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Engagement and Buy-In Checklist for Big Projects and Complex Decisions (DMTF Weekly Lesson #4)

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Process Leaders:

  • Are mechanisms in place to confirm and regularly reconfirm congregational buy-in to both the decision-making process and to the possible or probable outcomes of the decision-making process?
  • Is there focused, facilitated, widespread brainstorming about the issue before committing to go ahead or start down a particular path, with all options discussed? Does that include the history of past explorations and projects?
  • Is there an “engagement leader” or team who will track and coordinate communication to/from members and who may recruit volunteers?
  • Has a survey been considered to see how aware members are about the process and if their expectations align with the plan?
  • Are there opportunities periodically during the decision-making process for small group/committee discussions as well as whole-congregation forums? Does this include ample time and patience to hear from as many as possible, and to reach as much convergence as possible on next steps? Are those concerned about or
    opposed to the project strongly encouraged to attend such sessions?
  • Are there sufficient opportunities for congregants to get information and to ask questions about the decision and the decision-making process?
  • If the project/decision involves building or altering a physical structure, are there models to view the proposed location and appearance?
  • Are there multiple well-advertised ways for congregants to provide input (e.g., by emails and bulletins, posters, web-postings, announcements in Sunday services)?
  • Are the decision-making leaders and groups seeking out all voices (including those historically underrepresented*, dissenters, and others with unstated points of view) right from the beginning of the decision-making process? (*Underrepresented members include IBPOC, youth, and others traditionally not heard from: people with language issues, less education, immigrants who have been taught never to contradict people especially their leaders, and people who are not able to get to forums or access online meetings.)
  • Is there a clear mechanism for registering dissent?
  • Is dissent explored early in big processes?
  • Has every effort been made to let the dissenters know they have been heard and that there is a will to include their concerns in making the decision (even if their concerns may not be fully resolved)?
  • If the dissent surfaces later in the process, is it clear whether this represents concerns about new information and information not previously addressed or represents ongoing resistance from the start (the latter not being amenable to a shift in willingness unless the whole project is changed)?
  • If there are big or frequently expressed concerns, will a facilitated process be considered to hear and respond to these?
  • When not many members are engaged or when some groups are underrepresented, is there a mechanism to gauge the degree of and determine the cause of apparent nonengagement and possible nonagreement?
  • Is there an inventory of members’ skills and expertise to support or possibly replace outside experts for some or all aspects of the project?

Members:

  • Do the members agree that the process leaders may proceed even with some residual disagreement, provided all efforts have been expended to understand and resolve these disagreements?
  • Do those with concerns or who dissent agree to abide by the stated processes for feedback, and also agree to follow the Covenant of Healthy Relations?
  • Are congregants informed about and encouraged to take responsibility to engage in the decision-making process by:
    • attending meetings
    • asking questions
    • keeping track of project-related communications and events
    • discussing with others
    • encouraging others to engage
    • assuming leaders are acting in good faith?

Planning and Leadership Checklist and Democratic Process Checklist for Big Projects and Complex Decisions (DMTF Weekly Lesson #3)

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From: The Decision-Making Task Force report, UCV’s Redevelopment Exploration 2016 –2020: 

A Review of the Process with Lessons for the Future

LEADERSHIP AND THE PLANNING PROCESS 

PLANNING: 

  • Is there agreement on the problem we are trying to solve: the key decision we are asking?
  • Is there widespread discussion and agreement from the outset about the values and principles guiding the planning process, consistent with our UU principles and our Covenant of Healthy Relations?
  • Has there been a process to develop a clear vision and goals for the project?
  • Is the project consistent with the vision (and mission, if applicable) of UCV? Does the planning include considering the impacts for the more distant future, i.e., 10, 20, 30 years down the road?
  • If some goals seem to conflict with one another, has there been a process to elicit common goals and/or prioritize the goals (e.g., Convergent Facilitation, sociocracy)?
  • In a prolonged process, is there an opportunity to revisit these values and principles to remind the membership?
  • Is there broad agreement that the outcome of the decision-making process will be accepted, knowing that it will be arrived at for the greatest community benefit?
  • Does the planning/leadership group have clear terms of reference from the outset?
  • Are the project scope and parameters, including constraints and projected costs, defined and clear to all?
  • If there is disagreement about the goals and constraints, is there a system for participatory decision-making such as Convergent Facilitation or sociocracy? Is there conscious awareness and agreement in the community about how these decisions are made?
  • Are there clear go/no go parameters that all understand?
  • Is it understood by all that the scope and parameters will be revised only for very compelling reasons such as a big change in conditions, with widespread buy-in for the changes?
  • Are there clear timelines and contingencies for not meeting those timelines?
  • If the timeline is extended, is this a conscious choice that is transparently justified?
  • Has a protocol been established for naming, dating and filing documents to facilitate retrieval?

