Support at SUUSI

Recovery Room & Meetings

The Recovery Room is open throughout SUUSI as a safe space for those in recovery programs. There will also be meetings. The first meeting time and room location will be posted in the NUUS, and then the Recovery Room Coordinator,  Karen (Kay) Judd, will post a schedule at the room and in the NUUS for the rest of the week, based on what the first group’s wishes for meeting times are.  

Pastoral Care – Ministers of the Day

Should a need arise for pastoral care during SUUSI, you can call the SUUSI helpline (540-534-1575) to connect with a Minister of the Day (MOD).  

Conflict Resolution (Healthy Relations Team or HeaRT)

Should a conflict arise with another person at SUUSI that you would like help in resolving, contact the Healthy Relations Team (HeaRT) through the SUUSI helpline (540-534-1575).

More details about HeaRT

Affirmed by the SUUSI Board on April 27, 2024

General Purpose

The purpose of the Healthy Relations Team (HeaRT) is to support SUUSI participants in living into the SUUSI mission of invoking the best within us and our Unitarian Universalist principle to affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of all people.

Recognizing that systems of power, privilege, and oppression have traditionally created barriers for persons and groups with particular identities, ages, abilities, and histories, the Healthy Relations Team will serve the SUUSI community by listening and engaging with people who have experienced harm while engaging with SUUSI or SUUSI staff as we strive to live into our best selves.

Who is HeaRT?

Healthy Relations Team volunteers are recruited and hired through a collaborative process between the SUUSI Board President, the SUUSI Director, and the Nurture Staff Director, and is initiated by the Nurture Staff Director. Each Healthy Relations Team volunteer is trained in conflict resolution and mediation practices.

The Healthy Relations Team will report to the SUUSI Board President, SUUSI Director, and Nurture Staff Director (i.e. the Leadership Team) the generalities of the issues and engagements in which they have been involved, and will make recommendations as to any actions that may need to be taken by SUUSI leadership. The HeaRT will consult with the Leadership Team when issues may need to be formally reported as a grievance or incident.

Staffing

The Healthy Relations Team shall consist of seven volunteers. Each will receive half credit for serving as SUUSI staff. Two members will agree to serve in between SUUSIs and they will receive a full staff credit. All members will be asked to serve on the Team for three (3) years. The members will have their terms staggered to ensure continuity through member transitions.

Every effort will be made to staff the team with people who hold a variety of identities related to age, gender, sexuality, race and ethnicity. Members of the Healthy Relations Team may not serve on the SUUSI Board or Core Staff while serving on the Team. Schedules for being on-call will be developed in collaboration with the Nurture Staff Director. Ministers who serve on HeaRT will not serve the community in an official ministerial capacity, such as Ministers of the Day or Worship leaders.

Leadership

Each year, the Team will select one person from among their team to serve as the lead member of HeaRT for that year. This person will be the primary contact for the Board President, the SUUSI Director, and the Nurture Staff Director.

Function and Responsibilities

The lead member of the Team will arrive at SUUSI on Friday so they can meet with the Board President, SUUSI Director, and Nurture Staff Director to be briefed on any issues or concerns that may have arisen or may be of concern, and to develop their schedule for the week. The remaining members of the Team will arrive on Saturday.

Accountability

The Healthy Relations Team is accountable to the SUUSI Community, and will report regularly to the Community regarding the general aspects of issues that have come before the team. 

Communication

The Team will speak with one voice regarding any recommended actions for grievances that are brought to them.

The HeaRT will communicate regularly with the Nurture Staff Director during SUUSI and will have at least one meeting with the Board President, the SUUSI Director, and the Nurture Staff Director during the week of SUUSI. They will provide a report to the SUUSI Board, the SUUSI Director, and the Nurture Staff Director within a month of the end of SUUSI that summarizes the issues experienced within the Community and any possible recommendations for the following SUUSI.

The Team will communicate with the SUUSI Community about the Covenant, the purpose of the HeaRT, and the ways in which we can more meaningfully support people in our community who are part of traditionally oppressed populations via the daily NUUS, during worship services, and other venues and events during SUUSI. 

