1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:06,490 2 00:00:06,490 --> 00:00:08,660 Jim Key: Now's the time in our agenda 3 00:00:08,660 --> 00:00:12,260 where we vote to admit potential Actions of Immediate Witness 4 00:00:12,260 --> 00:00:13,980 to the agenda for voting tomorrow. 5 00:00:13,980 --> 00:00:16,021 We're going to do some more of that this morning. 6 00:00:16,021 --> 00:00:18,220 So I call on Susan Goekler once again 7 00:00:18,220 --> 00:00:22,050 to give us a report on potential Actions of Immediate Witness 8 00:00:22,050 --> 00:00:31,080 and a little overview of the process for this. 9 00:00:31,080 --> 00:00:32,570 Susan Goekler: Thank you. 10 00:00:32,570 --> 00:00:36,770 For a start, I just want to ask you to join me 11 00:00:36,770 --> 00:00:41,600 in thanking all those who have proposed Actions of Immediate 12 00:00:41,600 --> 00:00:42,900 Witness. 13 00:00:42,900 --> 00:00:44,630 They worked hard. 14 00:00:44,630 --> 00:00:45,850 They are passionate. 15 00:00:45,850 --> 00:00:47,150 They were committed. 16 00:00:47,150 --> 00:00:50,040 And whether their issue was selected, 17 00:00:50,040 --> 00:00:53,640 or will be selected or not, they have 18 00:00:53,640 --> 00:00:56,590 raised our awareness of important issues. 19 00:00:56,590 --> 00:00:58,290 So please join me in thanking them 20 00:00:58,290 --> 00:01:01,510 for all their hard work and their commitment. 21 00:01:01,510 --> 00:01:10,680 [APPLAUSE] 22 00:01:10,680 --> 00:01:12,740 Susan Goekler: We had nine possible Actions 23 00:01:12,740 --> 00:01:16,510 of Immediate Witness that were submitted to the CSW 24 00:01:16,510 --> 00:01:18,940 by the deadline on Thursday. 25 00:01:18,940 --> 00:01:23,070 All of them gathered the required number of signatures. 26 00:01:23,070 --> 00:01:29,230 The UUA bylaws state in section 4.163 on page 27 00:01:29,230 --> 00:01:34,710 108-- I did that for you Jim-- that if more than six petitions 28 00:01:34,710 --> 00:01:37,510 are submitted, this CSW shall select 29 00:01:37,510 --> 00:01:41,140 six that meet the criteria for a General Assembly 30 00:01:41,140 --> 00:01:45,030 action of immediate witness. 31 00:01:45,030 --> 00:01:51,560 The criteria that the CSW considered were immediacy, 32 00:01:51,560 --> 00:01:55,030 is it that something that needs action it right away; 33 00:01:55,030 --> 00:01:58,350 specificity, so it's too narrow a topic 34 00:01:58,350 --> 00:02:01,230 to be a possible congregational study action 35 00:02:01,230 --> 00:02:06,810 issue; the grounding in UU theology and practice, 36 00:02:06,810 --> 00:02:10,759 whether congregations could take meaningful action 37 00:02:10,759 --> 00:02:15,860 on this issue; and whether there was opportunity for Unitarian 38 00:02:15,860 --> 00:02:18,860 Universalists to become respected participants 39 00:02:18,860 --> 00:02:21,120 in the public dialogue. 40 00:02:21,120 --> 00:02:25,260 Based on that and the need to limit it to six, 41 00:02:25,260 --> 00:02:29,570 the ones that we selected are in your program 42 00:02:29,570 --> 00:02:37,030 today on the blue sheet. 43 00:02:37,030 --> 00:02:39,820 Moderator key, the Commission on Social Witness 44 00:02:39,820 --> 00:02:42,440 submits to the delegates for a vote 45 00:02:42,440 --> 00:02:46,380 to select three proposed Actions of Immediate Witness 46 00:02:46,380 --> 00:02:50,170 to add to the final agenda for a vote for adoption 47 00:02:50,170 --> 00:02:54,230 on Sunday the following six issues. 48 00:02:54,230 --> 00:03:00,010 A, support the faith summit on stopping deportations. 49 00:03:00,010 --> 00:03:06,360 B, support a fair, ambitious, and binding 2015 global climate 50 00:03:06,360 --> 00:03:07,800 treaty. 51 00:03:07,800 --> 00:03:10,750 C, affirming congregational commitment 52 00:03:10,750 --> 00:03:13,420 to gun violence prevention. 53 00:03:13,420 --> 00:03:18,830 D, stop arresting victims of human trafficking. 54 00:03:18,830 --> 00:03:24,690 E, calling for humanitarian aid to victims of violence Syria. 55 00:03:24,690 --> 00:03:27,840 And F, Unitarian Universalist Association 56 00:03:27,840 --> 00:03:32,380 support for Uganda New Underground Railway 57 00:03:32,380 --> 00:03:39,277 to safely extract LGPD people from persecution in Uganda. 58 00:03:39,277 --> 00:03:43,330 Jim Key: Thanks, Susan. 59 00:03:43,330 --> 00:03:45,120 So, are we clear on that? 60 00:03:45,120 --> 00:03:47,730 We're going to now take the first step of the process 61 00:03:47,730 --> 00:03:50,330 for adopting Actions of Immediate Witness, 62 00:03:50,330 --> 00:03:56,120 bylaw section 4-16 on page 108 of your program book 63 00:03:56,120 --> 00:03:59,510 provides that not more than three Actions of Immediate 64 00:03:59,510 --> 00:04:01,850 Witness may be admitted to the agenda 65 00:04:01,850 --> 00:04:05,590 for possible final action, and that 2/3 of the delegates 66 00:04:05,590 --> 00:04:09,656 must support the admission of each one to the agenda. 