The Outreach Committee of the ICUUW is responsible for increasing awareness of the ICUUW’s presence in Unitarian Universalism worldwide. We are also responsible for the STP (Share-the-Plate) Program. This year we had two goals.
- In 2022 there were 9 STPs. We wanted to double this number in 2023, which we did. In 2023 there were 18 STPs. So far in 2024, we have recorded 10 STPs with months to go in the year. STP is any offering collected by a congregation for one week, one month or more. STP is accompanied by an informational announcement, a sermon, or an entire service on the purpose of the ICUUW. Often this has been encouraged for March when International Women’s Day occurs, but any Sunday or month will do. Outreach has tried to increase the awareness within UU circles of the presence and support for the Mission, Vision, and Projects of the ICUUW.
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Our second goal was to have a presence at UU meetings in Europe, India, Canada, and the USA. Gretchen Ohmann created flyers and publicity packs with a tabletop banner, photos for display, and other materials. Karen Kortsch and Denise Tracy attended the MidAmerica Region Annual meeting. Julie Steinbach attended the Pacific Western Regional Assembly in Denver, CO. Julie also attended the PSWSAA - Pacific Southwest Service Area Assembly in Ventura, CA. We became aware that MidAmerica and [Pacific Western] Regions have independent charters, which the other 3 UU Regions do not; the former must have in-person annual meetings, and the latter do not have the same requirement. If UU meetings become primarily virtual events, it is unclear how we will get visibility. Besides, those who attend these meetings on behalf of ICUUW are paying their own travel, room, board, and conference entry fees.
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For next year, we would like to work more closely with the membership committee to see if those people who are advocates for STP might be interested in becoming members.
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We appreciate the support for our committee from Gretchen Ohmann. Her computer skills and marketing expertise have been a great help to us.
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We have monthly meetings on the fourth Wednesday of most months at 9:30 am Central Time. We enjoy our meetings and feel we are helping expand awareness of the importance and presence of the ICUUW.
Respectfully Submitted,
Denise Tracy and Julie Steinbach, Co-Chairs
Audrey Brooks, Juliana Lightle, Vicki Roberts-Gassler, Justyna Borusinska, Sylvie Nyiramana, Gretchen Ohmann