It is time to mark your calendars on November 3, 2020! The Universal Life Church Ministries has come together and created a new holiday, which we have dubbed Universal Day, and we're inviting all our members in Nebraska to join us in the first ever celebration. There are all kinds of ways to participate, and we welcome you to check out the following guide we have put together for ways to observe this exciting occasion where you live.
1. Become Ordained in Nebraska
Have you taken the few minutes required to get ordained yet? In case you haven't, that’s the very first step! The Universal Life Church Ministries is proud to have been the first to break down barriers to ordination by providing a simple and clear path on our website for anyone who feels called to the ministry. The ordination application takes only a couple of moments to fill out and if you're interested, all you need to do is click the button we have included below to begin the application process!
2. Vote in Nebraska
As individuals we may not have the power to change the world overnight, but we can affect the election of leaders who are ready and willing to actualize our visions of a better future. Casting a vote is simply the most straightforward and effective way to make your voice and your demands heard by leadership. We recognize these are not normal times, but as part of Universal Day, we'd encourage you to take part in the democratic process by filling out a ballot.
If you live in Nebraska and are registered to vote there, you can request your state to mail you an absentee ballot so you can safely vote from home! You'll have to apply with your state to receive that ballot, and you should do so soon. Below you'll find a link to fill out and send in to request your mail in ballot. Please do remember to return your ballot as soon as possible to ensure it gets tallied on Universal Day!
Voter Registration Details
- In-person Registration Deadline: 10/23/2020
- Mail Registration Deadline: Postmarked 10/16/2020
- Online Registration Deadline: 10/16/2020
- Election-Day Registration: Not Allowed
Register to Vote
If you haven't had a chance to register to vote, don't worry, it may not be too late. Use the link we have included to get registered:
Taking Time Off Work
Although these are not ideal times to be voting in-person, public health officials have provided certain guidelines and safety measures that they're encouraging people to follow to stay safe. On this Universal Day, please keep those in mind if you’ll be casting a vote at a physical polling location. Employers are required to make election related accommodations for their employees – among them the ability to participate. If you're are unfamiliar with your company policy, check with the HR department to better understand how they handle voting days. In any case they decide to not-comply with your request for time off to vote, we'd encourage you to remind them of the additional federal protections surrounding reasonable accommodations for religious holidays. As a minister of the Universal Life Church who is observing an official religious holiday, Universal Day on November 3rd, your employer ought to be flexible. Regardless of how you will be voting, here's a friendly reminder to make sure those choices are in-line with your values and vision.
3. Write to Elected Officials
Don't let your work end with just voting! Once you have completed that first step, consider other ways to make your voice heard – like contacting your elected representatives. If you establish a line of communication with these officials directly, you are able to let them know what policies you personally support and what you want them to do to bring about positive change in your local community. To do what we can to make this process as simple as possible, we have gathered information and created a searchable database of contact information for elected officials. All you need to search is your zip code below and it will tell you who represents you, and how to get in touch with them!
4. Meditate or Pray
It is important to make your voice heard by others, but don't forget the power inherent in connecting with your inner self. Sometimes, the very best we can do for ourselves is to set aside time for re-energizing our minds. Organizing our thoughts is key to manifesting change inside and outside of ourselves in the world. Whether your preferred mental exercise takes the form of prayer, meditation, or simply spending time in nature – don't neglect the power of thought and reflection as essential precursors to action. There is so much work to be done, so it’s important you have your mind and body on the same page, and focus your intentions.
5. Help Build Community
As a member of the Universal Life Church Ministries, proves to us that you already have a propensity to show leadership. We're always so inspired by the work that our ministers undertake in their communities, and it is our greatest hope that Universal Day can expand into a platform from which to launch community-building efforts. ULCM encourages you to connect with your fellow members enabling you to join forces and ensure that your combined voices are heard by those in power.
Stay Connected
Motivated individuals striving to create change can be a powerful force, but by combining efforts with others toward a common goal, you are guaranteed to vastly multiply the reach and effectiveness of your efforts.