Familiarize yourself with the organization
1.) Who has decision-making power
2.) The budget and how it’s spent (fundraising policies) – you can tell a lot about the values
Create a plan and present it to those who are the decision makers.
Need a foot in the door? Look for a need and fill it – individually or as a group.
ORGANIZING – Learn about the organization, affiliate – take an active role, have in mind a vision for what you’d like to see happen
-People
1.) Who holds the power and authority in the organization
2.) Who do you talk to to get things done?
3.) Who maintains the master calendar?
4.) Who your supporters are or could be
-Programs
1.) What’s going on already – what may be missing?
2.) Who oversees Adult Programs – YA group contact
3.) Look for ways to combine or enhance
4.) Get involved in worship, RE library
-Resources
1.) Familiarize yourself with the budget (how money is spent, for what, etc.)
2.) Find a way to contribute as well as access resources
3.) Look for a need and fill it! Get support in return
4.) Learn what the fund-raising policies are
5.) NEVER interfere with annual canvass!
6.) Chalice Lighters Funds
Know what “church time” is – things can take longer to get done because of meeting schedules, effectiveness (or not) of committees and church leaders in making decisions.
Be organized – CREATE A PLAN AND PRESENT IT!
Carry your plan through and make sure people hear about your success.
Congregational Organizing
Finding Your Way Around the Church –
Things to know –
1.) Organizational structure – how things are run
a. Know where the power people are
b. Learn who to talk to to get things done
i. The keeper of the calendar