MDD Cover (DRAFT)

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WHO DO WE SEND THIS TO
Chalice Lights
Mountain Desert District
2242 South Albion Street
Denver, Colorado 80222-4906

December 7, 2008

Dear WHO DOES THIS GO TO,

We the Board of South Valley Unitarian Universalist Society (SVUUS), on behalf of our congregation, professional staff and the broader community which we serve, are honored to submit to you our application for assistance through the Chalice Lighters Program. We have an important building, growth and service project in need of support. We call it the Welcoming Building Project .
“You are welcome here, no matter your age, your size, the color of your eyes, your skin. You are welcome here, no matter whom you love, how you speak or whatever your abilities..." SVUUS Welcome

Everyone is welcome at South Valley Unitarian Universalist Society. Our welcoming spirit is a celebration of diversity, as well as a part of our commitment to work towards a more just and compassionate world. Unfortunately, our building is not so welcoming. Kitchen, restrooms, religious education classrooms and social hall are all located on a lower level, accessible only by stairs. It is also a challenge for a transgender or transitioning participant to find a gender-neutral restroom. In a community dedicated to inclusion, we find ourselves excluding on a daily basis.

This year, the Welcoming Building Project will connect SVUUS’ program floors with an elevator and install a fully accessible, gender-neutral restroom on the main level. Once physical accessibility is addressed, an evaluation will identify other areas where SVUUS’ public programs are not in full alignment with our commitment to participation and inclusion by all. Initial estimates are that membership and community participation could expand by as much as 20% in the first year after the Welcoming Building Project is complete.

We are requesting a Full Call from the MDD Chalice Lighters program in support of this project. We invite the MDD Chalice Lighters to join us in truly welcoming participation by people of every ability and gender identity in the humanitarian, educational, artistic and cultural activities of our congregation.

Sincerely,

John C. Hilke (Board Secretary)