LEADERSHIP: 

  • Is there an overarching body (board, delegated individuals and teams) providing consistent oversight andsupport for the decision-making process, with continuity throughout the project?
  • Is a leadership/planning team assigned to any projects and decisions that are complex and/or that potentially involve divergent positions?
  • Is there a mechanism to check in with the project leaders to see what support they need?
  • Are the leaders of the process and the other leaders involved equipped to lead a robust participatory decision-making process?
  • Is there clarity about
  • roles and responsibilities, such as who makes decisions on what aspects of the process (e.g., committee, delegated overarching body, board or congregation)?
  • whether the minister will provide leadership and support for the decision-making process?
  • expectations of congregation members?
  • Are definitions and steps of the process clearly documented and accessible by the general membership, with the input of experts (inhouse or external) included?
  • Is there general agreement that once approval for a next step has been granted by the congregation, and dissent has been addressed as far as possible, all while following the Covenant of Healthy Relations, the leadership team of the project may proceed without revisiting the addressed concerns — and if necessary, a facilitated process be undertaken to explore continued dissension?

For prolonged projects, is there a process to rotate leads or co-leads periodically (e.g., two people leading the process and then two people on the steering committee observing and learning in order to take over after an agreed term)?

Is there a reassessment of UCV’s capacity (human resources, finances, time, expertise) at every key decision point?

DEMOCRATIC PROCESS 

  • If a decision is to be made by majority vote, is the voting threshold for congregational votes clear from the outset (e.g., simple majority, two-thirds, etc.) and is this consistent with UCV’s bylaws?
  • When voting on a project, is it clear what the alternative is (status quo or something else)?
  • Are mechanisms other than majority approval in place for decisions along the way, such as Convergent Facilitation, sociocracy, and “gradients of agreement”?
  • If a final vote is undertaken, for efficiency, have written questions and oral answers been considered for the vote-related discussions?
  • Is a vote wise and useful at the endpoint of this project? Have alternatives been considered?

Trust Checklist for Big Projects and Complex Decisions (DMTF Weekly Lesson #2)

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From: The Decision-Making Task Force report, UCV’s Redevelopment Exploration 2016 –2020: 

A Review of the Process with Lessons for the Future

  • Is there trust and support for the leadership of the project? Is there a process to build trust and robust buy-in for the leaders’ decision-making?
  • Is there explicit commitment from all members to trust in the good intentions of everyone involved?
  • Is there transparency of the board’s processes and role in the project?
  • Is the minister’s position on the project clear (or are their reasons for not taking a position clear)?
  • Is the board sufficiently involved so that when a new board is elected, there is institutional memory of the status and history of the project, sufficient continuity of board members, and a clear record of the board’s actions regarding the project?
  • Do all members agree that regardless of how well they have followed or engaged with the process, they will respect the leadership and authority of the planning team, and will go first to that team with any concerns? Then, if not satisfied, do all agree they may next approach the overarching body?
  • Do all members commit to trust that the project leadership will be the point of contact with outside consultants, and agree to go through the project leadership team with any questions or concerns?
  • Are those who facilitate group processes trusted to hold all points of view with equal care?

Healthy Relations Checklist from the Decision-Making Task Force (DMTF Weekly Lesson #1)

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Healthy Relations Checklist

*Note: these are recommendations from the Decision-Making Task Force and not all are in place as official UCV policy.

  • Do we have a recently reviewed and affirmed congregational Covenant of Healthy Relations*?
  • Is the Covenant posted prominently in UCV’s physical spaces, and easily located on the website?
  • Do all committees, task forces, and other groups agree to the Covenant as individuals and as groups?
  • Is the Covenant reviewed periodically, and is there a process for considering and incorporating feedback about the Covenant?
  • Are new members asked to review and agree to the Covenant of Healthy Relations?
  • Is there at least one service per year devoted to the Covenant of Healthy Relations?
  • Does the Covenant include a system to track, intervene, and follow up on concerns and conflicts?
  • Is there a process for addressing conduct that does not uphold the Covenant, including recommended actions that bystanders can take?
  • Has a healthy relations advocacy team been established as a consistent presence in the community?

When a big project or decision-making process is undertaken:

  • is there conscious commitment of UCV leaders, project leaders, and congregation members to abide by the Covenant of Healthy Relations throughout the process?
  • are we collectively committed to a healthy process, and do we all collectively commit ourselves to taking individual and collective responsibility for making it work?
  • is a “healthy process” clearly described (and posted/circulated) so that all know what we are committing to?
  • as UCV members, do we put the collective community’s needs over our own personal preferences?
  • do members commit to sharing information that is (and can be confirmed to be) as factually accurate as possible? When errors in information and assumptions have been identified, do members agree that they will withdraw erroneous material?
  • Will the healthy relations team (or delegated members) work alongside the planning team for the duration of big projects with a mandate to help watch for and follow up on possible misunderstandings or disgruntlement? Does this healthy relations team have a protocol for dealing with questions and comments that impugn any person’s character or integrity?
  • Are there opportunities and resources to learn and practice elements of collaborative/ compassionate communication, participatory decision-making, and bystander intervention training?
  • Are values and commitments reviewed in the whole community, both at the start of and during big projects/decisions, as well as in an ongoing way, as part of the life of this community?

 

*Note: The Covenant of Healthy Relations (COHR), also referred to here as the Covenant, refers to the Covenant of Healthy Relations that was congregationally developed and approved in 2005 and reaffirmed by the Board in 2020, to be distinguished from other UCV covenants developed for specific purposes.

What Do We Call Ourselves (WDWCO) Task Force – Sept 18 Forum Summary

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What Do We Call Ourselves Task Force (WDWCO)

Forum – September 18, 2022

28 in attendance at start of meeting (including 4 Task Force members and 3 advisers)

Topic:  WHAT NAME THAT WE CAN ALL LIVE WITH WOULD MOST LIKELY SUPPORT OUR FUTURE VIABILITY WHILE STILL HONOURING OUR JOURNEY TO THE PRESENT?

The question of what UCV will be called has been part of its evolving story since early days, and several changes have been made at different points of time for various reasons.  For Unitarian Universalists, exploring and naming our identities, individually and communally, is an essential part of our living faith tradition, and also a perennial challenge.  What this congregation chooses to call itself is emblematic not only of history and theology, but of who we aspire to be, who our vision and mission call us to become. A name reflects our identity as a spiritual, religious body, part of a larger religious community, and of our place and purpose in the world.  Choosing a name is about more than words or acronyms, it is a complex and meaningful affirmation of being in covenantal community with common purpose and vision. – Rev. Lara

 

Circle of Names  Flipchart Summary recorded by Advisor Rob Dainow

  • Never thrilled with the name Church. May be uncomfortable for wounded Christians. From a Jewish background  it is very awkward when telling Jewish friends that he attends a church.
  • Not concerned about the use of the name church, but ready to let it go.
  • I’m comfortable with the word church but would like a new word.
  • Would like to change the word church so that will not have to explain that it is not Christian.
  • Church misleads what we really are; need identifier as a spiritual centre.
  • Like spiritual centre idea. Church requires explanation that we are not a church!
  • Vancouver Unitarians is who we are and has been in use for many years. Spiritual Centre is a good name for the place. No real need to change the legal name (we can call ourselves what we want). Need another legal opinion about whether we need to include society in our legal name.
  • Okay with church; prefer congregation.
  • Receives unfavourable reaction when using the word church and it needs to be explained. We should seek input from younger people for a name that can last into their futures.
  • Happy with anything we all agree to. Like congregation, also spiritual centre.
  • Need to come up with our own collective name.
  • One of the problems with the word church is that it is a convenient and easy way to name the place where we meet, and we have not yet found a good alternative.
  • Like the name church. Will have to be convinced to change it. Prefer not to challenge our religious charitable tax exemption (and legal name change could trigger that).
  • No big problem personally with church, but we are perceived as Christian by prospective refugees, which creates problems, so prefer to change the word church.
  • Church is always a barrier with friends and family. Want a new name for the location/place.
  • Use fellowship as a great catch-all for what this group is.
  • Prefer to keep Unitarian Church of Vancouver but not a priority. Notes that Unitarianism is also associated with Christianity (Google Unitarianism to find out).  Include Universalist in our name to be more non-Christian.
  • I’m uncomfortable with church and avoid it whenever possible. Knows 2 people who will not come because of the word church in our name. Prefer a name for who we are and not so concerned with the place. Also think we need another legal opinion on the inclusion or not of society.
  • “I like the Unitarian Church of Vancouver.”
  • Never felt at home with church as part of our name. Will be upset if we keep church in any new name.
  • Have a problem with the name church. Prefer collective.
  • Okay to change because of other’s concerns. Need a second legal opinion about name requirements.
  • UCV is a “church for non-believers”.  Don’t see any need for including society in our legal name. Wants to include Universalist in any new name. No need to change our name if we are going to keep church as part of it.
  • In favour of dropping church because this is important to a significant number of people. Like congregation, also community and Unitarian Universalists of Vancouver.
  • Never liked church in our name –  it means a Christian community – a place of worship that does not fit for me as a Jew. Jewish friends think I have converted to Christianity when I say I go to the Unitarian church!  All for changing to a name that does not include church but hope to keep UCV abbreviation. Unitarian Centre of Vancouver is not good because it does not identify us as a religious organization, but Unitarian Congregation of Vancouver does. This was in fact our name some time in our past.

Also addressed briefly:

  • Expenses should a name change be voted in:  $2375 as estimated by Advisor Keith Wilkinson.
  • Criteria for names of  non-profits that maintain charitable status – inclusion of Church or Society.
  • Percentage of votes to maintain or change our name:  referred on to the Board.
  • Voting procedures to maximize as many members as possible and ranked ballots. John Smith.

