In the spring of 2022, the Board of Trustees appointed a Naming Committee to develop and manage a process for the congregation to discuss and consider a name change for our beloved community. They are grateful for the hard work and dedication of Randy Burnham, Luisa Francoeur, Carolyn Gundell, Rob Herman, Sudha Sankar, and Rob Zuckerman. The group has been meeting regularly and has set up a process that allows everyone to have a voice. Much of the congregational activity is slated for this fall. Please bookmark this page for updates. Suggestions and questions can be sent to namechange@uuwestport.org.
Click HERE for Voting Instructions & Reminders
Click HERE for Name Change Vote #1.
We are considering a new name for our beloved community!
Choosing or changing the name of the congregation is an important decision. The process will help shape the congregation’s vision and image while accommodating the differing views of our members under one umbrella. The name will be emblematic of who we are and it will also reflect our identity, spirituality, and how we represent ourselves to the community and wider world.
Following our UU Fifth Principle which states “The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large,” the Naming Committee will keep this process transparent and democratic. All members of our congregation will have the opportunity to suggest, advocate for, and vote on a name.
Time Line
The deadline for the submission of names is September 18.
Vote #1 will occur in person on September 25 and online through October 2 to select the top 10 names.- Advocacy for a name submission will occur on October 16.
- Vote #2 will occur in person on October 16 and online through October 23 to select the top 3 names.
- The final vote from 3 names to 1 will occur online on November 12 and in person on November 13 using Ranked Choice Voting.
- The ratification of a new name will occur at a Congregational Meeting on December 11 after the service.
Click HERE to read more about this work, including the history of our efforts, suggested names to date, and more. This includes a list of Frequently Asked Questions (“FAQs”) about our process, with answers.
INFORMATIONAL ZOOM MEETINGS: All are invited to attend two ZOOM meetings planned to provide more information and an opportunity for attendees to ask questions about name submissions and the voting process. The ZOOM events will be held Thursday, September 15 and Wednesday, September 21 from 7:00-8:00 PM. The ZOOM link is HERE. Meeting ID: 838 2753 2380 Passcode: 558581.
The Naming Committee led an outstanding summer service about “What’s In a Name” in July.
If you weren’t able to make it then, please watch it here.
Click HERE for Submissions to the Naming Committee as of September 19, 2022
Informational ZOOM calls: Thursday, September 15 and Wednesday, September 21 at 7:00 PM.
Click HERE to read Rev. John’s message.
Click HERE for Voting Instructions & Reminders
Click HERE for Name Change Vote #1.
Submissions and Questions can be sent to namechange@uuwestport.org.