This year UUCPA once again co-sponsored an interfaith booth at the August Silicon Valley Pride Festival in San Jose. Six members of UUCPA volunteered at this event, and two of those six were also on the planning team. Over 1000 people interacted with the booth through one or more of the following:
- “What makes you feel welcome?” table (over 350 cards filled out – Matt Rosin was in charge of this)
- an Ofrenda of what people are appreciative about (hundreds filled out – Kristi Iverson was in charge of this)
- spending time in the children’s area with coloring and books, or with the Jenga game
- sharing stories and feelings in the “listening area”
In addition, over 500 hand-held fans, magnets and stickers were given away, all with links to a web page featuring 75 LGBTQ affirming faith-based congregations/organizations in Silicon Valley!! Check it out!
This year there were over 40 volunteers from 31 sponsoring organizations filling 80+ shifts to make this a success, plus a volunteer planning team working tirelessly beforehand organizing and preparing the various booth exhibits and activities. These volunteers made connections not only with those celebrating Pride, but also with each other—opening up new possibilities for collaboration and interfaith work.
Check more information and some photos soon on the UUCPA website!