April 29, 2007 Update

• Center for Public Dialog at First UU: The Church’s Board of Trustees has reviewed the preliminary plans for the Center’s programming, staffing requirements, and budget, and has approved implementation. The planning team continues its work developing the business plan, preparing to set up the Center, and researching its needs as it begins its work. This month, 11 volunteers, Minister Daniel Kanter, and Staff Sponsor Charles McMullen spent four days in retreat exploring the deep issues of engaged dialogue and the implications of group-process dynamics.

• Communications: Thanks to Fritz Kuehn, Glen Day and David Perryman for their creativity, talent, and time. At the April Chart and Compass Leadership Team meeting, the three presented their ideas to better communicate who we at First UU are and what we believe (really—and you thought it couldn’t be done!) to those unfamiliar with us or Unitarian Universalism. You’ll hear more about the trio’s ideas in the next several months.

• Capital Campaign: Campaign volunteers will be at a table in the northeast corner of Channing on Sunday mornings to answer your questions and update you on every aspect of Chart and Compass. Separately, volunteers are contacting every church member to arrange a meeting before the end of May to discuss your “investment” in the campaign. Please welcome your volunteer and consider a “stretch” pledge, which can be paid out over three years. As of April 16, the Chart and Compass 2010 Capital Campaign had reached 154 pledges, totaling $5,030,341.00 toward our $9-million goal, and most members are yet to be contacted.

• Infrastructure Improvements: We are currently implementing several technical improvements to make our staff more efficient—new computer servers, updating the most ancient of our PCs, and a new phone system. In addition, training to build the professionalism of the staff is beginning. These technology improvements and the training are part of comprehensive changes recommended by outside consultants earlier in the Chart and Compass process.

• Staffing: To keep up with our current and projected growth in membership and to serve congregants better, the Chart and Compass plan calls for several more staff members. The first addition is Chris Denney, who has just joined us as facilities manager, a new position. Our next staff addition will be a director of lay ministries, another new position, whom we expect to hire this summer. Chart and Compass capital funds will be used to fund a portion of the initial salaries for new staff. Long term, funds for the new positions will come from annual operating funds raised during the canvass.

• Project Updates: The Chart and Compass 2010 Leadership Team meets monthly to receive updates on projects and provide tactical guidance. You are welcome to attend to keep up with the latest news and provide input. Meetings are on the second Thursday of each month, in RE 204, at 7 p.m. The next meeting is May 10. Chart and Compass information is also posted on the church’s website, www.dallasuu.org.
  
  ~Ellen Magnis and Mike Birrer, Leadership-Team Co-Chairs
  ~Jenny Haynes, Leadership-Team Communications