67 00:04:09,656 --> 00:04:11,030 Delegates have had an opportunity 68 00:04:11,030 --> 00:04:14,340 to pick up a copy of the blue sheet, the proposed 69 00:04:14,340 --> 00:04:17,660 Actions of Immediate Witness, and if there's 70 00:04:17,660 --> 00:04:20,620 any delegate without a copy, raise your voting card 71 00:04:20,620 --> 00:04:23,290 and tellers will make sure that each delegate receives 72 00:04:23,290 --> 00:04:25,750 one of these. 73 00:04:25,750 --> 00:04:27,210 So you've gotten the summaries. 74 00:04:27,210 --> 00:04:32,210 You've heard what the six in front of you are. 75 00:04:32,210 --> 00:04:34,060 And I want to call attention that you've 76 00:04:34,060 --> 00:04:38,910 got on your ballot, attached to your delegate card, voting 77 00:04:38,910 --> 00:04:41,500 stub, with letters A through F on it. 78 00:04:41,500 --> 00:04:43,070 And you're going to check-- listen 79 00:04:43,070 --> 00:04:46,350 clearly-- three of those blocks before we're through 80 00:04:46,350 --> 00:04:47,100 here this morning. 81 00:04:47,100 --> 00:04:48,700 But don't vote yet. 82 00:04:48,700 --> 00:04:50,870 We have six groups that have decided 83 00:04:50,870 --> 00:04:53,880 that there are some issues that the delegates need to consider. 84 00:04:53,880 --> 00:04:55,420 It will be up to you this morning, 85 00:04:55,420 --> 00:05:00,240 based on the rules found in the bylaws 4.16 on page 108, 86 00:05:00,240 --> 00:05:02,880 to narrow these six down to three. 87 00:05:02,880 --> 00:05:05,970 Tomorrow, you'll vote on the actual language of those. 88 00:05:05,970 --> 00:05:06,920 This is important. 89 00:05:06,920 --> 00:05:10,590 Today you're voting on the three topics that you feel are worthy 90 00:05:10,590 --> 00:05:13,980 and important enough that you want to spend some time on, 91 00:05:13,980 --> 00:05:16,650 this morning in mini-assemblies and tomorrow 92 00:05:16,650 --> 00:05:19,540 in general session, to see about actually making 93 00:05:19,540 --> 00:05:22,410 a statement as a body of delegates. 94 00:05:22,410 --> 00:05:23,870 So here's the process. 95 00:05:23,870 --> 00:05:26,550 You get the CSA-- this alert-- and you 96 00:05:26,550 --> 00:05:29,250 look at the summaries that are printed there. 97 00:05:29,250 --> 00:05:30,430 They're in random order. 98 00:05:30,430 --> 00:05:33,080 They're not in any prioritized order. 99 00:05:33,080 --> 00:05:35,280 The letters that are there correspond 100 00:05:35,280 --> 00:05:38,870 to the letters on your ballot card at the bottom stub. 101 00:05:38,870 --> 00:05:43,210 A is the support for the faith summit 102 00:05:43,210 --> 00:05:48,800 on stopping deportations, and so on down the sheet. 103 00:05:48,800 --> 00:05:52,500 At the mini-assemblies this morning in rooms 552, 553, 104 00:05:52,500 --> 00:05:54,787 and ballroom E, you'll have an opportunity 105 00:05:54,787 --> 00:05:56,620 to look at the full statements and then make 106 00:05:56,620 --> 00:06:00,720 decisions about whether you want to revise the wording on those. 107 00:06:00,720 --> 00:06:01,820 But don't vote yet. 108 00:06:01,820 --> 00:06:04,480 We're going to hear statements from the proponents of each 109 00:06:04,480 --> 00:06:05,760 of these issues. 110 00:06:05,760 --> 00:06:09,245 Each one has two minutes to tell you about their issue. 111 00:06:09,245 --> 00:06:12,820 But before I recognize-- I see no delegate at the pro mic yet, 112 00:06:12,820 --> 00:06:14,890 but I do see folks at the procedures mic. 113 00:06:14,890 --> 00:06:18,660 Yes, I recognize the delegate at the procedures mic. 114 00:06:18,660 --> 00:06:19,875 David Anderson: Thank you. 115 00:06:19,875 --> 00:06:22,760 David Anderson, University Unitarian Church in Seattle. 116 00:06:22,760 --> 00:06:24,790 You said, vote on three. 117 00:06:24,790 --> 00:06:27,480 I'm just making sure that we can vote for fewer than three. 118 00:06:27,480 --> 00:06:29,840 Jim Key: Absolutely, a very good question. 119 00:06:29,840 --> 00:06:31,070 You can vote on one. 120 00:06:31,070 --> 00:06:32,080 You can vote on two. 121 00:06:32,080 --> 00:06:33,200 You can vote on three. 122 00:06:33,200 --> 00:06:36,790 If you vote on four, the ballot is discarded. 123 00:06:36,790 --> 00:06:40,879 If you vote the same one-- A, A, A, A-- that gets 124 00:06:40,879 --> 00:06:41,670 thrown out as well. 125 00:06:41,670 --> 00:06:45,150 So A; A, B; A, B, C; some combination. 126 00:06:45,150 --> 00:06:46,540 Thanks. 127 00:06:46,540 --> 00:06:49,094 I recognize the delegate at the procedures mic. 128 00:06:49,094 --> 00:06:51,260 Richard Bock: Richard Bock of Unitarian Universalist 129 00:06:51,260 --> 00:06:53,410 Congregation at Shelter Rock. 130 00:06:53,410 --> 00:06:57,660 Jim, you are referring to A, B, C, et cetera. 