Universal Life Church Ministries is adding a new holiday to the calendar: Universal Day! This November 3rd, we invite all of our ministers in Arkansas to join us in celebrating this very special new holiday. There is a plethora of ways to observe Universal Day. Read on to learn about a few of the ways you might celebrate in your area.
1. Become Ordained in Arkansas
Step one - If you're not an ordained minister, becoming one is the first step! The ULCM believes that anyone who feels called to the ministry has the right to answer that calling by becoming ordained, and we famously facilitate that process on our websites. The ordination application process is totally free and takes a just few minutes. If you'd like, click the button below to get that process started.
2. Vote in Arkansas
Step two - VOTE! Voting is an important way of making your voice heard and channeling your power to achieve a better tomorrow. Obviously this is a strange year for all of us, so we'd encourage you to do what you can to mark Universal Day by taking part in this special civic duty.
Under a narrow set of circumstances, some Arkansas residents are qualified to request an absentee ballot so they can avoid crowded polling places. While there is not a religious exemption that can be utilized to receive an absentee ballot so that you can celebrate Universal Day, you may meet one of the other criteria. Examine the application linked below to determine whether or not you qualify to receive an absentee ballot, and be sure to complete and return this application quickly to ensure your request is processed on-time. If you do not qualify to request an absentee ballot, you will have to cast your ballot at your physical polling location. If you do go in-person to cast your ballot, please do your best to observe all recommended safety practices!
Voter Registration Details
- In-person Registration Deadline: 10/4/2020
- Mail Registration Deadline: Postmarked 10/5/2020
- Online Registration Deadline: Not Available
- Election-Day Registration: Not Allowed
Register to Vote
Not currently a registered voter? Don't worry! You may still have time to get on the rolls by clicking the button below.
Taking Time Off Work
Medical professionals at groups like the CDC have issued guidelines on ways you can better protect your health when interacting with other people. We want to emphasize that our ministers should pay attention to this advice when voting in-person this Universal Day. Most employers are willing to provide reasonable accommodations that allow employees to vote. Check with your Human Resources contact to understand your rights regarding this matter. Should you have trouble securing time off to vote, you might consider letting your employer know that you plan on observing Universal Day with your fellow ministers on November 3rd, and request a religious accommodation. A responsible voter will take the time to research the candidates and issues before carefully making choices - this is your chance to speak your truth and help create the world you want to live in!
3. Write to Elected Officials
Don't forget - the job of making the world a better place doesn't end with voting. Another fantastic way to mark Universal Day is by writing to your elected leaders - take the time to communicate to them what you value, and how they can help you make progress for your community. We'll even take care of the first steps in making this happen. Just enter your zip code below to view the contact information for your representatives!
4. Meditate or Pray
We've been talking a lot about ways that you can share your beliefs with others, but it's equally important for you to take the time to communicate with yourself! Each of us is on our own journey in this universe, and it is critical that in addition to advocacy, you honor that journey by taking a few moments to reflect/pray/meditate so you can better understand yourself, what you think is right, and what you can do to make that happen. An old adage teaches us that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step; we'd argue that it actually begins when you decide on a destination. With a goal in your mind and your heart, you're ready to start marching!
5. Help Build Community
As a minister of the ULCM, you are already a leader in your community. We're constantly amazed to see the good that you all do every day, and we hope that Universal Day will give you even more of an opportunity to organize for good in the future. We've already listed a number of ways that you can individually mark this special new holiday. Remember that there is power in numbers. By connecting with other brave and vocal individuals such as yourself, you can multiply the progress happening in your community.
Stay Connected
We would encourage you to reach out to like minded people like these (of course maintaining all health guidelines) to rally together and make use of your joined voices.