Communication

In 2001, when Restoring the Soul first began as a county task force, an extensive survey was conducted to determine the socially engaged activity of 193 congregations. (There are now over 250 congregations in Boulder County.) Of the 75 (about 40%) who responded to this survey, one key finding was that congregations (43% of respondents) indicated interest in receiving timely information about human services needs in the community and/or in coordinating their activities with other congregations and community agencies.

This was one of the inspirations for founding our organization. Restoring the Soul fulfills its mission to further communication between diverse faith communities and social service organizations with two active projects: an email network which it manages for members and in-person presentations to various organizations which are potential sources of volunteers or collaborative projects.

Email Listserv

This email network is a free communication service for agencies and congregations to exchange information: announce events, discuss needs, network and explore partnerships. The information to be shared is managed by our staff so that the announcement emails are appropriate and limited to a modest number. Announcements are sent to 378 members. Subscribing and unsubscribing are simple and any qualified organization or interested individual can become a member. To initiate membership send an email to restoringthesoul@netzero.com describing the reason you would like to enroll and giving basic contact information for yourself or for your organization. Announcements you would like included in our monthly report can be sent to the same email address.

We are working on a calendar which will list members’ events. We will also create a link to the websites of those member organizations which wish to provide extended accessibility to people who visit Restoring the Soul’s new website.

In-person Presentations

Staff and Board members are available to visit your site and talk about Restoring the Soul: Faith and Community Partnerships’ work, ideas for successful collaboration and service opportunities. We have made presentations to Boards of Directors, staff, and members. If congregations and organizations become inspired to choose a volunteer collaborative relationship, Restoring the Soul provides services free of charge to assist in bringing these choices to fruition.

In the past several years, for example, we have made presentations to RSVP’s Board and Longmont and Boulder staff, Volunteer Connections’ Board and Staff, IHAD’s Board, the St.Vrain Community Council, the Shambhala Center’s Community Council, the JCC, the First Methodist Church, Novei Kodesh, the Unitarian Universalist Church, the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection, First Congregational Church Longmont, Bioneers, Spirit Keepers, Boulder Valley Rotary, BCAP and more. Some faith community presentations have taken place at Friday night or Sunday services.

Online Community: Ning

Our newest communication endeavor is hosting a Ning so that the lively and pertinent Forum discussions can continue among interested parties. You may have heard the Forums broadcast on KGNU, and you can also listen to past Forums on our website.

A Ning is an online platform which will allow members to engage in in-depth dialog on all the practical and passionate issues which arise during monthly Forum discussions and on other topics relevant to Restoring the Soul’s work.

Join us in developing Boulder County social capital by networking with others to encourage and support community development. Join our online community on Ning: restoringthesoul.ning.com.