The ULC is proud to announce the first annual Universal Day will be held this year on November 3rd. We encourage all of our members in Missouri to take part in our new official religious holiday! Universal Day can be celebrated in many different ways, so we have put together a few great tips in the guide below for how to participate in Missouri. We want to be clear that there is no “correct” way to be a part of this holiday. Even if none of the suggestions listed on this page resonate with you, please feel free to come up with your own holiday traditions. Most importantly if you decide to celebrate, make sure that it remains true to the ideals that founded Universal Day. Check out the list of ideas we have created below for some inspiration!
1. Become Ordained in Missouri
The number one step to participation is to get ordained and become a member of the Universal Life Church Ministries! For those not who are not already ordained, we are excited to tell you the process is entirely free and the online application takes just a few minutes to complete. Follow this link to our website to sign up and become an official ULCM member:
2. Vote in Missouri
Voting was created as a means for creating change. By giving your support for a collective vision of the future via your vote, individuals can help society realize its higher aims. Participating in this essential process by casting your vote is one the best ways to take action on Universal Day.
So long as you are registered as a voter in Missouri, you will be allowed to request an absentee ballot using the state application. Request that soon! It is important not to forget to mail in your ballot with extra time to spare to ensure it gets processed on Universal Day!
Voter Registration Details
- In-person Registration Deadline: 10/7/2020
- Mail Registration Deadline: Postmarked 10/7/2020
- Online Registration Deadline: 10/7/2020
- Election-Day Registration: Not Allowed
Register to Vote
In the event you aren't already a registered voter in Missouri, we'd encourage you to follow the link we have included below to sign up!
Taking Time Off Work
Casting your vote at a physical polling location this year will require some additional steps to follow the advice of public health authorities and participate safely in Universal Day. If you happen to be on the schedule to work on election day and are concerned you may not have time to cast a vote, keep in mind that most employers are flexible and provide accommodations allowing you to perform this important civic duty. However, if you run in to a situation where they are resistant to giving you the time you need to go and vote, you should know that laws around work exemptions for religious holidays are quite firm. You can let your employer know that you will be observing a religious holiday, Universal Day, on November 3 and request accommodations from them in order to celebrate. Each and every vote counts, including yours! Make sure that whichever way you cast your ballot, you do so in alignment with your own personal beliefs and values.
3. Write to Elected Officials
Showing up at the ballot box is just one way to create the change we wish to see in the world. Another great way to make an impact during Universal Day is is to reach out directly to the elected officials who represent you and let them know where you stand on the current issues. Constituents are welcome to reach out to them via several methods. They are reachable by phone, by email, or by physical letter to their office with a message about what is important to you. Even though they are the one's holding office and making decisions, don't let them forget the purpose of that position is to act as an advocate for those they represent.. If you have never had a reason to research out before, don't worry we have done all the legwork for you! Just put in your zip code to the search below to learn the contact information of your representatives so you can reach out on Universal Day!
4. Meditate or Pray
Many times change must start from deep within. Connecting with your inner self is often a highly effective strategy for channeling energy and focusing on a goal or activity to set your sights on. Plan to set some time aside to spend alone and meditate, pray, or otherwise get in touch with the forces you find power and truth in. Hope and change begin to grow from the seeds of mental clarity. With reflection, challenges which once appeared insurmountable may seem solvable after all.
5. Help Build Community
Perhaps now, louder than ever before in our lifetimes, the world is crying out for positive change. We are in need of help that can only be achieved by humanity working together towards a common goal. To mark Universal Day, brainstorm about ways you can get involved in your local community and demand real change from those in power. As part of this effort, we welcome you to gather together and to connect on social media with other members of the ULCM who are active in the fight:
Stay Connected
Digital technology has demolished previously constructed barriers to direct action, giving anyone with access to the internet the power to participate in group movements. If virtually is where you feel most comfortable participating, consider starting an online petition and put pressure on lawmakers to spark reform. If you'd like getting your feet on the pavement you can take part in a live protest in your area, or seek out organizations in your area that are asking for volunteers. If you go the in-person route, please take care to keep your self and other safe by following current health guidelines. Do keep in mind that the following is by no means an exhaustive list of how you can get involved. Regardless of what form your participation in Universal Day takes, we are all capable of creating change in the world.