The Many Faces of Recognition

Each year the District Board solicits nominations for the BCD Unsung UU Award, which is presented at the District's annual meeting. Award recipients are individuals who have significant involvement in supporting, affirming, and promoting Unitarian Universalism within their own congregations and at the district or continental level. Nominees may also include individuals known for promoting the principles and purposes of Unitarian Universalism in the wider community as representatives of their congregation or as identifiable Unitarian Universalists. We look forward to receiving your Unsung UU nomination material in the Brockton office by March 4.

Each year, however, congregations are disappointed when the District does not select their nominees because the nominees have demonstrated exceptional commitment within their own congregations but not beyond. Why not initiate an Unsung UU award in your congregation? Congregations in the District already recognize outstanding service in a variety of ways. First Unitarian in Providence suggests a framed presentation of pictures and citations that can be assembled from year to year in a book. Murray Church in Attleboro has used the Unsung UU nomination process, regardless of the outcome, as a means of recognizing volunteers. The nomination is read at a Sunday service and published in a newsletter article. Members doing good works at the Brockton Universalist Unitarian Church receive award certificates during a service or other large gathering. Bridgewater has a couple of plaques honoring people for specific contributions. There are many ways to bestow public recognition for actions that may not receive the acknowledgement they deserve.

Eva Marx, BCD Board President (BCD in Brief, 3/2003)