Help your congregation get WISE

Sep 28, 2022

Conference, congregations can earn WISE designation 

Across the Wisconsin Conference, congregations are studying mental health and reflecting on the ways in which faith communities can be Welcoming, Inclusive, Supportive and Engaged, or WISE, following a vote by delegates at the 2022 Annual Meeting that launched the Conference on the path to being designated a WISE Conference. 

WISE is an official designation offered through the UCC Mental Health Network to congregations, conferences and other faith communities and organizations. 

To earn the WISE designation, at least 30 percent, or 64, Wisconsin Conference congregations must study the issue of mental health and submit a report confirming that they’ve done so. Deadline for congregations is March 1, 2023. 

The United Church of Christ Mental Health Network offers a wealth of resources, including resources for WISE Certification:  

• Guide for Becoming a WISE Congregation for Mental Health 
• How to Become a WISE Faith Community for Mental Health-10 updated steps for WISE Certification 
• Worship Resources 
• Congregational Toolkits 

Other mental health resources that may be helpful include: 

• National Alliance on Mental Illness 
• Mental Health America of Wisconsin  

Although the process requires only 30 percent of our congregations to study the issue by March, the Wisconsin Conference WISE Team has set an aspirational goal of having at least 10 percent, or 21, congregations achieve the WISE designation by June or be working toward WISE status.  

WISE Team members are available to provide support, guidance and encouragement. If you have questions about WISE or would like to connect with someone on the WISE Team, please contact Lisa Hart, associate conference minister for faith formation and justice ministries.