Mark your calendars! The Universal Life Church Ministries is creating a new holiday, Universal Day, and we're inviting all our members in Oklahoma to join us in celebrating on November 3. There are all sorts of ways to mark the day – browse the guide below for ways to observe this exciting occasion in your state.
1. Become Ordained in Oklahoma
Have you had the opportunity to become ordained yet? If not, that’s step one! The Universal Life Church Ministries is proud to tear down the traditional barriers to ordination and provide a clear process on our website for anyone who feels so-called. The application itself takes less than five minutes to fill out; if you're interested, just click the button below to begin!
2. Vote in Oklahoma
As individuals, we may not have the power to change the world overnight, but we can definitely elect leaders who will actualize our visions for a better future. Casting a vote is the most straightforward way to make your voice heard by those in power. As part of Universal Day, we'd encourage you to get involved in the democratic process by filling out and casting a ballot!
If you live in Oklahoma and are registered to vote there, you can receive an absentee ballot and safely vote from home! You'll have to apply with your state - below you'll find a link to that application for you to fill out and send in. Please do remember to request and then return your ballot ASAP so it gets tallied on Universal Day!
Voter Registration Details
- In-person Registration Deadline: 10/9/2020
- Mail Registration Deadline: Postmarked 10/9/2020
- Online Registration Deadline: Not Available
- Election-Day Registration: Not Allowed
Register to Vote
Haven't had a chance to register to vote in Oklahoma? It may not be too late – follow the link here to get registered:
Taking Time Off Work
These are not ideal times to be voting in-person, public health officials have provided specific guidelines and safety measures that they're encouraging people to follow to stay healthy. On this Universal Day, please keep those in mind if you plan to vote at a polling location. Employers are also required to make certain accommodations to their employees – among them the ability to participate in the voting process. Check with the HR department to better understand how the policy works if you're not familiar with it. And if for whatever reason your workplace decides to deny your request for time off to vote, we'd encourage you to remind them of the laws around reasonable accommodations for religious holidays. As an official religious holiday, on November 3 your employer ought to be flexible in allowing you to observe Universal Day. No matter how you choose to vote, remember to make sure your ballot aligns with your vision and values.
3. Write to Elected Officials
But the work doesn't end there! Once you've taken that basic step of voting, consider other strategies to make your voice heard. For example, you might establish a line of communication with your elected officials directly and let them know what policies you support to bring about positive change in the world. We've even created a database of contact information for elected representatives in your area. Input your zip code below to see who represents you and how to get in touch with them!
4. Meditate or Pray
Making your voice heard by others is undoubtedly important, but don't neglect opportunities to connect with your inner self. Organizing your thoughts through meditation, prayer, or some other exercise can be key to realizing change in the outside world. With so much work to be done, it’s vital that you do everything possible to ensure success. Keeping your mind and body aligned should not be overlooked.
5. Help Build Community
You have already demonstrated a propensity for leadership by nature of becoming a member of the Universal Life Church Ministries. It is our hope that Universal Day provides an additional platform from which to launch effective organizing and community-building efforts. We’re consistently inspired by the work that our ministers undertake in their communities, and we encourage you to connect with your fellow ULCM members to join forces to advocate for positive change.
Stay Connected
By working together with others toward a common goal, you are guaranteed to increase the reach and effectiveness of your efforts. So go forth and make your mark!