131 00:06:57,660 --> 00:07:01,420 The blue sheet has one, two, three. 132 00:07:01,420 --> 00:07:03,217 Would you give us instructions? 133 00:07:03,217 --> 00:07:04,300 Jim Key: You noticed that. 134 00:07:04,300 --> 00:07:04,810 Very good. 135 00:07:04,810 --> 00:07:06,010 Richard Bock: I certainly did. 136 00:07:06,010 --> 00:07:07,390 Jim Key: See we do these things-- 137 00:07:07,390 --> 00:07:08,820 as your moderator I do these things just 138 00:07:08,820 --> 00:07:10,236 to see if you're paying attention. 139 00:07:10,236 --> 00:07:11,220 I see that you are. 140 00:07:11,220 --> 00:07:12,169 Thank you for that. 141 00:07:12,169 --> 00:07:13,210 So let's go through that. 142 00:07:13,210 --> 00:07:13,710 Thank you 143 00:07:13,710 --> 00:07:15,830 Richard Bock: Thank you. 144 00:07:15,830 --> 00:07:19,370 Jim Key: The one called 1 on your blue sheet-- you really 145 00:07:19,370 --> 00:07:22,055 need the blue sheet-- you could take a pen and mark that A, 146 00:07:22,055 --> 00:07:24,710 as I have done. 147 00:07:24,710 --> 00:07:30,800 And then-- I want to step you through this-- proposed AIW 2 148 00:07:30,800 --> 00:07:39,110 would be B, and C, and D, and E, and F. We're good with that? 149 00:07:39,110 --> 00:07:42,450 Excellent. 150 00:07:42,450 --> 00:07:45,644 So, I recognize the delegate at the pro microphone. 151 00:07:45,644 --> 00:07:48,060 Melissa Carvill-ziemer: My name is Melissa Carvill-Ziemer. 152 00:07:48,060 --> 00:07:50,980 I serve as the minister of the Unitarian Universalist 153 00:07:50,980 --> 00:07:54,020 congregation of Kent in Ohio. 154 00:07:54,020 --> 00:07:57,480 Like many people, I have been heartbroken to see the photos 155 00:07:57,480 --> 00:08:00,490 and read the stories of unaccompanied immigrant 156 00:08:00,490 --> 00:08:03,530 children crossing into our country on a quest 157 00:08:03,530 --> 00:08:05,390 to save their lives. 158 00:08:05,390 --> 00:08:09,370 Border patrol has already picked up almost 50,000 children 159 00:08:09,370 --> 00:08:14,010 this year, and even more are expected next year. 160 00:08:14,010 --> 00:08:17,760 The United Nations reports that more than half of the children 161 00:08:17,760 --> 00:08:20,830 would likely qualify for refugee status, 162 00:08:20,830 --> 00:08:23,590 but without adequate access to attorneys, 163 00:08:23,590 --> 00:08:27,750 I fear that many will face deportation instead. 164 00:08:27,750 --> 00:08:30,020 President Obama has called this situation 165 00:08:30,020 --> 00:08:32,210 a humanitarian crisis. 166 00:08:32,210 --> 00:08:36,080 However, it cannot be understood apart from the larger crisis 167 00:08:36,080 --> 00:08:38,630 caused by ongoing deportations. 168 00:08:38,630 --> 00:08:43,350 Over 1,000 deportations each day, over 2 million 169 00:08:43,350 --> 00:08:45,420 in the last five years. 170 00:08:45,420 --> 00:08:49,030 The epidemic of deportations is separating families, 171 00:08:49,030 --> 00:08:53,520 traumatizing children, and fracturing communities. 172 00:08:53,520 --> 00:08:55,790 There is widespread and growing chorus 173 00:08:55,790 --> 00:08:58,280 of voices calling on President Obama 174 00:08:58,280 --> 00:09:02,400 to take executive action to respond to this crisis too. 175 00:09:02,400 --> 00:09:04,910 Immigration activists, faith leaders, 176 00:09:04,910 --> 00:09:07,340 even members of Congress, have called upon Obama 177 00:09:07,340 --> 00:09:10,650 to halt the deportations until Congress enacts 178 00:09:10,650 --> 00:09:13,460 comprehensive immigration reform. 179 00:09:13,460 --> 00:09:17,860 We have been invited to add our voices to this urgent call. 180 00:09:17,860 --> 00:09:21,410 From July 31 to August 1, our interfaith 181 00:09:21,410 --> 00:09:24,440 and immigrant justice partners will host a faith summit 182 00:09:24,440 --> 00:09:28,680 on stopping deportations in Washington, DC. 183 00:09:28,680 --> 00:09:31,880 They need us to turn out and to consider participating 184 00:09:31,880 --> 00:09:35,240 in planned civil disobedience as a faithful response 185 00:09:35,240 --> 00:09:36,900 to this crisis. 186 00:09:36,900 --> 00:09:38,970 This action of immediate witness is a call 187 00:09:38,970 --> 00:09:42,150 to support the faith summit, to go yourself or send 188 00:09:42,150 --> 00:09:45,870 a delegation from your congregation to DC if you can. 189 00:09:45,870 --> 00:09:48,380 And if you can't, to find a way to add 190 00:09:48,380 --> 00:09:52,300 your voice to the chorus of people calling for another way. 191 00:09:52,300 --> 00:09:54,785 We may be heartbroken, but we are not helpless 192 00:09:54,785 --> 00:09:58,390 and we are not hopeless. 193 00:09:58,390 --> 00:10:02,900 Jim Key: I recognize the delegate at the pro microphone. 