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Come to the American Ethical Union Assembly in Albuquerque!
by Bart Worden, AEU Executive Director, and John McCormick, AEU Board President
This June 7-10 the American Ethical Union has an excellent opportunity to expand our reach as a national movement with our 103rd Assembly in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This is the furthest west we have gone for an Assembly and Albuquerque is a fabulous place to visit (see Attractions tab for ideas on fun activities and sights to add to your Assembly trip).
Why Albuquerque? Here are some good reasons:
The theme for this Assembly, “Seeds for the Future: Environmental Justice and Ethical Culture,” is especially fitting this year as Albuquerque faces a number of environmental justice issues we will learn about together. From uranium to factory farming, climate justice to environmental activism, they are leading the charge on national and international environmental concerns in which we must get more involved.
Albuquerque is home to many Native American people, including those from 19 Pueblos in New Mexico. Indigenous people have long borne the brunt of attacks on the environment and have much to discuss with us on what work is needed.
On Friday, June 8, hear live music by Son of Hwéeldi, a Resistance Rock band whose songs focus on the historic persistence and current struggles of the Indigenous community: corruption in politics, the Dakota Access Pipeline fight, respect for water, and gratitude for life.
Ethical Culture is a heavily east coast and central US organization but New Mexico offers an opportunity to develop a new Ethical Society in the west. Our New Society Development Team is already working to establish a new Circle. We also are connecting with local humanist/secular/skeptic groups who will run a workshop (Friday, June 8) called “Humanism, Skepticism, Atheism, Non-Theism and other Heresies.”
The American Ethical Union is run by and for Ethical Culture members and the Assembly is where we democratically elect representatives, pass resolutions, approve budgets, meet key people throughout the movement, and learn about opportunities for engagement in the Union. This year we’ll be selecting a logo and tagline for the AEU as part of our Branding Project.
Lastly, Assemblies offer opportunities to reconnect with old friends and make new ones as we gather to celebrate life, work on our values, and award dedicated advocates for Ethical Humanism. Discover firsthand that you are an integral part of a much broader Movement with shared values and goals. We are so spread out and busy with our lives that it’s essential that we make time annually to come together, share ideas, recharge batteries, and validate that we are not alone in our work. The more members in attendance, the greater the energy and the more impact this Assembly will have as we strive to grow the Movement.
We’ve extended Early Bird savings to May 7th and offer a variety of registration packages as well as a student discount. If you are still unable to join us at Assembly, please help send others by contributing to the Voices at the Table Fund. Those attending Assembly can easily donate when you register and enjoy the rewards of a strong and diverse ethical community! Hoping to see you all in Albuquerque!