A message from member, Bob Holm:

So, who are the ROMEOs?

Email me at raholm1@gmail.com. Thanks, y’all!

Since last summer, the Governance Systems Task Force (GSTF) and Reverend Ed Brock, have been working together with the Board, staff, and volunteer committee/team leaders to jointly review our policies to clarify responsibility and authority for decision making, with a goal of empowering staff and volunteers to more effectively carry out our mission. Over the past months the GSTF has communicated our progress and solicited feedback through three Town Halls, the UU Forum, meetings with committee Chairs and staff, and regular updates through our newsletter, emails and Board notes.

Recently, Rev. Ed and staff met to discuss staff responsibilities, specifically which staff will support each team and group. Committees support the work of governance and assessment (led by the Board), and teams and groups support the day-to-day programming and operations (led by the Minister and Staff). Our staff embrace this opportunity and look forward to supporting their assigned teams.

The chart below lists all of our committees and teams, as well as many of our groups. Here you will find which staff person will support each team or group, as well as which committees will support the work of the Board of Trustees.

For most of our volunteers, these changes will not affect the volunteer work you are already doing. However, you may start to see the positive impact our staff liaisons will have as they bring a professional level of planning and goal setting to our group work. Our staff are the go-to persons for any questions or needs your group may have.

Wish you were more engaged? Contact Membership Manager Caron Armstrong and she can help you find a committee, team or group that’s a good fit for you.

We are continuing to work together with staff, committees and teams to lay the groundwork for a healthier and more impactful congregation, one poised for growth. We welcome your feedback.

For a printable copy, please email GSTF@uufws.org.

The EcoSolutions Team announced at the April 24th worship service that the Fellowship has surpassed our goal to reduce energy sector greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030, meeting the first goal in our Climate Resolution! In 2019, our last full year before the pandemic, we were 48% under our 2016 level. This reduction is primarily a result of the installation of solar panels, but other actions included switching to LED bulbs throughout the building, installing LED lights in our parking lot, monitoring building maintenance and other energy saving decisions. We strive to purchase the latest energy saving technology available to us when we upgrade our cooling and heating equipment. And we continue to look at ways to make our building energy efficient, such as installing additional insulation and reducing leaks around windows and doors.

Our EcoSolutions Team is continually striving to educate the Fellowship and take action both at the Fellowship and in the community. To become involved and receive notices about our quarterly meetings, send your name and email address to eco@uufws.org.

Below is our entire Climate Resolution, approved by our congregation on May 23, 2021.

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Climate Resolution
Approved May 23, 2021

Protecting and preserving the earth is a key tenet of the Fellowship’s mission. To achieve this mission it is essential for us to work within the Fellowship and in collaboration with others in the broader community to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

In keeping with the City of Winston Salem, Forsyth County, the Unitarian Universalist Association and the global Paris Climate Agreement, the UU Fellowship of Winston-Salem resolves to:

1. Reduce the Fellowship’s energy sector greenhouse gas emissions by 45% or greater from 2005 levels by 2030.

2. Utilize 70% clean renewable energy by 2030.

3. Achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

4. Advocate for achieving these goals individually and throughout the community.

5. Work in partnership with vulnerable or marginalized communities that disproportionately experience and confront the realities of the climate crisis.

6. Provide climate-focused educational and spiritual content during worship services, religious education and congregational life to inspire members to act in their personal lives to reduce their carbon footprint and consider the earth in their decision making.

7. Institute a process whereby the carbon footprint and/or environmental impact, if any, is factored into Board, staff and committee decision making, so that we may fulfill our mission to protect and preserve the earth and reach our sustainability goals. Establish a working group to integrate this process into the Strategic Plan along with a system of monitoring and reporting.

We have an Eastern Phoebe nest! There are 5 eggs inside. The nest is high on the wall near the back door to the Fellowship Hall. Stay tuned!

Phoebe’s are one of Janet and Josh Loew’s favorite birds, which is why their daughter is Phoebe Loew!

To participate in a weekly birding walk with Don Kautz, join him and the Aging Well: Expanding Horizons walking group on Tuesdays at 3 pm (weather permitting). Details are HERE.

During these winter months, be sure to check your email, social media, and local television stations for announcements about closures, cancellations and conditions that may require Zoom-only Fellowship events.  We urge Fellowship volunteers, staff, members and friends to make decisions that are as safe as possible in uncertain weather conditions.