Thomas Jefferson District
Principles and Purposes

The Thomas Jefferson District (TJ District, or TJD) is a field office of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations as well as a regional association of Unitarian Universalist (UU) congregations in the Carolinas, most of Virginia and Tennessee, and southeastern Georgia.

Our Mission

The Thomas Jefferson District, as an association of Unitarian Universalist congregations, affirms the purposes and principles of the Unitarian Universalist Association and encourages spiritual development within congregations and expansion of Unitarian  Universalism by:

• supporting collaborative networking among  member congregations;
• providing resources and training to congregations;
• promoting awareness and growth of Unitarian Universalism within the District;
• and promoting justice and ending oppression.

(Who are Unitarian Universalists?)

TJD DISTRICT PRINCIPLES AND PURPOSES:

1. To cultivate cooperative relationships among member congregations and their constituencies;
2. To promote the religious life of these congregations;
3. To assist member congregations to carry on effective programs within their respective communities;
4. To foster liaison between the member congregations and the Unitarian Universalist Association;
5. To extend and promote Unitarian Universalism in the district;
6. To provide and share resources, leadership and training;
7. To raise sufficient funds to finance such activities.

PRINCIPLES AND PURPOSES OF THE UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST ASSOCIATION

• The inherent worth and dignity of every person
• Justice, equity and compassion in human relations
• Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations.
• A free and responsible search for truth and meaning.
• The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and society at large.
• The goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all.
• Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

District Services

Use the Menu's Contact Us to reach staff, board or committee members or consultants.

The TJD office collaborates with congregations, district organizations and denominational agencies to:

• Communicate local needs to the UUA
• Bring services and programs of the district and UUA to the local congregations
• Facilitate sharing district and UUA resources among congregations and clusters
• Assist the UUA in planning and goal setting to meet the needs of the congregations
• Publish directories of resources

Growth Services: Chalice Lighter Program, Extension Support, and Specialized Training Workshops

Religious Education Services: District Committee Planning for Life-Long Religious Education, RE Lending Library, Renaissance Training for RE Directors, Guidance for Congregations for Covenanting with Religious Educators, RE Newsletter, RED HOT Resource Packet for New RE Directors

Leadership Development Services: Leadership School at The Mountain, Fall Leadership Conference, Specialized District-Wide Training Weekends, Nominating Committee.

Networking Services: Cluster Meetings, UU Womenspirit, Youth-Adult Committee, Young Adult Network

Support Services: Ministerial Settlement Assistance

Consultation Services: Goal-Setting, Growth and Leadership Development, Strategic and Long-Range Planning, Conflict Management, Ministerial Transitions, Financial Consultation, Canvass Consultation, Board Orientation and Retreats

Communication Services: Editorial and Design reviews and consultations: Website, District Newsletter, District Directory, Policy Manual. The Council provides editorial assistance and reviews to TJD staff and committees.As time and resources permit, the Council volunteers provide no-cost consultations requesting editorial assistance, for document review, design layouts and graphics.

The Council administrates the Guest Speaker List — a web-based service to locate regional speakers for church services and other congregational events.