The ULC is proud to present the inaugural "Universal Day", a new holiday we created for ministers and members of our international church. We would like to invite all of our brothers and sisters in North Carolina to join us in participating this November 3rd. Universal Day is all about raising your voice to make a positive difference in your community. There are many ways you can celebrate and we encourage you to read more about how you can observe this special day below.
1. Become Ordained in North Carolina
If you are ready to join us, the first step is to get ordained with the Universal Life Church Ministries (assuming you haven't done so already). The ULCM can ordain anyone to be a minister who is of legal age and feels so-called. One of our foundational beliefs is that everyone has the right to express their faith as they see fit. The application to get ordained only takes a few minutes, and is completely free. We have included a link so you can start that process by using button below.
2. Vote in North Carolina
For centuries, societies across the world have utilized different forms of voting to guide their collective energy toward the future. Voting is a essential right we have earned and a great way to recognize Universal Day this November 3rd.
As a registered voter in North Carolina, you are eligible request an absentee ballot just by completing the application with your state linked below. Make that request ASAP to ensure you've applied in time. Don't forget that this year, more than ever, you need to leave plenty of time when you mail back your ballot so it can be counted on Universal Day!
Voter Registration Details
- In-person Registration Deadline: 10/9/2020
- Mail Registration Deadline: Postmarked 10/9/2020
- Online Registration Deadline: 10/9/2020
- Election-Day Registration: Yes, Pending Board Approval
Register to Vote
If you are not already registered to vote in North Carolina, it can be done by following the link here:
Taking Time Off Work
For all of those ministers who will be casting their vote in-person at the ballot boxes this Universal Day, we just ask that you take care to follow the safety advice handed down to us by medical professionals. Being currently employed means that you may be scheduled to work on voting day. If you are not yet versed in the policy of your employer, you should inquire to find out if they offer accommodations for those who need to get out an place their vote. In the rare case that they are not willing to give you time to go vote, we hope that you would use your participation November 3 in Universal Day to give you additional federal protection for observing a religious holiday. Hopefully that will give them motivation to grant you the necessary time off of work. Please keep in mind that you should cast your vote for leaders and causes that most align with your personal vision for the world.
3. Write to Elected Officials
The good news is, advocating for a better tomorrow doesn't have to end at the ballot box! Another good way of celebrating Universal Day is by making use of your voice to communicate directly with your elected representatives. Call them! Write to them! Make sure they know what you think is important, and what you think they should be doing to make the world a better place for everyone. It's their job to speak on your behalf; it's your job to ensure they know what you want to say! Enter your zip code below to view the contact information for your representatives and get in touch on Universal Day!
4. Meditate or Pray
As Gandhi so wisely reminded us, we must become the change we wish to see in the world. All progress starts at home. One vital way of marking Universal Day is setting aside some time to reflect and make contact with yourself. Whether you are centering these prayers around a higher being or nothing at all, that meditation can help you identify and isolate what truly matters in your life. With those marching orders in mind and your body and mind at peace, you are ready to go and make some real change!
5. Help Build Community
On many fronts, humanity finds itself at a crossroads. Brothers and Sisters of the Universal Life Church Ministries are bold, empowered, and energized individuals who are interested in exploring the big questions of the cosmos and working to achieve good in the world. Individually, they are formidable... but united, they are an unfathomable force. Connect with them using the links below!
Stay Connected
This Universal Day, we would also encourage you to (safely) band together with like minded people in your community to use your collective voices to help those in need and stand up for what is right.