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 process and partnering with all UUs via the Side With Love Action Center.

What’s New?

AIW Feedback Sessions

• The feedback session is not a “mini-assembly” – this is not a session with pro and con lines, and not a session for offering amendments.
• This feedback session is a time to give the AIW presenters feedback.
• Following the feedback session, the presenters are allowed to modify their AIW and give it to the CSW to present to the delegates.

Upcoming AIW Feedback Sessions

• Monday, May 18 at 7:30 ET / 4:30 PT: “Defend Against the Assault on Environmental Protections: Public Lands Rules and the Endangerment Finding” presented by Deb Cruz of the JUUstice Washington State Action Network. Register to participate. Read the text of the proposed AIW (PDF, 6 pages)

2024-2027 Congregational Study Action Issue

Abolition, Transformation, and Faith Formation was selected as the 2024-2027 Congregational Study Action Issue (CSAI). Read the entire CSAI. Find resources and monthly conversations at CLF’s learning hub.

2025 Affirmed Actions of Immediate Witness

• Defending LGBTIQ Freedom Amid Funding Crisis: A Call for Global Solidarity
• Faithful Defiance of Authoritarianism, a Call to Action: Reaffirming Our Covenant for Democracy and Freedom
• We Declare and Affirm: Immigrants Are People Who Have Inherent Worth and Inalienable Rights

Actions of Immediate Witness

An Action of Immediate Witness (AIW) is a statement about a significant action, event, or development in the world that necessitates immediate engagement and action among UU member congregations and groups.

Unlike a Statement of Conscience, an AIW does not carry the full authority of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA); rather, it expresses the conscience and carries the authority of the delegates at the GA at which it is passed.

The AIW process allows Unitarian Universalists to respond quickly to social issues deemed urgent. Adopted AIWs are used by congregations in local efforts and empower them to take action and recommend action through other departments of the UUA and other Unitarian Universalist groups. Learn more.

Congregational Study Action Issue (CSAI) Process

Congregational Study Action Issues are issues selected by Unitarian Universalist member congregations for three years of study, reflection and action. The purpose is to provide member congregations of the Association with an opportunity to mobilize energy, ideas and resources around a common issue. The end result will be a deeper understanding of our religious position on the issue, a clear statement of Association policy as expressed in a Statement of Conscience, and a greater capacity for congregations to take effective action.

In the third year of this process, delegates at GA can vote to approve a Statement of Conscience (SOC) resulting from two years of congregational feedback on the CSAI. Learn more.

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). View all statements.

• 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. There have been no CSAIs in the past few years, and the cycle for proposals will begin again in the Fall of 2024.
• Actions of Immediate Witness (AIWs) express the conscience and carry 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.