W
e have new vision and mission statements at FUS that are composed of beautiful words and aspirational messages, but how do we get there? As the Vision and Mission Task Force can tell you, crafting these meaningful phrases was no easy task. But that effort pales in comparison to the work ahead as we work together toward fulfilling our vision.
FROM THE BOARD
Jennifer Seeker Conroy, Board President
strengths to move forward as a congregation. Where do we already shine? Where do we struggle?
We had a robust discussion in my small group. Many said they felt personally drawn to social justice efforts and that FUS is their opportunity to engage with like-minded people. Others said they excel at deep listening and radical welcome. In other groups, members said fostering beAt our Fall Parish Meeting at the end of October, longing and authentic connection are areas that we began to explore that journey. Traditionally, spoke to them. the congregation discusses Open Questions to inform strategic priorities. These are defined in the As the discussion moved to how the congreFUS Policy Manual as calling for a “wider longer, gation can come together to realize our vision, conversation and challenges and inviting congreopportunities gation discussion came to light. We The vision of First Unitarian Society before decisions could do more to is to be a spiritual community of are made.” Open build a sense of Questions by their belonging. We will transform belonging and aunature do not simourselves and society through thentic connecply have yes or no tion amongst our the practices of radical welcome, answers. In fact, a members. While deep listening, and compassionate, precise answer is we want to welgenerally not the authentic connection. We envision come new memgoal. The ongoing a world fueled by love and justice. bers, some sugconversation, exgested that we ploration, and reshould first focus sulting action are ideal outcomes. on building deeper engagement with our current The Open Questions this year were around our vision, what it means to us individually, and how we can collectively move toward fulfilling the vision as a congregation in the coming years. The discussion encouraged us as members to reflect on where we can lend our personal strengths and passions at FUS. Ask yourself, which part of the vision resonates with me? What do I have a passion for? Where can I contribute? Next, we explored how we harness all those individual
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members. We could also look for ways to reengage members we haven’t heard from in a while.
In other group discussions, some suggested focusing on fewer key social justice areas that would encourage passion and energy in the congregation. Others mentioned forming deeper partnerships with minority-led groups in Madison and Dane County.
(con’t on page 9)