Issues that surfaced:

  • What name can we all identify with that represents us more accurately to our community and particularly to those who would want to be part of who we are and what we do.
  • The question surfaced concerning whether we should consider adding Universalist to Unitarian, as in Unitarian Universalist Church of Vancouver or added to a new name should we vote for that. Some of us identify as UU’s and others don’t. During discussion some said that they wanted to have more information about the differing beliefs about being UU or U.  We look to our Ministry for this.
  • The mandate for the WDWCO Task Force is to facilitate convergence for a name we can all live with.  While some members say that we are a Church (end of story), others say that the word Church misrepresents to members, non-members and potential members who we are and what we believe.
  • Our current thinking is to have a ranked ballot of popular names – which ones  is still being researched. Discussion will continue at the October 16 forum.  Our final vote will be between the most popular alternate name from the ranked ballot and the Unitarian Church of Vancouver.
  • Scepticism was expressed about the BC Societies Act naming requirements for charitable status to include either ‘Church’ or ‘Society’.  We hope to be able to answer this for the next Forum on October 16.
  • While what we call ourselves is not a big deal for some, others do not want to lose ‘Church’ and others do want to lose ‘Church.’  We will be guided by our Covenant of Healthy Relations to struggle with the symbolism  of our identity.

Ministerial Search Committee – Candidate Bios

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Carrie Mac

I’m Carrie Mac,  Mama to Hawk (10) and Esmé (13) who you may have seen up on stage in pageants or lighting the chalice or tearing around the campus over the last several years. I first came to UCV in 1991, for a Samhain circle dance, and have felt connected to UCV ever since, coming off and on whenever I lived in Vancouver, and especially when Esmé was an infant and toddler. We took a break when Hawk was born, because my kids didn’t want to leave the sanctuary, and also didn’t want to sit still. Oh, if we’d only had the prayground then! 

I’m Queer, a widow, a novelist by trade, and a wanderer by nature. As a unschooling family, our schedule lets us travel far and wide, when the world permits. Part of what I would bring to the search committee is the experience of having visited over a dozen UU congregations in the States, with three more coming up in the next month or so. I’ve been lucky to experience how other congregations run their services, their RE programs, their physical space, and their approach to newcomers, as well as appreciating the homilies given by a variety of ministers. I look forward to the opportunity to serve UCV in this way, and to help my spiritual community move forward through these bonkers times.

 

 

Connie Wigmore

I came to our church seeking solace, and found it through the joy of singing in our Chalice Choir. 

As a newish member, I served on the Board and worked on Buildings and Grounds, to organize renovations made possible by the generous bequest of Julian Fears. Further projects ensued: editing The Bulletin with Margo Elfert and George Atherton, and helping with Service Auctions. 

I had the opportunity to organize annual DTES women’s and children’s Harvest Dinners, and to develop Family Cooks, a programme at Mt Pleasant Community Centre.  After a few years of those activities, I focused my energy on the Care and Concern network with Patti Turner and a host of good people.

At the national level, I was part of the CUC Nominating Committee for several years, and attended many national conferences. This year, participating in Wellspring, a UUA/CUC RE programme led locally by Kiersten, I have been exposed to more Unitarian stories. If I am selected for the Ministerial Search Committee, I look forward to learning more about Unitarian ministry, and working with others to serve our congregation.

 

Diane Brown

Diane has been on the UCV Board twice, and twice the President. She and her son Dylan are long-time members. Diane is active on the Environment Team, the IBPOC plus Allies and Widening the Circle Groups, and is a Sunday greeter. She is also on the Advisory Board of Vancouver Civic Theatres and Theatre Cares. Her profession is Artistic Director of Ruby Slippers Theatre. What UCV means to her: a caring community grounded in Principles wherein Dylan can grow up and count on for the rest of their life, a place that empowers folks to create social/eco justice in the world, a place that celebrates creativity and diversity, a place that provides sanctuary, a place for spiritual exploration and growth. From decades working in theatre, Diane has honed her skills at assessing qualities in character. She is offering to serve on this important committee because she cares deeply about who will lead UCV forward. Diane can offer strong collaborative and leadership abilities, and has significant knowledge of how the Church works. Her goal is to help ensure UCV’s valuable legacy and community exists for future generations.

 

 

Esmé Mac-Demers

Esmé Mac-Demers is a 13-year-old associate member of UCV. She is passionate about art, comics, baking, advocating for trans youth, and her cat. Esmé’s parents attended UCV when she was a baby, but then didn’t come very often when the kids were quite little. Esmé signed up for the elementary level Truth, Healing, and Reconciliation Reflection Guide workshops in 2017, and then elementary OWL in 2018. She has been coming regularly to Sunday services and children’s programs ever since.

Esmé is now a member of Youth Group, is looking forward to CanUUdle (the national youth conference) and loves Magical Camp every summer.

Members who know her know that Esmé is thoughtful and perceptive, and brings a cooperative, friendly spark to every group she’s part of in our congregation. She’s also been to many different Unitarian churches around the States and hopes to bring her observations and opinions to the search committee. Esmé’s perspective as a youth member and her experiences in many UU contexts are a unique offering in the search process. She’s dedicated to this place, now and in its future.

