The Alliance of First Parish
The Alliance is the women’s organization in our church, with a mission to support the women in our congregation, and through that support to advance the interests and efforts of our entire church.
Formal membership in the Alliance is open to those in our church who identify as female, although Alliance activities are inclusive across gender and age: men attend meetings as guests and as speakers.
Alliance Program Dates 2024-2025
The Alliance hosts several programs each year from October to May.
Most programs are held on Friday evenings in the Vestry.
Upcoming Programs/Gatherings:
Please Save the Dates and Join Us for these Inspiring and Stimulating Programs!
FRIDAY, MARCH 14: Hannah Riley Bowles – When Gender Matters in Negotiations
We negotiate all the time – with family, our congregation and communities, at work, and with friends. Join Hannah Riley Bowles, as she talks about how gender or other intersecting identities have the potential to influence negotiation behavior and outcomes. Learn what research says and how to apply that knowledge in our own lives.
NEW DATE: FRIDAY, April 11: Jorge Armesto
Compassion, Justice, and Freedom: What I learned as a Parole Board Member, Forensic Psychologist, and Self-Compassion Teacher
Join us for a conversation with Jorge Armesto and Alliance Program co-chair Rachel Lewellen.
Location: FPUU Vestry or on Zoom
7:00 – 7:30 pm – Small snacks and socializing. Non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages will be served.
7:30 pm – Program live and on Zoom.
Jorge C. Armesto, Ph.D., Ed.M., C-IAYT is a bilingual clinical psychologist, certified yoga therapist, and mindfulness instructor. He is passionate about the intersection of psychology, mindfulness, spirituality, and body-focused practices. As a gay Cuban American man, Jorge seeks to understand how sources of oppression and resiliency intersect and inform the experiences of individuals, groups, and communities. He has served for eight years on the State of Rhode Island Parole Board. Learn more here, Jorge C. Armesto.
SUNDAY, MAY 11: Alliance Sunday Service
Jory Agate, a former UU parish minister & currently a mental health counselor doing family therapy, will speak. The Alliance will also be honored to celebrate with the congregation this year’s Clara Barton Sisterhood inductees.
FRIDAY, June 6: Alliance Annual Members Meeting
former U – We will gather to discuss the year in review, vote on next year’s Board members, and socialize over a Board-sponsored dinner.
Past Programs/Gatherings:
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, join us after the service, 12 noon, in the sanctuary and on Zoom
A Hotline for Israel/Palestine: Rev. Marta Morris Flanagan interviews Shira Hoffer,
Shira Hoffer, a Harvard student who created the “Hotline For Israel/Palestine” will be interviewed by Rev. Marta.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18
7:00 – 7:30 pm social gathering with refreshments
7:30 – program
She will draw on her experience in human rights advocacy and as a freelance journalist in the US and Latin America, over 5 years at the Committee to Protect Journalists and her current role as Communications Manager at the Cyrus R. Vance Center for International Justice, a program of the New York City Bar Association which provides pro bono legal representation to civil society organizations worldwide, engaging hundreds of law firms and lawyers across borders to expand access to justice and support an ethically active legal profession. Read more about Natalie! Click Here!
FRIDAY, JANUARY 24
Our Alliance Annual Chowder Supper & Book Swap!
featuring NE Fish Chowder, NE Clam Chowder, Robbie’s Corn Chowder (vegetarian, gluten free), and Annette’s Lentil Soup (vegan, non-dairy), Cheri Minton’s cornbread; and garden salad provided by Anne Ehlert and Pam Baldwin.
Members are asked to bring favorite potluck desserts to share if you are able.
Please join your fellow Alliance members and friends for an evening of conversation, fellowship, and good food. There will be no Zoom access. The evening will be a social gathering.
This year you are encouraged to bring a book you’ve read or hoped to read to swap with someone else. If you have no books from which you are willing to part, the Friends of the Robbins Library sell used books for a reasonable price on the 4th floor of the library.
6:30pm – Appetizers with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
7:00pm – Dinner with socializing and the Book Swap!