194 00:10:02,900 --> 00:10:04,350 Doris Marlin: Good morning, GA. 195 00:10:04,350 --> 00:10:10,591 I'm Doris Marlin from All Souls Church in Washington, DC. 196 00:10:10,591 --> 00:10:12,340 Steve Buckingham: And I'm Steve Buckingham 197 00:10:12,340 --> 00:10:15,020 from the Goodloe Memorial Unitarian Universalist 198 00:10:15,020 --> 00:10:18,290 Congregation in Bowie, Maryland, and co-chair 199 00:10:18,290 --> 00:10:20,750 of the Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry 200 00:10:20,750 --> 00:10:23,520 of Maryland. 201 00:10:23,520 --> 00:10:27,700 UUs understand that climate change is real. 202 00:10:27,700 --> 00:10:31,410 And we accept the human role in creating greenhouse gases that 203 00:10:31,410 --> 00:10:32,910 are the root cause. 204 00:10:32,910 --> 00:10:35,230 We know the tragic consequences that 205 00:10:35,230 --> 00:10:38,170 are already affecting our planet. 206 00:10:38,170 --> 00:10:43,040 And we know that the window to take remedial action is closing 207 00:10:43,040 --> 00:10:44,510 and time is short. 208 00:10:44,510 --> 00:10:47,460 This is the time to act. 209 00:10:47,460 --> 00:10:49,720 This is a simple proposal. 210 00:10:49,720 --> 00:10:51,782 While individual UUs and congregations 211 00:10:51,782 --> 00:10:57,660 can and have acted to take remedial action to mitigate 212 00:10:57,660 --> 00:11:01,160 climate change, we also know that they 213 00:11:01,160 --> 00:11:03,850 have acted at the state and local level 214 00:11:03,850 --> 00:11:06,390 to take action as well. 215 00:11:06,390 --> 00:11:11,710 But we need the world to agree to 216 00:11:11,710 --> 00:11:16,350 a fair, ambitious, and binding treaty in Paris next year. 217 00:11:16,350 --> 00:11:18,400 This is the time. 218 00:11:18,400 --> 00:11:22,640 Only such a treaty will hold nations accountable. 219 00:11:22,640 --> 00:11:26,600 And since the US is the largest producer of greenhouse gases-- 220 00:11:26,600 --> 00:11:29,425 one of the largest-- active American participation 221 00:11:29,425 --> 00:11:31,350 and support is essential. 222 00:11:31,350 --> 00:11:35,220 Why should other nations participate 223 00:11:35,220 --> 00:11:38,110 if we don't agree to do our part? 224 00:11:38,110 --> 00:11:40,480 As people of faith, this is the time for us 225 00:11:40,480 --> 00:11:43,210 to speak out and call on our government 226 00:11:43,210 --> 00:11:47,760 to make a global agreement happen. 227 00:11:47,760 --> 00:11:50,990 This is a moral stand that we're asking you 228 00:11:50,990 --> 00:11:53,000 and your denomination to take. 229 00:11:53,000 --> 00:11:56,490 And worldwide action is needed now. 230 00:11:56,490 --> 00:11:58,460 This is the time. 231 00:11:58,460 --> 00:12:00,740 Keep in mind that voting for this AIW 232 00:12:00,740 --> 00:12:03,530 must only be the first step that you take. 233 00:12:03,530 --> 00:12:07,540 It's imperative that we pledge, each of us, to act. 234 00:12:07,540 --> 00:12:10,030 If you vote for this AIW, we expect 235 00:12:10,030 --> 00:12:11,870 you to contact lawmakers and become 236 00:12:11,870 --> 00:12:13,840 a personal advocate for the cause. 237 00:12:13,840 --> 00:12:15,960 If you've never done this before, 238 00:12:15,960 --> 00:12:18,890 there are plenty in UU circles who are willing to help. 239 00:12:18,890 --> 00:12:20,730 But this is the time. 240 00:12:20,730 --> 00:12:22,860 This is the time to take a stand to bear witness 241 00:12:22,860 --> 00:12:25,020 to the immorality of future inaction. 242 00:12:25,020 --> 00:12:32,046 Jim Key: Thank you very much. 243 00:12:32,046 --> 00:12:33,420 Jim Key: I recognize the delegate 244 00:12:33,420 --> 00:12:38,180 at the pro microphone, the tall delegate at the pro microphone. 245 00:12:38,180 --> 00:12:40,620 Bob Hatfield: And the helpful person next to me. 246 00:12:40,620 --> 00:12:42,739 Jim Key: Takes a village, doesn't it? 247 00:12:42,739 --> 00:12:44,780 Bob Hatfield: Mr. Moderator, my fellow delegates, 248 00:12:44,780 --> 00:12:48,060 I am Bob Hatfield from the UU Congregation 249 00:12:48,060 --> 00:12:51,000 of Fairfax, Virginia. 250 00:12:51,000 --> 00:12:54,040 I feel honored and humbled give voice 251 00:12:54,040 --> 00:12:57,680 to the thousands who, sadly never had, never 252 00:12:57,680 --> 00:13:01,692 will have the opportunity. 253 00:13:01,692 --> 00:13:07,890 AIW 3, or C, is titled, "Affirming congregational 254 00:13:07,890 --> 00:13:11,630 commitment to gun violence prevention." 255 00:13:11,630 --> 00:13:15,800 Once you get past the several because and whereas statements, 256 00:13:15,800 --> 00:13:20,600 you see that it has one clear and definitive purpose, 257 00:13:20,600 --> 00:13:25,600 to motivate and inspire our 1,028 congregations 258 00:13:25,600 --> 00:13:28,100 to each adopt their own resolution 259 00:13:28,100 --> 00:13:31,450 or statement of conscience to work for gun violence 260 00:13:31,450 --> 00:13:35,790 prevention, taking ownership for the critical resource 261 00:13:35,790 --> 00:13:40,460 to make a difference, a broad, faith-based coalition 262 00:13:40,460 --> 00:13:42,660 of committed advocates. 