The Board of Trustees for Jefferson Unitarian Church present a process that we commit to leading our congregation through as we explore the significance of our name, guided by our mission, values, and principles as Unitarian Universalists. By examining the various aspects of our namesake, Thomas Jefferson, and by engaging in meaningful discussions both within our congregation and the larger community we will come together to decide what is the next best step for us to take with regards to our future name as an anti-racist faith organization. Below is the 7 step, mindful, and deliberate process that the Board of Trustees developed to live this journey with respect to its magnitude.
November 25: Survey Results:
October 13: The Process Plan:
Fall 2024: Preparation & Planning
(Laying the Foundation)
• Setting Intentions for the process
• Presenting ‘The Power of Our Name to the congregation
• Initiating Survey to gather all voices
• Talking with stakeholders
• Answering initial concerns and questions
“We Nurture a Religious Community in Which We…“
1: Fall/Winter 2024: Creating a Learning Environment
• Creating interest and generating excitement
• Inviting key stakeholders to support and facilitate group learning
• Coordinating with staff to create cohesion and consistency
“Serve Respectfully Connect Authentically”
2: Winter 2024: Inquiry-based Community Conversations
• Creating activities and events for all congregants to learn together
• Holding respectful dialogue on issues related to our current name
• Holding Town Halls meetings to offer space for all to be heard
“Love Radically, Deepen Spiritually”
3: Winter 2024/25: Engaging with Broader Perspectives
• Hosting panels and presentations to deepen our understanding of the issues surrounding our current name
• Directly engaging in projects or service within the community at large
“Serve Respectfully, Deepen Spiritually”
4: Winter/Spring 2025: Reflecting on Congregational Identity
• Embracing our differences and leaning into the “We” of our shared Mission
• Anonymous surveys to gather direct insights
• Town Hall to openly discuss new reflections and observations
“Connect Authentically, Deepen Spiritually, Love Radically”
5: Spring 2025: Decision Making
• Inviting members to vote on whether or not to choose a new name
• Offering choices to remove Jefferson and/or add Universalist
• Promoting and celebrating our efforts
“Serve Respectfully, Love Radically”
6: Spring 2025: Open Name Exploration Process
• The direction of this stage will be dependent on the outcome of the vote
• Congregation will be engaged in a name-creation process if we choose to move forward
“Deepen Spiritually, Love Radically”
7: Spring/Summer 2025: Celebration & Reflection
• Church-wide celebration of our collective efforts to live more fully into our mission by engaging in hard conversations, deep reflection, and learning
“Connect Authentically, Deepen Spiritually”