North American Unitarian Association

The newly established NAUA Member Services Committee presented their Action Plan to the NAUA Board of Trustees on March 12^th. Many who participated in last year’s Summit will find their ideas expressed below. The Committee has a threefold purpose: 1. To recruit new members; 2. To ensure that current members are and remain engaged; 3. To Identify and reach out to Fellowships and Congregations about the advantages of joining NAUA.

Our first focus will be on enhancing member engagement. Out of the over 1,000 contacts on our list, only a small percentage are actively engaged. We are aware that unless folks are actively engaged, they are likely to drift away.  We are also aware that enhancing member engagement is a two-way process that incudes providing wanted/needed programs and services, while also asking members what they need and want.  Equally important is communicating what we are doing. Our current plan to is to:

• Revise the NAUA Welcome letter sent to all new members that is more descriptive of who we are, as well as NAUA’s many services and programs,
• Increase communication by initiating a “Member Services Corner” in the Liberal Beacon and/or Compass.
• Create a Member Services web page with links to other programs of NAUA; Add all new Member Services programs/services as they are developed; Include a link or process where members can communicate with us, offer suggestions, etc.
• Provide assistance to new congregations or fellowships in formation, as well as assistance in leaving UUA, if that is their desire. Such assistance might include developing governance, congregational communications, minister-board relationships, personnel policies, etc. [New committee member, Rev. Terry Cummings has volunteered to provide these services. If you would like to discuss this more, please send your request to info@nauaitarians.org, and clearly direct it to the Member Services Committee with your specific request.]
• Development of virtual regional NAUA Groups. Such groups might lead to in-person connections, a way to reach out to new members and fellowships, as well as provide members with an opportunity to increase interaction, feel a sense of community, and experience greater connection to NAUA and other members. (If you would be willing to provide leadership in one of these groups, please reach out to judi.durham@gmail.com and please include your location.)

This second list of items are no less important, but will likely take more time to develop. It was also decided that the committee will solicit new members with skills in these areas to assist in the development. Included are:

• Video describing what NAUA is. Video would be placed on NAUA home webpage, as well as be used in describing NAUA to potential members/fellowships/etc.
• Develop programs, discussions, activities, etc., that discuss, explore, investigate a philosophical or spiritual orientation.
• Create classes for children & adults in ethical, moral, and civic responsibility.
• Development of RE materials, e.g., Stories for All Ages, etc.
• Development of training materials for lay leaders including worship services, pastoral care, memorial services, marriage ceremonies.

We’d love to hear your thoughts, reactions and new ideas.  Feel free to communicate with this committee:  judi.durham@gmail.com

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