New Folks Respond to Follow-Up by Coming Back
October 1, 2002
When leaders at the Unitarian Universalist (UU) Church of Fresno, CA, noticed that many visitors seemed to disappear after one or two visits and some new members lasted only a few months, they did something about it—instituting programs that boosted membership from 280 to 323 in two years.
"We found that new people didn't know how to get involved," says Lydia Flores, human resource committee chair. Mentors were assigned to new members, and a handbook was developed, telling new folk about church organization and activities. A new member potluck was added to orientation sessions. Those who join the church are surveyed after a few months to find out if they feel included, if they've found something to be involved in or need help with that, and if they have any questions.
"We also have a minister [Rev. Brian D. Jessup] who is very outgoing and inclusive." Flores attended a Pacific Central District meeting and brought back information that led to creation of a churchwide database of personal information and interests, which has helped people get connected.
"All of this was a team effort," says Flores. "Our need created the necessity to do something. We communicated this need to others, and that moved them to help. The minister spoke about our concerns from the pulpit and helped move things along."
For more information contact interconnections @ uua.org.
Last updated on Friday, April 18, 2008.
