Q: What is the AEU Assembly about?

The American Ethical Union organizes national Assemblies to learn, connect, and share about growing a more caring and humane world. Each Assembly includes a social justice theme, workshops, business meetings, a keynote program, Sunday Platform, and receptions. All are welcome.

Q: Why the First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis? 

The First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis (FUS) enthusiastically invited us to their space to host the AEU 2024 Assembly without a cost. FUS has deep humanist roots in the Unitarian Universalist tradition and has a thriving community in Minneapolis. FUS has been connected to the Humanist Institute in Minneapolis, where many Ethical Culture Leaders have been trained. 

FUS is generously offering their space to us at no cost, which can accommodate 450 people with up to three breakout rooms, and hotels are within a mile’s walking distance from the building. 

Q: What does Mindful Stories: A Ritual of Care mean?

A: After spending years apart attempting to curb the spread of COVID, we come back together in need of a healing experience of one another’s presence and the Ethical Culture value of bringing out the best in one another. These hardships don’t have to define us; instead, we can integrate them into our story and move forward feeling a sense of shared overcoming. This is why the Assembly will center around stories that change us and the healing practice of storytelling itself.

Q: How will young people be included in this Assembly?

A: As Co-Chairs of the Assembly, Julia Julstrom-Agoyo and Anya Overmann — two Future of Ethical Societies (FES) members — are inviting Youth of Ethical Societies (YES) members and former YES members to participate in planning so they can spend time together in Minneapolis. If you are a current or former YES member and would like to be involved in planning, email Julia (jjulstrom-agoyo@aeu.org) and Anya (aovermann@aeu.org). 

Q: What airport should I fly into?

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport is a less-than-20-minute drive and an hour and 15 minutes by metro from the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Minneapolis. 

Q: How do I check-in for the conference?

Go to First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis at 3pm on Friday, July 26th and you will enter to find a registration tabler where you will get your name badge and more. AEU staff and volunteers will be available throughout the conference if you need assistance. 

If you are attending virtually, no check-in is required.

Q: How do you get to the conference site from the hotel?

Walk: (22 mins) Left on LaSalle Ave, right on S 12th St, left on Yale Pl, continue straight through Loring Park until you reach Hennepin Ave, turn left on Loring Greenway, turn right on Groveland Terrace and FUS will be on your left. 

Bus: (13 mins) Turn right on LaSalle Ave, left on S 11th St, and right on Hennepin Ave to catch the bus at the Hennepin Ave & 10th St stop. Take bus 6, 4B, or 6U to the Hennepin Ave & Groveland Ave bus stop. Cross the street onto Groveland Terrace and FUS will be on your left.

Drive: (5 mins) Left on LaSalle Ave, right on S 12 th St, left on Hennepin Ave, right on Groveland Terrace, and FUS will be on your left. 

Q: What if I want to purchase a workshop or meal on-site?

We will try to accommodate late registrants as best we can.

Q: Will members be expected to attend the Assembly in person to vote?

No. The 2024 Assembly is a hybrid event that will accommodate virtual attendees and delegates.

Q: Who can I contact if I have questions?

Assembly Co-Chairs Julia Julstrom-Agoyo (jjulstrom-agoyo@aeu.org) and Anya Overmann (aovermann@aeu.org) are your contacts for all things AEU Assembly 2024!