Ever wonder what happens at the AEU Assembly each year? The American Ethical Union will host its 105th Assembly, “Breaking Barriers,” online using Zoom. This annual event provides a space for Societies to meet in person, learn about pertinent topics, and conduct the business of the AEU. Many people have said that this year’s virtual platform will allow for greater participation than in past years.
The 2020 Assembly Business Meeting will be this Saturday, August 1, 2pm ET with discussion sessions to review agenda items and educational programming earlier in July. As a finale, the AEU will present a special platform on Sunday, August 2, 3pm ET welcoming Jé Exodus Hooper as a new Ethical Culture Leader. These events are all free and we encourage you to join!
This year, we have six WES members who will serve as delegates to the AEU Assembly: Josh Blinder, Abi Daken, Trang Duong, Joh Klein, Sonja Kueppers, and Lauren Strange. We want to hear your voice so we can represent WES at the Assembly Business Meeting on August 1st. We held a community meeting on July 19th, lead by Sonja, to explain the Assembly resolutions and other current relevant topics. Here are some of the issues that we’ll be discussing at this year’s Assembly 2020.
The AEU Board of Directors will present their 2020-2021 budget for approval. Highlights include suspending the use of the Momentum public relations firm for FY 2021, reducing expenditures on administration and leadership, increasing expenses related to communications and program support, establishing a financial reserve to account for uncertainty, and creating a program reserve to allow for changes in programming during the year.
Due to the ongoing pandemic and the amount of lead time required to plan an in-person Assembly, the AEU Board recommends that the 2021 Assembly be also conducted virtually and that the AEU supports regional gatherings when practical and safe. Although no vote will be taken on this, it may be useful to know that there are three main ideas for the following Assembly in 2022: a conference similar to that in past years, continuation of the virtual format, or a family-friendly retreat style. Societies will have an opportunity to contribute to decision-making on this during 2020-2021.
The AEU hopes to approve two bylaw amendments. The first amendment would eliminate the different “tiers” of Societies and would welcome new Societies more directly into membership. The second amendment proposes that people elected to a partial board term could serve two full terms after that.
Two resolutions will be discussed and may be slightly changed by the August 1st date. The first urges Societies to work actively on Death with Dignity laws. The second resolution reconfirms and commits AEU to action for the Black Lives Matter movement.
Lastly, the AEU Assembly 2020 will decide a contested election for five board positions. Three board members are up for re-election and three others would be new candidates. WES member and AEU Board President Sonja Kueppers is running for re-election and hopes to win the seat of President again.
Click here for more details on Assembly 2020, Zoom links, and relevant materials. We hope you’ve had a chance to enjoy the educational programs of the 2020 Virtual Assembly this week, and we look forward to seeing you online for the Zoom business meeting on Sat, August 1st. Please email your WES delegates at delegates2020@ethicalsociety.org with any questions or concerns.
2020-2021 Board of Trustees
Josh Blinder, Abi Daken, Trang Duong, Doug Miller, Lauren Strange, Vincent Tyler, Rajesh Vidyasagar