Authority

The Healthy Relations Team has no authority to remove SUUSI participants from the Community.Should participants refuse to engage with HeaRT or when a shared resolution is not attainable between the participants engaged in  a repair and reconciliation process, the Team may recommend that an ad hoc Board team be formed as stated in the SUUSI policies Section 6.1.E.

Should an incident come before the Healthy Relations Team that involves any member of the Board of Trustees or Core Staff, they will have the authority to engage them in a process of mediation and will not be subjected to intimidation.

Should an incident come before the Board of Trustees, the SUUSI Director, or the Nurture Staff Director in which a member of the Healthy Relations Team has engaged in behaviors that have caused emotional, spiritual, or physical harm to someone in the community, the Board President, the SUUSI Director and the Nurture Staff Director will listen to and engage with the people involved to seek repair and reconciliation and determine the best course of action with regard to that person’s status on the Team.

Fequently Asked Questions about HeaRT

Primer

HeaRT, or our Healthy Relations Team, is a volunteer group of both lay persons and ministry professionals trained in conflict resolution and reconciliation processes to engage conflicts that may arise, so that SUUSI may grow as a community of mutual care and responsibility.

SUUSI’s HeaRT Charter or, How’s it Work?

The SUUSI Covenant and Healthy Relations Team Charter, affirmed by the SUUSI Board on April 27, 2024, puts forth HeaRT’s charge to guide our living into our best SUUSI selves.

What if I experience conflict that leads to harm, or need support for a personal issue at SUUSI?

If you experience conflict that leads to harm that you feel cannot be resolved one-on-one, then support from SUUSI Pastoral Care or the HeaRT (Healthy Relations Team) is available.

Call  540-534-1575,

What will happen when I call HeaRT?

You will be contacted by a member of the team who will set up a time for you to meet with two members.  When possible meetings will be staffed by two Healthy Relations Team members.

If the Team can help they will contact the other party. If they believe you are better served by another person they will help you make contact.

All interactions with theTeam are confidential except where physical violence or illegal activities are involved.  The Team are all mandated reporters and will take suspected abuse immediately to the Director. 

What if I am called by HeaRT to a meeting?

It is hoped that if you are contacted by the Healthy Relations Team you will be open to the meetings. At times we will each step off the map and get lost. We are fortunate to have a trained team to help. 

You are welcome to bring a friend to these meetings.

If you are unable or unwilling to meet with the Team the matter will be referred to the Director.

What if my issue remains unresolved after engaging with HeaRT?

If the HeaRT comes to consensus that they have exhausted their resources the issue will be referred to the board per the policy (Section 6.1.E). 

Does HeaRT have the authority to remove me from SUUSI?

NO. The purpose of HeaRT is to assist people with coming back into covenant with the SUUSI community.

Anti-Harrassment Policy

SUUSI Anti-Harassment Policy

Excerpted from SUUSI Policy, Section 11

1. SUUSI affirms its commitment to maintaining a welcoming environment, free of discrimination, harassment, bullying, intimidation, and violence. SUUSI expects its Board, staff, and participants to conduct themselves in a respectful manner with concern and care for their colleagues, SUUSI staff, host staff, participants, and surrounding community.
2. To help ensure a safe environment at SUUSI, the Core Staff will take responsibility for including information on staff behavior into their pre-SUUSI orientations and training, and providing opportunity for discussion on the topic.
3. Any harassment regarding sex, race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, disability, ancestry, place of origin, marital status, source of income, class, family status, gender, gender identity or expression, or affectional orientation will not be tolerated. Such harassment includes but is not limited to harassing remarks, gestures or physical contact, derogatory remarks, jokes, innuendo or taunts, and display or circulation of written materials or derogatory pictures directed at any of these categories.   

Harassment covers a wide range of behaviors of an offensive nature. It is commonly understood as behavior that demeans, humiliates or embarrasses a person, and it is characteristically identified by its unlikelihood in terms of social and moral reasonableness. In the legal sense, these are behaviors that appear to be disturbing, upsetting or threatening. 

In addition, sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when:

Such conduct or communication, which is not welcome, is personally offensive or debilitates morale, and therefore interferes with a positive SUUSI experience.

