The EastVUU group came together in early 2017, as a way to connect VUU members and friends who live in the eastern side of the East Valley (Mesa, Gilbert, Queen Creek, Apache Junction, Gold Canyon). The mission of the EastVUU group is to enable fellowship, spiritual development and progressive social justice. We are an open group and welcome anyone who wants to join us online for adult spiritual development, in person at our social gatherings, or doing social justice work together.
EastVUU Virtual Programs and Social Nights
The EastVUU group serves approximately 40 active participants, with 15-22 typically attending each event. We get together on the second and fourth Thursday evening each month. Our virtual programs include discussions about spiritual topics and a lot of personal sharing in breakout groups.
Our spiritual topics are lay member-led sessions that help us cope with the challenges in our lives. Programs have included presentations from various VUU members on topics like: How to Comfort a Friend, The Happiness Hypothesis, How to Receive Help, Building Resilience, and Play as a Spiritual Practice.
We also address social justice topics, covering issues such as Structural Racism in the US, The Generational Trauma of Racism, Avoiding Microaggressions, Destruction of Barrio Communities, and Immigration in Arizona. We welcome all UU friends to join us online for these thoughtful discussions where we raise our consciousness, become better allies to marginalized people, and get to know each other deeply. We find opportunities to volunteer together in social ministries on the eastern side of town.
On our social nights, the EastVUU group gathers for potlucks, game nights or dinners at local restaurants. We have had a lot of fun sharing food and stories, making s’mores over a fire, star-gazing and sometimes trying to win at Pictionary. All are welcome!
Contact EastVUUadmin@vuu.org for more information, or check announcements in Happenings. Follow us on facebook at EastVUUs –AZ East Valley of VUU.org
EastVUU Circle of Friends
The EastVUU Circle of Friends began in 2017 as a VUU Chalice Circle whose members were VUU women living in the East Valley. After two years, the group became the EastVUU Circle of Friends, choosing to gather for a program meeting on first Tuesdays, and a social meeting on third Tuesdays. The group meets in a hybrid format to combine in-person and online participation. Members have become very close over all this time, sharing their histories, joys and concerns, and discussing topics of mutual interest for personal growth.
The Circle of Friends warmly welcomes all UU women of the East Valley! Contact the group’s administrator via EastVUUadmin@vuu.org
EastVUU Women’s Support Group
The EastVUU Women’s Support Group began in the spring of 2019 and many of the original members are still attending. The support group meets in person twice monthly on second and fourth Tuesdays in member homes. To preserve confidentiality and deep relationships, this group is limited to 12 members. Inquiries about possible openings can be sent to EastVUUadmin@vuu.org
EastVUU Men’s Group
The EastVUU Men’s Group was formed in 2024 and meets in person twice monthly in the Agritopia community of Gilbert. Inquiries about possible openings can be sent to EastVUUadmin@vuu.org
EastVUU Social Justice:
The focus of EastVUU social justice work has been anti-oppression efforts related to Immigrants and support for disadvantaged kids at Adam’s Elementary School in Mesa. We also participate in legislative advocacy related to climate, preserving democracy, and political action for progressive policies at the state and national levels.