The DRUUMM Steering Committee wholeheartedly urges you to vote for Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt for UUA President in June 2023. During our recent Spring Caucus, Sofía had the opportunity to meet with DRUUMM members. It was a powerful gathering, where she shared her vision and listened intently to the voices of our community. The unanimous support she received from those present is a testament to her ability to connect, inspire, and lead. Members will receive an email with a link to the private recording.
Rev. Dr. Sofia Betancourt’s qualifications and leadership experience make her an outstanding candidate. Drawing from her rich background (highlighted on her campaign website sofiabetancourt.com), we find inspiration in her journey.
Rev. Dr. Betancourt’s theological strengths are profound, reflecting her deep understanding of Unitarian Universalism and her commitment to inclusive spirituality. Her womanist approach to ministry brings a unique perspective that centers the experiences and voices of women of color, offering a transformative lens through which to engage with our faith.
As an ordained Unitarian Universalist minister, Rev. Dr. Betancourt has served congregations across the United States, nurturing spiritual growth and fostering inclusive communities. Her dedication to social justice is deeply rooted, and her womanist theology informs her work in dismantling systems of oppression and amplifying marginalized voices.
With a doctorate in Religious Ethics and African American History, Rev. Dr. Betancourt combines intellectual rigor with a compassionate heart. Her scholarly pursuits have provided her with a deep understanding of the historical and cultural contexts that shape our faith, enriching her theological insights and guiding her compassionate leadership.
Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt’s leadership extends beyond the pulpit. She has served on numerous boards and committees, shaping the direction of Unitarian Universalism including recently with the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee.
Perhaps most notably, Rev. Dr. Betancourt understands the experiences, needs, challenges, and opportunities facing our communities of color in Unitarian Universalism. We are in a moment where forces within our faith seek to further marginalize our multiracial and families of color, and we need a leader who will be steadfast in upholding our shared values of culturally specific pastoral care, intersectional antiracism, and institutional growth and witness.
Join us in voting for Rev. Dr. Sofia Betancourt, and together, we will embark on a journey of liberation, healing, and collective transformation within Unitarian Universalism.
Some key themes from the DRUUMM Spring Caucus with Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt:
- Representation and Inclusion: How will spirituality and social action be represented to the wider community beyond UU spaces? How can congregations center religious holy days other than Judeo-Christian holy days? Is there a vision and plan for intentional outreach to BIPOC communities?
- Healing and Accountability: How do we address and minimize harm experienced by BIPOC in UU spaces? What is your strategy for education & training? What plans are in place to hold congregations accountable and broaden their understanding of responsible polity?
- Empowering BIPOC Voices: How will Rev. Dr. Betancourt re-imagine Unitarian Universalism to uplift POC voices alongside non-POC voices? How can POC leaders ensure that everyone can bring their whole selves into spiritual spaces?
- Guiding UU Faith toward Justice: What is the responsibility of UUA leadership to guide the faith toward justice when the larger community lags behind? How can the UUA deepen relationships with international UU organizations and groups?
- Accessibility: How can UUs be more accessible and inclusive to disabled, Deaf, neurodivergent individuals, and body-positive BIPOC UUs and youth? How can lifelong BIPOC UUs who were adoptees be supported and recognized within the faith?
