Author: Jaco ten Hove

Approved by the Board April 21, 2026

Rationale: This role serves as a vital link between the UURMaPA Board and the Conference Planning team, which organizes an annual fall conference. It ensures that planning, content, and execution align with UURMaPA’s goals, budget, and policies. Additionally, it involves balancing proactive support for the Conference Planning Team with respect for the Board’s authority.

Since the fall of 2020, UURMaPA conferences have been held virtually on Zoom, with in-person pods in different regions across the continent. The fall conferences usually feature a theme presenter, presentations by UUA, UUMA, and UUSC representatives, opening and closing worship services, a remembrance service, odyssey presentations by a minister and a partner, and small group connecting rooms.

As a member of the UURMaPA Board, the Conference Coordinator attends monthly Board meetings (conducted online via Zoom and, if necessary, in person at an annual retreat), participates in decision-making, and takes on other duties as needed. Submits monthly reports to the Board and keeps the Conference Convener(s) informed about relevant Board activities.

Expectations: The Conference Coordinator is responsible for these tasks:

• Schedule conference dates at least two years ahead and ensure they do not coincide with major religious or secular holidays.
• Recruit a Conference Convener or conveners and work with them to update the Conference Planning Team job descriptions as needed. Also, assist in recruiting retired ministers and partners to join the team.
• Prepare projected income and expenses for the conferences and, in consultation with the UURMaPA Treasurer and Conference Convener(s), set the registration fee. Conferences must cover their costs through registration fees unless special circumstances allow for grants. Expenses for board members are charged to the Board rather than the conference budget. Obtain UURMaPA Board approval for any additional resources needed. After each conference, prepare a detailed income and expense report to share with the Conference Planning Team and the UURMaPA Board.
• Provide support for the Convener(s) and attend Conference Planning Team meetings as needed.
• Identify potential themes and theme presenters for the upcoming conference in collaboration with UURMaPA Board members and Convener(s).
• Create a preliminary schedule for fall conferences in coordination with the UURMaPA Board and the Conference Convener(s).
• Review the Conference Administrative Schedule and Timeline document with the Conference Convener(s) and ensure the Conference Planning Team is informed of tasks and deadlines.
• As Registrar, determine the appropriate times to open and close online registrations, manage different discount codes, inform those requesting a registration scholarship and those who have not yet attended a virtual conference about which code to use when registering, notify the Vice President and Passages Coordinator about the discount codes needed for inviting newly retired ministers and survivors, consistently review registrations, and regularly update the Planning Team and UURMaPA Board members.
• Send thank-you notes to planning team members and arrange for $25.00 InSpirit gift certificates for all Conference Planning Team members and Odyssey presenters following each conference.
• Be available after completing the term(s) on the Board to answer questions related to UURMaPA virtual conferences, if needed.
• If a new Tech Professional is needed, work with the UURMaPA Board to identify qualified candidates, conduct interviews, and recommend a finalist.

Compiled by Barbro Hansson, February 2025; Revised March 2026

Desired Learning Opportunities 

From Janet Tillman, UURMAPA Connections Coordinator

UURMAPA members were asked about the learning opportunities they would like to see available through UURMaPA’s Skill-Sharing Network. To date, the responses to this question are:

• Learn from others about maintaining a web site and presence on social media. I am working with a group of individuals who are working to preserve the oldest Universalist Church building in Canada. I see this as an opportunity to promote Universalism’s theology… including an annual Universalist re-union in Nova Scotia Canada.
• Explore with others about the direct line between Unitarian Universalism and the European Enlightenment. I see a theological thread that helps me to have optimism for our future.

As you can see, the sky is the limit regarding knowledge/skills to share and people’s desire for learning opportunities. 

• Is it possible that a facilitator (or co-facilitators) would be interested in a time-limited series of discussions about the direct line between Unitarian Universalism and the European Enlightenment? Groups of this nature could be an abbreviated version of a focused-interest group. Those not wishing to commit to an on-going general or focused-interest group may prefer a 6-8 session format exploring a particular topic.
• Is there someone out there who can share their skills maintaining a website as well as a presence on social media? 

If you can provide the requested skills noted above, or you have a skill to share or would like to add your desired learning opportunity to the Skill-Sharing Network, contact me at connections@uurmapa.org. 

“Perhaps the secret of living well is not in having all the answers but in pursuing unanswerable questions in good company.” -Rachel Naomi Remen

See also:

Skill-Sharing Network: What is it and how does it work?
Current Skills Being Offered 

Current Skills Being Offered 

From Janet Tillman, UURMAPA Connections Coordinator

Noted below are amazing skills offered by four generous UURMaPA members. Check these out to see if any are of interest to you. 

1. Beginning Spanish II – Jeff Jones

We have had a great start for the Beginning Spanish I classes via Zoom offered by Jeff Jones. 

Full Disclosure: I am one of eight ministers and partners in Jeff’s eight-week Beginning Spanish I class that began on April 2. I am thoroughly enjoying the class due to Jeff’s dynamic (yet gentle) teaching style. He is patient, has a great sense of humor, and knows his Spanish! I think everyone in the current class would agree that this is a terrific way to learn Spanish. Each class is interactive and great fun. 

Good News! There are three openings for Beginning Spanish II that starts Thursday, June 4 and ends on Thursday, July 23. The classes are from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. EDT. The classes require about 4 hours of homework per week. If you are interested, please contact Jeff at jeffjonesuu@aol.comby May 15. 

FYI: Part 3 will be in September – October and Part 4 will be in January – February 2027. 

Contact Jeff now while there are three spots available!

2. Composting/Recycling – Jaco ten Hove 
If you’re tossing out your household kitchen waste—such as coffee grounds, vegetable cuttings, eggshells—and you’re not recycling yard waste, such as leaves and grass clippings, you’re likely wasting all the good stuff! According to Jaco, all these items, which might otherwise end up in a landfill, can be productive in your compost bin. As an experienced (and certified!) Master Composter/ Recycler, Jaco can offer counsel and coaching on composting and recycling from general guidelines and pep talks to specific habits and routines that improve the odds for keeping your waste out of landfills. Join Jaco in his new Waste Diversion ministry. Contact Jaco at jbthishere@gmail.com for more information and/or to ask questions. 

3. Appreciating Technology + Tips on Maintaining an Old Building – Norm Horofker 
Norm is a retired mechanical engineer with plant management experience. He is happy to share his optimism for appreciating the present and the amazing future of technology. Norm also have experience maintaining old buildings. Contact Norm at nhorofker@aol.com to begin a conversation about technology or that old building you are maintaining. 

4. Sustainable Investing – Jim Zacharias
Are you invested in oil? Do your investments include tobacco and guns? Most of us simply don’t know where our money is invested. Many funds are not transparent about the screens they use to choose investments. As a result, we may unknowingly support industries and practices that go against our values. Jim believes there is a way forward. In his retirement Jim explored how to live sustainably — without worrying that his money is working against what he holds sacred. That search has been worthwhile, and Jim is glad to share what he has learned. If this resonates with you, Jim welcomes a conversation and wants to hear your story. You can contact Jim at jzacharias1@gmail.com or give him a call at 505-463-3128. 

If you are interested in learning the above skills or have questions about the skill being offered, contact the person offering the skill for more details.

I love those connections that make this big old world feel like a little village. – Gina Bellman

See also:
Skill-Sharing Network: What is it and how does it work?
Desired Learning Opportunities