FUSsa-talk Mailing List: Re: Update on Friendship Force NEW VOTE

[Carole Rydberg (carydberg]

This issue of "building use" is a far bigger issue than Social Action 
sponsorship; sponsorship may only arise because a group that wishes to 
show an enlightening film in our lower auditorium cannot afford the $350 
charge (plus possible equipment rental fees) to do so.

I come at this issue wearing many hats. One is as a supporting member 
who understands that the First Unitarian Society has a budget and 
financial needs and often struggles to meet the latter.  Another is an 
individual who is a Unitarian _because_ I attended an event held at (but 
not sponsored by) a Unitarian Church in Detroit; perhaps some of you 
found your way to Unitarianism that same way. Third, in my role with NW 
Neighbors for Peace, I have found venues for speakers, films, and 
potlucks at least twice a month for the past three years. Our programs 
have been held in three different libraries and seven churches of five 
denominations (Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian, and United 
Church of Christ).  _Not one of these venues has ever charged us one 
cent for the use of_ _their property and only the libraries have charged 
for the use of equipment!_  Perhaps these churches have wealthier or 
more generous members; perhaps they have larger congregations (although 
I believe that most are smaller than FUS  in terms of membership and in 
the size of their facilities). Yet, they welcomed us.  Why?  I believe 
they share our goals and feel that providing space for our activities is 
a way for them to promote causes that they support with words. Of 
course, it is also possible that they have noticed that some people, who 
first came to their church for one of our events, have also stayed to 
become financially supportive members of their congregations.

The First Unitarian Society building is an asset that can be used to 
support our values and it is an asset that can be rented to groups and 
individuals for income enhancement.  It is also an asset, when properly 
managed, that increases our visibility and our _significance_ in the 
community.  Striking the balance between these is ... and always has 
been ... a balancing act. Unfortunately, I have seen the pendulum of 
emphasis among these priorities swing back and forth several times 
during my 34 plus years as a member.  I can recall when WAMM held 
meetings regularly at FUS and when the Women's International League of 
Peace and Freedom traditionally held their yearly winter bazaar at FUS.  
WILPF moved to St. Stephens Church when we raised our rent ... and St. 
Stephens happily opened their doors to them and their many customers. 
(It is only fair to note that parking can be a problem at FUS and this 
may always influence some groups to use Hennepin Avenue Methodist 
Church, for example, rather than  FUS.)

As I said in my previous note ... Friendship Force has a treasury and 
they can afford to pay. However, when a group that does NOT have funds 
asks to use  FUS space to put on a public program that will be of value 
to the community and is in keeping with values which we espouse, I think 
our building use plan should be able to "bend" and ... if it cannot or 
will not bend ... that social action sponsorship is then appropriate 
even if our members are not active with that specific group. Given the 
size of the Social Action treasury, "sponsorship" may also mean that 
Social Action simply pays the rental for that deserving group. What do 
you think?
Carole Rydberg