Co-Chairs for 2006-2007: Ken Skog and Marilyn Reucking

The Prairie By-laws indicate that the Long Rang Planning Committee

"... shall make recommendations regarding the long-range objectives of the Society, its services to the community and to its members in the years to come. Problems of expansion, building, location, and area extension come within its purview."

Continuing duties of the Committee include

• Preparing a Long Range (5- year plan) and monitoring attainment of goals in the plan
• Leading revision of the Mission Statement as needed
• Learning of new UU planning resources and using them to aid in Prairie planning

Long Range planning goals for 2006-2007 include

1. Complete the Long Range (5-year ) plan for Prairie by May 2007
2. Aid the Board in determining objectives concerning building a new meeting house on the property owned by Prairie at Fitchburg Center by May 2007

The Draft Prairie Long Range plan includes the following topics

1. Bond of Union and Mission statement
2. A dream for the next five years
3. Strengths, challenges, and critical issues
4. Steps used in preparing and reviewing this plan
5. A working document of goals and actions to be taken to help reach those goals

Draft critical issues include

• Membership growth
• New leaders
• Programming and ministry
• Funding for the new building
• Professional ministry
• Cooperation with other UU congregations

Draft goals include

Goal #1 - Ministry and Programming Goal - Provide diverse, stimulating UU principles-related programming which attracts people of diverse ages and stages in life and promotes personal spiritual, intellectual, and emotional growth as well as caring behavior.

Goal #2 - Visitors and New Members Goal - Provide a friendly church community that reaches out to attract, welcome, and support visitors of all ages and quickly draws potential members and their children into a permanent relationship with the group.

Goal #3a - Community Involvement Goal -- Become known for our liberal activism and outreach in the wider community.

Goal #3b - Collaborate to Grow UUism in Our Area -- Become known for our liberal activism and outreach in the wider community.

Goal #4 - Improved Facilities Goal - Refine, finalize, and implement the plan for a new building on the Fitchburg property while staying financially viable.

Goal # 5 - Governance and Leadership Goal - Retain transparent, democratic procedures while nurturing and providing outlets for the talents of every member and friend of the congregation.