Regionalization

Delegates to the Annual Meeting in 2013 will be asked to decide whether PSD will merge with two other districts to create the MidAmerica Region.

• The PSD Board unanimously voted to work collaboratively with the Boards of the Central Midwest District and Heartland District to create a regional governance entity to replace the three individual districts.
• The six MidAmerica staff members (shown below) are already working cooperatively to offer services and programs to UU congregations in the area on the map.

For continuing updates on regionalization see the MidAmerica Blog. 

MidAmerica Region

Mid-America Region is composed of three Districts:

• Prairie Star District
• Central Midwest District
• Heartland District

What Regionalization Means for Prairie Star District

Regionalization is proceeding on two fronts: Governance and Services to Congregations

Governance

• In November 2011, PSD Board unanimously voted to work collaboratively with the Boards of the Central Midwest District and Heartland District to create a regional governance entity to replace the three individual districts. Read a letter from PSD President Kathy Burek about this decision.
• In the spring of 2011, the Boards of the three Districts each approved a statement of collaboration or cooperation. Read the three statements.
• View slides from a workshop given by the PSD Board at the April 2011 PSD Annual Conference to find out what was happening then.

For questions or comments on governance issues contact Kathy Burek, Pairie Star District President, kpburek [at] comcast [dot] net (subject: Regionalization) .

Services to Congregations

Regionalization for PSD will mean sharing the services of district field staff. We will be moving over the next 12 to 18 months to having all six co-employed staff from the three districts serve the whole region. The process has already begun with the online workshops offered twice monthly—workshops planned and hosted by all six staff members and made available to congregants in all three districts.

Starting September 1, 2011, Nancy Combs-Morgan, currently with Heartland District, will work with youth and young adults in all three districts.

When transition happens

• Your first call for help will be the District staff you already know
• Each staff member will be able to assist you with his or her knowledge and experience
• When you need to go deeper, they may refer you to one of their colleagues
• We will build on existing relationships, but not be restricted by them
• You’ll see a growing use of technology to serve congregations over districts.

For questions or comments on regionalization of services to congregations, contact Nancy Heege, Prairie Star District Executive, nheege [at] psduua [dot] org (subject: Regionalization) .

Regional Field Staff