Inclusion Accessibility Ministry (IAM)
Team Leader: Levi Dokken
When Unity Christ Church hired our current music director Lori Dokken we were blessed to have her nephew Levi join our community at the same time. Levi has been attending Unity Christ Church for approximately three years. Levi has been a Youth Education volunteer and a member of the choir. Levi was unable, do to a scheduling conflict, to be part of the original accessibility committee. When Levi was told the committee’s work was finished but that a new accessibility ministry was forming he jumped at the chance to be included in the new ministry.
The mission of Unity Christ Church is that “we are an inclusive and welcoming spiritual community, transforming lives as we celebrate, honor, and affirm the divine presence in every person.” The sign greeting visitors to our spiritual community lets people know that where ever they are on their spiritual journey they are welcome here. To truly be welcome the facilities and activities of the church must be easily accessible to all. Levi believes in the mission and vision and through his leadership and the activities of the IAM ministry “is excited to make our spiritual home inclusive to all, a place where all feel welcome.”
Mission Statement:
In the consciousness of the I AM, we are committed to raising the consciousness around Inclusion and Accessibility issues within our community of worship, education and social expression by developing and demonstrating protocols of response through communication with the Director of Sacred Services and other ministries as identified.
Vision Statement:
All who encounter Unity Christ Church through worship, education, or social expression experience an inclusive accessibility, feel limitless in their ability to participate at the level of their choice thereby reaching their greatest and highest potential.
Responsibilities and Initiatives:
- The Accessibility Ministry will take the lead along with the Director of Sacred Services in developing education and training for all ministries on accessibility awareness and issues.
- Special attention will be given to training with the welcome, ushers, and prayer chaplain ministries concerning when and how to offer assistance, seating to facilitate ASL interpretation, assistance in getting through doorways, and in general raising the awareness of the needs of the various populations we serve as a community.
- Identify issues and develop programs to raise consciousness of everyone in our spiritual community to appreciation and respond accordingly to individuals with accessibility challenges.
- Develop training in the youth and family ministry for special needs children in the youth education program.
- To raise the consciousness and help facilitate living the principles of the Unity Christ Mission and Vision statements.