I’m excited about Rev. Sarah’s “Shout It from the Rooftops” proclamation of what’s coming this fall at USR! We’ve got lots to shout about and to do.
The Board of Trustees has a planning retreat Sept. 11, with a full agenda in support of her vision. Afterward, we’ll be enlisting the Circles and individuals to add to what we’re doing on these topics:
- Planning for the Future
- Review our history of strategic planning to implement our Vision Statement, which includes this aspiration: “The Unitarian Society of Ridgewood will be visible in the larger community as a voice of Unitarian Universalist principles and purposes. We will stand boldly in the forefront of the struggle for justice and peace, actively addressing needs in our local community and beyond.”
- Map the work ahead of us in the coming year.
- Review the needs of the Society and functioning of the Circles.
- Revising the “Resource Handbook” for Oct. publication
- Agree on the contents for a revised Handbook (last issued in 2018) to help newcomers and all the rest of us find our way.
- Each member of the Board to contribute a “Why I’m involved at USR” paragraph for the Handbook.
- Homecoming Weekend Oct. 1-2
- Plan for a grand turnout of members, friends, and family.
- Use all event-organizing/coordinating/accomplishing skills we have!
- Engaging with Realm
- Promote more involvement with this (admittedly clunky) app.
- Create a picture directory using uploaded images from members.
- Use its other features (calendar, document sharing, etc.) more.
- Revamping the Website
- Reconfigure our website to better serve newcomers, using a fresh template in WordPress, on which our site is based..
- Recruit volunteers from USR’s extended community to help (some with tech skills, and some with aesthetic opinions)–LET ME KNOW IF YOU’RE INTERESTED!
As we move into fall, I’m sensing a resurgence of the energy and creativity that make USR who we are. We have gifted people serving on the staff and marvelous members and friends. As I work with the Board of Trustees this fall, I’m hoping each of you reading this will contribute to the effort!
We know that planning and organizing are not enough. We need a warm welcome, and realized mission, if we’re going to continue making a difference in Ridgewood and beyond! As we do, our expanding relationships and accomplishments will give everyone out there something to shout about!
–Jack Lohr, President for the Board of Trustees
