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Registration Details

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Treasurer/Registrar
SWUUW
3224 Timmons Lane, #165
Houston, TX 77027
Make the check payable to SWUUW
(Southwest Unitarian Universalist Women)
and note ICUUW in the memo line.

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Friday Workshops

	Beyond Finding the Voice Inside
	Presented by: Rev. Gail Collins-Ranadive Where are the female voices articulating the new cosmology emerging from quantum physics? How will these voices guide us towards conscious evolution and better lives on a sustainable planet? Explore three writing exercises designed to move us from the personal “I” to the cosmological eye. Claim your place in the great work ahead!
	Building Long Distance Relationships and Shared Culture
	Presented by: Cathy Cordes, moderator; Ann Gary; Erica and Laura Nagel; Rev. Noemi Szeredai, Transylvania; Carolyn Ralph Working together for common causes, we become partners in each other’s life stories. Often our face-to-face visits are personally transforming, and then we are challenged to keep the connection strong across long distances. Learn how women have nurtured such relationships and built common history. Panelists will offer their first-hand experiences, and tell us how their lives have been enriched through long distance partnerships.
	Communicating to Connect Compassionately
	Presented by: Bren Hardt & Margaret Kallsen The workshop will teach the language of Compassionate Communication clarity, compassion and connection that has been adopted as a focus of the UU network. There are approximately 250 NVC trainers worldwide in almost 40 countries who are using this approach.
	Conscious Acts of Grace
	Presented by: Liza Ely Death is an experience we all share, yet our culture has forgotten how to die. The pain, anguish and suffering of death can be deep and invasive. There is another way to be with our loved ones or ourselves at life’s end. Through the use of stories, questions, action steps and most of all – loving kindness, you will have the opportunity to reshape your concept of death.
	Empowering Women and Community to Alternatives in Mexico
	Presented by: Martha Ojeda The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) inserted young women into the labor market and spread sweatshops throughout Mexico, increasing migration and poverty. Under NAFTA, factory workers have been exploited and repressed by multinational corporations and the Mexican government. Learn how women’s courageous leadership is transforming these communities and developing model alternatives.
	Globalized Theological Conversation, Community Building and New Educational Technologies
	Presented by: Barbara Beach, moderator; Rev. Rebecca Parker; Rev. Rebecca Sienes, Philippines; Rev. Dr. Ann Peart, England; Rev. Maria Pap, Transylvania To become partners in the evolving message of our faith, we need open hearts and open minds. We also need a capacity to learn and discover, and to be comfortable with challenges. In the words of James Luther Adams, “An unexamined faith is not worth having.” What do we need to examine about our faith – in theological schools, faith communities and with our children?
	Grounding and Grace
	Presented by: Barbara Ford How can we cope with the anger, despair and denial that may result from attending to the pain of the world? There is much to learn from the teachings of eco-philosopher Joanna Macy. Using dialogue, ritual and creative process, participants will learn ways to stay grounded, grow community and strengthen the heart’s connection to work for social transformation.
	Kitchen Heat: Making Poems to Nurture Yourself
	Presented by: Ava L. Haymon Making poems is like making mud pies! You reach down, scoop up what’s already there, and pat it between your hands to shape into a creation. Although women’s voices have been underrepresented in the long history of poetry, our life stories contain good, fresh material for poem-making. Learn a few tricks to get the unwritten experiences down on the page.
	Making Education Available Worldwide
	Presented by: Rev. Carol Huston, moderator; Dr. Creamlimon Nongbri, India; Melinda Simo, Transylvania; Eniko Veres, Transylvania; Clarisse Peya Yengue, Congo Join us to talk about the importance of education in the developing world. Learn about programs that support free and accessible education for women. Brainstorming encouraged! Find out how to move from vision to action.
	Microfinance in Practice Part I, a Panel Discussion: Stories to Inspire
	Presented by: Alex Counts, moderator; Anthony Pace, Janie Barrera, & Jacque Tomsovic Microfinance works! Moderator Alex Counts, President and CEO of Grameen Foundation and author of the acclaimed story of Grameen Bank, Small Loans Big Dreams: How Nobel Prize Winner Muhammad Yunus and Microfinance Are Changing the World. The panel includes women micro loan borrowers in Texas who have successfully started businesses and Ms. Janie Barrera, President and CEO of ACCION Texas (invited), a large micro-lender based in San Antonio. They will also hear Ms. Jacque Tomsovic from All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, whose story will illustrate how UU's can make a difference when committed to support microfinance programs financially.
	Project Harvest Hope: Rebuilding Civil Society in Transylvania
	Presented by: Eva Keleman, PHH, Transylvania; Will Saunders, PHH President PHH works collaboratively with CIVITAS, a Transylvanian NGO, and a network of community organizers, to help Unitarian villagers reclaim their heritage of community agency, community involvement and mutuality. We support the renewal of democratic processes, volunteerism and community action. Eva Kelemen, PHH Representative in Transylvania, and Will Saunders, President of PHH, will speak to the successes and challenges of this work followed by your questions and comments.
	Public Health Issues
	Presented by: Mary Koch, moderator; Amina Atieno, Darfur; Dr. Lilian Burlando, Argentina; Rev. Csilla Lakatos, Hungary; Rev. Erika Orban, Transylvania Discussion concerning national and international health issues.
	Raising Our UU Daughters as Global Leaders
	Presented by: Dr. Marilyn Mehr Dr. Marilyn Mehr, with a panel of educators and global activists, will discuss how mothers, sisters and friends can influence their daughters to become global leaders. Drawing upon her work with the UU-UNO, she and panel members will demonstrate the importance of teaching responsibility for social change in the "interdependent web."
	Singing and Chanting: Creating Community and Connecting Through Sound
	Presented by: Margot Adler Do you enjoy using your voice? Participants will experience song and chant, both familiar and free-form, in what promises to turn into seamless flowing ritual. No special singing talent required! By collectively coming into our own voices, we will court ecstasy through harmony and sound.
	Starting Families Later and Its Effects for Women and Society
	Presented by: Dr. Elizabeth Gregory Elizabeth Gregory will look at women’s increased economic independence and role in the business world, as well as the effects of education on motherhood. She will also address fertility issues, marital dynamics and longevity.
	The AIDS Pandemic and Women
	Presented by: Mary Chidgey (photo),Zambia; Carla Feldhamer & Debbie Czarnpys –White Mary Chidgey, the founder of Ranchhod Hospice and Orphan Care will share her experiences of working with the women of Kabwe, Zambia impacted by the AIDS pandemic. Learn about innovative programs in the areas of education, prevention and palliative care. Gain more understanding of the multiple problems of hunger, gender inequality and access to care. Partnerships for funding in Ireland, Canada and the U.S. will also be highlighted. Learn how UU women can get involved.
	Women Building Global Bridges: Partnerships for North/South Collaborations
	Presented by: Dr. Jean Davison (photo), moderator; Veronica Flores, Bolivia; Alice Magara, Kenya; Beatrice Niyungeko, Burundi; Battinora Rani, India; Erica Yvette Woods, Brazil Cross-cultural awareness which transcends national and geographical boundaries is necessary when we organize for social justice and sustainable development. Learn how to identify the skills and action-oriented values that strengthen collaboration. Get inspired by women who have had success improving work environments and crusading for human rights.

