Starr King UU Church shares their Zoom Inclusion Policy as an example for other churches to adapt.

Inclusion Policy for Members of Our Church Community Who Cannot or Choose Not to Attend in Person

For all church activities we will look for meaningful ways to ensure that both in-person and remote attendees can participate meaningfully and equitably.

We do this to:

1. Live our commitment to love and justice, that all members of our community are seen, valued, and loved equally.
2. Ensure that all members can participate and be heard equitably. This enriches us all.
3. Improve accessibility for all. As ramps are used by able-bodied people and those in wheelchairs, these improvements will help people in the physical sanctuary as well as those on Zoom
4. Create opportunities forministry, pastoral care, nourishing interpersonal contact with those unable to attend church activities in person.
5. Increase flexibility in uncertain changing times, as global health and climate conditions shift. This makes us a more resilient connected community, assists outreach, and improves retention.

We recognize that full inclusion will not always be workable. In such cases we will practice loving accountability by acknowledging the lack of inclusion with regret.

Guidelines

• Not everything has to be multiplatform. Some activities such as small group ministry do not lend themselves to multiplatform arrangements. Sometimes offering a “virtual only” option alongside an “in-person only” option is the best approach.
• Not every approach has to be technical. In fact, the best way to help a regular Zoomie feel included might be a personal conversation, other personal contact, or some practical assistance