I’ve been thinking about democracy and hard work this week.

This past week in our country, we used a democratic process to elect a president and representatives to the US congress, as well as local leaders to represent us in our community.  I’ll be the first to admit that watching the results of this democratic process unfold nationally has been painful, frightening, angering, and disappointing.  But this is one event in our country’s history.  We have been down before, way down.  That’s where the hard work comes in. 

At times like these, each of us as individuals can join together and put in the effort to make the changes that we want to see, protect the rights that we want to see protected, and shelter our friends, families, and neighbors from division and hatred. 

First Unitarian Church is a loving community where we can continue this important work.  There are so many folks already working on social justice actions for immigrant justice, LGBTQ+ protection, climate action, support for our houseless neighbors, to name just a few.  Never has there been a time when our collective work was needed more.  Come follow your passion, join a group, and roll up your sleeves.  I am looking forward to seeing many of you on this collective path.

And because I’m on your Board, I think of the ongoing work that the Board is doing, too.  As with our country, the church uses a democratic process to elect Board members.  As Board members, we represent you, our congregation, and work to make decisions that are best for the church and the church’s mission. 

I have just finished my fourth month on the Board, and I can tell you there is A LOT going on.   And just like the national landscape, we cannot complete our work without the aid and assistance of congregants like you who join us and lean in. 

If you are wondering what I’m talking about, I invite you to reread last month’s Board letter about all of the actions that the Board Finance committee is working on.  The Governance committee is working on many items including restarting a Right Relations committee, that will assist with congregant relations and conflicts.  The Communications committee is looking for avenues to facilitate better communication between congregants and the Board—to increase trust and transparency. 

And that’s not all.  We are adding more to our to-do list.  There are developing Board discussions about modifying our Bylaws to protect members’ personal information from being shared broadly with other members, without permission, which is a safety and security concern for some of our members.  Also, the Board will soon be embarking on long-term strategic planning for our church’s future. 

So you see, there is a lot of work to do. I invite congregants in, whether you think we are on the right or wrong track, to work side by side with us.  We cannot do it alone.  It is through our collective actions that we can make a difference and strengthen our community.  We need you and we need your support.

Thanks,

David Livermore