The ULC is proud to present "Universal Day", a holiday we created for ministers and members of our international church. We'd love it if all of our brothers and sisters in Iowa would join us in participating this November 3rd. There are many ways you can celebrate Universal Day, which is all about raising your voice to make a positive difference in your community. We'd encourage you to read more about how you can observe this special day in all the ways listed below.
1. Become Ordained in Iowa
First things first: you should get ordained by the Universal Life Church Ministries (assuming you haven't done so already). The ULCM will ordain anyone of legal age who feels so-called, because we believe that everyone has the right to express their faith as they see fit. Applying to become ordained only takes a few minutes, and is completely free. You can start that process by clicking the button below.
2. Vote in Iowa
For centuries, societies across the world have utilized voting (in one form or another) to guide their collective energy toward the future. Voting is a vital part of being a human, and a great way to recognize Universal Day.
As a registered Iowa voter, you are eligible to receive an absentee ballot by completing the application linked below with your state. Remember to request and mail back your ballot early so it can be counted on Universal Day!
Voter Registration Details
- In-person Registration Deadline: 10/24/2020
- Mail Registration Deadline: Postmarked 10/19/2020
- Online Registration Deadline: 10/24/2020
- Election-Day Registration: Yes, In-Person
Register to Vote
If you are not already registered to vote in Iowa, you can do that by following the link here:
Taking Time Off Work
For all those casting their vote in-person this Universal Day, please do heed carefully all of the safety advice handed down to us by medical professionals. If you are currently employed, hopefully your employer provides you with reasonable accommodations to go and cast your vote, a responsibility we all have as citizens. If for any reason your employer is not willing to give you the time you need to go vote, we would encourage you to let your employer know that on November 3rd you are planning on observing Universal Day, a religious holiday, and request that you be given accommodations to celebrate this special holiday. This may go without saying, but you should cast your vote for the leaders and causes who most coincide with your vision for the world.
3. Write to Elected Officials
The good news is, advocating for a better tomorrow doesn't have to end at the ballot box! Another good way of celebrating Universal Day is by making use of your voice to communicate directly with your elected representatives. Call them! Write to them! Make sure they know what you think is important, and what you think they should be doing to make the world a better place for everyone. It's their job to speak on your behalf; it's your job to ensure they know what you want to say! Enter your zip code below to view the contact information for your representatives and get in touch on Universal Day!
4. Meditate or Pray
As Gandhi so wisely reminded us, we must become the change we wish to see in the world. All progress starts at home. One vital way of marking Universal Day is setting aside some time to reflect and make contact with yourself. Whether you are centering these prayers around a higher being or nothing at all, that meditation can help you identify and isolate what truly matters in your life. With those thoughts in mind and your body and mind at peace, you are ready to go and make some real change!
5. Help Build Community
On many fronts, humanity finds itself at a crossroads. Brothers and Sisters of the Universal Life Church Ministries are bold, empowered, and energized individuals who are interested in exploring the big questions of the cosmos and working to achieve good in the world. Individually, they are formidable... but united, they are an awesome force. Connect with them using the links below!
Stay Connected
This Universal Day, we would also encourage you to (safely) band together with like minded people in your community to use your collective voices to help those in need and stand up for what is right.