DRAFT
Unitarian Fellowship of
Strategic Plan
2009 - 2011
The Unitarian Fellowship of Murfreesboro is a supportive community of accepting and open-minded individuals who nurture one another’s spirits, strive for social justice through responsible service, and foster a more peaceful and loving world.
Strategies
1. Grow the membership of UFM.
2009 (continues each year)
- Plan to add more members (75 to lease and 150 to purchase).
- Develop informational advertising about UFM (and hold “interest” classes).
- Determine where to find potential new members.
- Develop and implement a Conversation Café type program.
2. Find a Place to Call Home.
2009
- Determine the best use of space at Center for the Arts for religious education programs.
- Plan to add money to the building fund.
2010
- Activate a committee to search for property and determine costs of renovations.
- Activate a committee to discuss items needed inside the building.
- Hold fund raising activities – for the building fund.
2011
- Develop a plan for maintenance and upkeep for the building.
3. Develop a relationship with the local
community through social justice initiatives and
community outreach.
2009
- Develop a formal plan for social justice (what, how often, where, how many people).
- Make contacts with non-profit organizations to offer assistance.
- Select 3 – 4 causes that we support annually with our cash and our time.
2010
- Develop a plan for active participation in activities by members and friends.
- Publicize social justice and community outreach activities well before each social justice activity (active social justice committee).
4. Develop and Implement a Financial Plan.
2009
- Develop a plan and conduct a pledge drive (looking to the future for a building).
- Continue contributing to the building fund.
- Develop a process for each committee to make budget requests and develop a budget based on needs (February each year) – begin this in February 2009.
- Develop a comprehensive report each year for review by members of all expenditures and donations.
2010
- Develop a plan for financing that is required to lease and to purchase a building including pledges needed to make this happen.
- Conduct a pledge drive that emphasizes a commitment by members and friends to lease or purchase a building.
2011
- Make a commitment on purchase or lease of a building.
5. Develop and Implement a Strong Religious
Education Program for Children/Youth.
2009
- Formalize the work relationship of childcare workers (job description, application form, background check, work responsibilities).
- Develop a specific curriculum plan for children and youth (including summer).
2010 and 2011
- Implement the OWL program.
- Develop a plan to increase membership and interest of youth in RE.
6. Make Plans to Ensure Quality Sunday Programs.
2009
- Develop a list of potential speakers.
- Establish a pattern for rotation of speakers (Rabbi Shapiro, UU ministers, outsider speakers, and UFM members).
- Develop a plan to include UFM members in development of program ideas.
- Develop list of rules/standards for speakers.
- Develop a schedule for levels of pay for speakers.
- Develop a plan to ensure that speakers know they are scheduled, information is available for the website, and information is posted on the website in a timely manner.
2010
- Partner with other churches to develop speaker swaps.
- Consider development of themes for services.
- Implement programs required to maintain status as a Welcoming Congregation (and programs on diversity and inclusion).
- Hold programs about different religions and UU programs that are deeper than UU 101 (more in depth than discussing the UU principles).
2011
- Consider whether a minister should be selected or UFM should continue services with speakers.
7. Implement a Music Program
2009
- Continue the purchase of Singing the Living Tradition hymnals for services.
- Ask members to participate by leading songs during services.
2010
- Find a person to lead music in services and/or play an instrument.
2011
- Plan for the purchase of a sound system.
