Sustainable Staffing Strategizers

Cohort Details

Many congregations are facing the growing challenge of aligning their mission, priorities, and staffing with their financial realities. This spring cohort will support leaders who are eager to explore creative, values‑driven approaches to shaping sustainable staffing models.

Building on the three‑session Sustainable Staffing Strategizers program offered at GA 2024, this expanded series will delve into staffing trends, emerging leadership frameworks, and the complex choices facing congregations today. Participants will explore new models, imagine “small‑bet” experiments, and learn from one another’s experiences. After each session, a brief but meaningful assignment will help you apply insights directly to your congregation’s context.

While much of the focus will be on sustainability of finances, we’ll also consider sustainability for humans, i.e., work/life balance, reasonable job scopes, manageable volunteer responsibilities, backup plans, etc.

By the end of the cohort, participants will gain greater clarity about possible paths forward—along with thought‑partners within and beyond their own congregations.

  • The group will meet for six weekly 75‑minute sessions: Tuesdays, March 3 through April 7, starting at 3p ET (noon PT). Multiple leaders from the same congregation are welcome to apply.

Facilitator

Jan Gartner, UUA Church Staff Finances

How to Join

Congregational leaders and staff who play a role in staffing and/or financial decision‑making are encouraged to apply. We’re looking for participants who are eager to explore creative, values‑based approaches to aligning mission, staffing, and resources—and who are ready to engage fully, including completing short but meaningful assignments between sessions. Multiple leaders from the same congregation are welcome.
Apply for Sustainable Staffing Strategizers here, where you also will find the description and session times. Jan will be in touch soon.