1. Initiate the process. Introducing a new idea/change in approach may be the most critical step. Anyone may put forth the suggestion of having an RE Covenant: a president of a congregation, an RE Committee member, a minister, a religious educator, or an interested member of the congregation. As with introducing any new idea, have your facts st ",ght. Be able to make a case for pursuing this goal. What benefits do you see for yourself, for others, for the congregation? Make a fist. What issues would covenanting address? How are new ideas generally introduced successfully in your congregation? What risks might there be? What does your congregational climate support? Do you have a mission statement or previously agreed upon goals that this process would support? Does< it make sense at this time?
2. Talk to key stakeholders. Identify the key people who must sponsor this to make it work. Don't leave out any person or group whose cooperation is essential. Make a list. Approach one or two to test the water. Be prepared to make the case. Make a reasonable proposal consistent with how things are usually done. Listen for others' interest, take seriously any objections and work to remove them before proceeding. The process of "getting to yes" is as important as the outcome. Be clear about your goals. Talk it up. See if you can get "buy in." Have a timeline and a practical plan. Do your homework! Look for "red flags." Get a "green light" before proceeding.
3. Form a Covenanting Committee which includes representation that will insure acceptance of the results. This is vague as a general statement, but you should be able to translate it to your congregation's ways and means. For example, maybe the minister and the religious educator would propose members from the RE Committee and the Board. In another congregation the Board itself would serve as the Covenanting Committee. What is important is that the group represent the ministry and the congregation's interest in general and that understanding of the RE Program be sufficient for the task.
4. Use Theological Reflection. It might be as simple as each one saying what's important to them about RE, what the program's current strengths are, what they would like to see improved, and what their vision for the future of the RE program is. How does RE fit into the larger picture of mission and congregational identity? You might consider having an outside facilitator to work with your group. Covenant Facilitators are available in most districts now.
5. Explore Options and Resources. What might be done? Who might do it? What resources could be developed? What changes would improve the program? Brainstorm first, then narrow it down to the realistic and desirable. Come up with some specific actions to be taken. Identify who will do what.
6. Specifically consider the role of the Religious Educator. Do existing arrangements serve the new vision well? