Membership Engagement Update – April, 2019

Hi, all. I’m BJ Wishinsky. In mid-November I was hired by UUCPA as a part-time Membership Engagement Coordinator. The charter for my position is to support the Congregational Goal to enthusiastically welcome more people into our church, specifically by expanding our processes for guiding newcomers into membership, and newcomers and new members into greater engagement in congregational life. Here’s an update on the work I’ve been doing.

I’ve worked in partnership with the Board, Ministers, the CYRE and Membership & Growth committees, and Operations to document and improve processes, update messaging, and fill gaps in our welcome of newcomers. For example, I now send welcome emails with links to events and programs matching their interests.

The Membership & Growth Committee and I are particularly focused on removing barriers that discourage visitors from returning or keep newcomers from engaging more deeply. This work has included everything from staffing the Welcome Table, to scheduling more frequent Newcomer Lunches, to training volunteers, to inviting attendees to volunteer or to consider formally joining the church.

I’m happy to answer any questions and to hear your ideas. We can also use additional volunteers to help with this work. Stop by the Welcome Table any Sunday before or after Services or email me at bjw@uucpa.org.