A. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Long Range Planning Committee began working on a three year plan for the Mid-South District as a result of the MSD Board identifying long range planning as a priority in August of 2002. The district had established basic services and felt the need to review its status with its congregations and leaders.

The Mid-South District was originally formed in the mid-20th century as part of the UUA network of districts. It has included most of Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and at times part of Louisiana, Florida and Tennessee. Historically, Unitarian Universalism has not been a prominent faith in the South and most activity centered around the urban Atlanta area. In the mid 1990’s, the realization of the South being an underserved area that had good growth potential created a plan to establish its own part time district executive. Eunice Benton began serving the district as its executive in 1997 and by July, 1999, the position became full time. Gifts that have emerged from the Mid-South District as a result include engaging and resourceful programs that bring together district UUs, dedicated and experienced district leaders, excellent professional leaders, generous financial support to the district and the UUA, the Chalice Lighter Program, healthy congregation consultants and a tradition and generous habit of hospitality and caring.

The Long Range Planning Committee began gathering its data through the use of a long range planning questionnaire placed on the district web site. A letter was sent to key congregation and district leaders who were encouraged to complete the questionnaire. Consultations with program area leaders were also conducted at the Leadership retreat and by email. Results of the questionnaire showed the highest district service priorities to be connections and learning with other UUs, the Chalice Lighter Program, having committed MSD leaders, networking with other UUs for PR and visibility, and resources and models for congregations. After sharing these results with MSD leaders, they envisioned their areas in three years. Insights included responding promptly to requests from congregations, serving all congregations with resources for lifetime RE, youth services, consultation of web sites, support and resources for growth, social justice and strengthening organizational district structure by such things as developing young adult/campus ministry and office support.

By combining the results above, three year goals were prioritized and a time line was developed to guide the district in ten areas. Top priorities in each area include: The district will be in healthy relationship with congregations of the Mid-South District; Leadership Development for district leaders/consultants; Continue strong programming and events; Review and update MSD Bylaws, structure and policies; Educate and inspire congregations about the benefits of and need for growth; Coordination and support of district RE and YAC programs provided at district level by Program Consultant; MSD web site provides resources for congregations; Encourage all congregations with youth to have YAC participation at district level; Young adult district committee established with representation on district Board; Provide resources, models, and ideas for social justice coordination in the South.

From these identified gifts and goals of the Mid-South District emerged a vision for the future of the district. This vision included developing and strengthening the richness of connections and relationships among program areas, celebrating a sense of community and remaining alert to changes that occur by adapting our long range plan to those changes. An ongoing process for monitoring change and incorporating it into our long range plan was developed at the Board level and annual meeting of the district.

COMPILED BY THE LONG RANGE PLANNING COMMIITTEE

CARLEEN DOWELL

ROY REYNOLDS

MARJORIE GIRTH

NANCY ROBERTS

JOHN CZACHURSKI

EUNICE BENTON