 

Eva Allan

UCV is my spiritual community.  I am inspired and nourished by our members, our leadership and the beauty of the sanctuary and gardens. I would be honoured to serve on the Ministerial Search Committee should I be elected to do so. My involvement here started at the end of 2015 with my first Covenant group, since then another Covenant group that I facilitated, as a member of several Women’s groups, Mystery Pals last year, as the Coordinator of the Sunday Morning Coffee Service before COVID, as a member and currently as the Chair of the What Do We Call Ourselves Task Force. I like to think that during my 36 years as a registered psychologist with a counselling and therapy practice I developed some people and assessment skills which could contribute to the selection process for our permanent Minister. And choosing the right one is so important to me and all of us.

 

 

Jenny Malcolm

Hello, I am honoured to be asked to serve on the Ministerial Search Committee. My family and I joined UCV in 2013 after moving back to Vancouver from London, UK. We found a warm and welcoming community here. I also serve as Member at Large on the UCV Board, and am a member of the Outreach Opportunities Fund committee. I am currently enjoying the Wellspring course. I was formerly chair of the DREMC and also served on the Interim Ministerial Search Committee in 2020. My “first career” was in communications and public affairs. I retrained as a Clinical Counsellor 6 years ago and now work in a primary care clinic with Indigenous folks. I love reading, gardening, the outdoors, and live theatre. I am also very happy to be back to in-person services again.

 

 

John Boyle

An environmental activist since my teens, I am mostly retired from an international career in environmental management with good problem-solving, management, and writing skills. I take a keen, engaged interest in outdoor activities, the arts, ideas, and the various crises afflicting our blue planet. An active member of a UU congregation in the eastern US in the mid-2000s, I joined UCV in 2018. Among other things, I am an active member of the Environment Team, especially the Wild Salmon Action Team, as well as the Board and the Sunday greeters, and was a member of the Redevelopment Committee and a participant in the Mystery Pals and Coming of Age programs. To the search committee, I will bring a deep commitment to living our core principles and to advancing our activism in the world, and a profound appreciation of our minister’s role in nurturing and inspiring both.

 

 

 

Juliet Andrien

I’m currently active on UCV’s Worship Team and am interested in this opportunity to get to know our community better as we navigate this transition together. I’ve served on the Board of other non-profit and not-for-profit organizations in the past, so I have skills and experience for listening to and balancing the needs of varied groups of people.

 

 

 

 

Meena Wong

I was born in the People’s Republic of China and lived under the harsh authoritarian regime during the Cultural Revolution. Living in Hong Kong as a teenager gave me the first taste of freedom. Then coming to Canada, the country where I feel free to express my thoughts without having to worry about being imprisoned or made to disappear.

I’ve been working with other like minded groups on social issues such as inequality, housing, and the environment. I founded the Civic Engagement Network Society in 2005 to engage newcomers from authoritarian states in civic participation and democratic process. I’ve been elected president of the West Coast Mental Health Network due to my work in the mental health services. I was nominated to run in the federal election in 2011 and as a mayoral candidate in 2014. I’ve been working with Vancouver Coastal Health as a facilitator in the last 10 years.

Becoming a Unitarian was a unique experience. The initial encounter was not an easy one but being invited to take part in last year’s programming of the Asian Heritage Month celebration was an exciting experience. It’s the first time I became engaged with the UCV community. Then the 8th Principle and the process of adopting it. It’s an emotional rollercoaster ride for me. Being a visible minority, I experienced racism firsthand. The process of building consensus and those sincere discussion sessions among members impressed me. I was amazed by the overwhelming support of finally adopting the 8th Principle. After decades living in Canada, I’m very happy to finally found a community that makes me feel at home.

 

Michael O’Neil

I was born in NYC and grew up in New Jersey in a large family. 

I went to undergrad and med school at the U. of Toronto. I trained at VGH and worked in various medical fields:  as a family doctor, Emergency work at LGH, urgent care, as a Hospitalist and in Palliative care.

I served on the LGH Hospital Board, was president of Medical staff and NS Medical society and was head of the LGH ER Dept. I am a clinical Asst. Prof @UBC and teach at UBC Med school part time. 

Catherine and I have been members of UCV for 30 years. Initially we taught RE for years. More recently I have been on multiple committees including fund raising, redevelopment, partner church, IM search, MTT, DMTF and UCV Board from 2019-2021. 

I have a sense of UCV’s history and current issues. We are at an important juncture and need a strong, compassionate, sensitive, and wise settled minister.

 

Nancy Woodham

I became a member of UCV in 1990. I started with the Single Parents Food Bank. Over the years I have been a member of the Children’s program, the Worship Committee, and an Advisor for the youth group. I was co-chair of the Worship Committee when Rev. Dr. Steven Epperson was on sabbatical.

During my time as an advisor to youth I travelled with them to many conferences and twice to New York to attend the UU UNO Spring Seminar. I am currently involved with UCV as a facilitator for the OWL (Our Whole Lives) program and a member of a Women’s Group that started in 2009. I believe in volunteering. Serving on the Search Committee is a very important role. I work well with others, am an active listener, and have a good perspective on the needs of the congregation spanning the ages from child to adult.

