Membership

Wondering about membership at the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Burlington? This page will answer some of your questions. Be sure to contact us if you have any questions that aren't covered here.

What are some potential intangible benefits of membership?

• Spiritual growth
• Deeper connection with other caring people who share your values
• A sense of fulfillment through volunteering in the society and in the community
• Feeling energized from being part of an organization that has a 200+ year legacy

What are the tangible benefits of membership?

• Able to vote at congregational meetings
• Rent facilities at a reduced rate for private functions
• No fee for marriages and memorial services
• Access to scholarship funds for trainings and conferences
• Free subscription to the UU World Magazine

What are the responsibilities of membership?

• Be present in the life of the congregation
• Cultivate a regular spiritual practice
• Participate as a volunteer at the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Burlington
• Serve the community either through the First UU Society or elsewhere
• Strive to pledge your fair share on an annual basis

How do I become a member?

You can become a member by completing the New UU Class and meeting with a minister.

What is the New UU Class?

The New UU Class is designed for newcomers as a prerequisit for membership. It helps participants to gain a deeper understanding of Unitarian Universalism and the First UU Society of Burlington. The class is offered throughout the year and usually includes two evening sessions, two hours each.

What is the role of the Membership Committee?

The Membership Committee welcomes newcomers, promotes membership for those who are interested, and helsp newcomers and members become fully integrated into the society so that we have more fulfilled individuals and a thriving community. More specifically, we work on the following:

• Provide a coordinator for each Sunday service to help welcome visitors and support and complement the efforts of the greeters and ushers each week
• Recruit and support greeters and ushers who are vital to welcoming newcomers to our society
• Make a point to speak with visitors/newcomers (often those with blue-bordered name tags) after the service to answer questions and make them feel welcome
• Contact visitors/newcomers who complete white welcome cards and help answer any questions they have about the society
• Design and implement the “New UU” class to better familiarize newcomers and current members with Unitarian Universalism and with the First UU Society
• Introduce and welcome people into membership
• Support and recognize current members so that they can feel more fully actualized in regards to their participation and experience at the First UU Society

What volunteer opportunities are there for those wishing to get involved with hospitality and membership?

• Become a Coordinator or Greeter/Usher for Sunday Services. The commitment is one service a month for about two hours of work.
• Consider helping out with one-time events. Specific skills are also needed such as graphic art, design, social media expertise and marketing skills in general.
• Join the membership committee. The commitment includes one meeting a month with some work between meetings, for a general commitment in the range of about four to eight hours a month.
• Spend a few minutes speaking with visitors/newcomers (those with blue-bordered name tags) after the service to answer questions and make them feel welcome – everyone can help out with this last request. No need to sign up, just do it!
• There is even more that we could do to help welcome and integrate newcomers and members alike. If you have any ideas or if you would like to get further involved with any of these tasks, please feel free to contact Jeff Byam, Chair of the Membership Committee (802) 399-2112

How do I get a nametag?                

The First UU Society is happy to provide a “permanent” name tag for members. If you would like one, please add your name to the nametag request list at the information table in the Parlors. You can then look for your name tag the following week in the basket on the information table.