263 00:13:42,660 --> 00:13:45,940 I will take your time telling you what you already know, 264 00:13:45,940 --> 00:13:49,160 the devastating carnage of gun homicides, 265 00:13:49,160 --> 00:13:53,660 the powerful industry-funded opposition of the NRA, 266 00:13:53,660 --> 00:13:56,710 the cowering legislators more dedicated 267 00:13:56,710 --> 00:14:00,300 to protecting their seat than the public. 268 00:14:00,300 --> 00:14:02,610 When my northern Virginia advocacy group 269 00:14:02,610 --> 00:14:05,730 was founded a month after the Newtown, Connecticut Sandy Hook 270 00:14:05,730 --> 00:14:08,880 School tragedy, we adopted the mantra 271 00:14:08,880 --> 00:14:12,620 of our partner, the Newtown Action Alliance, 272 00:14:12,620 --> 00:14:15,680 "To honor with action." 273 00:14:15,680 --> 00:14:18,610 A more recent tragedy at UC Santa Barbara 274 00:14:18,610 --> 00:14:21,940 has sadly provided another mantra, 275 00:14:21,940 --> 00:14:25,140 from Richard Martinez the father of a 20-year-old son 276 00:14:25,140 --> 00:14:29,330 killed there, at the end of his impassioned plea 277 00:14:29,330 --> 00:14:35,260 for sensible gun legislation Richard cried, "Not one more." 278 00:14:35,260 --> 00:14:36,460 Please say it with me. 279 00:14:36,460 --> 00:14:38,870 Not one more. 280 00:14:38,870 --> 00:14:42,180 Not one more. 281 00:14:42,180 --> 00:14:43,750 We can do this. 282 00:14:43,750 --> 00:14:46,380 It is in your hands to make a difference. 283 00:14:46,380 --> 00:14:47,750 You won't be alone. 284 00:14:47,750 --> 00:14:49,870 The three northern Virginia congregations 285 00:14:49,870 --> 00:14:53,190 have passed resolutions standing ready with guidance as needed. 286 00:14:53,190 --> 00:14:59,600 Jim Key: Thank you. 287 00:14:59,600 --> 00:15:03,274 I recognize the delegate at the pro microphone. 288 00:15:03,274 --> 00:15:04,690 Amy Zucker Morgenstern: Thank you. 289 00:15:04,690 --> 00:15:06,770 I am the Reverend Amy Zucker Morgenstern 290 00:15:06,770 --> 00:15:09,950 of the UU Church of Palo Alto and the UU abolitionists. 291 00:15:09,950 --> 00:15:14,360 And I woke up this morning with my mind state on freedom. 292 00:15:14,360 --> 00:15:16,830 20 to 30 million people worldwide 293 00:15:16,830 --> 00:15:19,330 are enslaved, held against their will 294 00:15:19,330 --> 00:15:23,050 and compelled by threat of violence to work without pay. 295 00:15:23,050 --> 00:15:26,190 This most appalling violation of human rights 296 00:15:26,190 --> 00:15:29,530 occurs in every country, including the US. 297 00:15:29,530 --> 00:15:33,030 To add a trauma to trauma, when the police act 298 00:15:33,030 --> 00:15:35,730 against trafficking situations, they often 299 00:15:35,730 --> 00:15:38,000 treat trafficked people, not as the victims 300 00:15:38,000 --> 00:15:40,690 of a crime, but as criminals. 301 00:15:40,690 --> 00:15:43,190 Right now, sex trafficked children 302 00:15:43,190 --> 00:15:46,430 are being handcuffed and thrown into juvenile hall. 303 00:15:46,430 --> 00:15:52,120 Adults are being transferred from sweatshops to prisons. 304 00:15:52,120 --> 00:15:53,752 Immigrants of all ages, who thought 305 00:15:53,752 --> 00:15:55,710 they were being rescued from their traffickers, 306 00:15:55,710 --> 00:15:58,060 are instead languishing in detention camps 307 00:15:58,060 --> 00:15:59,340 or being deported. 308 00:15:59,340 --> 00:16:01,440 This must stop. 309 00:16:01,440 --> 00:16:03,520 We can stop it. 310 00:16:03,520 --> 00:16:06,990 Legislation is pending in 42 states, the District 311 00:16:06,990 --> 00:16:09,280 of Columbia, and the US Congress, that 312 00:16:09,280 --> 00:16:12,370 would prohibit the arrest and detention of human trafficking 313 00:16:12,370 --> 00:16:16,130 victims and, in many cases, offer help instead. 314 00:16:16,130 --> 00:16:19,800 Our UU values and history exhort us to pass these laws 315 00:16:19,800 --> 00:16:22,380 and support the survivors of modern slavery 316 00:16:22,380 --> 00:16:26,270 in securing justice and rebuilding their lives. 317 00:16:26,270 --> 00:16:30,070 The words of our foremother Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, 318 00:16:30,070 --> 00:16:32,660 the 19th century Unitarian abolitionist, 319 00:16:32,660 --> 00:16:36,710 in her poem "Bury me in a free land" ring in our ears 320 00:16:36,710 --> 00:16:37,750 this morning. 321 00:16:37,750 --> 00:16:41,040 "All that my yearning spirit craves, 322 00:16:41,040 --> 00:16:45,090 is bury me not in a land of slaves." 323 00:16:45,090 --> 00:16:48,130 She saw her people liberated, and yet this land 324 00:16:48,130 --> 00:16:52,110 is tainted by the suffering of 21st century slaves. 