See below for the full press release regarding an opening on the Board for a young adult — please share!
What is UTO?
The United Thank Offering (UTO) began in 1883 with a thank offering gathered by the Women’s Auxiliary in response to the needs expressed in the mission field. From this first offering, the women continued to organize and support innovative mission and ministry in the Episcopal Church, including the funding and support of female missionaries. In 1970, by an act of General Convention, the United Thank Offering and its leaders were charged with encouraging and building up gratitude in all members of The Episcopal Church. We take this work seriously, but we do it joyfully with creativity and compassion. The UTO Board is also charged with overseeing and distributing the annual ingathering of thank offerings through a granting process to The Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion. Each year, the Board manages the grant process from the focus and criteria to choosing which applicants will be awarded.
What do Young Adult Board members do?
- Young Adult Board members (there are two) are full members of the volunteer UTO Board with voice and vote. All Board members serve a three-year term with the ability to serve a second term.
- Participate fully in the yearly grant process, including serving on the Grants Committee.
- Have the opportunity to participate in TASC groups (small groups convened to work on creative projects that will propel the cause of gratitude in the church in conventional and unconventional ways) following the leadership model outlined in Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead.
- Try new things! We encourage all Board members to try something new around gratitude, so you might lead a webinar, write a brochure, do a social media campaign, create a virtual race … these are just some examples of things past Young Adult Board members have done.
- Opportunities to see parts of the Episcopal Church, both in the U.S. and potentially abroad, with travel expenses paid by the Memorial Trust Fund.
What are the skills needed?
- Grateful and gracious
- Curiosity and creativity
- Self-starter and organized
- Passionate about God’s work
- Episcopalian between the ages of 18-27 (to serve a 3-year term they can’t yet be 30)
Ready to apply?
The application form can be found here. All applications need to be submitted by June 15, 2021, to be considered. If you need help or have any questions, please contact Heather Melton, Staff Officer for The United Thank Offering.