 

Rob Dainow

Selecting the right minister for us is one of the most important decisions in our congregation’s life. I want to help us have a successful search. I have been a UCV member since 1998 and have participated in many aspects of our congregational life. I served on the Interim Ministry Committee that selected Rev. Lara Cowtan and then was chairperson of the Ministerial Transition Team for its first year. I remain a member. Some of my other activities include: Board member, Communications Working Group (introduced current logo and adopted name as Vancouver Unitarians), CRE Committee, Committee on Ministry, long time member of Environment Team, founding member of Wild Salmon Action Team, Reconciliation Working Group, founding member of Second Sunday Book club, organized annual (before covid) Holiday Craft Fair. I love this community and we deserve another great minister. I hope to help us find that person.

 

Shirley Brunke

I first came to UCV in 1976.  Mark and I were looking for a place to get married and we thought of UCV as it had a reputation of activism in Vancouver. Phillip Hewett did a sermon that morning called, “Are You a Unitarian?” At the end of the service we thought … “Well here we are! This is our Church!” And we joined! As we had children we became Sunday School teachers and involved in the Youth Group.

Between 1980 – 1988 I served as a UCV Chaplain performing the celebrations of Marriage and Memorial Services for the community. I have organized a number of Church dinners including 50th Anniversary Celebration dinner in 2014, and the Fall potluck dinners 2015, 2016 & 2017. I have frequently helped the Canvas by phoning members. And perhaps the most important role, I helped Mark for many years as sous chef when he did his famous Sushi Dinners for the Services Auction. This church is an integral part of my life.

 

Way Kent 

I’m a retired union member worker bee, formerly with Telus – so I have lots of time to devote to this. I’ve been a member here since 1999 – so I have a solid knowledge of UCV history over the last 23 years. I’ve been a member of the Worship Services Cmte for about 20 years, & its chair for a good chunk of that – so I know a few things about how to run a Sunday service.

That’s about all I want to say. But – apparently – I’m meant to come up with a biography of sorts. So here goes … I have 2 sons, an ex-wife, a decent RRSP, sufficient money in the bank, & an old degree from Western University. I still have all my hair, & most of my teeth. I was also part of the Interim Minister search team – (I think we did pretty good with that).

Ministerial Transition Team: Rethinking Our Identity Workshops — Now In-Person at UCV

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The Identity phase of our Ministerial Transition is the time to envision the congregation we want to be(come) in our future. It is arguably the most important step to complete before we search for a new settled minister.

The Rethinking Our Identity workshop is based on Appreciative Inquiry principles, an approach to organization transition that focuses on moments of exceptional pride and performance and creates a future that nurtures and supports even more pride and performance. In the workshop we will share our responses to eight ‘thought-provoking questions’ (see below) that probe our best and most memorable experiences of our lives in this congregation.

Over 60 congregants have already completed this 2 1/2 hour workshop and all have found it worthwhile and enjoyable. Many appreciated the chance to see and talk to others in this congregation, something we have been missing during the pandemic. Here are some participants’ comments:

“Very enjoyable and useful.”

“I was very engaged.”

 “The questions are all about meaningful things.”

 “The process itself was an example of meaningful connections when working in small groups at UCV.”

“Every member should take part in these workshops – interesting and very useful.”

“[The interview questions] are thought-provoking…I found the process good –

helpful, informative, stimulating.”

“This workshop was wonderful opportunity to share stories of what gives meaning to my life at UCV – 

and to learn about others’ experiences too.”

“Great!”

 

We have scheduled workshops on Sept. 1, Sept. 9, Sept. 11 and Sept. 15, with more to follow.

Contact us to register:

identityproject@vancouverunitarians.ca

 

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Here is an abbreviated version of the workshop’s thought-provoking questions:

 

  1. Reflecting on your entire experience at UCV, remember a time when you felt most engaged, alive, and motivated. Who was involved? What did you do? How did it feel? What happened?

 

  1. What are the healthiest, most life-giving aspects of the relationships among people at UCV? What would you say has been most valuable about your friendships in this community? Give some examples of how we live together at our best.

 

  1. What are the most valuable aspects of our congregation’s worship? What makes your worship alive and meaningful? What shapes your Unitarian faith?

 

  1. What do you believe are the most important and meaningful elements of our congregation’s engagement with the local community, the nation, and the world?

 

  1. What are the most important things our Unitarian community has contributed to your life? Who or what made a difference?

 

  1. What are the most valuable ways you contribute to our congregation – your personality, your perspectives, your skills, your activities, your character? Give me some examples.

 

  1. What do you think is the most important, life-giving characteristic of our UCV congregation? What makes Unitarians or UCV unique?

 

  1. Make three wishes for the future of our Vancouver Unitarians congregation. Describe what this religious community would look like as these wishes come true.