Submission to such conduct or communication is made a term or condition either explicitly or implicitly to obtain a position on the staff or Board or to participate in SUUSI; or

Submission to or rejection of such conduct or communication by an individual is used as a factor in decisions affecting such individual’s position on the staff or Board or participation in SUUSI; or

Such conduct or communication has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual’s position on the staff or Board or participation in SUUSI or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment; or

Daily Meditation

The Meditation Room is open throughout SUUSI for quiet contemplation. Morning Meditations are led by Nurture Co-Chair Rev. Kimi Riegel for those who wish for quiet sitting to start their day. The schedule will be posted at the Meditation Room and in the NUUS.  

Connection Circles

Connection Circles are daily small groups designed to build community and relationships in a spiritual format.  There are four groups, one during each meal time and one at community time.  You can register for a Connection Circle through workshop registration.  Each day will feature a guided program with a different topic compiled by Nurture Co-Chair Rev. Dr. Cynthia Landrum.  On Monday a Nurture Staff member, Peter Morrison, will meet with the groups to start the groups, and then the groups are self-led for the remainder of the week. 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion focuses on development of programs and support for groups of people who experience societal marginalization including BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and special needs populations. Accessibility tends to the differing needs (physical, sensory, dietary, etc.) of all in our community.

OASUUS

OASUUS was envisioned by our beloved Danielle Gladd whose spirit left us. Danielle fought for creation of OASUUS. DEI works to create and expand on the vision that Danielle Gladd had and hopes to honor her legacy. 

We will be working to re engage OASUUS with the SUUSI community to become a space FOR BIPOC and be run BY BIPOC. As a reminder, this is a space specifically for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color)  to come together in a community outside of the predominantly white SUUSI; this means that for non-BIPOC SUUSI members, this is not the space to talk about racism or how to be an ally to our community. Respect our space and we encourage everyone to be cognizant and remind each other that OASUUS is a sacred space to be respected and SUUSI needs to be accountable to each other in order to make this happen. OASUUS will not be perfect as we are growing and adapting, please reach out with any ideas or suggestions on how to make OASUUS better. 

Queer Spaces

SUUSI strives to be a safe, welcoming, and accepting space for LGBTQIA+ people. Look for queer-centric programming in the catalog, during community time, and in the dining hall. 

Many of us are aware of the policies that target the LGBTQIA+ Community, in particular the Trans community. These policies and laws are abundant in many of the states that we live in as individuals and pass through on our way to SUUSI. While we may never find the perfect location for SUUSI, we want to push forward, and find a location that can serve as a safe space for people of marginalized communities, especially those that are under attack and are at risk. This means broadening our region of SUUSI, adjusting to a new campus with different requirements and needs, and most importantly, being open minded to change that benefits and protects those that are at risk when they come to SUUSI by traveling through states that may be dangerous to their existence. We encourage those that are in communities that are impacted by these laws to join the site selection committee. 

Part of living our UU values is recognizing the differing needs of one another. If you did not include information about special needs on the registration form or if you have questions or concerns, please get in touch with our SUUSI Accessibility Liaisons at deia@suusi.org  You can also stop by the Accessibility table in Registration.

Scroll down past the map to find out more about our programs!

Accessibili-Buddies: Helpers and Patrons

Would you like to get to know someone by having an opportunity to be helpful?  Are you someone who could use some help carrying a tray in the dining hall, have a friendly face to help with getting moved into or around your room, or perhaps just a calm presence to help you navigate unfamiliar programming spaces?

Join the Accessibili-Buddies Program at SUUSI!  In registration in SOLIS you may: 

• Request to be matched up with a helper for specific needs or tasks
• Volunteer to be matched up to help someone with a specific need or task

The only requirements are access to a smart phone or other device for contacting your buddy after being matched,  and a heart that is open to this fun opportunity!  Questions or concerns?  Contact deia@suusi.org

Accessibili-Buddies: SpN Squad

Do you know what it is like to feel left out or left behind?  Do you know someone who can do whatever they set their mind to do but may just need some modifications?  Do you like working with kids or teens?  Join the Accessibili-Buddy SpN Squad and help us put the best spin on activities for all our youth, middler, and teen members with special needs!  We are looking for people to keep their eyes and ears open for potentially frustrating situations (too hot, too noisy, something out of reach, something too difficult) that could be extra challenging or awkward for some youth, middlers, or teens and may require some accommodations to help those kiddos succeed and have fun. Volunteers will be assigned to an age group during morning or afternoon programming.  A standard background check will be required and training will be provided.  Experience with special needs youth through teens is a plus.  Please mark SpN Squad under Volunteer Jobs in registration in SOLIS to be a part of this rewarding and fun opportunity!  For more information please contact deia@suusi.org

Food Allergies and Sensitivities

We are very excited to get to know the competent and caring staff in the Radford dining hall!  

