From Issues to Action

I want to be with people who submerge in the task, who go into the fields to harvest and work in a row and pass the bags along, who are not parlor generals and field deserters but move in a common rhythm when the food must come in or the fire be put out.
  - Marge Piercy

UULMNJ takes positions that are consonant with the values expressed in UUA and General Assembly policy statements.

The issues task forces will identify and select any legislation that they will look at, and, under the direction of the Board, Public Policy Committee, or Staff initiate advocacy. 

How we move from issues to action:

1.  Start with a specific Issue

2.  Bring to the appropriate Task Force Chair

• The Chair will raise the issue with the Task Force through email or monthly conference call, keeping the Director informed of developments.
• The Task Force will discuss and:
  • Identify a point person
  • Identify potential allies
  • Research the issue
  • Craft a Plan of Action

3.  The Task Force Chair will send the proposed Action Plan to the Public Policy Committee of the Board, which will respond:

• No: Needs more work – back to the Task Force for revisions
• Needs to be referred to the full Board
• Yes!

4.  The approved Action Plan is implemented with the help of the Director, taking the following steps:

• Required Actions
  • Website Update
  • Tactical phone call with the Director  
  • PR/Communication Plan
  • Information for the UULMNJ Bulletin
  • Follow up report
• Potential Actions
  • Action Alert Email  
  • Press Release
  • Testimony in Trenton
  • Letters to the Editor
  • Use your imagination!

5.  The Action Plan will be implemented by contacting:

• Congregational Liaisons
• Allied Organizations
• Stakeholders: Targeted groups who have a particular interest in the issue or outcome

6.  Congregational Liaisons will work with their Action Teams to implement plan, and then report results back to the Task Force Point Person

7.  Task Force Point Person will create a follow up report on the results of the action.

Download the Issues to Action Flow Chart (PDF)