Thank you so much for the work you are doing locally and for your interest in Tending SOIL!  

We designed our application process to help you discern if Tending SOIL is right for your team this year and less as a competition for a mythical “best.” Our hope is that most interested teams will be able to participate in SOIL. Priority will go to teams already involved in Side with Love.

Discernment & Application Process

1) Watch the required info session by November 20th:

• Sign up and attend the Nov 15 session live OR

• View the recording on this page

2) Build your SOIL team of at least 3 people.

• Use this Worksheet for tips & tracking

3) Team Dreaming & Discernment Form, due Nov 20th

• Use this worksheet to preview questions & draft responses

4) Meet with Tending SOIL Staff for Team formation and discernment conversation by November 30th:

• Schedule a get to know you session with our staff (with at least 2-3 people from your team)

5) Congregational Leader Endorsement Form. Ask a congregational leader to fill out a brief endorsement form. Due November 30th.

• Sample email to share with your minister/board.

• Endorsement Form

6) Individual Discernment & Intake Form - each participant fills out this form. Due November 30th.

• Use this worksheet (2nd tab) to preview questions & draft responses.

Acceptance criteria

• Completed our Discernment Process (steps 1-6) by November 30th

• Have a team of at least 3 who have filled out the individual app

• Readiness assessment from staff (based on discernment forms, team meeting, and endorsement form) 

• If we have more teams than we can accept, priority goes to teams who already participate in Side with Love programs. 

If you decide that you are no longer interested in Tending SOIL this session, please let us know! 

Contact us: tendingsoil@uua.org, 617-948-4666

Bonus: here is Side with Love’s Organizing Framework with a self-assessment and Resource Bank that we encourage you to use, whether or not you proceed with Tending SOIL.