President of the UUHA...believe it or not, that title opens a lot of doors! I wanted to share a little bit of what it means to serve as President of our organization, and especially to share some of the conversations I get to be part of in this role.

Although we are relatively small, the UUHA is *the* UU group dedicated to humanism, which means we are often invited to represent UU humanism in different settings. The Secular Coalition for America includes the UUHA as one of their member organizations, and I try to make as many member meetings and lobby events as possible (and if YOU want to be involved, please let me know!).

I also serve on the Steering Committee of the Humanist Special Collection at Meadville Lombard--not precisely because I am UUHA President, but I think the role didn't hurt! The Humanist Special Collection "houses archival materials that document the growth and impact of humanism within both Unitarian Universalism and the larger world," and the Steering Committee helps to set direction for the Collection and to work for funding so that the Collection can grow and continue to serve the movement.

I co-founded the Humanist Collaboratory before coming into the role of UUHA President, but you can bet that any future president will be invited to that gathering, which brings together leaders from UUism, Ethical Culture, humanistic Judaism, and secular humanism.

And in early February I'll be traveling down to Florida, speaking at the Suncoast Humanists' annual Darwin Day event--an invite I'm sure I wouldn't have received without this title!

We may be small, but we are mighty. And it's not just me as President...every member of the UUHA has a role in representing our organization, whether in your local congregation, humanist group, or elsewhere. If you want to take on a bigger role, be sure to check out our UUHA Ambassador program. However you represent the UUHA, and humanism in general: thank you.

The Rev. Amanda Poppei

President, UU Humanist Association