Committees


COMMITTEES

Annual Program Fund – District Chair The UUA’s Annual Program Fund (APF) is the way UU congregations support the work of our larger faith movement. Each congregation is asked to give each year an amount based on the number of members certified for General Assembly the previous February. The APF is the principal giving opportunity for congregations to support the UUA in its efforts to provide services to them, to publicize UUism nationally, and to further our growth. Serving on the national APF Committee is a representative for each District called the District Chair.		Jim Sanders 215-321-3343 Email (click icon):

Accessibilities, Committee on Our religious values affirm our belief in the inherent worth and dignity of every person. Our faith calls us to remove all barriers to persons with disabilities in our congregations. The charge of the Committee on Accessibilities (COA) is to evaluate accessibility barriers in our congregations, to serve as a sounding board and reference source for congregational leaders, and to set goals for the District to work toward in achieving full accessibility. Removing barriers so that all may enter and fully participate in our congregations is a social justice issue.		Chair Rosemarie Newberry 732-331-9463 Email (click icon):

Anti-Racism and Diversity Committee The Anti-Racism and Diversity Committee (ARDC) actively works against racism and other oppressions. At the same time, it supports and celebrates the broad range of diversity and multiculturalism that exists within the District. The undoing of racism is clearly an enormous and ongoing task, yet one to which the Unitarian Universalist denomination has whole-heartedly dedicated itself. This District is no less dedicated to this work. Recognizing that each congregation is on its own unique "journey toward wholeness," the ARDC offers each congregation and group appropriate ideas, talents, and resources that will result in justice-making.		Co-Chairs Rev. Michael Tino 914-241-1360 Email (click icon): Rev. Wendy Pantoja 908-337-3433 Email (click icon):

Chalice Lighters Chalice Lighters is in the business of helping us to give to ourselves, to share with others what we find so precious about our UU experience. Twice each year, in the fall and again in the spring, individuals in congregations are asked to contribute at least $10 to help a selected District congregation take a significant step: to initiate a congregation, secure professional religious leadership, secure or improve a building, or forward the development of an overall growth plan.		Coordinator Bill Slezak 973-731-9838 home 917-790-8305 office Email (click icon):

Compensation Consultant The Compensation Consultant is extensively trained by the UUA’s Office of Church Staff Finances to consult with congregations committed to bringing their staff to fair compensation guidelines, to paying their ministers and staff what is “right” and not just what is “left”. The District goal is that all congregations implement the UUA Guidelines on Ministerial and Church Staff Compensation, as adopted by the General Assembly in 1995. The District considers fair compensation to be a social justice issue. The Compensation Consultant coordinates with the District Executive and Ministerial Settlement Representative to consult with congregations searching for a settled minister.		Doug Ford 973-543-6415 Email (click icon):

Growth Team Charged with promoting the growth of Unitarian Universalism in the District, the Growth Team works closely with the District Staff and draws on the UUA’s Congregational Services Staff Group to support congregational vitality through several initiatives: the Chalice Lighters program; planting new congregations; supporting congregational size transitions; growth focused training and workshops; marketing/public relations; and development of health-related metrics.

Junior Youth Steering Committee The Junior Youth Steering Committee organizes and operates two programs annually, a fall retreat and a spring conference, to introduce middle school aged youth to a wider community as they come together with peers from other congregations in the District. The Committee also periodically offers training for junior high youth advisors.		Co-Chairs Peter Green 914-939-3218 home 914-414-1226 cell Email (click icon): Robin Slaw 908-813-8762 home 973-903-4989 cell Email (click icon):

Ministerial Settlement Representative The Ministerial Settlement Representative (MSR) assists congregations in the selection process for professional leadership. The MSR has no authority and does not enter into the decision-making process but is a resource to congregations’ search committees, assisting them in establishing their own process and in working with the UUA's Transitions Office.		Rev. Craig Hirshberg 908-832-0219 Email (click icon):

Nominating Committee In accordance with District bylaws, the Nominating Committee presents to delegates at the District Annual Meeting a slate of nominees for membership on the District Board and on the next year’s Nominating Committee. The Committee is concerned with the quality of experience people have as leaders and is intentional about inviting new people into positions of leadership. The Committee welcomes suggestions for nominees.		Chair Doug Rhodes 215-295-6921 Email (click icon):

Scholarship Fund Committee Annual scholarships of up to $500 are awarded to three deserving young people enrolled or about to enroll in a college, university, or other educational program. Academic achievement and service through leadership or participation in a congregation or the larger UU larger community are determining factors. Click here for a scholarship application.		Chair Pending

Website www.uumetrony.org The website provides the most current and accurate information available about the District and offers a variety of leadership resources. Among the many items on the website are a Calendar, an Events page, a map of congregations, contact information for District staff and committees, bylaws and policies, Chalice Lighters information, help with religious education, a list of worship service providers, a resource library, and descriptions and links to related organizations and UU camps.		Web Program Manager Charles Klein Email (click icon):

Women and Religion Committee The Women and Religion Committee was established following adoption of a resolution at General Assembly in 1977 that requested, in part, that the UUA “. . .(a) join with those who are encouraging others in the society to examine the relationship between religious and cultural attitudes toward women, and (b) send a representative and resource materials to associations appropriate to furthering the above goals.” In cooperation with the Unitarian Universalist Women’s Association, the Women and Religion Committee offers special programs, workshops, retreats, and a support network for promoting feminist values.		Contact Laurie James 212-563-5523 Email (click icon):

Young Adult Steering Committee The Young Adult Steering Committee (YASC) works to provide congregations and campuses with resources and consultation related to ministry to young adults.		Chair Ryan Novosielski 973-792-0497 Email (click icon):

Youth Adult Committee The Youth Adult Committee (YAC) is the governing body of Young Religious Unitarian Universalists (YRUU) in the District. YAC addresses the needs for advisor and youth leader training, youth programming, and networking among local YRUU groups, and also recommends standards of conduct for youth conferences.		Youth Co-Chairs Corinne Hallander 732-492-1618 cell Email (click icon): Katie Parker 631-873-8584 Email (click icon): Adult Co-Chairs Carter Smith 914-693-1065 Email (click icon): Jen Seymour 973-896-6483 Email (click icon):