Chapter Chats

Joseph Priestly Chapter

This chapter has two main gatherings a year, both in the Spring (a Chapter meeting and a Retreat). They are investigating the possibility of having a web conference in the fall. They are reviewing their chapter job descriptions and alternate officer positions between the two major cluster groups. Dues are on a sliding scale that comes to about 1% of an individual religious educator’s salary (went to this system in a effort to be more equitable). They have a very part-time administrator who has worked with the clusters as well. The position’s main duty is working on communications. 

Seaway Chapter

This group had a very good Spring Retreat in conjunction with the UUMA Chapter on the topic “Hearing Our Call.” One of their goals is to continue building a strong bond with the ministers. The Chapter is in the process of revisioning and looking at questions like: what is our relationship with the District RE Committee, District staff, etc. The Chapter Fall Retreat will relate to this process with programming that asks religious educators what their needs are and what needs are not being met.  

Mountain Desert Chapter

This Chapter holds an annual Spring Retreat that is very popular. The programming focuses on self-care and professional development. Geographically, it is a very large chapter with many small congregations. The Chapter and District are thinking about having regional events and trainings with combined topics to make attendance easier for people.

Pacific Southwest Chapter

The Chapter meets twice a year: once for a combined LREDA/UUMA retreat (in January) and again in April immediately before their District Assembly. The pre-District Assembly days include a one day workshop for chapter members and a second day that is open and available to all religious educators. In addition, the chapter has a peer program which matches experienced religious educators with new religious educators during the first year of their job.

Southeast Chapter

Two annual retreats are held by the Chapter. One is in the spring and is a joint retreat with the Minister’s Association. The other is in conjunction with the Religious Education Week at the Mountain in July. The chapter is working with the District RE Committee to form geographical area religious education circles.

Pacific Northwest Chapter

Two main cluster groups form this Chapter. The cluster groups meet monthly. The whole Chapter meets twice a year: once at their District meeting and once at the LREDA Fall Conference. Chapter membership dues is waived for first year religious educators along with  mentoring from an experienced religious educators.

Metro New York Chapter

This group meets five times a year and has an annual meeting with the Minister’s Association at their District Assembly. A Fall meeting is always devoted to worship, renewal and networking and a Winter meeting is professional development. Chapter dues are on a sliding scale from $10 to $50 with the average being $45.

Heartland Chapter

This Chapter meets at their District Annual Meeting, the LREDA Fall Conference and at General Assembly. They have one retreat a year in the Spring for all Religious Educators in the District. In addition, with the District Religious Education Committee, they hold a Professional Day at the annual meeting. In addition to the yearly retreat, they have a new monthly book discussion group that meets by phone.