Who we are | What is our ministry
If you have ever wondered what the United Methodist Association of Communicators (UMAC) is, and who are its members, then look no further.
We are communicators, connectors, public relations gurus, news reporters, social media mavens, photographers, digital heroes and collectively the lead storytellers of The United Methodist Church.
As an organization, we are a professional association geared to support the work of every United Methodist communicator serving the Church throughout the connection through resources, engagement, continuing education, sharing of ideas, networking, spiritual support, and more.
Through our connectional nature and shared purpose, we continue to learn from each other new ways to share the story of the vast ministries at the heart of the mission and vision of The United Methodist Church in every corner of the world — from Portland, Oregon, to Miami, Florida, from Los Angeles to New York, from Minneapolis to Montgomery, Alabama, from the Philippines to Zimbabwe, and beyond. Around the world, our members are helping to connect churches and people, as well as those who are seeking a new faith community, to learn and understand the message and people of The United Methodist Church.
The United Methodist Association of Communicators also:
- Provides recognition, fellowship, and vocational enrichment for professional and volunteer communicators at all levels of the Church (local, district, conference, agency, institutions, foundations, etc.).
- Plan, participate in and support training and continuing education events.
- Develop standards and seek to enhance the professional quality of the work by United Methodist communicators;
- Assist in keeping members informed about developments in the communications industry and in promoting dialogue and discussion on technology and communication advocacy issues.
Who is eligible for membership?
Membership is open to any person working as an employee or volunteer in communications in any United Methodist local church, district, annual conference, jurisdiction, general church board or agency, foundation or related institution.
Also, any United Methodist Church member working in communications who is not employed by the United Methodist Church is welcome to become a member.
Why be part of UMAC?
UMAC is a stronger and richer community because of the knowledge and diverse communications experience of each of its members. United Methodist communicators have served in a vast number of communications professions for non-profits, government agencies, businesses, corporations, news and media companies, hospitals, and in other settings. Our communicators have been public relations directors, news reporters and editors, digital specialists, radio hosts, and much more. These diverse backgrounds offer the Church a wide variety of skills and communications expertise to help tell the story of United Methodism.
UMAC members also benefit from this diversity, and we believe there is great value in offering in sharing our skills with each other.
Benefits include:
- Participation in training and Continuing Education Credits (CEUs).
- Opportunity to network and expand professional relationships.
- Professional recognition and awards programs.
- Membership directory.
- Communicators Hall of Fame.
- Fellowship.
Join UMAC
Sign up to become a UMAC member today. The annual membership fee is just $150 for individuals working in the field of communications, a bargain compared to many other professional organizations’ fees.