UVIP Issues Assembly Report
Lebanon United Methodist Church

May 4, 2008

Our Savior Lutheran Church had a 15-person presence at the UVIP Issues Assembly; where 127 people attended — 116 from our member groups and 11 visitors. All of the United Valley Interfaith Project member congregations/organizations were present, and each gave reports of their Listening Campaigns. A total of over 600 conversations took place during our Listening Campaigns and many issues had surfaced as a result. After the presentations and deliberations between members of each group, a vote took place. The two issues chosen were Affordable Housing and Transportation.

Of the 127 people, 76 participated in the session where folk explored what it might mean to serve on an Issue Team. Thus, 60% of participants (76 of 127) indicated an interest in being personally involved in the next steps we will take. About 27 persons met with Rich Kremer, from St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in White River Junction, VT, who heads the Affordable Housing Team and 49 persons met with Rod Wendt from the Meriden Congregational Church, who heads the Transportation Team. Organizing meetings of the Transportation and Housing Issue Teams are taking place on Monday, May 19, at 7:30 p.m. The Transportation Team (Rod Wendt, convenor) will meet at the Meriden Congregational Church; the Housing Team (Rich Kremer, convenor) will meet at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. If you are interested in becoming involved but can’t make these meetings, please give let us know and we will provide you contact information for the Team Convenor, depending on your interests.

Our next step will involve trying to connect with people that are personally affected by the issue, gathering facts on what is already being done, deciding what we need to learn before tackling the issue, and creating an action plan that will be brought to the UVIP Founding Event scheduled for November 2, 2008. It is exciting that after four-and-a-half years, the issues have been chosen and UVIP is now on its way to trying to make a difference. Thank you all for your participation during the Listening Campaign. Please consider joining one of the Issue Teams!