[UUPoly-L] PNWD AGM Experience

["Moonstorm Erosong" <mnstrm@erosong.net>]

This past weekend I attended the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the
Pacific Northwest District (PNWD) of the Unitarian Universalist
Association.  It was held at the Fort Worden State Park and Conference
Center in Port Townsend, Washington.  The board of Unitarian Universalists
for polyamory awareness (www.UUPA.org) has been encouraging its members to
attend district meetings in our respective districts, which I think is a
very good idea.

I had a very pleasant time at the weekend conference.  The setting at Fort
Worden State Park and Conference Center was very nice, and there were
valuable workshops, interesting craft vendors, and enjoyable speakers and
worship services.  I got to meet a very charming Native American woman who
has written a children's book which is a sort of Native American fable on
substance abuse.

I wore my poly pride button through the weekend, which stimulated some
valuable conversations with people who asked me what it meant.  One
particular incident was rather gratifying.  At the banquet Saturday night
I was seated at a table with three people from a church in Oregon,
including the lady minister.  One of the men asked about my button, and I
explained what it said and told him it was a polyamory pride button.  He
asked then what that meant, and before I could say anything, his minister
piped up and launched into a very nice little elevator speech about what
polyamory is and about the UUPA and it's work to encourage polyamory
awareness amongst Unitarian Universalists.  Afterwards I told her I deeply
appreciated her awareness and openness.

It was a kind of a sweet moment.  Our message is getting out there it seems.

Blessings,

'Storm