• Food Allergy and Sensitivity Meet–up:  Check back here for dates and times to attend this helpful and informative session.  This is the time to ask questions and learn about options. Get to know your dining services staff so it will be easier for them to to help you out!
• Food Options:  Please be sure to complete any dietary restrictions you may have under Special Needs in registration in SOLIS.  Although guarantees can not be made the dining staff will be working with SUUSI to provide options that are both safe and enjoyable for everyone!  Dining hall staff are usually happy to check on ingredients for you; please be aware that requests made during peak meal times may require some patience before busy staffers are available to check for you. Be sure to attend the meet listed above to ask about specific needs.

Mobility Scooters

Mobility scooters may be rented from EZ Mobility Solutions for a cost of about $200, including delivery. A discount is available if 5 or more people rent scooters, so if you are interested, please contact access@suusi.org as soon as possible. Go to https://ezmobilitysolutions.com/ and click on Rentals for more information and to view products available.

Looking for a lower-cost option, and able to pick up and drop off your scooter? Mobility Plus in Salem (about 40 miles north of Radford) rents scooters by the week. Contact Scott Highberger at mplusva@gmail.com or www.mobilityplus.net for more information. Mobility Plus is located at 763 Union St, Salem, VA 24153. They may also be reached by phone: 540-389-3400 or 800-448-8434. Contact deia@suusi.org if you choose this option – if we have multiple people renting we may be able to coordinate delivery.

The New River Valley Disability Resource Center also has a wealth of information and is located near the Radford campus. Go to [https://www.nrvdrc.org/](https://www.nrvdrc.org/) and click on Resources to learn more.

Sensitivity to Noise, People, and Other Stimuli

Love SUUSI but easily overwhelmed? We hear you!

• Quiet Zones:  Meditation spaces, recovery spaces, and low stimuli spaces may be available around the campus.  Check back here for more details as we get closer to our event. An Accessibility Map with places like this noted will be available at the DEIA table at registration.

Finding Your Tribe

Check the SUUSI Catalog for affinity group meet-ups such as those for neurodiverse and other special needs families, seniors, LGBTQ+, and BIPOC.  Whether you have questions, concerns, or answers to share, meet other SUUSI participants with similar life experiences.  We will have some activities available to start things off easy.  More information can be found on our DEI page.

Moving at Your Own Pace

Appreciating the liveliness of those around you but need to move at your own speed?

• Housing and Programming Spaces: As an updated university campus, Radford University provides us with buildings, walkways, and rooms that are accessible for those who use wheelchairs and other mobility devices.  We try to ensure that SUUSI activities are held in accessible spaces if at all possible. The number of ADA-compliant accessible dorm rooms is limited, so please be sure to note your specific needs for such a room when you register.  We will do our best to assign you to a room that meets your needs. 
• Star Car: SUUSI provides limited on-campus transportation via our Star Cars (golf carts), and we work hard to accommodate people with physical challenges.  We encourage people who need them to book Star Car rides in advance—at registration or at the SUUSI office throughout the week.  Additionally, an Accessibility Map with the locations of wheelchair-accessible entrances will be available at registration.
• Nature Programs: Our Nature staff strives to create a variety of trips that will appeal to a variety of people.  Accommodations are often available upon request, so please be sure to ask ahead of time so that plans can be made to include as many as possible. You can also email deia@suusi.org.
• On-campus Assistance: Upon request an Accessibility Buddy would love to help you carry a tray in the dining hall, help you carry items on campus, or other small requests.   This program is a new addition to SUUSI and will be available on a first come first serve basis, so please get your requests in early.  Requests for assistance may be made under Special Needs in registration in SOLIS or at deia@suusi.org 
• More area resources: The New River Valley Disability Resource Center also has a wealth of information and is located near the Radford campus. Go to https://www.nrvdrc.org/ and click on Resources to learn more.