LOOKING FOR WAYS TO GIVE BACK TO STAR ISLAND?

PLEASE LET US KNOW ABOUT YOUR INTERESTS IN VOLUNTEERING THROUGH THE ISAUU OR THE SHOPS ON STAR.

who we are

The Isles of Shoals Association, Unitarian Universalist (ISAUU) is a non-profit organization with a mission to support the Star Island Corporation, the conferences and activities held on the island, and its facilities. Our Association makes substantial annual financial contributions to the Star Island Corporation Annual Fund. We also directly support individual conferences through grants that fund conference programming, offer financial grants to clergy and religious educators attending Star Island for the first time, and fund short-term unbudgeted projects for Star Island, including Island enhancements and amenities such as technology, rocking chairs, rowboats, sports or musical equipment, and other projects of benefit to the entire community. 

The most visible part of our work is the running of the Shops on Star – the Gift Shop, the Book Shop, and the Lobby Store. These shops generate the income that the ISAUU uses to fund the above activities. More information is available here: https://www.shoals.org/

HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED?

The ISAUU seeks qualified candidates to serve on its Board of Directors. Board members serve three-year terms, with potential total service of nine years (twelve for individuals serving as President). We meet approximately seven times per year, typically via zoom. Expectations of Board Members include the following:

  • Membership in the ISAUU (https://www.shoals.org/become-a-member).

  • Attendance at most meetings. 

    • Contribute opinions to group discussions and vote on Board matters. Work in a collegial environment to further the mission of the ISAUU.

  • Participate in at least one committee, and, at some point during Board tenure, likely serve as chair of a committee (committees described below).

  • Consider serving in a Board leadership role of President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. 

    • While not all members of the board will serve in one of these roles, it is important that members are willing to consider stepping into leadership positions if there is a need and a fit with one’s skills.

The ISAUU also frequently seeks candidates to serve on the Shops on Star Committee. Committee members meet a range of needs including buying merchandise to sell on the island (including jewelry, toys, games, clothing, accessories, books, stationery, and souvenirs), and serving as Volunteer Coordinator, Secretary, Treasurer, Chair, and Assistant Chair. Shops committee work is extensive and time-consuming, requiring a dedicated commitment. 

If you have questions, please email islesofshoals@gmail.com. 

ISAUU and Shop on Star Committee Interest Form

ISAUU BOARD COMMITTEES

Webmaster (ISAUU website, social media for ISAUU and Shops)
Our webmaster updates the ISAUU website a few times a year and updates social media regularly.
SKILLS NEEDED: Ability to edit websites and develop social media presence to raise awareness and support of ISAUU and the Shops on Star.
WHEN: Ongoing.

Religious Professionals Grants Committee 
This committee oversees the religious professionals grant process whereby the ISAUU financially supports religious professionals coming to Star as a conferee for the first time.
SKILLS NEEDED: Commitment to reading grant applications, responding to emails from the committee chair, and participating in zoom meetings regarding applications (1-3 meetings).
WHEN: Work primarily occurs in April, May and July.

Conference Grants Committee 
This committee oversees the conference grant process whereby the ISAUU financially supports conference programming.
SKILLS NEEDED: Commitment to reading conference grant applications, responding to emails from the committee chair, and participating in zoom meetings regarding applications (1-2 meetings).
WHEN: Work primarily occurs February-April.

Nominating Committee
This committee solicits nominations for new ISAUU BOD members, considers candidates, and communicates with candidates regarding roles and responsibilities.
SKILLS NEEDED: Commitment to gathering candidate names with efforts to cast a wide net among people committed to Star Island, responding to emails from the committee chair, and participating in zoom meetings regarding nominations (2-4 meetings).
WHEN: Work primarily occurs August-October.

Membership Committee 
This committee updates ISAUU membership records, conducts targeted campaigns to increase membership, and communicates regularly with membership.
WHEN: Ongoing 

Shops on Star Advisory Committee At-Large Members 
At-Large members will serve on the Shops Advisory Committee, which will engage in organizational level decision-making regarding the Shops’ operations. They will attend Shops Advisory Committee meetings (2-3 per year).
SKILLS NEEDED: An understanding of the Shops on Star, business operations, sales, or management.
WHEN: Ongoing

Sample Shops on Star Committee Role
Shops on Star Buyer: A buyer is a critical member of the Shops on Star committee and is responsible for selecting merchandise, placing orders with vendors, submitting orders in a timely manner, recording orders in Square point of sales system, re-ordering based on sales activity, and noting dependable vendors for the future. Buyers are supported by the Shops on Star Committee Chair, Assistant Chair, and Treasurer. Each buyer is responsible for a specific buying category (e.g., clothing, jewelry, books) and the corresponding budget for the season. A buyer may have more than one category or share a category with another team member. Buyers interface with the Shops on Star on-island summer staff to get updates on inventory sales, feedback on merchandise, and to respond to questions about product shipments. 

While the shops are active/open May to mid-September, the primary buying season is January through mid-May, with additional re-orders and new product purchases occurring through the end of July. 

SKILLS NEEDED: Knowledge of product category, strong communication, familiarity with Square, excellent organizational ability, and good budget management skills.

Estimated time commitment: 

  • 1-5 hours/week January-May depending on your buying category. This is a critical time requiring quick turnaround on communications with the committee and vendors.

  • 1-2 hours/week June-September

  • 3-5 hours/month October-January

Job Descriptions for all Shops on Star Committee positions are available upon request.