Winter is the Perfect Time to Think About Summer--in Minneapolis!
February is an excellent time to start making plans to attend General Assembly, June 23-27, 2010 in Minneapolis. Although registration for GA will not open until March 1st, this is an ideal time to look at air fares and to budget for your expenses for this not-to-be-missed 5 day meeting.
Minneapolis (also known as the “Mini-Apple”) is an ideal setting for GA. Not only is it a progressive, culturally diverse, LGBT friendly city, but it is also rich in cultural arts and boasts a stunning natural environment. There are 900 lakes and 170 parks in the Twin Cities area, making this GA an excellent family vacation destination.
The Local Volunteer Committee has put together four pre-GA tour packages ideal for singles, couples and families. Tour #1 visits 3 local UU congregations and Sculpture Gardens; Tour #2 is a narrated boat ride down the Mississippi River. Tour #3 is an ethnic cook’s tour of Minneapolis and St. Paul (if you like to eat this tour is for you!) and Tour #4 is shopping and dinner (on your own) at the Mall of America. All Tours take place on Tuesday, June 22, 2010 and were created by UUs who are also in the tourism biz.
There are also many housing options at GA this year and at a variety of price points. The GA Planning Committee offers some scholarships, and there may be other financial aid available if you start planning now. Air fares deals abound at this time of the year as well.
But the biggest draw is General Assembly itself - the largest assemblage of Unitarian Universalists (thousands of them) from congregations large and small. You’ll experience wonderful and uplifting worship services —morning and night—with glorious music and inspiring messages. Networking with UUs from other congregations, attending panel discussions, workshops, lectures and, of course, shopping in the amazing Exhibit Hall all make GA each year an experience UUs treasure.
Below is just a sample of special events and programs planned.
At Opening Celebration and Banner Parade on Wednesday night will feature the talented, singer, songwriter, and UU Peter Mayer. Check out his sound at www.petermayer.net/music . You may be familiar with some of his songs: “Holy Now” and “Blue Boat Home.”
The Ware Lecturer this year is Minnesotan Winona LaDuke, an internationally renowned Native American (Anishinabe) activist working on issues of sustainable development, renewable energy and food systems.
GA in Minneapolis coincides with the Twin Cities’ Pride Festival & Parade; our Public Witness event this year will be part of that event.
