Phone: (225) 926.2291 8470 Goodwood Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70806
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November 19, 2017 Town Hall Meeting Summary
Town Hall 11/19/17 Summary of your thoughts
41 people attended; 5 groups of 8 discussed:
What is our brand? How do we wish to be known by others in our city?
We are known for action:
Respected for Social Justice Work
With TBR we are the church that shows up, believes in social justice and civil rights
Action oriented/ People see our social justice engagement
Retain a place in the larger world’s table
Welcoming, inclusive, community service, circle window, comfort zone for non-believers, support democratic process in community, volunteer
Values can be confusing but they are there-
Non-threatening
Every family has value
Brand is welcoming
Inherent worth of all
7 clear beliefs
Strength in Programming; Positive Brand: Why people come
Strong programs
Music
Safe haven, oasis, feeling a sharing with other members
For transition of self
Kudos to Roots and Lunch Bunch, Kudos to Branches
Want more social rather than intellectual opportunities – get a committee for this!
Embraces various religions
My beliefs are accepted
Ideas for action
Put a tag such as those given to kids during blessing of knapsacks that puts our brand out there
With the principles
Interfaith activities with sister churches
Sponsor events that bring in larger community
Get UUA to help us with some training
Educate ourselves how members can message/elevator speeches
How we support brand – invite more visitors, work on elevator speeches
In the present political climate we could do more to reach out to groups with fear based authoritarian views
Need to look to younger adults
Tell the community that we are more than intellectual – song, dance, yoga
Need to advertise
Challenging issues, issues that need work and clarification
From youth- disconnect with youth. No accessible system to keep youth connected after HS. Not enough interaction with young adults. The young adults miss having spirit given to them as was in Sunday school.
Elitism
Need solid religious base. Some sort of creed, prophet, relics
Academically focused; May not be seen as welcoming
Want more openness
We have 2 brands
Look at Stigma and negative branding: May be seen as a cult; Smart rich people
Gay; No beliefs; People didn’t know what was on the electronic sign that day.
Black lives matter brands us
Internally see us as “not like the church down the street”
Concept of searching is not understood
We are hard to put in a box. Does this maker for a small rather than large table?
Orthodoxy (focus on belief)/Orthopraxy – focus on action. Where do we fit?