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Pacific Northwest District of the Unitarian Universalist Association
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Over 1,040 congregations have voluntarily joined the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations (UUA), covenanting with one another to actively affirm and promote the purposes and principles of Unitarian Universalism. Congregations freely enter into this covenantal relationship, and in doing so, promise to one another their mutual trust and support. Making contributions to the Annual Program Fund (APF) is an important way of affirming the covenant and supporting the many programs, services and resources that are available to member congregations. (Excerpt from UUA Annual Program Fund Brochure, 2008)

What does it mean to be in covenant with our national and district Unitarian Universalist Association? I submit that it’s the same covenant that we have with our own congregation. As individual UU’s we congregate and make a commitment with other UU’s to affirm our principles and community through the work articulated in our congregation’s mission statement. With and by our defined actions and financial support we fulfill the stated mission of our congregation to the benefit of the larger community that we serve. The UUA and Pacific Northwest District (PNWD) actively support the collective missions of our congregations with “Fair Share” contributions from our covenanting congregations. These funds are referred to as “Annual Program Funds”. Both the UUA and PNWD have websites dedicated to how a Fair Share contribution is calculated and paid. http://www.uua.org/giving/annualprogram/index.shtmland http://www.pnwd.org/governance.php

The following is a short synopsis of what the UUA and Pacific Northwest District Annual Program Funds do in direct support of our congregations:

Ministry and Professional Leadership: Provides leadership, education, credentialing and settlement for ministers and religious educators.
Congregational Stewardship Services: Develops and delivers services that support congregational health and growth, including assistance for annual budget drives, endowments and planned giving programs. Also provides loans, loan guarantees and green construction awards.
Services to Large Congregations: Addresses the unique needs of congregations of 550 or more with individualized consultations and “Large Church” gatherings in addition to District-supplied workshops and events.
District Services and Grants : Services include long range planning, leadership training, ministerial transitions, growth and conflict management, financial consulting, conflict assistance, transition resources, congregational consulting, children & youth religious education consulting, lifespan faith development and a “Chalice Lighter” program.
Publishing: Deepens and spreads our UU faith and values though publications such as UU World magazine and various texts, pamphlets and other publications. Skinner House Books and Beacon Press publish books and materials that reflect the values of Unitarian Universalism; the UUA Bookstore distributes UUA material and other titles.
Lifespan Faith Development: Provides curricula, books, worship materials and other resources to nurture UU identity, spiritual growth, and communities of justice and love.
Young Adult and Campus Ministries: Fosters the development of young adult groups and campus ministries and provides leadership training, networking and resources.
Youth Programming: Serves UU youth with congregationally based resources, consultation and training.
Administration: The President and Executive Vice President provide much of the visioning and implementation for programs and administrative policies.
Infrastructure: Staff provides a variety of talents for essential functions of the Association, including: General Assembly management, fundraising, information technology services, fair compensation rates financial services and physical facilities.
Volunteer Leadership: The Board of Trustees governs the UUA while committees carry out the vital work that keeps our Association thriving.
Advocacy and Witness: Promotes social justice values through media advocacy, partnerships with other organizations, lobbying in Washington and social justice internships, as well as by enabling local congregations to do the same.

I’m sure there are many programs and services that I’ve not listed but they are all made possible by the “Fair Share” generosity of our UU congregations. During your next stewardship drive take a good look at what your congregation and larger UU community mean to you and give accordingly. When we volunteer and give generous financial support we give ourselves a new power and vitality that serves our community and beyond. Working together and outwardly is how we impact the larger world.

Most congregations find that if they use the services of a Financial and Stewardship Consultant they will improve their operating or capital fund campaigns. To find out more contact the PNWD office at 1-800-313-7693.

Our District has an all-volunteer Annual Program Fund Committee – so please call on one of us if you have any questions or need assistance.

Jerry Regan, Chair (Oregon; Vancouver, WA; Eastern WA; and Western ID)
503-807-2790
Jd_regan@comcast.net