325 00:16:52,110 --> 00:16:54,660 Will we heed her prophetic cry? 326 00:16:54,660 --> 00:16:56,990 Will we hear theirs? 327 00:16:56,990 --> 00:16:58,180 The need is urgent. 328 00:16:58,180 --> 00:17:00,620 The opportunity for action is immediate. 329 00:17:00,620 --> 00:17:03,550 And the cause is ours, the cause of justice, 330 00:17:03,550 --> 00:17:05,369 dignity, and freedom. 331 00:17:05,369 --> 00:17:06,180 Thank you. 332 00:17:06,180 --> 00:17:13,569 Jim Key: Thank you. 333 00:17:13,569 --> 00:17:16,640 I recognize the delegate at the pro microphone. 334 00:17:16,640 --> 00:17:18,609 Ann Johnson-lundberg: I am Ann Johnson-Lundberg 335 00:17:18,609 --> 00:17:25,099 from the Westport Unitarian Church in Connecticut. 336 00:17:25,099 --> 00:17:28,720 Syria, 10 million people driven from their homes. 337 00:17:28,720 --> 00:17:33,670 We may have a wrong impression from the websites of World Food 338 00:17:33,670 --> 00:17:36,840 Program or UNICEF showing aid to Syria. 339 00:17:36,840 --> 00:17:39,700 They are not reaching the war zone. 340 00:17:39,700 --> 00:17:43,350 That's because sovereign governments pay for the UN, 341 00:17:43,350 --> 00:17:47,630 and Assad forbids aid to the rebel-held territories. 342 00:17:47,630 --> 00:17:49,580 And that's where the bombing is, the chlorine 343 00:17:49,580 --> 00:17:53,330 gas, the starvation, that makes Syria hugely 344 00:17:53,330 --> 00:17:56,880 different from homelessness in other places like Iraq. 345 00:17:56,880 --> 00:17:59,800 In Syria, the government blocks aid. 346 00:17:59,800 --> 00:18:02,320 The second mis-impression comes from TV, 347 00:18:02,320 --> 00:18:07,550 that a family reaching Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, gets 348 00:18:07,550 --> 00:18:09,750 one of those huge fluffy tents and 349 00:18:09,750 --> 00:18:14,140 stands in food lines that are serviced by the care, 350 00:18:14,140 --> 00:18:15,310 for example. 351 00:18:15,310 --> 00:18:18,760 Instead, 80% of the Syrian refugees 352 00:18:18,760 --> 00:18:21,850 are turned away from bursting camps. 353 00:18:21,850 --> 00:18:23,470 They live on the streets. 354 00:18:23,470 --> 00:18:26,340 And that's terrible for the fragile countries receiving 355 00:18:26,340 --> 00:18:30,100 the refugees, 9,400 of them a day. 356 00:18:30,100 --> 00:18:34,590 And yet, Syrian immigrants are not welcome in the EU 357 00:18:34,590 --> 00:18:36,050 or in the United States. 358 00:18:36,050 --> 00:18:40,190 5,000 in Germany, 31 in the United States. 359 00:18:40,190 --> 00:18:44,100 Pope Francis says, there is a "globalization 360 00:18:44,100 --> 00:18:49,240 of indifference" to the sufferings of Syrians. 361 00:18:49,240 --> 00:18:52,230 UUs believe in the inherent dignity of every person. 362 00:18:52,230 --> 00:18:55,760 We need to publicize in the media the unknown story of how 363 00:18:55,760 --> 00:18:59,080 UN organizations cannot reach the war zones, 364 00:18:59,080 --> 00:19:03,040 that neighboring countries take in only 20% of the refugees 365 00:19:03,040 --> 00:19:06,570 into camps, and that the United States needs to increase 366 00:19:06,570 --> 00:19:08,570 the number of added immigrants. 367 00:19:08,570 --> 00:19:11,960 Above all, we need to make humanitarian programs 368 00:19:11,960 --> 00:19:13,520 a priority. 369 00:19:13,520 --> 00:19:18,710 For example, the UUSC trauma program for Syrians in Lebanon 370 00:19:18,710 --> 00:19:20,980 and to partner with our community 371 00:19:20,980 --> 00:19:24,480 Muslim friends, whose refugee organizations are 372 00:19:24,480 --> 00:19:27,260 effective in getting help into Syria. 373 00:19:27,260 --> 00:19:34,970 Jim Key: Thank you. 374 00:19:34,970 --> 00:19:37,897 Moderator recognizes the delegate at the pro microphone. 375 00:19:37,897 --> 00:19:39,480 Sara Huisjen: My name is Sara Huisjen. 376 00:19:39,480 --> 00:19:41,730 I'm honored to serve the Unitarian Universalist 377 00:19:41,730 --> 00:19:43,840 Church of Ellsworth, Maine. 378 00:19:43,840 --> 00:19:45,840 If ever there was a crisis that deserved 379 00:19:45,840 --> 00:19:49,370 being named an action of immediate witness, it is this. 380 00:19:49,370 --> 00:19:53,060 Even as we speak, gays, lesbians, transgender, 381 00:19:53,060 --> 00:19:55,260 and bisexual people and their allies 382 00:19:55,260 --> 00:19:58,650 are being hunted down and killed in Uganda. 383 00:19:58,650 --> 00:20:02,310 In February 2014, the Ugandan parliament approved 384 00:20:02,310 --> 00:20:06,090 and President Museveni signed a new law criminalizing 385 00:20:06,090 --> 00:20:08,650 homosexuality, with sentences up to 386 00:20:08,650 --> 00:20:11,360 and including life imprisonment. 387 00:20:11,360 --> 00:20:14,080 The law makes aiding and abetting homosexuality 388 00:20:14,080 --> 00:20:17,780 a criminal offense, carrying a sentence of up to seven years 389 00:20:17,780 --> 00:20:19,020 in prison. 