Universal Day is a newly-created official religious holiday of the ULC. On November 3, we encourage you to take part by celebrating this exciting occasion in Ohio. There are many different ways to observe Universal Day, and we'll list some of our favorite ideas below. However, there is no “right” way to celebrate this holiday. You are welcome to follow the suggestions laid out here on this page, or create your own unique traditions. Acting in the spirit of brother and sister-hood is what is most important! Here are some ideas for how to participate:
1. Become Ordained in Ohio
The first step, if you haven't already done so, is to become a minister with the Universal Life Church Ministries! Becoming ordained is completely free and the application required just a couple minutes to fill out. Click this link below to get started:
2. Vote in Ohio
Participating in the democratic process is one of the simplest ways to make your voice heard, which makes it the perfect strategy for marking Universal Day.
If you are a registered voter in Ohio, you can request an absentee ballot by filling out an application on the state government’s website. We've included a direct link below to save you some time. Ohio laws don't ask voters to provide a reason for why they need an absentee ballot, but you should request it as soon as possible. There are also some key dates that will be important to remember -- you'll find those here on this page. One other important note: state election officials recommend mailing your ballot ASAP in case of any potential delays.
Voter Registration Details
- In-person Registration Deadline: 10/5/2020
- Mail Registration Deadline: Postmarked 10/5/2020
- Online Registration Deadline: 10/4/2020
- Election-Day Registration: Not Allowed
Register to Vote
If you haven't had the chance to register to vote, you can do so using the link below!
Taking Time Off Work
If you are voting in-person, be careful to follow all necessary safety precautions recommended by the CDC and your local public health authority. For those lucky enough to be currently employed, your employer should provide reasonable accommodations to allow you to vote either during an early voting period, or on election day. And know this, too: if your employer is not willing to make such accommodations, you can request the day off to observe Universal Day as a religious holiday. Under federal law, employers cannot discriminate based on religion and thus are typically willing to work with employees to allow them time off to observe religious holidays. Whether you've got your ballot in hand or you are standing in a polling box, voting your convictions is always the best course of action.
3. Write to Elected Officials
Another great way to participate in Universal Day is by writing a letter to the elected officials that represent you. Don't mince words: let them know where you stand on the issues, and where you think they could be doing a better job. Remember, they are public figures, but at the end of the day they work for you. If they're not accurately representing the views of their district, you should feel empowered to let them know about it! You can contact your elected representatives using the information below.
4. Meditate or Pray
Getting in touch with your spiritual side is another great way to mark Universal Day. No matter which higher power(s) you choose to speak to (even if it’s none at all – that’s always fine too!), spending time alone to meditate, pray, or center yourself in another way can be instrumental in refocusing your energy on what’s important. There is always more work to be done, but progress comes most easily when we are feeling mentally and spiritually at 100%.
5. Help Build Community
As part of Universal Day, consider taking on a larger role in your community by helping out those in need or banding together with other like minded folks to demand change. Any successful community requires people to work together. And while a single voice can be powerful, the noise of a collective group is much harder to ignore. On that front, be sure to connect with your fellow ULC members on social media!
Stay Connected
Direct action can come in many forms. In the digital universe, online petitions are a popular way to put pressure on legislators and other folks in power. If you're comfortable going out in the community, reach out to local organizations that need volunteers or (safely) join up with a protest. No matter how you choose to celebrate Universal Day, we urge you to stay true to its underlying ideals and always pursue what you believe in.