For those of us on the UUMeN Steering Council, and perhaps for many others as well, a significant era is drawing to a close in this first half of 2002. At our recent Council meetings, held for the third consecutive January at First UU in San Diego, we acknowledged that two leaders of UUMeN from that congregation would be departing from active roles in our organization as of this coming UUA General Assembly in Quebec City. Our San Diego connection has been an essential link that will soon shift to what we’re calling the “second circle” of Steering Council activity.

We honored San Diegans Tom Owen-Towle, serving as president emeritus, and John K. Davis, our hard-working treasurer, etc., (as well as Steven Storla, who is also retiring from formal office), and we rejoiced with them that the UUMeN Steering Council they leave is stronger than ever. It is always more fulfilling to leave something in better shape than you found it, and these two Southwesterners are a big reason why we can continue to step forth boldly. The abiding organizational confidence they expressed to the rest of us was palpable and moving. It is a privilege for us to carry on in their stead, AND they will be missed!

Indeed, we have set in motion some powerful currents of energy that will add to UUMeN’s presence and program, and we invite your deeper connection on this journey. Those of you who are members of this self-supporting operation can expect a spring mailing that will describe our initiatives and resources. If you’ve put off joining or just discovered UUMeN, this would be a great time to get on board. (Send in the form on the back cover of this journal!)

The vision that animates us centers on eight “Objectives,” which I have been gradually profiling in this space. To finish them off, I draw your attention to these last few items that especially articulate our inter-connective mission:

Provide a continental network for the exchange of information of special interest to UU men. Produce publications with a continental appeal on a wide range of subject matter. Work with other continental UU organizations on issues of joint concern and common inspiration; cooperate with non-UU groups in promoting dialogue and action in areas of mutual interest.

Yes, we are a NETWORK of UU men, diverse and spread out, but increasingly able to collaborate for the further development of our mature liberal religious masculinity. When our Steering Council spends a few days together, we embody the network in very stimulating ways and we can easily imagine the wider web of excellent programming for UU men that is drawing in brothers all over the continent.

But we also know that this particular strand of our UU web is thinner than we’d like, thinner than it deserves to be. Too many men are isolated, struggling, hungry for deeper connection but finding precious little to hold onto that might address their interests or needs—as growing men. So they wander away or stay away from our UU communities, which then lose the benefit of their many gifts. And the mainstream North American culture still does not generally support a conscious and mature masculinity, so too many of us either get sucked into dubious, often unhealthy pursuits or we settle for a passivity that carries a vague, unsatisfying anxiety. This won’t do!

I think the networking role of UUMeN is extremely important—to reach out and connect our brothers at least though a good variety of publications and resources. Our booth at each annual General Assembly is also, in some ways, a human hub of the network—lots of folks come by to see what’s cooking, to meet us and each other, to learn more, to network. Also, we’ve noticed in recent years that UUMeN is now being sought out and invited to connect with other UU organizations. This is most encouraging, and seeds of some intriguing collaborations are being sown.

Meanwhile, we continue to build a warehouse of resources that can contribute value to your setting, both individually, as you personally grow your soul, and in groups, as various assemblies of UU men come together to support and strengthen each other. Take advantage of these materials (listed elsewhere herein and on our web page: www.uumensnet.org) and step boldly yourself—into this curious new year and a new era of men relating to all life with increasing inner strength and creative centeredness. May all your relationships flourish, including with UUMeN!

Blessings on your hands, your heads and your hearts!