uugrrl?

It's an odd moniker -- at least for me. UU -- yes. Grrl? Actually, what appeals to me is the RR in the middle. A key concept in overcoming clergy misconduct is "Right Relations."

While we're on the topic, at least for now I'm not publishing my name. See my list of why NOT to do this blog. Really, though, confidentiality (as opposed to secrecy) is central to dealing compassionately with misconduct. It's in that same spirit I am doing this. If you need to reach me, please send a comment.

A Resolution

It's almost a new year, and as per the usual, I've spent the last few weeks considering what could be a meaningful, yet achievable, resolution. Last year I actually (for the first time in 50 some years) managed to keep my resolution. I hope to continue the trend. For 2006 I resolved to be more organized -- maintaining a simplified version of Getting Things Done. This year (drum roll), I am resolving to speak up at least once a week on my "unfortunate expertise," i.e. how Unitarian Universalists address clergy misconduct. In other words, this new blog is my resolution.

I've hesitated to commit to such a thing in the past for many good reasons. Here's my list of why NOT to do this:

• It's not how I identify myself. Yes... once upon a time I was a "victim" of CSM (clergy sexual misconduct), and I've spent thousands of hours dealing with this, but I refuse to let this experience define me.
• I have no desire either to be or to be seen as a troublemaker. I watch a fair number of UUs (Unitarian Universalists) who do seem to enjoy troublemaking. And of course CSM is all about trouble. But I'm much more interested in building bridges than in kicking up a stink.
• While I've got tons to say right now, it's only a matter of time before I hit a dry spell. But isn't that what resolutions are for?

So here's my list of WHY to do it:

• I know way more about this subject than most people.
• And silence is anything but golden when addressing abuse.
• I love the web and new forms of communication. It's fun to jump in in an arena where I care passionately.
• I know of many good things that have come of this work and actually prefer to reflect on those.
  
• The UUA is showing signs of getting out of the rut it's been in for the last few years. More on that later, but suffice it to say the time is ripe to speak up.