CANTON — The Unitarian Universalist Church of Canton has received a public relations grant award from The New York State Convention of Universalists to create an external communication’s campaign, Is UU for You?

The New York State Convention of Universalists (NYSCU) was founded in 1825, prior to the creation of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). NYSCU awards resources annually to Unitarian Universalists organizations across New York State to help congregations promote awareness, appreciation, and literacy in Universalist history and contemporary UU values.

“Our organization is dedicated to promoting Unitarian Universalism by providing support to local congregations and organizations,” said Ann Rhody, President of NYSCU. “While we are a spiritual tradition that does not proselytize and try to convert someone from one religion to another, Canton’s innovative program will communicate UU values in a way that broadly resonates across their region. We’re delighted to be able to support this project with grant funding,” she added.

The Unitarian Universalist Church of Canton, legally listed as, The First Universalist Society of Canton New York, was awarded a $3,000 grant for a communications campaign. Set to air on radio and social media in the summer of 2024, the region-wide campaign will pose reflective questions to the public about their value-alignment with UU. 

“Listeners could hear, You Might Be UU If… you respect the interdependent web of all existence and seek to understand your place in the universe, and your purpose as a spiritual being”, said Cliff Westerling, Chair of the Communications Committee. “UU’s have spirituality, without dogma,” he added.

There are presently more than 165,000 Unitarian Universalist members across 1,100+ congregations in the United States with more than 10,000 members in New York state. The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) justice and inclusion webpage highlights that UU’s have a legacy of “deeds not creeds.” … From grassroots community organizing to interfaith state, national, and corporate advocacy; in protest marches, prayer vigils, and press conferences; in homeless shelters and in prisons, Unitarian Universalists put faith into action…UU’s act in partnership with groups and communities most impacted by injustice on local, state, national, and international levels.

“This is a timely grant for us”, said Rev. James Galasinski, Minister of the Church. “According to a 2023 Pew Research Center survey, 4 in 10 Americans have become more spiritual over time, while fewer have become more religious. In fact, 41% of U.S. adults say that they’ve grown more spiritual over the course of their lifetime. Among the religiously unaffiliated Americans, 28% say their spirituality has grown over time.”

Galasinski added, “We UU’s have a pluralistic approach to faith in that we do not rely on a singular source of truth. We turn to many sources, including wisdom from all the world religions: Christianity, Judaism, Eastern religions, Humanist teachings, Earth-centered traditions, and other sources.” “UU provides a spiritual home for individuals and families seeking spiritual nourishment aligned with UU values including, honoring the inherent worth and dignity of every person and striving for compassion, equity, and love for all. Where all truly means all,” he added.

In 2025, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Canton NY will celebrate the congregation’s bicentennial with celebrations and public events to recognize the church’s 200-year history in Canton. In October of 2025, the church will host the 200th meeting of The New York State Convention of Universalists (NYSCU) bicentennial.