 

  1. Is there anything else you would like to add?

 

Join an ROI Workshop and help create our future.

identityproject@vancouverunitarians.ca

 

 

 

Mystery Pals 2021 Save the date: Saturday, September 18

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These kids are moving away, but Paula is enthusiastic about keeping in contact with her pal.

Covid restrictions at UCV and elsewhere are lifting and more and more of us are fully vaccinated, so summertime is a great time to connect with your mystery pal (or coming of age partner). If you need help with contact information, let us know.

There’s a lot of enthusiasm for an early fall Pal meetup at UCV so SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, September 18 from 4 to 5:30 pm.  All pals are invited to an autumn “Pal Party”. We’ll harvest, munch, play and walk and run or even dance on the labyrinth. Possibly this will be the first annual fall Pal Party. Unitarian traditions come easily.

With the needed covid adaptations, we went ahead with our Mystery Pal program this year to connect up people from different generations. Indeed we had the largest group ever: Fourteen pairs participated. Most were kids matched with an adult, but we had a couple of younger adults matched with older and two kids under 14 matched together!

Most chose snail mail which came to UCV and then was forwarded. Hence, the usual four-week program became eight to allow for postal forwarding. Other pairs chose to send email through a volunteer.

To offer assistance, we included artist trading card (“ATC”) materials for those who wanted to create art to share–and many did!

If you were a pal or parent of a pal and haven’t yet completed our feedback form, we’d really appreciate it: https://forms.gle/pG2aJoJ4c3yZoaf57 You can RSVP for September 18th there as well.

As time went on, our hopes for a big spring reveal party were dashed by covid restrictions, so individual pairs and small groups have been meeting up in parks or at UCV. Here’s a poem and some photos.

This pair have started a vegetable garden and are meeting weekly to garden together. Cynthia applauded us for making a “perfect match” with her new pal. On July 25, they read the “story for all ages” together, adding in their own stories as well.

 

Mystery Pal Revealed so much

by Vivian Davidson

Being a mystery pal was as fun as it was exciting,

To exchange letters had me antsy to keep writing.

I loved learning more and more about my mystery friend

I could hardly wait for my fresh letter to send.

I am grateful to have had this opportunity

To engage so intimately with someone in my UCV community.

To feel the paper, read the words sent to me by my pal

Mairy Beam got to visit the Imagine: Van Gogh exhibit with her mystery pal, Maddie, and sister Emma and mom, Sheri.

Was something so wonderful forever treasure I shall.

I hope others in the future engage in this wonderful treat

For it’s rare to get the chance to learn about others at UCV you meet.

It was exciting to think about and plan what to say and write

Oh my watch my grammar, serendipitous did I spell it right?

I learned letter by letter about my special pal and their likes

That included leaves and stickers, dolphins and hikes.

I can now certainly attest to how great it is to have a mystery pal

It was my first time and certainly a boost to my morale.

I will be back and ready to write, draw, paint and send

What a great way for a lonely day or weary heart to mend.

For this mystery pal exchange is a real treat for the young and young at heart

And made me feel special and that to UCV’s community I really am a part.

Artist to Artist Mystery Pals

We try to match up pals with something in common: Paula is an artist and loved her exchanges with her artist pal.

Here’s what she says:

Who couldn’t use an emergency packet of confetti?

My last package included a great picture of a unicorn with very long legs and a long neck and a little horn, a thin long multi-coloured banner announcing I LOVE PURPLE,  a bracelet made of beads and pipe cleaners and (best of all) a custom packet of homemade confetti. On the outside it said  I LOVE MAKING THINGS.  IN FACT I AM AN ARTIST.
Who couldn’t use an emergency packet of confetti? They are little bundles of  joy coming coming through the post and  it just makes my day when I receive one  🙂
-Paula

Their pair had the codename “Wolfgang Gerson” and it accidentally led Paula to exploring the theme of home/buildings and a connection with a student and friend of Wolfgang Gerson’s, the architect of our buildings.

 

Charlotte and Eva and Mr. and Mrs. Chickadee’s Adventures

I really enjoyed reading the story complete with an illustration of two birds named: Mr. & Mrs. Chickadee who are discussing where to build their nest to start their family made by Eva who is trying to encourage Mr. & Mrs. Chickadee to not peck holes in the house wooden siding for their nest.
It was lots of fun receiving Eva’s letters AND meeting her in person!
Charlotte

Panda in the Sun by Charlotte

 

Big Decisions ➔ Big Impact: UCV’s Decision-Making Task Force 

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UCV spent four years carefully researching redevelopment options for our property and seeking input from congregants before deciding through our democratic vote at the November 2020 AGM to not proceed with any property redevelopment at this time. The Redevelopment Committee and the Board took many steps to ensure a fair and inclusive process. Along the way there were passionate expressions and inevitable questions and concerns, along with appreciations of the efforts and care taken by those involved.

Following this AGM vote to not proceed with redevelopment, the Board asked the Ministerial Transition Team (MTT) to create a task force to gather input about this long and complex process and to prepare a report with recommendations for future decision-making. The Decision-Making Task Force (DMTF) was launched in January 2021. The DMTF will also look at how well the congregation followed our established Covenant of Healthy Relations during this lengthy process and make recommendations about how we can make this Covenant a living document.