390 00:20:19,020 --> 00:20:23,810 Since the law passed, attacks on lesbians, gays, bisexuals, 391 00:20:23,810 --> 00:20:26,260 and transgender people have increased. 392 00:20:26,260 --> 00:20:29,510 In fact, in the last two weeks, LGBT people 393 00:20:29,510 --> 00:20:32,120 and their supporters are being rounded up 394 00:20:32,120 --> 00:20:35,070 and killed at an escalating pace. 395 00:20:35,070 --> 00:20:38,950 A Quaker group has formed Friends New Underground 396 00:20:38,950 --> 00:20:40,140 Railway. 397 00:20:40,140 --> 00:20:41,950 In the past week, the group reports 398 00:20:41,950 --> 00:20:45,220 in two different incidents in two different locations, 399 00:20:45,220 --> 00:20:50,470 they've had 58 LGBT people evicted from their safe houses 400 00:20:50,470 --> 00:20:52,680 and running for their lives. 401 00:20:52,680 --> 00:20:55,100 This follows on the heels of suicides 402 00:20:55,100 --> 00:20:57,840 by two people who lost hope of getting out, 403 00:20:57,840 --> 00:21:01,900 and also with the names of LGBT folks who are being hunted, 404 00:21:01,900 --> 00:21:03,760 read over the radio. 405 00:21:03,760 --> 00:21:06,790 Due to some extraordinary acts of heroism 406 00:21:06,790 --> 00:21:09,220 on the part of several of their conductors, 407 00:21:09,220 --> 00:21:13,790 the 58 are now in two separate locations and temporarily out 408 00:21:13,790 --> 00:21:15,300 of harm's way. 409 00:21:15,300 --> 00:21:18,770 The group has been successful in moving people to Kenya and then 410 00:21:18,770 --> 00:21:21,520 to shelter in several countries in Europe. 411 00:21:21,520 --> 00:21:23,750 The UUA and the UUA Service Committee 412 00:21:23,750 --> 00:21:28,080 have proud histories working to rescue persecuted people 413 00:21:28,080 --> 00:21:29,320 in harm's way. 414 00:21:29,320 --> 00:21:33,670 This action of immediate witness calls on us to speak out 415 00:21:33,670 --> 00:21:35,340 and to act again. 416 00:21:35,340 --> 00:21:38,180 What could be a better symbol of love reaching out 417 00:21:38,180 --> 00:21:40,690 than to stand with the Quakers in support 418 00:21:40,690 --> 00:21:43,400 of the New Underground Railway. 419 00:21:43,400 --> 00:21:49,140 Jim Key: Thank you. 420 00:21:49,140 --> 00:21:52,320 I recognize the delegate at procedure microphone. 421 00:21:52,320 --> 00:21:52,945 Speaker 1: Yes. 422 00:21:52,945 --> 00:21:55,055 Mr. Moderator, I believe you indicated 423 00:21:55,055 --> 00:21:59,250 that the votes where a duplicate selection is made 424 00:21:59,250 --> 00:22:01,390 would be discarded. 425 00:22:01,390 --> 00:22:06,080 I would move to amend that, that ballots on which 426 00:22:06,080 --> 00:22:10,150 is more than one mark is by one selection should be counted 427 00:22:10,150 --> 00:22:13,470 simply as one vote for that selection, 428 00:22:13,470 --> 00:22:15,710 and that the ballot would not be discarded. 429 00:22:15,710 --> 00:22:16,650 Jim Key: That would be out of order, 430 00:22:16,650 --> 00:22:17,920 but let me make a suggestion. 431 00:22:17,920 --> 00:22:20,750 If you put the wrong letter in and you want to change it, 432 00:22:20,750 --> 00:22:24,020 just cross it out very carefully and put the letter 433 00:22:24,020 --> 00:22:26,680 that you really wanted beside it and we'll count those votes. 434 00:22:26,680 --> 00:22:29,810 Speaker 1: I'm just concerned that those who do it out 435 00:22:29,810 --> 00:22:34,220 of emphasis, rather than selection, 436 00:22:34,220 --> 00:22:36,570 would then be disenfranchised. 437 00:22:36,570 --> 00:22:40,200 Jim Key: We will be fine as long as people aren't voting 438 00:22:40,200 --> 00:22:43,449 for four or three for the same one. 439 00:22:43,449 --> 00:22:44,990 But we'll be fine when we count them. 440 00:22:44,990 --> 00:22:45,870 I'm pretty sure. 441 00:22:45,870 --> 00:22:48,640 Thanks. 442 00:22:48,640 --> 00:22:52,550 We don't have time for any more comments at the pro microphone. 443 00:22:52,550 --> 00:22:53,050 I'm sorry. 444 00:22:53,050 --> 00:22:56,720 We've heard from the six proponents, 445 00:22:56,720 --> 00:23:00,740 passionate and persuasive proponents of these AIWs. 446 00:23:00,740 --> 00:23:03,820 And so if you've gotten an overview of these six. 447 00:23:03,820 --> 00:23:05,310 So now's the time to vote. 448 00:23:05,310 --> 00:23:08,960 Take out a pencil, a pen, a crayon, something 449 00:23:08,960 --> 00:23:11,290 you could write with, and select up to three 450 00:23:11,290 --> 00:23:13,950 that you would like to see move forward. 451 00:23:13,950 --> 00:23:15,940 As I said earlier, if you do more than three, 452 00:23:15,940 --> 00:23:17,410 your ballot will be invalid. 453 00:23:17,410 --> 00:23:18,860 These are our rules. 454 00:23:18,860 --> 00:23:22,505 If you select one three times, that will be invalid. 