Mark your calendars, folks! The Universal Life Church Ministries is creating a new holiday, Universal Day, and we’re inviting all of our members in Florida to join us in the celebration on November 3. There are so many ways you can celebrate! Check out the guide below to learn more about how you can observe this exciting occasion in your area.
1. Become Ordained in Florida
Have you taken the opportunity to get ordained yet? If you haven’t, that’s step one! The Universal Life Church Ministries is proud to break down the barriers to ordination and provide easy access for anyone who feels so-called. The application is so simple that it only takes a few minutes to complete, so, if you’re interested, click the button below to get started on your ordination!
2. Vote in Florida
Although, as individuals, we may not have the power to change the world overnight, we do have the power elect leaders who are willing and able to make our world a better place. Casting a vote is the most straightforward and effective way to make your voice heard and to actively make an impact on the powers that be. We recognize that these are not normal times, but, as part of Universal Day, we encourage you to participate in the democratic process by casting your vote.
As a registered Florida voter, you can receive an absentee ballot by completing the application linked below with your state. Please be aware that Florida does not have a universal request form for the whole state, so you'll have to contact the individual voting office in your area, in order to apply for your absentee ballot. Remember to request your ballot early and mail it back so it'll be counted on Universal Day!
Voter Registration Details
- In-person Registration Deadline: 10/5/2020
- Mail Registration Deadline: Postmarked 10/5/2020
- Online Registration Deadline: 10/5/2020
- Election-Day Registration: Not Allowed
Register to Vote
Haven't had a chance to register to vote yet? It might not be too late – click on the link here to get registered:
Taking Time Off Work
Since these are certainly not ideal times to be voting in-person, public health officials have provided various guidelines and safety measures that they’re encouraging people to follow to make sure they stay healthy. On this Universal Day, please bear them in mind if you intend to cast your vote at any physical polling location. Employers are required to offer accommodations to their employees – among them is the ability to participate in the voting process. If you’re unfamiliar with that process, make sure to check with your HR department to better understand how the policy works for you. If, however, your employer decides to challenge your request for time off to vote, we’d encourage you to remind them of the laws concerning reasonable accommodations for religious holidays. Considering the fact that Universal Day is an official religious holiday, your employer ought to be flexible in allowing you to observe it on November 3. Regardless of whom or what you choose to vote for, here's a friendly reminder to ensure that those choices are in-line with your vision and values and that you make them freely with both a conscious mind and a caring heart.
3. Write to Elected Officials
The work doesn’t end when you cast your ballot! Once you’ve taken that first step, consider other ways you can make your voice heard – like, among other things, contacting your elected representatives directly. You can create a line of communication with these officials and tell them what policies you believe will help bring about positive changes for all of us. In order to make this process as simple as possible, we’ve created a database of contact information for elected officials. Just enter your ZIP code below to see who represents you and how you can get in touch with them!
4. Meditate or Pray
Making sure your voice is heard is certainly very important, but don’t forget the significance of keeping in touch with your inner self. Sometimes, setting time aside in your schedule to re-energize your mind and organize your thoughts can provide the boost you need to manifest change in the outside world. Whether you do this by means of prayer, meditation, or a some other mental exercise that appeals to you – don’t forget the power of thought and reflection as fruitful preparation for action. With so much work to do, it is imperative that you take every possible measure to ensure success – and having your mind and body on the same page is not a step you want to overlook.
5. Help Build Community
As a minister ordained by the Universal Life Church Ministries, you have already demonstrated a predisposition toward leadership. We’re ever-inspired by the work that our members undertake in their communities, and it is our hope that Universal Day generates an additional platform from which our ministers can launch effective organizing and community-building efforts. We encourage you to connect with your fellow ULCM ministers to join forces and ensure that your voices are heard by those in power.
Stay Connected
An individual pushing for change can be a powerful force in and of itself, but by uniting with others and working together toward a common goal, you are guaranteed to increase both the reach and the efficacy of your efforts.