Author: Peter Bowden

Promoting connection, meaning, and engagement with the issues shaping our world today. Trainer, coach, and strategist working with leaders across industries. From local nonprofits and congregations to decentralized community group networks.

Announcing Jan 4th, 2014 Social Media Intensive for Congregational Leaders

Social Media (C) istockphoto

Friends, on January 4, 2014 I will be leading a social media intensive for congregational leaders.  This event is being held at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tucson, AZ.   If you are a minister, congregational staff or volunteer interacting with human beings in the United States with internet access and mobile technology,  this event is … Continue reading Announcing Jan 4th, 2014 Social Media Intensive for Congregational Leaders →

Religious Education Schedule Poster

The following guest post is by Barb Greve, Interim Director of Religious Education currently serving the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta, GA, and includes links to download files of the described religious education schedule poster.  ~ Peter By Barb Greve I noticed that several of the Religious Education/Exploration classes in my programs were struggling with … Continue reading Religious Education Schedule Poster →

Verdict Part 2 – Is social media driving new expectations for congregations?

I wrote this weekend about the strong reaction many in my UU social media network had to Sunday services that did not create space to process the Trayvon Martin - George Zimmerman verdict from the night before. Many were let down, disappointed, upset. In the day since I've been reflecting on how that reaction was … Continue reading Verdict Part 2 – Is social media driving new expectations for congregations? →

New book on humanism, UU theology, and the growth (or not) of the UUA

I just ordered a new book on humanism, our UU theology, and the history of our association, REGAINING BALANCE: THE EVOLUTION OF THE UUA by Michael Werner, published by Religious Humanism Press. I'm excited for this read as this relates directly to conversations we've been having in the UU Growth Lab over the last two … Continue reading New book on humanism, UU theology, and the growth (or not) of the UUA →

New UU Crowdfunding Platform, and Faithful Risk Fund to honor Gini Courter

Update 6/26:  The Faithful Risk Fund is in Gini's honor, not the platform... There was talk about a crowd sourcing platform as part of honoring her, but that was already in development by the Mass Bay and Clara Barton Districts.  So the platform is a collaboration with first $10,000 in donations supporting its development. Friends, … Continue reading New UU Crowdfunding Platform, and Faithful Risk Fund to honor Gini Courter →

Why you aren’t reaching young adults and families with children

Why You're Losing Young Adults

The following guest post is by Kelly Mahler, a former 3D artist, SAHM (stay-at-home mother), Unitarian Universalist since 2007, and member of the UU Growth Lab on Facebook.  Thanks for sharing your experience and suggestions, Kelly!   I totally relate as a parent of a young child.  11am? Uh, that's lunch time!  ~ Peter While reading the … Continue reading Why you aren’t reaching young adults and families with children →

Millennial UU Innovators Discussion Google Hangout

The following is the archived video of the live Millennial UU Innovators Discussion Google Hangout convened by Carey McDonald on June 5, 2013.  Total running time 1 hour. Now you may be asking, how do these things get scheduled and how do I get involved?   Join the UU Growth Lab on Facebook!  Many great conversations … Continue reading Millennial UU Innovators Discussion Google Hangout →

Start Tweeting at #UUAGA in 3 Easy Steps

Reprinted from previous UU Planet post. You have a smart phone, you're on Facebook,  you might even have an iPad.  If you DO and you're at General Assembly, it is time to try Twitter.  I know you can do it and I want to follow your tweets.  Here's a quick guide. Find someone you know … Continue reading Start Tweeting at #UUAGA in 3 Easy Steps →

A UU Theology of Community Organizing by Matt Meyer

Matt Meyer

I'm helping the amazing Matt Meyer share a new resource he's developed, so please share! Use buttons at the bottom of this post. Download  A UU Theology of Organizing (PDF)  by Matt Meyer articulating a "Unitarian Universalist Theology of Community Organizing." Social justice work and Unitarian Universalism are intricately connected. Most of us believe that … Continue reading A UU Theology of Community Organizing by Matt Meyer →

Birth, Breath, and Death – Meditations on Motherhood, Chaplaincy, and Life as a Doula

I am excited to announce that Amy Wright Glenn, a Unitarian Universalist and dear family friend, has just publish Birth, Breath, and Death--- Meditations on Motherhood, Chaplaincy, and Life as a Doula.  You may start reading it in under a minute on Amazon Kindle! UU Book Review A Unitarian Universalist from her congregation writes: This … Continue reading Birth, Breath, and Death – Meditations on Motherhood, Chaplaincy, and Life as a Doula →