Let's Talk Final Report
Let’s Talk
Earlier this year, and over a period of ten weeks, Jim Redifer, a member of the Board of Trustees, and I (Bill Payton) hosted and moderated fifteen virtual sessions as part of a program called “Let’s Talk!”. All members and friends were invited to join us and we extend a special thanks to the sixty plus members who took part. This schedule initially seemed daunting, but after just a couple sessions, Jim and I found ourselves looking forward to the rest of the schedule. Imparting all of the info and feedback would be daunting, perhaps, unreadable, and I am reminded of my career in the insurance business, “The big writing giveth and the little writing taketh away.” We are going to give you the “Big Writing” summary version, but both Jim and I would be happy to answer any questions you have. I should also point out that this was not a survey. It was a free-flowing conversation to take the temperature of the members and friends who make up our congregation and our summary comments reflect the consensus opinion. Being UUs, there was seldom 100% agreement.
Activism/Spirituality: Our membership appreciates the activism of our congregation, of the hard work behind our “Social Justice” programs and Rev. Jay is seen as a well-liked activist leader/minister; who can forget his ending the service with “Resist, resist, resist?” There was a lot of discussion about spirituality, and I found out that spirituality means many different things to different people. My sense is that the members were not referring to more theology, but to time for peaceful contemplation seeking respite from the turbulence of current events.
Our weekly time for “Centering” in words, silence and song is vital to our search for spirituality. The hymn “Spirit of Life was critical to almost all participants.
Our members feel safe! Our congregation has an appreciation of the many social programs and small ministry programs available to all. Through these programs our members come to feel recognized, seen, appreciated, and valued. These sentiments reinforce our dedication to a “Community of Communities” and the fact that we have some fifty programs open to participation by all.
Many members seem to gain great meaning and “feel appreciated” from their participation in Chalice Groups, Forum, Committees etc. The connection these smaller groups offer is a critical part of what makes UUS have meaning for the majority of our congregants.
Multicultural/Diverse Congregation: Across all sessions, members express both aspiration and realism about seeking to become a “Multicultural/Diverse congregation. These conversations ranged from “been there, done that” or “we’ve been working on that for thirty years.” to “we should try this”.
But for all of that, we agree that we can’t give up. Our members stated the need and desire for racial, cultural, and generational diversity. “We need more young people, more kids.”
Music: If there was anything close to unanimity. participants were excited about the music program and what Don Bryn has done to make things fresh and engaging for all to listen to. Congratulations, Don.
Transparency: This is a conundrum! Members consistently talked about wanting more transparency and yet we offer monthly “Congregational Conversations” which are poorly attended. These conversations are wonderful opportunities to engage on issues with other members and members of the Board of Trustees.
Members did express interest in more regular information about what the board is doing, perhaps a monthly summary of the board meeting.
Volunteer Recognition: Members consistently link feeling valued to: being thanked, being seen, having their views considered, and serving in visible roles. Jim and I have concluded that volunteer recognition is not a nicety, it is a member retention strategy.
Note: Board President Linda Billings and the entire Board of Trustees have made volunteer recognition a strategic goal and are implementing recognition strategies presently.
Accessibility! Accessibility was discussed in every session. Members expressed the following plusses and concerns:
- Audio clarity is essential to belonging
(“If a member cannot hear the sermon… they are effectively excluded.”) - Can we improve Bluetooth hearing-aid broadcasting?
- Nighttime driving limitations preclude members participating in some programs, therefore…
- Zoom is a lifeline, but…
- There are digital navigation challenges (“finding forum links is painful”) Many are struggling with usability of our
website and finding Members Corner and Breeze logins.
Our Name: Member comments reflected the following random comments. “There is no noun in Unitarian Universalists of Sarasota (The whole of Unitarian Universalists of Sarasota is a noun).” “Referring to ourselves is awkward.” People understand that members might say they are “going to church” but the fact that people (not Jay) on the pulpit still use the word “church” was described as insulting.
This can be fixed. The Board of Trustees has the authority to submit a revision for approval at a business meeting.
Finally, if you have made it to here, Jim and I want to thank you for your interest in the feedback from random members here at UUSRQ. We can’t help but conclude that we are a healthy and inquisitive congregation; we had great fun in the process and would gladly do it again.