455 00:23:22,505 --> 00:23:25,740 So you can check just one, or just two, 456 00:23:25,740 --> 00:23:27,990 but no more than three. 457 00:23:27,990 --> 00:23:32,800 Then you're going to tear this stub off ever so gently. 458 00:23:32,800 --> 00:23:35,300 And this is going to be passed down the aisle to the ushers, 459 00:23:35,300 --> 00:23:37,210 and they're going to collect them. 460 00:23:37,210 --> 00:23:39,260 And we're going to continue doing that quietly. 461 00:23:39,260 --> 00:23:40,830 You don't need to raise your card, 462 00:23:40,830 --> 00:23:43,370 just pass your votes to the ushers. 463 00:23:43,370 --> 00:23:46,600 They'll be up and down the aisles with their baskets. 464 00:23:46,600 --> 00:23:47,580 So are we good? 465 00:23:47,580 --> 00:23:49,930 I want to welcome back Susan Goekler 466 00:23:49,930 --> 00:23:54,050 to tell us what Actions of Immediate Witness 467 00:23:54,050 --> 00:23:56,230 might move to the final agenda tomorrow. 468 00:23:56,230 --> 00:23:58,450 So, Susan? 469 00:23:58,450 --> 00:24:12,940 It's the last item of business, so just take a deep breath. 470 00:24:12,940 --> 00:24:13,640 Thank you. 471 00:24:13,640 --> 00:24:18,250 And again, I want to thank all the proposers and all those who 472 00:24:18,250 --> 00:24:20,460 worked with them on gathering signatures. 473 00:24:20,460 --> 00:24:22,420 All were important issues. 474 00:24:22,420 --> 00:24:24,700 It was a hard choice. 475 00:24:24,700 --> 00:24:27,140 The votes were close. 476 00:24:27,140 --> 00:24:30,730 But those three that you selected for consideration-- 477 00:24:30,730 --> 00:24:32,920 remember they are not adopted yet. 478 00:24:32,920 --> 00:24:38,820 There will be mini-assemblies after this in rooms 552, 553, 479 00:24:38,820 --> 00:24:42,740 ballroom E. And I'll tell you which one is which. 480 00:24:42,740 --> 00:24:46,230 And tomorrow, you will actually vote 481 00:24:46,230 --> 00:24:48,920 to decide whether to adopt these. 482 00:24:48,920 --> 00:24:52,060 At the mini-assembly today, if you 483 00:24:52,060 --> 00:24:55,050 decide that you are interested in a particular one, 484 00:24:55,050 --> 00:24:57,740 but you'd like to change the language-- 485 00:24:57,740 --> 00:25:01,780 all you've seen right now are the summary statements. 486 00:25:01,780 --> 00:25:04,570 At the mini-assemblies you will get the full text. 487 00:25:04,570 --> 00:25:06,970 And that's the only opportunity you'll 488 00:25:06,970 --> 00:25:09,070 have to propose amendments or changes 489 00:25:09,070 --> 00:25:13,970 to those texts of the full AIW statements. 490 00:25:13,970 --> 00:25:20,890 Those that were selected are number one, or A- deportations. 491 00:25:20,890 --> 00:25:25,960 And that will be in the ballroom E. 492 00:25:25,960 --> 00:25:32,836 The second one is number three, or C- 493 00:25:32,836 --> 00:25:34,940 on preventing gun violence. 494 00:25:34,940 --> 00:25:40,448 And that mini-assembly will be in room 553. 495 00:25:40,448 --> 00:25:46,060 And the final one is number six, or F- 496 00:25:46,060 --> 00:25:49,370 on the Underground Railroad in Uganda. 497 00:25:49,370 --> 00:25:59,010 And that will be in room 552. 498 00:25:59,010 --> 00:26:00,280 Jim Key: Thank you. 499 00:26:00,280 --> 00:26:02,680 So admitting them to the final agenda for consideration 500 00:26:02,680 --> 00:26:05,170 tomorrow requires a 2/3 vote of the delegates. 501 00:26:05,170 --> 00:26:07,360 So all those in favor of admitting 502 00:26:07,360 --> 00:26:10,550 the first issue-- which was it Susan? 503 00:26:10,550 --> 00:26:12,610 Bring the paper back so I know which one 504 00:26:12,610 --> 00:26:16,790 we're voting on, as do they. 505 00:26:16,790 --> 00:26:19,034 I don't know that it's up there. 506 00:26:19,034 --> 00:26:21,520 A, C, and F. 507 00:26:21,520 --> 00:26:22,080 Jim Key: OK. 508 00:26:22,080 --> 00:26:26,210 A. Those in favor of admitting A to the agenda tomorrow, 509 00:26:26,210 --> 00:26:29,060 please raise your voting card. 510 00:26:29,060 --> 00:26:30,570 Hands down. 511 00:26:30,570 --> 00:26:32,470 Those opposed. 512 00:26:32,470 --> 00:26:35,440 Clearly that will come to the agenda tomorrow. 513 00:26:35,440 --> 00:26:40,450 C, those in favor, raise your arm. 514 00:26:40,450 --> 00:26:41,790 Hands down. 515 00:26:41,790 --> 00:26:43,100 Those opposed. 516 00:26:43,100 --> 00:26:45,130 That will clearly come to the agenda tomorrow. 517 00:26:45,130 --> 00:26:48,160 And the last one, F. Those in favor of admitting them-- 518 00:26:48,160 --> 00:26:50,960 Oh I think I know the answer to this-- Cards down. 519 00:26:50,960 --> 00:26:52,300 Opposed. 520 00:26:52,300 --> 00:26:54,410 All three of those will go to the agenda tomorrow 521 00:26:54,410 --> 00:26:57,200 and you can attend those mini-assemblies 522 00:26:57,200 --> 00:27:01,480 to have some impact on the language of those. 523 00:27:01,480 --> 00:27:04,583