Taking a Break: A Look Back at UU Lansing's Pledge Drives
by Ed Busch, UU Lansing church archivist
UU Lansing's 2026 pledge drive runs through October 4, so this week the Archives is stepping away from our usual look at a single newsletter or event. Instead, it's a good time to revisit the pledge drive stories we've shared over the past two years.
Pledge drives may feel routine, but the Archives show a long history of creativity, humor, and community, along with the ongoing challenge of raising the money needed to support our congregation.
2024: The 1970s and Early 1980s
In 2024, we looked at the different ways UU Lansing encouraged members to support the church, from the early 1970s through the colorful pledge drives of the early 1980s.
• UU Lansing Pledge Drives: A Journey Through History — Part 1
• Part 4: Unicorns and Cowboys — The Pledge Drives of 1980–1981
• Part 5: Pledge Drives of 1982–1983
A related post from the same decade:
• Joy, Justice, and Responsibility: Our Church in 1973
2025: The 1990s, 2000s, and 2010s
In 2025, we jumped ahead to the 1990s, 2000s, and 2010s. Along the way, we found more of the humor and creativity that has often accompanied the annual appeal, as well as reminders that the generosity of members has always been essential to the life of the congregation.
• Pledging: An Introduction to the Series
• Looking Back: The 1996 Pledge Drive
• A Scary Home Companion: UUs' Humor and Heart in the 2004 Pledge Drive
• A Legacy of Generosity: Reflecting on the 2015 Pledge Drive
Taken together, these posts show that while the language, themes, and fundraising techniques have changed over the decades, one thing has remained remarkably consistent: UU Lansing has depended on the generosity and participation of its members to make our shared work possible.
If you have a few minutes this week, take a look back at one or two of these stories. Our own pledge drive is part of that same continuing story.
Seeking Your Input
Do you remember a pledge drive theme, skit, slogan, or dinner from years past? Do you have photos, flyers, or other materials that could help tell these stories? The Archives would love to hear from you. Contact: uucgl.archives@gmail.com.
Acknowledgment
This post was researched and written by Ed Busch. AI writing assistants were used to help organize and refine the presentation of archival content. The research, archival work, and interpretive judgments are the author’s own.
About the Author
Ed is a retired Electronic Records Archivist from the Michigan State University Archives, with a background in digital preservation. He volunteers as archivist for UU Lansing, maintains this archives blog, serves on the Stewardship Team, and helps with Building and Grounds projects.
Sources
The earlier Archives blog posts linked above, each of which lists its own primary sources.