I belong to a very large family.  In fact, we are more a tribe.  My mother had eleven brothers and sisters and I have fifty-six first cousins.   Although we try to keep up with each other through Facebook and holiday letters, we relish our family reunions.  We fill the reunion time by greeting the older generation and meeting the new one, learning about our family history, doing a bit of bragging, and thoroughly enjoying each other’s company.   

I have just returned from the American Ethical Union Assembly in Scranton, PA, and I must say it reminds me of my family reunions.  This was my fourth Assembly and it was a pleasure to visit with friends from previous Assemblies and Ethical Culture Summer School.  All the Societies have stories to tell about upcoming anniversaries and ethical action projects.  Many seem to be experiencing budget problems similar to ours.  It is somehow comforting to hear about similar problems as well as to learn about how they are solving their difficulties. 

The Assembly offers so many learning opportunities.  For example, I attended workshops on how to conduct pledge campaigns, how to welcome visitors, and how to market societies.  Of course, I had to do a little bragging by telling the platform workshop something about how we conduct platforms and colloquies.  Moreover, I could not leave the Assembly without saying a few words about the effectiveness and camaraderie established by our informal budget group. 

The most moving and solemn event was the installation of new Ethical Society Leaders.  The ceremony began with the singing of “Finlandia.”  Each new leader, Mary Herman, Amanda Poppie, and our own leader in training, Huge Taft-Morales, spoke eloquently of Ethical Culture.  The ceremony closed with all our Ethical Culture Leaders lined up from most senior to newest to greet the newly invested Leaders. 

My few days in Scranton were filled with friendship and learning.  I left on an emotional high, glad to bring back ideas and hope for the future of NoVES.  I also believe it is so true: there is no place like home.