Becoming a Member
Becoming a member of the Prairie Lakes UU Fellowship
Becoming a voting member* of the Fellowship is a deeply personal decision reached when individuals view PLUUF as their spiritual home and they decide, symbolically and by action, to deepen their connection with the Fellowship. Becoming a member has great meaning for both the individual and the Prairie Lakes Fellowship.
Unitarian Universalist congregations have 'congregational polity', which means its members guide the congregation's future vision and make the decisions which help it thrive. Although there are district organizations (ours is the Central Midwest District) and a national one (the Unitarian Universalist Association), UU congregations are 'affiliated' with these organizations rather than being governed by them. Therefore, voting members of the Prairie Lakes Fellowship participate directly in congregational planning and decision-making. In addition, members provide the volunteer and financial resources needed to support the vision of the Fellowship.
Prospective members often ask questions about expectations for volunteer and financial support. Here are a few notes which may be helpful to you:
Volunteer support: Each individual's and household's situation is unique in regards to participation as a volunteer. There are many, many ways in which members can help, from attending as regularly as you can, to sending a get well or condolence card to someone in need, to donating flowers on Sunday, to coordinating a lay-led service, to being part of a Social Action Team, to serving on a committee, to becoming a Board member. It has been shown that volunteering is one of the best ways to broaden one's relationships within a congregation and create a sense of belonging.
Financial support: Voting members make a financial contribution of record each year. This can be any amount - even a dollar, for example, as long as it is given under the member's name so it can be recorded as such. Members are encouraged to take their role as financial stewards further, however, and make a written pledge commitment each year. Making that commitment makes a great difference to the individual and to the Fellowship and allows us to work together as stewards of this special community!
After signing the book, new members receive a new-member packet to help them become more familiar with the workings of the Fellowship better, what volunteer opportunities might be of interest, and how to make a pledge commitment. New members also receive the Unitarian Universalist Association journal, The UU World.
Becoming a member is a deeply personal and significant decision appreciated by us all. If you are interested in becoming a member, please talk with Rev. Sandy, Lyn Corder (Moderator) or Marjorie Kenyon-Cler (Admin.), any of whom will be happy to assist you! After signing the book, a new-member packet is provided to help you get to know the workings of the Fellowship better. New members also receive the Unitarian Universalist Association journal, The UU World.
* PLUUF bylaws regarding membership: "Any person who is sixteen (16) years of age or older, or has completed the Coming of Age program, and is in sympathy with the purpose and principles of this Unitarian Universalist Fellowship may become a voting member of the Society by signing the Fellowship's Membership book and making an annual financial contribution of record. To be eligible to vote in congregational matters, new members must have signed the book at least 30 days prior to the meeting in which any vote takes place."