Saturday Workshops

	First Hand Accounts of UUSC in Darfur & Latin America
	Presented by: Amino Atieno, Darfur; Atema Eclai & Martha Thompson Displaced women in camps in Darfur are the targets of horrific violence. Using an “eye to eye” partnership, UUSC developed an innovative approach which improved protection for women in the camps, cutting across formal program sectors to “weave a web of protection.” Learn first-hand how this multi-dimensional program was developed.
	Grandmothers, Mothers, and Daughters: Good Talk About Sex
	Presented by: Karen Rayne Practical talk within families about gender, sexuality, and sexual health is hard...We'll discover how to have effective intergenerational dialogue. Bring examples of positive, open communication and examples of its absence to share. We'll address participants' needs and contexts. Dr. Rayne's work is to provide information to parents so they can talk about sex with their teenage children and so their children can talk about sex with them. She is a life-long active UU and former YRUUer. See http://karenrayne.com.
	It’s Women’s Work: Strengthening Life’s Global Web
	Presented by: Phyllis Marsh & Christine Nielsen Share in lessons learned from a successful program for women’s development in the Philippines called Buhata Pinay (Do It, Filipina). In three years it transformed lives in key areas of healthcare, education, leadership and livelihood. In an interactive format, participants will explore ways to work together to benefit women and families worldwide, turning vision into action.
	Masculine as a Second Language
	Presented by: Margaret E. Anderson Women and men often think they're on the same page when actually they hold very different views of a statement or situation. While typical masculine interpretations may surprise or puzzle us, understanding them helps us enlist cooperation and improve lives. In this interactive program, participants will have fun learning how to translate common male-speak.
	Microfinance in Practice Part II: Current Fashion in the Microfinance Industry
	Presented by: Alex Counts, moderator; Anthony Pace, Janie Barrera, & Jacque Tomsovic Follow up to Friday’s “Stories to Inspire", this panel is moderated by Anthony Pace, Executive Director of The Plan Fund of Dallas, one of only two micro-enterprise programs financially supported by the Grameen Foundation in the United States. Mr. Pace and his panelists will review the current status of microfinance both nationally and internationally. They will suggest practical and implementable ways that individuals and UU congregations can become involved with microfinance programs and their participant entrepreneurs. Subjects will include the story of the Grameen Bank, the pros and cons of direct and indirect investments, roles of the internet, intermediary organizations and technical assistance programs in the US and abroad. Invited panelists include: President & CEO Janie Barrera of ACCION Texas, a large micro-lender based in San Antonio, TX.
	Persephone's Journey: A Rite of Spring
	Presented by: Dr. Patricia Montley & Sally Wall Explore the role of the feminine divine in myths and rituals celebrating the seasons, specifically the Demeter-Persephone story/relationship related to spring. Enjoy a dramatic reading of a one-act play, “Persephone’s Journey,” based in part on Homer’s poem about the separation of the grieving Grain Goddess and her daughter lost to the underworld. How does the play’s representation of women’s identity tie in with current psychological theories and research?
	Praying in Color
	Presented by: Scottie Johnson How do you hold up someone or something in prayer? Whatever “prayer” means to you, your understanding of the process can be deepened through the teachings of Sybil MacBeth, author of the book Praying in Color: Drawing a New Path to God. You do not need to know how to pray (or paint) to benefit from this workshop!
	Promoting Solidarity for Women's Productive and Income-Generating Activities
	Presented by: Patrice Curtis & Sumon Vangchuay-Burse (photo), moderators; Lenna Desuasido, Philippines; Darcy Roake; Erica Woods, Brazil Learn how women from diverse geographical settings created income-generating activities despite numerous obstacles. Panelists will share the most promising practices of women’s struggles for economic opportunity. How did they gain access to credit and social services? Even with structural barriers such as caste, lack of education and access to land and capital, women can and do succeed both individually and collectively!
