Getting Better at Planning and Measuring, One Step at a Time
OK, I have to talk about “policy governance” here for a bit, but KEEP READING!
A brief refresher for our newest leaders: the Board works to discern the will of the congregation and writes Ends Statements that give direction for our ministries and programming. The Executive (Rev. Mark Ward) takes those Ends Statements, writes a few paragraphs about what he thinks they mean “in action” and then works with staff who work with volunteers to move the congregation toward the Ends Statements. The Executive is then evaluated on the achievement of the Ends.
This year, the Board suggested that the Executive choose a small subset of the Ends to work on and then propose measurable goals for them. That way, by next June, we ought to be able to see if we’ve met those goals. It’s a very sensible way to organize an institution, but it’s not easy.
Here is the Executive’s 2016-17 WORK PLAN FOR ACHIEVING ENDS:
ENDS:
“We will embrace principles, values and practices which explore the sacred in the world and the mystery of existence.”
“We will gather together in worship which guides and sustains our individual and communal response to the sacred through multifaceted creative, artistic, and musical experiences.”
Our chief goal in this area is to more deeply integrate families in the worship & spiritual life of the congregation.
What we will measure and plan (hope?) to report to the Board next summer:
- 30% of registered families will be present in Sunday worship at least twice a month.
- The lead minister will report that at least 50 children or youth had roles in Sunday worship at some time during the regular worship year.
- The director of lifespan religious education will report that at least 10 UUCA families have developed family spiritual practices at home.
- At least 4 parents of children in religious education will have given statements in worship about why this congregation is important to them.
- We will hold 6 planned multigenerational activities during the year at which at least 8 children and 4 adults participate.
END:
“Congregants will feel welcome and connected with each other”
Our chief goal in this area is to improve retention of UUCA members.
What we will measure and plan (hope?) to report to the Board next summer:
- 75% of congregants interviewed at each stage of the Connection process – visitors entering new member classes, those contacted after their first year & those contacted after three years at UUCA, will report that they feel welcomed and connected to the congregation.
- 66% of new members will report being involved in some activity of the congregation within six months of joining.
- 50% of members contacted after their first year will report being currently involved in some activity of the congregation.
- 33% of members contacted after three years at UUCA will report being currently involved in some activity of the congregation.
END:
“We will act meaningfully and visibly in community service, advocacy, and education.”
Our chief goal in this area is to broaden meaningful participation in the Social Justice ministry of the congregation.
What we will measure and plan (hope?) to report to the Board next summer:
- At least 150 congregants will participate in the Just Change workshop.
- At least 150 congregants will take part in programs arising from the Just Change workshop.
- At least 25% of congregants will have reported some activity during this church year to broaden their understanding or awareness of racism.
- At least 25% of congregants will participate in service, advocacy and education outside of the congregation.