The Universal Life Church is proudly declaring a new official religious holiday: Universal Day. The first annual Universal Day will be held on November 3, 2020. We are urging all of our members in New Hampshire to take part in this exciting occasion! Universal Day can be observed in many different ways, and you can read about some tips for how to do that in New Hampshire in the guide below. To be clear, though, there is no “correct” way to celebrate this holiday. If the suggestions included on this page don't resonate with you, feel free to create your own holiday traditions or activities. However you decide to celebrate, just keep in mind the ideals behind Universal Day. Check out the list of ideas below for some inspiration!
1. Become Ordained in New Hampshire
Step one when celebrating Universal Day is to get ordained and become an official member of the Universal Life Church Ministries! For those not already ordained: it's free to do and the online application (located on our website and at the link below) requires just a few minutes to complete. Follow this link to become a ULCM minister:
2. Vote in New Hampshire
Voting has always been a catalyst for change. By making your voice heard via the power of the ballot, you can help shape a societal vision for the future. Engaging in this important process by casting a vote is the simplest and most direct way to take action on Universal Day.
If you are a registered New Hampshire voter, you can get an absentee ballot in the mail by filling out the application linked below. There is a cutoff date, so you should make that ballot request soon! As a minister of the Universal Life Church Ministries, understand that you have the legal right to specify that you are requesting this absentee ballot for religious reasons, because on Universal Day you are encouraged to stay at home while still safely making your views known by those in power. Remember to return your ballot early so it can be counted on Universal Day!
Voter Registration Details
- In-person Registration Deadline: Varies By Town, Contact Clerk
- Mail Registration Deadline: Varies By Town, Contact Clerk
- Online Registration Deadline: Not Available
- Election-Day Registration: Yes, In-Person
Register to Vote
In the event you aren't already registered to vote in New Hampshire, don't wait until the last minute! Follow the link below to sign up.
Taking Time Off Work
If you plan to vote at a physical polling location, please remember to follow the advice of public health authorities and medical experts so that your participation in Universal Day is a safe experience. If you are employed and asked to work that day, keep in mind that most employers will be flexible and provide accommodations to allow you to vote. However, if for whatever reason your workplace has policies that make it difficult for to take time and go vote, be aware that laws around work exemptions for religious holidays are fairly robust. You can let your employer know that on November 3 you will be observing Universal Day, which is a religious holiday, and ask for accommodations from them in order to participate. Be sure that no matter how you choose to cast your ballot, you do so in alignment with your values and beliefs. Every vote counts!
3. Write to Elected Officials
With all that said, casting a ballot is just one way to advocate for meaningful change in the world. Another great way to take part in Universal Day is to contact the elected officials who represent you directly and let them know your thoughts. You can make call them, email them, or write them with a message you think it's important they hear. These representatives are the ones holding office and making decisions, but their job description is to advocate for those they represent. Don't let them forget it! In case you're unsure how to reach your elected representatives, we've created a database to make that part easy. Just put in your zip code below to see how to get in touch with these officials on Universal Day!
4. Meditate or Pray
Sometimes the most meaningful change comes from within. Clearing your mind and getting connected with your inner being is a proven strategy for effectively channeling your external energies. Consider spending time alone for meditation or prayer to become better attuned with the forces of the universe in which you find truth and power. Hope and change are the outgrowth of a focused consciousness. Difficulties which once seemed impossible to overcome may prove solvable, after all.
5. Help Build Community
You've probably heard the famous saying “may you live in interesting times.” Well, we certainly are. The world cries out for positive change in this moment – a goal that requires all of humanity to work together. To celebrate Universal Day, think about ways you might become active in your local community and make a difference. And while you're at it, don't forget to connect on social media with other members of the ULCM who are involved in this same fight:
Stay Connected
Digital technology has created a path to action, giving anyone with an internet connection the ability to contribute to causes they believe in. You might start an online petition and put pressure on those in power to push for reform. Or, if you’d rather get your feet on the pavement, consider joining a protest or march in your area (while abiding by all recommended safety guidelines, or contact organizations in your community that are asking for volunteers. And remember – the above is by no means an exhaustive list. No matter what participation in Universal Day looks like to you, know that we are all capable of effecting change in the world in our own ways.