Share the Plate Policy and Procedures

Revised May 2009

The following is designed to clarify the procedures and guidelines for submitting and selecting recipients of the 1/3 of the cash collected (also called “Share the Plate” Collections) during a designated month of Sundays.

Objectives

  • Raise awareness within the congregation of social justice concerns in the region, in the nation, and around the world
  • Give congregants an opportunity to provide direct support to social justice organizations.

Selection criteria and considerations for organizations and initiatives that receive the Share the Plate.

  • They should fit into the Social Justice Council’s general areas of research and interest, i.e. global poverty, homelessness and housing, environmental concerns, human rights/gay rights, equality issues, and peace initiatives.
  • They should be of interest to UUCF members and should provide a balance of local, national, and international areas of focus.
  • Specific months will be designated for specific topic areas.
  • March - homelessness and housing concerns
  • April - environmental concerns
  • December - direct services for children and families in need.
  • Initiatives sponsored by the UUA, including projects supported by the UU Service Committee, can also be considered, as well as initiatives with involvement and support by many UUCF members, i.e., Lakota Mission, Mosaic Harmony, and Our Daily Bread, etc.
  • A recipient organization will not receive Share the Plate collections more than once in a two-year period.
  • The Social Justice Council also attempts for one month out of the year to select a group proposed by a UUCF children’s or teen class or group to encourage intergenerational volunteer projects.
  • Extraordinary events may lead to special collections other than those designated.

How to propose an organization for Share-the-Plate funding

  • Requests for consideration must be discussed first with the Social Justice Council Chair or Lay Minister for Social Justice in person, by phone, or by email.
  • A presentation to the Social Justice Council, at one of their monthly meetings, is required and should include a set of written materials (8 copies) and must be made in person. Materials should include the name and address of the potential recipient, a description of what the organization does, including how much money is spent on advocacy, versus direct service, versus administration, a description of any special needs of the organization, the name of a contact person within the organization, and the name of a contact person at UUCF.
  • The organization should be a 501(c)(3) organization and in good standing in the community.
  • It is desirable, but not required, that this written material be sent by email to the Council members in advance of their meeting. This can be done in coordination with the Council chair.
  • Anyone submitting a request will be notified of the decision and the reasons for approval/disapproval.

Once an organization is approved, the UUCF Contact Person will:

  • Arrange for a speaker to introduce that month’s recipient during a Sunday service, normally on the first Sunday of the month. Speaking arrangements should be made with the Parish Minister.
  • Make arrangements with the church office for publicity in the church newsletter and in the Sunday morning program, and will work with the church administrator on the handling of collection funds.
  • Arrange for a discussion/forum with interested church members (optional)
  • Arrange for a table in the Commons to display information about the organization (optional but encouraged). The Council chair can help guide those arrangements.
  • Provide name and address where a check for the total of the collected funds can be sent. 

Questions or concerns should be directed to the Social Justice Council through the Lay Minister or Council chair.