The members of the Task Force want to hear from you if you have specific concerns or kudos about the redevelopment decision-making process (not about the result of the actual vote). By process we include the actions of the Redevelopment Committee, the Board, other committees, the congregation at large, and any others who may have had some influence. For example, what were the strengths of the process? Were there aspects that were concerning or not clear enough, and/or areas requiring more support?  What lessons can we learn from this experience to apply in future high-stakes decision-making processes at UCV?

Please contact us at dmtf@vancouverunitarians.ca and we will arrange for an interview.

The DMTF (Nancy Barker, Cindy Cashin, Rob Dainow, Leslie Kemp, Michael O’Neil, John Smith)

Demand the BC government implement a new approach to forest management

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Above: Caycuse watershed, before and after clearcut by the Teal-Jones Group

Credits: All photos in this story by TJ Watt

In May, 2019, Andrea Inness from the Ancient Forest Alliance spoke at First Sunday Forums, hosted by the Enviro Team. Andrea talked about the critical need for legislation to protect BC’s remaining old-growth forests.

The Enviro Team followed up with a letter writing campaign to save our ancient trees, urging the BC Forests Minister to work with First Nations to implement a science-based Old-Growth Protection Act.

March 2021, we bring an update from the frontlines of BC’s old‑growth forests.

Photo: Caycuse watershed before and after clearcut

Above: Before and after the clearcut in the Caycuse watershed

Three environmental NGOs give the Province’s “new” approach to old‑growth management a failing grade.

In the mean time, activists protecting ancient cedars at Fairy Creek, near Port Renfrew, prepare for civil disobedience.

What You Can Do to Help

Hold the BC government to its promise to implement the recommendations set out in A New Future for Ancient Forests

Call Premier John Horgan and Forests Minister Katrine Conroy. Demand they halt logging in at-risk ancient forests across the Province


250-387-1715      BC Premier John Horgan

250-387-6240      BC Forests Minister Katrine Conroy

1-800-663-7867    Toll-free Government of British Columbia

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Above: Massive tree stump after a clearcut in the Caycuse watershed

Eulogy for Ancient Trees

single quote

It was truly an incredible and unique grove. I was stunned by the sheer number of monumental red cedars, one after another, on this gentle mountain slope — TJ Watt

In April 2020, photographer TJ Watt documented an ancient grove in the Caycuse watershed. He returned later that year to photograph the same area after it was clearcut.

The Caycuse watershed — located southwest of Cowichan Lake in the traditional territory of the Ditidaht First Nation — hosts some of the grandest forests on southern Vancouver Island.

“It was truly an incredible and unique grove. I was stunned by the sheer number of monumental red cedars, one after another, on this gentle mountain slope,” Watt said.

“Giant cedars like these have immense ecological value, particularly as wildlife habitat, and important tourism and First Nations cultural value,” he said.

“Yet the BC government continues to allow irreplaceable, centuries-old trees to be high-graded for short-term gain.”

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Above: Roads are being built into the old growth forest adjacent to the clearcut near Haddon Creek in the Caycuse watershed

Provincial government gets a failing grade after promising to protect our remaining old-growth trees and forests

Dateline: July 17, 2019

The BC Government appoints a panel of two independent foresters, Garry Merkel and Al Gorley, to conduct an Old Growth Strategic Review on the ecological, economic and cultural importance of old-growth trees and forests.

Dateline: April 2020

After extensive public engagement, Merkel and Gorley submit their report to the Province.

The report titled A New Future for Ancient Forests makes 14 recommendations to be phased in over three years.

Dateline: Hazelton BC, September 11, 2020

The BC government announces a “new approach” to ancient forests based on recommendations from the old-growth review panel.

Initial actions include:

  • engaging the full involvement of Indigenous leaders and organizations, and
  • deferring old forest harvesting in nine areas throughout the province totaling 352,739 hectares as a first step

Dateline: Victoria BC, on unceded Lekwungen territories, March 11, 2020

Three environmental NGOs issue a Report Card on the progress of the new forest strategy. The BC government gets a failing grade.

According to the Report Card: To date, the government has only deferred about 3,800 hectares from harvesting — less than 1% of the most at-risk old-growth.

Dateline: March 21, 2021, Update on Fairy Creek blockade near Port Renfrew BC

Teal-Jones Group is seeking a court injunction to end the seven-month blockade by activists in the Fairy Creek watershed on traditional Pacheedaht territory. Fairy Creek is one of the last intact old-growth valleys on southern Vancouver Island. According to the Ancient Forest Alliance, massive ancient yellow cedars trees appear to be within a proposed cutblock. A two-day injunction hearing is scheduled to start March 25.

Activists at the Fairy Creek blockade are preparing for civil disobedience.

Above: Recent old-growth logging by Teal-Jones adjacent to the Fairy Creek Valley