The Strategic Planning Task Force has collaborated with a writing team to create potential statements that reflect the congregation’s input from surveys and workshops about mission, vision and values. While this poll is not an official vote, it will move us to the next steps in the process.
At the December 3 congregational meeting, the strategic planning task force will bring the congregation up to date on our efforts and we will present some thoughts on possible mission statements and a values set. We’ll ask your input- we look forward to sharing our progress!
As a refresher, here is our current mission statement:
The mission of the First Unitarian Church of Orlando is to exemplify liberal religion in Central Florida with a commitment to lifelong spiritual growth and compassionate service to the community.
And, our current set of values:
Our first two meeting were fun and full of ideas. Come to our final workshop to join the fun and the planning. This is the next step in contributing to the future of 1U. Strategic planning isn’t always high on everyone’s list. But in this case, just think of it as sitting down with friends over a cup of coffee to shape our future. We come to 1U to be a part of the beloved community, for spiritual development, and social justice. The next step in our strategic planning is to discuss with each other our future and what it takes to get there. Please join in by attending our final workshop on
We had very good participation in the survey – over 70 people gave us their ideas! The survey results are here. Your voice and ideas are needed, be a part of creating our congregation’s future.
If you have any questions please contact Gregg Buckingham, Kathy Homblette or Joan Nelson at g.strategicplanning@orlandouu.org
A Note of Introduction to SP Survey Results:
The SP Task Force is pleased to share the results of the recent survey. When reviewing these highlights, it is important to keep a few points in mind as you process these summary results.
First, while the response rate was lower that we hoped for, the input received still provides rich data for the planning process next steps. Also, important to recognize is that the demographics of those who responded skews towards an older population. The SP Task Force is working diligently to ensure we have input from our families and younger members too.
Secondly, it is important when interpreting the results, to consider all the questions and responses in totality. For example, the two equally popular reasons reported for the question “ Why Do You Attend 1U?” are 1) spiritual growth and 2) community. One might ask about why Justice, Music and RE are not as prominently noted. Consider that they all are significant elements of the experiences of spiritual growth and community. Also, all three are prominently noted as important “strengths” and “opportunities” of 1U in response to those questions.
Finally, if YOU have any questions, contact Joan Nelson, Kathy Homblette or Gregg Buckingham at
We appreciate all participation in a process to shape planning for First Unitarian’s next five years
This is the next step in contributing to the future of 1U. Strategic planning isn’t always high on everyone’s list. But in this case, just think of it as sitting down with friends over a cup of coffee to shape our future. We come to 1U to be a part of the beloved community, for spiritual development, and social justice. The next step in our strategic planning is to discuss with each other our future and what it takes to get there. Please join in by attending one workshop. The dates are:
We had very good participation in the survey – over 70 people gave us their ideas! We’ll be sharing some of the results and using them and other information to think about our future collaboratively. Your voice and ideas are needed, be a part of creating our congregation’s future!
If you have any questions please contact Gregg Buckingham, Kathy Homblette or Joan Nelson at g.strategicplanning@orlandouu.org
The time has arrived for your participation in 1U’s strategic planning process! The 1U Board of Trustees created a Strategic Planning Task Force to work with you in the creation of an inclusive, transparent, and practical strategic plan for First Unitarian over the next five years. This survey is one tool being used to get input from as many members and friends of the congregation as possible.
We need your input on four reflective questions along with some demographic information. It’s as easy as this – click on this link to complete the online survey. Don’t delay! We need your completed survey by October 1!
Your thoughtful responses are much appreciated.
Contact us at g.strategicplanning@orlandouu.org if you have questions.
As we approach fall and our congregational strategic planning effort we’d like to outline the content that will be in our strategic plan. In this blog we’ll mention three pieces: our history, our mandates, and our stakeholders.
In our next blog we’ll discuss additional pieces of our plan. All of these will be on display at the September 17 social hour. The team has worked over the summer to produce these as we prepare for the next phase of planning, working with the congregation to dream a bit about our future.
Kathy, Joan & Gregg
The four members of the Leadership Development Committee (Kathy H., Cat R., Mary Ann H. and John H.) conducted a three hour workshop in Gore Hall with Rev. Margalie, Judith S-F and 21 other church leaders on Saturday August 12. Leaders met in small groups during the workshop to evaluate their own groups and our leadership program using the SOAR model (Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations and Results) which has also been adopted by the Strategic Planning Team. There was lots of energetic and thoughtful discussion during the meetings and as many of the ideas were shared on newsprint during the session.
Leaders will be meeting again on Zoom on August 26 for the second orientation workshop, including the “nuts and bolts” training to support a successful leadership experience.
1U Blog 