Unitarian Universalists for Polyamory Awareness

Unitarian Universalists for Polyamory Awareness
Abbreviation UUPA
Formation 2001 General Assembly in Cleveland
Type religious organization polyamory awareness
Purpose To promote awareness and acceptance of polyamory within the Unitarian Universalist denomination, and to introduce polyamorous people to UU congregations.
Location
  • United States
Key people
 UUPA Board of Trustees
Website http://uupa.org/

Unitarian Universalists for Polyamory Awareness, or UUPA, is an independent organization of Unitarian Universalists seeking to promote greater understanding and acceptance of polyamory within the Unitarian Universalist Association and its member congregations.[1]

History

UUPA's first official membership meeting was held at the 2001 General Assembly in Cleveland, electing a permanent Board of Trustees, ratifying incorporation and by-laws, and brainstorming on ideas and goals for the future.[2]

UUPA continued to have a presence at annual General Assemblies, principally with information booths, but also holding formal workshops on polyamory at four GAs.[3] In 2013, they released a curriculum on polyamory for congregations: "Love Makes a Family." At the 2014 General Assembly, two UUPA members moved to include the category of "family and relationship structures" in the UUA's nondiscrimination rule, along with other amendments; the package of proposed amendments was ratified by the GA delegates.[4] While this has encouraged UUPA's membership, the UUA itself has yet to take specific action towards assuring greater awareness and inclusion of polyamorous people.

Organization

Members of the UUPA's Board of Trustees are democratically elected by the membership, which meets annually. The organization also has local chapters, as well as individual contact persons in some places where there is no active chapter present. While UUPA is independent of the UUA, it is currently listed as a "Related Organization" on the UUA website.[5]

Activities

UUPA provides presentations, educational materials and literature for Unitarian Universalist congregations, ministers and educators. Its leadership has also worked closely with other UU organizations, such as Interweave Continental (which works on LGBTQ issues within the UUA)[6] and Leather & Grace (which promotes awareness among UUs on BDSM and kink sexuality).[7]

References

  1. ↑ "UUPA Website: Our Mission".
  2. ↑ "UUPA Website: UUPA's Beginnings".
  3. ↑ "UUPA Website: What We've Done".
  4. ↑ "Unitarian Universalist Association: Rule II, Section C-2.3.: Non-discrimination".
  5. ↑ "UUA Directory: Related and Affiliate Organizations".
  6. ↑ "Interweave Continental website".
  7. ↑ "Leather & Grace website".
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