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FUSS at General Assembly 2003 GA Boston, Massachusetts June 26-30, 2003 Notes from GA 2003 By Ernie Hall, President of FUSS: This was my first GA, and I thoroughly enjoyed the lectures, workshops, exhibits/vendors, and seeing all the congregational banners. All of the sessions I attended were filled to overflowing in rooms holding from 200 to 3000 people! Here are a few of the session highlights for me:   "Whatever Happened to the Social Contract" by Robert Reich - this former Secretary of Labor talked about the erosion in the '90s of three principles most Americans would agree with: as companies do better, employees, communities, and shareholders should do better; full time work should allow people to live above the poverty line; and people have the right to develop their talents. He encouraged everyone to get involved in politics, and to avoid "resignation, escapism, and denial".   "Savage Love: Skipping Toward Gomorrah" - an address by Dan Savage, a well-known gay sex advice columnist and author. In this late evening session, Savage was extremely funny, outspoken, and blunt (think Chris Rock meets Dr. Ruth) about gay and straight sexual behavior. While there were many in the audience who did not agree with some of his views, this talk gave attendees much to think about and discuss.   "Iraq and the United Nations" - a very informative and moving address by Rev. John Buehrens, former head of the UUA, who visited Iraq as part of a clergy group at the beginning of 2003. He described his experiences in meeting with ordinary Iraqis, and his concern about current events in Iraq.   Taking Faith to Market: Membership Attraction Techniques" and "Will They Come Back? Creating a Culture of Hospitality" by two members of the UUA staff - did you know that an estimated 250,000 people visit UU churches every year in the US, yet UUA membership only increases 1% per year? Most of these visitors are already comfortable with UU values, and are looking for a spiritual home. Of UUs who join our societies, 46% report feeling welcome "immediately". The first visit or two are critical. These speakers explored how to be more hospitable, and how to reach out to attract visitors.