Summary Report from August 28, 2022 UU Marin Workshop
August 31, 2022
“Our Legacy, Our Turn” – Defining our Project for the Capital Campaign
The Workshop included some 45 participants including member-facilitators and those who participated on Zoom
Below is a compilation of feedback from the Breakout Groups. Numbers in parentheses indicate same or highly alike comments. The last section includes observations on some key takeaways.
Baseline Questions
Initial Reaction to proposed, general framework for a capital project?
“Renewal, Accessibility, Enhancement” framework and hierarchy is clear, accurate, thoughtful and/or works well (5)
Admiration for ambition to have a capital project and campaign (2)
Renewal is most important as the foundation (3)
How much renewal is needed – might be more than we think
Renewal plus other elements need to start now – maybe a 15 year project
Accessibility / elevator / ADA bathrooms are most important (5)
Revamped entryway is great
Creates more usable spaces, including courtyard with stage (2)
Important to connect project with our mission, and build connection to wider community
Water feature in back instead of courtyard would be safer, less water use if covered
Too utilitarian
What elements of this place struck you the most the first time you came to UU Marin?
Open (with lots of windows) and friendly, welcoming (4)
Great views (6)
Peaceful, hilltop location setting (5)
Courtyard and landscaped grounds (6)
Building not well cared for
Tolerance of all comers
High ceilings, but absence of aesthetics such as stained glass
Futuristic Questions – Priority Project Elements and Desired Outcomes
What would you like to see 10 years from now?
Bright, clean, open building, refresh sanctuary (2)
Lighter exterior colors to reflect the sun
Fully functional building – all spaces including for more kinds of renters (3)
7 principles fully in action, including with use of building and native plants and minimal impact on climate change (3)
Education center and Daycare for the community – with UU principles – year round (7)
Partnerships with the community, such as public library and open mic or musical events (2)
Congregation with diverse population
Repave patio and/or courtyard (2)
Umbrellas or covering for outside use
More parking (4)
Elevator and accessibility (5)
Wider corridor, easier access to courtyard (2)
More accessible labyrinth
Solar (2)
Playground and equipment for kids (3)
Remodel, update kitchen
Updated, ADA bathrooms (2)
Screen or cover balcony
Zoom technology in every room
If you were to win the lottery (or receive large, unexpected inheritance), what would be your first
priority?
Elevator and easy accessibility (3)
Progressive educational center and daycare (3)
Worry free, maintenance free building – designated fund for maintenance (3)
Solar (3)
Brighten the outside
Landscape improvement (3)
Replace sliding glass doors
Remodel or even Expand Fellowship Hall (3)
Top of Hill Chapel
Revised entryway
Main Challenges
Overall cost, may be too big of a number, the economy (3)
Too ambitious, may take too long (2)
Marcus’s upcoming departure
Stretching our human resources too thin to pull it off – are we doing too much? (2)
Overcoming the doubters (3); some of these concerns were initial reactions too)
Getting people to give
Sorting and selecting the priorities with consensus (4)
Inspiring and including all – even if can’t give money, volunteer opportunities (2)
Remote location on a Hill – will community come if we add enhancements (e.g., daycare) (2)
SOME KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR CAPITAL CAMPAIGN (OLOT) TASK FORCE
Our framework resonated: Renewal, Accessibility, Enhancement
13 mentions of elevator and accessibility, plus 2 more of ADA bathrooms and several for widened hallways and better access to courtyard
11 mentions of Education Center and Daycare or providing for children
8 mentions of Renewal as fundamentally important to preserve building / take care of deferred maintenance (roof, doors, windows, lower deck, sewage line and water barrier, etc.)
5 mentions of solar, plus 2 more regarding 7 th principle / reducing impact on climate change
Many comments – all a little different – about improving courtyard, grounds, easier access from building
Several comments about project being an opportunity to create community partnerships, bring in more, and different kinds of renters, being better positioned to stage community events
On balance the location (views, grounds) is seen as more of a plus than a challenge (“too remote”)
Thoughtful comments about tying our mission to building enhancements
Additional areas to address: parking concerns (4 mentions), and refreshing Fellowship Hall and kitchen (several mentions); should add to project relatively low cost items such as exterior paint
Entryway received a few priority mentions, could tie into refreshing Fellowship Hall
Patio and landscaping in back of Fireside Room were not mentioned as much; perhaps a lower priority
Regarding a capital campaign, there were a few doubters but no total naysayers