How are you feeling about the state of the world these days? I imagine a range of responses, likely including angry, scared, sad and overwhelmed. I’m feeling these things too. But I am also feeling a great sense of potential in our collective resistance and the possibility of building a better world in the wake of the chaos and destruction we see happening now. The question is whether we will be able to build a sustainable movement that can show up in the public square but also work behind the scenes; expend the energy needed to win while also taking care of ourselves and each other; strategize for the long term while also responding appropriately to the moment.

It’s a tall order, but that’s where Deepa Iyer’s ecosystem approach to organizing comes in. In her book Social Change Now, Iyer describes ten roles essential to social change movements, and how they each support and rely on one another. This month, all are invited to meet on three Wednesday evenings to explore these roles and their interconnectedness, and identify which roles best suit our current energies, skills, and interests. We’ll be able to see where we need, as a community, to build power, skills, and relationships. We’ll be able to focus on the work that energizes us, knowing that other parts of the ecosystem are functioning in their own important ways, and together, we will be an effective, powerful, and resilient community of resistance.

Please register here and attend on April 15, 22, and 29 from 7-9pm, with dinner provided at 6pm. Participants will receive a copy of Deepa Iyer’s book.

The primary purpose of the Mud and Lotus Collective is to offer a Buddhist-inspired path to recovery from addiction of all kinds. We gather together every week to do meditation, read from Buddhist recovery books, and have a discussion. Currently meeting at the UU Church of Bloomington on Thursdays at 6:30 pm. Open to all. 
facebook.com/groups/mudandlotus

Choir schedule (starting August 8):

Thursday evenings: 7:00-8:30. Childcare available upon request.

Sunday mornings: 8:45 am rehearsal for 9:30 am service, 10:45 am rehearsal for 11:30 am service. Childcare always available.

Choir exercises body, mind, and spirit. Enhances your vocal fluency and keeps your voice young and flexible. Engages deep listening. Improves posture and lung capacity. Calms and focuses the mind (you won't have time for any other worries during rehearsal). Gives you the best seat in the house for the children's moment. And occasionally puts you smack in the middle of a masterpiece!

This group is held to provide support for families of trans youth. Especially in this time of hostility toward our trans loved ones, we want to offer a space of support, compassion, shared concerns, and resources. Please write to Carol McCord at "transfam@uubloomington.org" if you are interested in attending. (And please feel free to bring other family or friends who are not members of UUCB, but in need of such a group.)

For More information, please contact: Carol McCord - transfam@uubloomington.org

Women Taking the Steps meets every Friday in our Library. It is an in-person, closed discussion group for women. Closed meetings are for A.A. members only; for those who have a drinking problem and “have a desire to stop drinking.” Learn more and find other area Alcoholics Anonymous meetings at area23aa.org/meetings.

UUCB members and friends of all ages are invited to join us in Fellowship Hall for an intergenerational game night, hosted by the UUCB Parents and Young Adults Groups. Pizza and salad will be provided. Pitch-in beverages and desserts are welcome! RSVP with this registration form (helpful but not required). See you there!  

View the live stream on our website: https://www.uubloomington.org/live-stream/