As we look forward to the New Year, many of us are considering our resolutions for 2016. What will yours be? Here are some creative and meaningful ideas for New Year’s resolutions that reflect our seven principles.

1. The inherent worth and dignity of every person
   Stand on the Side of Love for people of all faiths and backgrounds by helping to combat Islamophobia and Xenophobia in the United States. Learn about UUs who are sponsoring Syrian refugees and organizing rallies to support their Muslim neighbors. Talk with members of your congregation and others about what you can do to show support in your community.
2. Justice, equity, and compassion in human relations
   Join Standing on the Side of Love for Thirty Days of Love for racial justice. From Saturday, Jan. 16 through Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016 people of faith and conscience will show up for Black Lives Matter and racial justice throughout the country as part of Thirty Days of Love.
3. Acceptance of one another, and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations
   Participate in a religious education class, perhaps one using the UUA’s online religious curricula Tapestry of Faith. Or use and share readings, meditations, music, and worship resources on the Worship Web.
4. A free and responsible search for truth and meaning
   Read and discuss great books about social justice, history, theology, and more from Beacon Press and Skinner House, available through the UUA bookstore.
5. The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large
   Come to General Assembly 2016 in Columbus, OH, (or participate virtually) to have a say in the business of our Association. Participate in advance by encouraging your congregation to vote in congregational polls.
6. The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all
   Promote world community by traveling on a service learning trip with the UU College of Social Justice. Registration is open for upcoming trips to Haiti, the U.S./Mexico border, Nicaragua, and to Washington State to explore U.S. policy toward Original Nations with the Lummi people.
7. Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part
   Sign up to be a part of Commit2Respond. This coalition of UUs invites people of faith and conscience to work for environmental justice and advance the rights of people impacted by climate change.

To support all of these programs and initiatives, make your year-end gift today! Thank you for your generosity this year and next. Happy New Year!

Rev. Peter Morales, president
Unitarian Universalist Association