	Singing in a Sacred Circle
	Presented by: Shelley Graff This “playshop” is an opportunity to look into your sister’s eyes and share spiritvoice through song. Participants will learn short, repetitive women-centered and earth-based songs from a variety of traditions. Experience power rising from the center of the circle as our voices create empowering, loving, and healing energies. Share your voice in a noncompetitive, relaxed safe space. Percussion instruments are welcome as well.
	Songwriting from the Inside Out
	Presented by: Pat Humphries & Sandy O Have you ever wondered what your own songs would sound like? Or perhaps you ready to take your songwriting to a deeper level? Explore the craft of songwriting with warm-up and creativity exercises. Learn how to cultivate a playful relationship with words and melody. Bring a pen and paper, and perhaps a tape recorder or minidisc, etc.
	Spirituality at Work: How to Bring Your Whole Self to Work
	Presented by: Kristin Robertson Participants will explore ways to incorporate spiritual values into everyday life.
	Theological Roots: Spreading Our Wings
	Presented by: Jopie Boeke, moderator, England; Margot Adler; Dr. Lilian Burlando, Argentino; Rev. Tina Geels, The Netherlands; Rev. Shirley Ranck How can we draw on religious and mythic traditions to inform what women are, believe, and do in our spiritual communities? Come discover how to better appropriate the roots of religious traditions so we can spread our wings and make a big difference in human lives and communities.
	To Be Called "Minister": Women's Progress toward Ordination
	Presented by: Rev. Dr. Barbara Coeyman & Rev. Dr. Ann Peart, England Learn about historical aspects of women's work: how that work over time came to be regarded as ministry, and how Unitarian and Universalist women gained recognition as ordained ministers. Among the early women ministers to be discussed will be: American women of the 1850s/1860s such as Olympia Brown, Phebe Hanaford, and Lydia Jenkins, and British women from the 18th through the 20th centuries such as Anne Laetitia Barbauld, Frances Power Cobbe, and Gertrude von Petzold.
	Transforming Communities-How YOU Can Be Involved
	Presented by: Eileen Higgins, moderator; Sharon van Duizend; Krisztina Pall, Transylvania (photo); Dr. Zsofia Sztranyiczki Is it time for you to learn how to practice community organizing? Find out how others have assessed community strengths and needs, designed action plans and carried them out. Some of the tools and methods to be discussed will be used during this Convocation to support action plans we create! Case studies from Transylvania, India and the Philippines will be use to illustrate the Community Capacity Building program used by the UU Partner Church Council to support joint planning for partners.
	UUs Ministering to Women: Unitarian Universalist Holdeen India Program (UUHIP)
	Presented by: Katharine Sreedhar, Director The UUHP works with organizations of India's most excluded and oppressed peoples: women; dalits, so-called "untouchables" who fall outside the caste system; and the adivasis or tribals who are India's indigenous peoples, especially migrant, bonded and landless agricultural laborers. UUHIP supports their efforts to participate fully in the social, economic and political life of India.
	Women of Wisdom: Entering Our Crone Years
	Presented by: Karen Edwards, Rev. Dorothy Emerson & Melody Lee Are you entering the Wise Woman or Crone years? Get prepared for this profound time of life. Participants will begin with a ritual opening, and then learn about the triple spiral labyrinth pattern of women's lives. Break into small groups to explore what it means to be a crone today, followed by a guided meditation, and the telling of an ancient labyrinth story. Time for journaling precedes a final circle dance.
	Writing Our Cultural Traditions
	Presented by: Linda Wisniewski Our world in the 21st century is a mosaic of beautiful cultural traditions. Whether your ancestors were from Europe, Asia, Africa or regions of America, they are an important part of your own story. Poetry and memoirs from different ethnic groups will be read and discussed as a prelude to hands-on writing exercises. Discover how to get started narrating family, cultural and personal stories.