Shape UUA Justice Commitment Through the Social Witness Process

We are stronger together. Our collective wisdom and creativity combine to bring more justice into the world in ways that could not be imagined among any of us working alone. As Unitarian Universalists, we call one another into our better selves through collectively discerning social justice actions to clarify our shared commitments to justice, equity and compassion.

While called by various names, the social witness process is the method by which the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) comes to understand and act on the social issues of our times, finally bearing witness through statements adopted as Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) policy by the delegates of a General Assembly (GA). The process has been an integral part of our faith since the merger between the Unitarians and the Universalists in 1961. This process is congregationally driven and is facilitated by the Commission on Social Witness (CSW). The CSW looks forward to engaging with proposers on the 2023 process and partnering with all UUs via the Side With Love Action Center.

New Proposed Actions of Immediate Witness (AIW) Process in 2023

Please take note of the timeline and process of te Commission on Social Witness to plan for Actions of Immediate Witness in GA 2023. The new timeline is designed to provide greater opportunity for collaboration and action planning among diverse groups.

  1. Code Red for Humanity: The Climate Impacts of Military Emissions (PDF)
  2. Urgent Call to Action: Embracing the Goals and Provision of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (PDF)
  3. Organizing for Health Equity (PDF)
  4. Not on Our Watch: Oppose Russia's Invasion of Ukraine and Call for Action (PDF)
  5. Protect the Dreamers, the Recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) with a Pathway to Permanent Residence (PDF)

About Our Social Witness Statements

The UUA makes two different types of social witness statements: Statements of Conscience (SOCs), which arise from Congregational Study/Action Issues, and Actions of Immediate Witness (AIWs).

  • Congregational Study/Action Issues (CSAIs) are issues selected by Unitarian Universalist member congregations for three years of study, reflection and action. In the third year of this process, delegates at GA can vote to approve a Statement of Conscience (SOC) resulting from three years of congregational feedback on the CSAI.
  • Actions of Immediate Witness (AIWs) express the conscience and carries the authority of the delegates at the GA at which it is passed. AIWs are initiated by individual delegates and move through their entire creation and adoption process during a single GA.