Small actions, big impact, one Canadian UU ecosystem.
A collaborative project to explore, evaluate and learn how Unitarian Universalists can practice their faith in a way that remains current and relevant, and continually evolves to meet the needs of humanity and the non-human world in a rapidly changing environment for both the present and the future.

Purpose
The Canadian UU Ecosystem Project envisions Unitarian Universalism as a vibrant, living ecosystem. Our goal is to explore how our tradition can remain relevant, connected, and thriving in a rapidly changing world. Through small experiments, exploring new ways of practicing our faith, and new platforms for sharing ideas and experiences, we will learn from what works (and what doesn’t) and share these insights across the ecosystem. By the project’s end, we aim to establish a structure that supports ongoing innovation, collaboration, and knowledge sharing.

Context
The world is changing faster than ever, accelerated by social, economic, and cultural shifts since the pandemic. People are seeking deeper connection, belonging, and meaningful engagement. As a living tradition, Unitarian Universalism continues to reimagine who we are and how we show up in the world. This project focuses on exploring what we do—how we foster connection, meaning, and belonging through action, and how we can do all the
things in even more effective ways.

Approach
Canadian UUs—communities, congregations, and individuals—are invited to experiment with small, manageable ways of doing the work already on their plates, while celebrating successes and sharing creative practices already happening. We aim to reimagine existing work, explore new ways of connecting across communities, and share ideas and experiments that bring the ecosystem to life.

Through online and in-person experiments, conversations, and engagement opportunities, participants will discover emerging best practices in fostering connections, belonging, and meaning-making today, whether within congregations, local communities, or across the
Canadian UU ecosystem.

Project Goals
1. Engage UUs across Canada in a culture of shared learning as we explore and evaluate new ways of living Unitarian Universalism.
2. Encourage innovative action through small, practical experiments that honour our heritage and open pathways to new practices.
3. Bring change leaders together to strengthen and support the Canadian UU ecosystem now and into the future.

Activities
• Use sociocracy for a collaborative project structure.
• Engage a broad variety of participants, including congregations and communities of all sizes and independent UUs.
• Facilitate inspiring online and in-person gatherings (large and small).
• Identify, share, and learn from experiments already underway in UU communities.
• Activate a learning ecosystem model to feed insights back into the wider UU community.
• Work with a website designer to design and build a website to host our learning community.
• Culminate in three reflection and planning events (two online, one in person) in fall 2026 for change leaders.

Anticipated Outcomes
1. A collaborative project focused on continual improvement in faith practices through experiential learning.
2. Greater understanding of the diversity of the Canadian UU ecosystem.
3. Broad participation and engagement across congregations, communities, and independent UUs.
4. Strengthened culture and practice of interdependence within UU communities.
5. A searchable database of innovations and experiments.
6. Emergence of change leaders, with opportunities to connect, reflect, and act together.