groups: A How-To Manual created by The Association of Universalist Women of Minneapolis some years back, is still available online. CMwD W&R and SWUUW publish conference guidelines on their websites.
Here are some of the upcoming retreats:
Central Midwest District Women and Religion
August 6-8, 2010
You are invited to join us for our annual Summer WomanSpirit retreat held at Ronora Lodge and Retreat Center in Watervliet, Michigan! Workshops, woods, walking, worship and more.
“Sowing Seeds of Gratitude” is our theme. We all have so many things for which we are grateful, and each one is a viable seed to plant and nurture allowing others to share in the labors which created the seeds. During this retreat we will take a special look at the gratitude we have toward the Earth and all she provides. We will also look at things for which we are grateful on a personal level, sharing what we are comfortable sharing and learning how those around us perceive their own gratitude.
E-mail: sws@womenandreligion.org More information: www.womenandreligion.orgRegister online: www.regonline.com/SWS2010
Thomas Jefferson District
Womenspirit Fall retreat will be held September 15-19 at The Mountain Retreat and Learning Center in Highlands NC.
Womenspirit gathers each Spring and Fall and offers two sessions: The Institute and The Gathering. Each session focuses on sharing sacred time together through worship, learning, and individual and group activities. Women may choose to attend Institute or Gathering or both. E-mail: Membership@uuwomenspirit.org More information: www.uuwomenspirit.org
Northern New England District
Joseph Priestley DistrictOctober 1-4 The Theme Within: Intuitively access your inner wisdom through the process of collage. Friday Dinner through Sunday lunch. Meet and explore with other UU women in a peaceful suburban retreat house. Ample free time; close to a lovely nature trail (45 minute walk) at Haverford College. E-mail: slater.anne[at]gmail.com More information: www.jpdwr.org
St. Lawrence District will be holding its First Annual Women's Spirituality Conference October 15th & 16th, at May Memorial UU Society in Syracuse. Registration starts at 5PM on Friday and is followed by dinner, vespers and a concert. Saturday starts with breakfast followed by a panel of speakers who will be discussing "How I put my spiritual beliefs into action." There will be workshops in the morning, then lunch, followed by two additional workshop times with topics including Sacred Movement, Art & Spirituality, Journaling, Healing, Bodywork, Yoga and many others. We'll close with worship. For more information please contact Planning Committee Chair Jody Brown at jfb523@gmail.com or (315) 476-0447. Information will also be on the SLD website. Here's the Initial Brochure. Visit our Facebook page: http://www.slduuwr.org Visit our Facebook page: www.slduuwr.org.
Central Midwest District UU Women's ConnectionPlans are afoot for this year's event which will be planned again by the Connection Council. Stay turned for news as the program develops. Save the date and meet your sisters there again!
You are invited to share a weekend with other women of Florida's Northeast Cluster. Our goal is to share, learn, laugh, reflect and generally strengthen our connections to one another. This time together will take place at the Canterbury Conference Center in Oveida Florida February 4th, 5th and 6th 2011. One of the activities, for those interested, will be to discuss reactivating the Florida chapter of UU Women and Religion. There will be structured time as well as time to just hang out alone or with friends. Final program details to be determined; your input is welcome. Cost: $220.00 per person which includes double occupancy accomodations, six meals, hospitality bar (coffee, tea, water, soda fountain, whole fresh fruit) and use of the conference facilities. The grounds are lovely and will offer the opportunity to enjoy the natural surroundings. Check out the facility online at www.canterburyretreat.org.
Please email Allie by Friday June 18th if you are interested in attending.
A nonrefundable deposit of $20 is due by July 1st with final payment due October 1st, 2010. Checks are made out to Northeast Cluster with UU Women's Retreat on the memo line. Checks to Allie Gore 8062 SW 81st Loop, Ocala, Fl 34476
Central Midwest District Women and Religion
February 25-27, 2011 at Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Elkhart, IN -- Balancing our Power: Spirit, Self and Earth, featuring Margot Adler
Margot's keynote address will have the same title. She'll ask:
How do we use our power for good?
How do we relate to people who have more or less power, status or resources than we do?
How do we negotiate the power in our own lives?
How do we use our power to preserve and protect the Earth?
How do we build a sturdy spirituality in the face of these issues?
Many people think there are two different Margot Adlers. One is a 40-year veteran of public broadcasting, who is currently the New York correspondent for National Public Radio and a frequent voice on All Things Considered, Morning Edition, and Weekend Edition. The other is a chronicler and spokesperson for the contemporary Wiccan and Pagan movements, the author of Drawing Down the Moon: Witches, Druids, Goddess Worshippers, and Other Pagans in America Today, and a Wiccan priestess who gives workshops in ritual and song. Shush! Don’t tell anyone. It’s the same person!
Adler started in radio in 1968 as a newscaster, reporter, and later the host of three talk shows in the 1970s and 1980s. She pioneered live, free-form talk shows that dealt with spirituality, feminism, ecology, and the interface between politics, religion, and culture. Adler is also the author of Heretic’s Heart: A Journey through Spirit and Revolution, which deals with her experiences as a student at Berkeley, a participant in the Free Speech Movement, a civil rights worker in Mississippi, and an activist and journalist during the Vietnam War.
A longtime Unitarian Universalist, Margot keynoted WomanSpirit 2000 in Milwauke Wisconsin, has led and participated in panels and rituals at the UUA General Assembly, for the Continental UU Women and Religion and Covenent of UU Pagans, and was one of the keynote speakers at the International Convocation of UU Women in February 2009. Adler resides in New York.
E-mail : wws@womenandreligion.org More information: www.womenandreligion.org
Voices of the Sacred Feminine
Greetings All,
I was encouraged by friends and radio show listeners to give this a try! They, like me, want to hear topics like we discuss on Voices of the Sacred Feminine on mainstream television instead of the "bread and circus" stories with so little substance the media wastes so much time with. So please, if you would be so kind, check out my vision for a show on Oprah's new television network. This isn't about me. It's more about giving ideals of the Sacred Feminine a platform in the mainstream world. Here's the link below. Please leave a vote for me if you like this and leave comments. I'm really entering this contest very late and have to move quickly to catch up. Please send this around to anyone who might help us accomplish this goal!
http://myown.oprah.com/audition/index.html?request=video_details&response_id=6905
By the way, I interviewed Rev. Shirley Ranck on my Voices of the Sacred Feminine internet radio show last Wednesday night! It's a featured episode and you can download the mp3 to listen!
Blessings and Thanks,
Karen Tate
www.karentate.com
More GA 2010 tidbits
General Assembly is held in Minenapolis, Minnesota this year, beginning June 23. GA is always a great opportunity for learning and networking. Not to mention shopping...
Be sure to visit our exhibit table! UU Women and Religion will be sharing a table in the International Section with the ICUUW. Look for Booth #227. Besides the usual curricula, we'll have lots of the "Change the Recipe" t-shirts (at a special GA only price!) and some gorgeous new pendants by Heather Eschbach of The Waxing Moon.
Also plan to attend some of these great events sponsored by the UU Women's Federation: http://www.uuwf.org/uuwfeventsatga2010.html
Hope to see you at GA! If you can't attend, check our website during that week for photos and comments.
Subcategories
Reproductive Justice
If you have any questions, please contact UU Women and Religion, info@uuwr.org.
Main resources from the UUA: www.uua.org/reproductive
