General Assembly is the annual gathering of Unitarian Universalists, where we conduct business of the Association, explore the theological underpinnings of our faith, and lean fully into our mission and principles. Please join us Wednesday, June 24 through Sunday, June 28, 2020 in Providence, Rhode Island for this 5-day immersive experience where we participate in inspirational worship services and informative workshops, reconvene with friends and colleagues, and explore our bustling exhibit hall. GA is an unforgettable experience for the thousands of UUs who attend. Meet us in Providence and you’ll leave with renewed energy and innovative ideas to share with your congregation and community-at-large!

The theme for General Assembly in June 2020 is Rooted, Inspired, & Ready! We are in touch with our theological roots, we are engaged in transforming our faith, and we are fired up to take action in the wider world.

Registration and Housing

Registration is now open at uua.org/ga. Full-time registration is $400 for adults, $240 for high school youth and retired and candidate ministers, $150 for off-site registrants. Register by March 15 for the lowest rate. Rates will increase on March 16 and again on May 1.

There are those who may find it more manageable to spread out their GA registration fee in smaller, periodic installments rather than one lump sum. When you register you many now choose to pay with our brand-new Payment Plan option to spread out your payments over several months. Registration can be paid in installments, with as little as $50 down, through February 29, 2020.

In addition to a variety of nearby hotels, attendees will also be able to book dormitory-style accommodations at two local universities. Also, UUs from local congregations will serve as host families for Home Hospitality, which is B&B style accommodations. For more information, visit uua.org/ga. Make your hotel reservation beginning March 2 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern. 

FAITHIFY has a proven record of helping people get to General Assembly. Crowdfunding is a democratic, grass roots, and increasingly common tool to fund GA travel and registration expenses. When we contribute to a GA scholarship campaign, we welcome more people to be full participants in the largest gathering of our faith community. Get inspired at FAITHIFY.org.

Providence: The Creative Capital

Providence combines the accessibility and friendliness of a small town with the culture and sophistication of a big city. With a thriving arts community, vibrant and diverse neighborhoods, outstanding hotels, a renowned restaurant scene, and so many things to do, Providence welcomes all Unitarian Universalists for GA 2020! 

Easily accessed via Interstate 95, Providence is a 50-minute drive from Boston and a three-hour drive from New York City. Warwick Green Airport (PVD) is a 10-minute drive from Providence and offers an average of 100 nonstop daily flights, intercity bus transportation, and connection to commuter rail service. Boston Logan Airport (BOS) is located less than 50 miles from Providence. Bus service is available directly from Logan to downtown Providence; and Amtrak and commuter rail service are available from downtown Boston. 

Excellent Programming

GA will offer more than 100 outstanding programming selections (workshops, panel discussions, worship services, and other presentations) over the course of five days. Programs will provide attendees with concrete and usable tools to further the work, and the balance needed to explore multiple identity-based and theological perspectives. More programming details are available at uua.org/ga.  

Like Unitarian Universalism, GA offers a wealth of theological diversity. A variety of worship choices are offered throughout GA. The Service of the Living Tradition is where we commemorate fellowshipped and credentialed religious leaders, those who have died, those who have completed active service, and welcome those who have received fellowship or credentialed status in the past year. Sunday Morning Worship at GA is a powerful, communal worship experience and is the largest annual gathering of UUs in Worship.  

Each year a distinguished guest speaker is invited to address the General Assembly as the Ware Lecturer. Recent lecturers have included Bryan Stevenson, Cornel West, and Maria Hinojosa. The 2020 Ware Lecturer will be announced soon.  

Financial Aid Available

The UUA is committed to the goal of making GA accessible to as many attendees as possible. Go to uua.org/ga in the month of March to learn about scholarships to support delegates – particularly those from marginalized groups – and volunteer opportunities (work in exchange for registration).

Congregational Participation from Off-site

The votes that GA delegates cast have a huge impact on Unitarian Universalism. They determine our elected leaders, amend the bylaws and rules that govern our Association, and shape the justice work that we do as a movement. If you are interested in serving as a delegate from your congregation, talk to your minister or your congregation’s governing body. 

 Technology provides opportunities to connect on-site participants with those who cannot attend in person. GA is transforming into a hybrid meeting—incorporating off-site delegate participation, live-streaming of events, and social media to create an interactive experience for on-site and remote attendees.  Off-site registrants are able to watch and ask questions in live sessions, including select workshops and business sessions. Off-site Voting Delegates are also able to propose amendments in the live business sessions, participate in debates, and vote in General Sessions. 

Go to uua.org/ga to learn how congregations can register Off-site Registrants at a discounted group rate, and to find useful tips how they can gather together locally while they participate in GA.

Accessibility 

The UUA is committed to addressing the inclusion of all people, whatever their abilities might be, in all GA activities. Beyond the physical accessibility of the facilities we use—ramps, captioning, seating cut-outs, etc.—we endeavor to take the next step: to truly welcome people with disabilities into every facet of GA. 

Children 
All children are welcome to attend GA events with their parents or guardians. Children who have not yet entered high school (or its equivalent) are welcome to attend GA events with their parents or guardians at no cost but are still required to register. For parents who need child care, Children’s Programs are available Thursday, Friday and Saturday during GA. Register for Children’s Programs by May 28 at uua.org/ga.

Youth 
Attending the annual General Assembly as a high school aged youth (grades 9-12 in the preceding school year, or the equivalent for home-schooled youth) is an incredible experience. Not only do you get to worship, witness, learn and connect in a multigenerational continental community, you can get to know hundreds of other youth and participate in making an impact on the Association through the democratic process.