Membership

As a cooperative community, we rely on member participation in terms of volunteer effort as well as financial support. This is what we’ll tell you as a newcomer: “We want to wait until after you’ve been here for 6 months, to start talking about the next step of membership.” Why? Because the decision to become a member should represent a deepening of commitment. It isn’t something to be rushed.

From “Don’t Forget Your Belongings”
in UU World, Summer 2015

That said, here is a preview (so it doesn’t come as a surprise) of the financial support UUGSB will need in order to be keeping within our means. For the upcoming fiscal year, our operating budget is about $35,000. We distribute this Suggested Fair Share Contribution Guide and ask members to make a monthly pledge that is meaningful for them.

Benefits of joining

  • Full participation in a community of friends with similar values
  • Involvement in social justice and service initiatives in the wider community
  • Long Island Area Council* program eligibility for children and youth
  • Discounted officiant services**

*LIAC stands for Long Island Area Council of Unitarian Universalist Congregations. 

LIAC programs include:

  • Sophia Fahs weeklong summer camp (for children/youth entering grades 3-12)
  • Coming of Age (a course for youth grades 7-9 that features community-building, mentoring, a trip to Boston, and a recognition ceremony)
  • Paid student internships, $100/month—up to $2500 (for youth and young adults age 16-23)
  • Our Whole Lives sexuality education (for grades K-1, 4-6, 7-9, 10-12, and adults).

For more information, visit LIAC’s website.

**By fall 2019, UUGSB expects to have an arrangement with LIAC whereby local UU ministers will be on call to provide emergency pastoral care for our members. Additionally, LIAC will pay half the minister’s fee in the event they are hired to officiate at a UUGSB member’s rite of passage (wedding, funeral, or child dedication).

Membership agreement

When you decide to become a member, you will be asked to make the following commitments, as expressed in the Members’ Covenant:

  • Support the mission of UUGSB
  • Pay a monthly financial pledge (you choose the amount)
  • Volunteer your time as you are able and according to the community’s needs
  • Strive to maintain right relations with other community members.