A.C.T OUT ONA Brainstorming Session

As anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and policies escalate, Open and Affirming churches are being called to do more than affirm — we’re being called to act. A.C.T OUT (Advocacy, Community, Transformation) is a new Coalition initiative, and this first gathering is all about listening and brainstorming together. We’ll share what our communities are facing, lift up what’s already working, and dream about what A.C.T OUT could grow into — with no pressure and no commitments, just a chance to imagine and connect.

Who should attend
Pastors, lay leaders, ONA teams, justice committees, youth/young adult leaders, chaplains, and anyone ready to move from statement to strategy.

What we’ll do (90 minutes)
• Brief framing: the moment we’re in and why A.C.T OUT
• Three short breakout rounds to share needs, practices, and first-step ideas
• Light theme clustering and ways to stay in the loop

You’ll leave with
• a shared snapshot of urgent needs across contexts
• starter ideas your church can explore in the next 30–60 days
• an optional way to stay connected as this work takes shape

Accessibility
Live captions provided; camera optional. Please share access needs in the form below.

Community norms
Brave space; one mic at a time; step up/step back; honor names and pronouns; what’s said here stays, what’s learned here leaves; assume good intent and attend to impact.