Introduction 

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Cleveland is a vibrant community of engaged members who care deeply about community, spirituality, and justice as described in our mission statement: Community – within and without; Spirituality – searching and, growing; Justice – in action. Our current vision is to be a large, vibrant spiritual community, known for our warm welcome and fierce, compassionate commitment to justice. 

During the 2023-2024 congregational year, members of the board and other leaders in the congregation have met with various congregational members, committees, and other stakeholders to discuss how to move our commitment to the mission and vision forward. As a part of these discussions, we drafted an outline of a strategic plan for the congregation. However, as we discussed this draft with members of our congregation, a few items seemed to rise as primary concerns of our community: financial sustainability, facility concerns, and communication. 

Based on this feedback, the board is going to focus on three pressing priorities in the 2024-2025 congregational year: financial stability, facilities that meet our needs, and board communication. 

These priorities are not intended to diminish or discontinue our important work in intersectional justice, environmental concerns, member engagement, or other initiatives of our congregation. On the contrary, this broader work will continue to inform our strategic direction moving forward. However, by focusing on three very specific priorities, we hope to focus our efforts in an achievable and specific way to build the community that meets our vision. 

Strategic Priorities 

1. Develop a long-term financial sustainability plan for UUCC
   1. Create a Financial Sustainability task force which will utilize a consultant to:
      1. Examine past and present spending trends
      2. Outline future financial needs
   2. Engage existing committees, including but not limited to finance, stewardship, investments, legacy, and membership to explore alternative funding models beyond dependence upon pledges (grants or capital campaigns, for example)
   3. Primary Outcome: Present a viable option or options to the congregation at the 2025 annual meeting 
   4. Initial committee members have been identified as Barbie Jones, Justin Hunsaker, David Kantor, Lou Salza, and Carol Gay. If a congregation member has a particular interest in this area, please reach out to Barbie Jones.
2. Develop a long-term facilities plan that meets the needs of our congregation
   1. Create a Facilities Sustainability task force which will identify and utilize a consultant to:
      1. Engage with our internal and external community stakeholders to determine current facilities use 
      2. Determine what type of facility we need to meet our needs going forward, taking into account how we want to use space, accessibility, and our commitment to the environment.
   2. Engage existing committees, including but not limited to finance, building and grounds, Ministry for Earth, Religious Education, and Worship Team to explore facilities needs 
   3. Primary Outcome: Present a viable option or options to the congregation at the 2025 annual meeting 
   4. Initial facilities task force members have been identified as Molly Watkins, Dawn Arrington, Don Stimpert, John Bacon, Tom McKenna, and Ray Gonzalez. If a congregation member has a particular interest in this area, please reach out to Molly Watkins.
3. Identify and implement a communication strategy between the congregation and the board that is timely, inclusive, clear, and dynamic to better support member engagement 
   1. Name a communication liaison on the board to develop a strategy and guide board communication moving forward 
   2. Prioritize communication to be inclusive of different communication styles, accessibility, ages, and internal audiences in order to increase membership engagement 
   3. Primary Outcome: We are asking for congregational feedback on what success looks like. We will discuss this on September 8th. 
   4. Valerie McFadden will serve as the communication liaison between the board and the congregation.

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