Sunday and Wednesday Discussions

Discussion group


SUNDAY DISCUSSIONS
10:15 - 11:15 AM
By Zoom

and

WEDNESDAY DISCUSSIONS
5:00 - 6:00 PM
By Zoom

Join us for engaging and facilitated discussions on a wide range of topics, including political and personal issues, spirituality, racism, climate change, current events, health care, UU values, aging, and more.

We uphold a group covenant and discussion guidelines
(see below) to ensure a safe space for sharing diverse perspectives, learning from each other, and practicing UU values. Pam Perry coordinates a number of different facilitators.

The Zoom link for Wednesdays and Sunday Discussionss is near the top of this email.
The Zoom Room opens 15 minutes early for casual conversations.

If you would like to receive weekly reminder emails with the topics for both groups, please email programs@firstuu.org.

DISCUSSION TOPIC SCHEDULE
FOR SUNDAYS & WEDNESDAYS:



October Discussion Topics:

Wednesday Discussions (from 5 to 6 pm by Zoom):

October 2: NO MEETING.


Sunday Discussion (from 10:15 to 11:15 am by Zoom): 

October 6:* 
AI - What do we gain and lose?
Facilitator:
John Vindekilde
*Meeting at 11:00 to choose topics for November. All are welcome.


Wednesday Discussions (from 5 to 6 pm by Zoom):

October 9:* 
Let's get Ready to Vote! We'll cover tips from the Harris County Elections Office about what to expect, how to prepare, and answer your questions about voting procedures. 
Facilitator:
Dianne Reece
*Meeting at 5:45 to choose topics for November. All are welcome.


Sunday Discussion (from 10:15 to 11:15 am by Zoom): 

October 13: 
What would it take to get more Americans to vote?
Facilitator:
James Wooten

Wednesday Discussion (from 5 to 6 pm by Zoom):

October 16:
Exploring the Diversity of Spirituality:  A monthly series on 3rd Wednesdays: October 16, November 20, and December 18, 2024.
Topic:
What are some spiritual and mindfulness practices which might help us deal with election anxiety and other current events?
Facilitators:
Pam Perry & Megan Pantuliano

Sunday Discussion (from 10:15 to 11:15 am by Zoom): 

October 20: 
How does tribalism affect the election?
Facilitator:
Jim Gordon

Wednesday Discussions (from 5 to 6 pm by Zoom):

October 23: 
Which current event concerns you the most and why?
Current events often have a significant impact on society.

Facilitator:
Ron Hammons

Sunday Discussion (from 10:15 to 11:15 am by Zoom): 

October 27: 
What are your thoughts about the Christian Nationalist Network?
Facilitator: 
Michelle

Wednesday Discussions (from 5 to 6 pm by Zoom):

October 30: 
How can we practice self-care in our daily lives?
Facilitator: 
Pam Perry
We follow the Discussion Covenant and Guidelines listed below.

DISCUSSION COVENANT & GUIDELINES - Rev. 8/18/2024 Using ChatGPT

COVENANT:  


As participants, facilitators, presenters, and Zoom hosts, we commit to creating a safe, supportive, and compassionate community that upholds Unitarian Universalist values by following these guidelines:

DISCUSSION GUIDELINES:


We agree to participate fully and respectfully by:
1.  Listening attentively and waiting to speak until called on.

2.  Sharing comments and questions with the whole group, avoiding interruptions and side conversations.
3. Keeping comments brief (2-3 minutes) unless you are the facilitator/presenter (5-15 minutes).

4.  Understanding that this is a discussion group, not a support group, so confidentiality is not assured.
5.  Addressing differing perspectives with kindness and compassion.

6.  Speaking from personal experience without generalizing or stereotyping.
7.  Accepting that some topics may feel uncomfortable.

8.  ON ZOOM:  We agree to reduce distracting noises and behaviors by:
     a. Muting mics before and after speaking.
     b. Turning off video when eating, moving, or not giving our full attention.
     c. Avoiding Chat during discussions and explaining any posts when appropriate.