Recording and Resources from The Gathering, April 14, 2025
In April, Side With Love Organizing Strategy Director Nicole Pressley introduced a framework for analyzing to understand our power and what we are up against, predict what comes next, and plan our actions strategically. Rev. Elizabeth Nguyen invited us to think about a time we took a risk in line with our values, how that felt, and what made it possible. She invited us to reflect on our personal resiliency and the solidarity so deeply needed right now as we make sure to center those most targeted (and most at risk) by federal and state governments. Rev. Tania Marquez closed The Gathering with a somatic practice focusing on gentle touch and self-awareness.
We hope you will come to our next Gathering on Monday, May 12 at 5pm PT / 8pm ET and bring a friend!
You can visit our webpage for The Gathering to see all the dates, a promotion kit, recordings, crisis resources, and links.
As a reminder, here’s what we invite you to do after this month’s Gathering:
Ground yourself: What is 1 thing you will do this week to tend to your spirit and regulate? (bonus if it brings a smile to your face!)
Practice analysis in community. Try it with January 6th:
History: Where did this come from? When has this happened before? When can we find patterns or features?
Structure: What were they thinking? What are the primary grievances? What systems/institutions facilitate this occurrence?
Politics: How is this possible? How did they acquire the power to take this action? How will this power express itself elsewhere?
Now what: What can and will our team or congregation do to block this or build something else?
Practice Discernment Together using Spiritual Discernment and Preparation for Collective Action: Tips and tools for resilient and sustained activism By Rev. Elizabeth Nguyen
Additional Resources
More about Rev. D’Orlando, the minister in New Orleans who Rev. Elizabeth talked about
Join us for the Green Sanctuary 35th Anniversary Celebration and Call for Renewal this Wednesday
SWL Risk discernment & assessment - 2 workshop sessions you can use in your congregation and a simple handout for immediate decision making
Side With Love’s Dos & Don’ts Grounded, Resilient & Responsible Toolkit
UUA Community Resilience Hub (includes resources for risk mitigation & digital security)
