By Katie Pruett
A safe space is a welcoming one, and BLUU’s recent move to the First Universalist Church of Minneapolis is proving to be an inviting new home for BLUU’s central office.
“One of the things I say a lot is that our building is our biggest financial resource, and I’m always asking how we can put it to the most use for the greatest good,” shared Rev. Jen Crow, Senior Minister at First Universalist Church.
The September 1 move came after four years of officing at The Coven–a co-working space in St. Paul. BLUU staff were ready for an upgrade when the opportunity for more space at First Universalist became available. The newly renovated church offers plenty of room for BLUU to stretch its wings. Lena K. Gardner, Executive Director for BLUU, recently added, “After first approaching First Universalist at the prospect of sharing space, I realized that renting an office from other Unitarian Universalists that share our commitment to collective liberation would provide a more connected and communal approach to our work. First Universalist is a community that is constantly striving to live more deeply into love and justice as UUs, we’re excited to be here.”
Though Lena and Rev. Crow have known each other for years, this moment invites fresh ways for them to collaborate on behalf of their related goals. “I have so much gratitude for what BLUU is doing in the world and within Unitarian Universalism and I have so much support for the mission, vision, and the way BLUU operates too.” Rev. Crow said. She continued, “Just know that our whole staff is really excited about BLUU coming!”
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Katie Pruett is a storyteller, writer, editor, and publisher whose work is driven by her passion for liberation. In the more recent years of her 10-year career as a writer and editor, she’s been focused on cultural sustainability, and ethical and non-ethical labor practices in fashion . Apart from her work, she spends most of her time enjoying nature, arts & crafts with her 8-year-old, listening to music, dancing, cooking, and laughing with the people she’s grateful to have in her life.
