SWIM's Mission

Southeast Winter Institute in Miami (SWIM) is a one week Unitarian Universalist intentional community which provides religious, inspirational, educational, growth oriented programming. SWIM was founded and continues to celebrate the spirit, to promote community, and to nurture connections among people of diverse ages, backgrounds, abilities, and interests. In so doing, SWIM strives to promote our Unitarian Universalist principles.

SWIM's Vision

SWIM is a gathering to form an inter- generational, intentional community based on Unitarian Universalist principles and values. It nurtures open communication, inclusiveness, spirituality, and growth. It is an inspirational and safe place to play, grow, and take risks in a supportive environment; encouraging self awareness and personal responsibility unhindered by limiting societal expectations. SWIM is an all volunteer organization of participants who are enthusiastic, talented, diverse, and committed to creating a joyous experience. SWIM celebrates diversity both within and outside our community and expects all participants to demonstrate personal responsibility and respect for self and others as well as our environment. SWIM offers a myriad of experiences and opportunities which are challenging and nourishing to mind, body, and soul. Some of our activities are workshops, outdoor adventures, worship, art, dance, music, campfire, and athletics

The Principles of the UUA

- Passed by majority vote at the Unitarian Universalist Association's 1984 General Assembly

We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote:

• The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
• Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;
• Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;
• A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
• The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;
• The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;
• Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part;
• The living tradition which we share draws from many sources:
• Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces which create and uphold life;
• Words and deeds of prophetic women and men which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love;
• Wisdom from the world's religions which inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life;
• Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God's love by loving our neighbors as ourselves;
• Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science, and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit.
• Spiritual teachings of earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.
• Grateful for the religious pluralism which enriches and ennobles our faith, we are inspired to deepen our understanding and expand our vision. As free congregations we enter into this covenant, promising to one another our mutual trust and support.