Questions concerning CONTRIBUTIONS to the character of public life
The Center for Public Dialog team is working on a business plan. What is meant by “business plan?” (Rec’d 8/2006)
Perhaps “organizational plan” may help articulate this better. The Center for Public Dialog is a concept that we want to make a reality – a place for gathering to share ideas, a mechanism for lecture series, for awarding those who promote public discourse. A business plan or organizational plan will help take us from concept to reality – it will act as a guide to define the mission and vision for the Center. The plan will identify the type of formal entity the Center becomes – and spell out whether this will be part of the church’s organizational type or a stand-alone non-profit organization. The plan will define the programs that the Center will conduct, spell out a financial model for sustainability, identify partners, and the like.
Questions concerning CURRICULUM—educating ourselves and others
Is there curriculum currently in field testing in the Tapestry of Faith project? (Rec’d 8/2006)
Yes! Our Lifespan RE Work Team recommended that we pool our resources with those of other large churches and the UUA to support a denomination-wide process to develop lifespan religious education curricula (called Tapestry of Faith). A full timeline and packet of information is available from Karen Lewis, and there are curricula now in various stages of development or planning, including field testing.
Questions concerning COMMUNICATIONS
When talking about the Publicity and Branding team, what is meant by the term “branding”? (Rec’d 8/2006)
A brand is a promise. It is a symbol of what we stand for. A logo is a visual representation of our brand, and so when people see our logo or name attached to a building, a document, a news article, etc. – there are certain qualities and values that this represents.
Questions concerning CAPACITY—embracing change
When did the capital campaign start? (Rec’d 8/2006)
It began with a kick-off in January 2007.
How do the neighbors feel about what we are doing? (Rec’d 8/2006)
We are keeping the neighbors apprised of our work, through Pat Davidson’s team. We hope to continue our positive relationships with our neighbors as we grow to meet the needs of our church.
Will there be opportunities for additional input from the congregation to the architectural firm that has been selected? (Rec’d 8/2006)
Yes. This has been and will be an inclusive planning process. Meetings and other ways to provide your input will be offered as we work with the architects to plan for the use of our grounds and facilities in the best possible way, anticipating the growth of our congregation, the needs for our religious education classes (children, youth and adult), the space needs for additional staff that we will need to support our growth plans, etc.
What regulations will we have to follow to build on the property, and are there any regulations we need to consider as we start working on short-term facilities projects? (Rec’d 8/2006)
There will be regulations to follow in the short- and long-term for the growth anticipated. Our short-term facilities team (August 2007 start date) will work closely with the Facilities Master Plan team, and we will work with trusted advisors to ensure that we follow all appropriate regulations.
The strategic plan mentions a “ministerial plan.” What does that mean? (Rec’d 8/2006)
Laurel will not be with us forever (except in spirit), and we want to have a plan in place to address both her future plans as well as sabbatical coverage while Daniel is away. The Chart and Compass 2010 Strategic Plan also calls for a third minister in order for us to have the potential to grow to three services. The ministerial plan will take our current and future ministerial needs into account and help guide us in the process.
