UMAC Networks

The UMAC leadership team has among its goals for the year to include more ways for communicators to learn from each other and to connect outside of our annual meeting. So we’re launching a series of webinars titled “UMAC Networks.” These are topic-focused opportunities to hear stories from communicators and to learn what they learned in various circumstances. The idea is to build community online, to learn skills that will help us better resource churches, conferences and agencies. And it will help you connect with fellow communicators across the denomination.

Check this page periodically for new opportunities.

Coming Up

Check back on this page to learn about upcoming webinars and Zoom meetings about topics pertinent to communications ministry. Don’t miss out on learning new skills while also getting to know more of your colleagues across the United Methodist connection.

View Previous Networks Opportunities

The Basics of On-Boarding

The Basics of On-Boarding for Communicators, led by Mary Catherine Phillips, Director of Communications for the Alabama-West Florida.

Mary Catherine offered an overview of best practices and processes for on-boarding new staff and volunteers. She also shared how to get the most as a participant in on-boarding new Conference leadership.

Podcasting 101

Todd Rossnagel, Communicator in Louisiana and 2020 UMAC communicator of the year, led participants through a conversation about podcasting. He shared why podcasting is so popular, how you can start a new podcast, how to conduct great interviews, equipment to buy, and how to share your podcast on social media.. This webinar was recorded April 14, 2021.

Communication Tools to Navigate 2021

The Rev. Dr. Karin Walker, senior pastor of Fallston United Methodist Church and an experienced mediation coach, was the featured guest for this discussion on key skills needed to instill confidence for dealing with difficult conversations that trigger high emotions. The webinar explored how to understand the issues and ways to de-escalate the rhetoric, ask powerful questions that will shape positive responses, and identify ways to hone your skills for clear communication with peers and supervisors.. This webinar was recorded Feb. 24, 2021.

Dismantling Racism: Part 2

ABC journalist Kenneth Moton is the featured guest in a discussion that explores how communicators must always monitor the types of stories they cover because privilege can, at times, impact editorial decisions. Moton provides insight into how to examine workflow and how he and other members of the media process and manage misinformation. This webinar was recorded Jan. 27, 2021.

Dismantling Racism: The Role of the Communicator

In this webinar, panelists examined the role of communicators in this important work and opportunities for impact and change. Panelists included Bishop Cynthia Moore Koikoi of the Western Pennsylvania Conference; Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton of the New York Conference; Garlinda Burton, interim general secretary of the General Commission on Religion and Race; and Teresa Faust, senior manager of research and metrics for United Methodist Communications. Dr. Larry Hygh Jr. moderated this discussion on Dec. 9, 2020.

Communicating with Audiences Who Disagree

The Rev. Dr. Susan Henry-Crowe, general secretary of the General Board of Church and Society shares best practices for communicating to an audience that isn’t of one mind — a situation we all face. Evelyn Warren, a member of the UMAC leadership team and global marketing professional, moderated the conversation Oct. 21, 2020.

Communicating Disaster: Sharing Situational Awareness in Context and Chaos

Each of our communities has been impacted by natural disasters, such as hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes, flooding, or mudslides. West Virginia Conference Director of Communications Deborah Coble and Louisiana Conference Director of Communications Todd Rossnagel moderated a panel discussion Sept. 23, 2020.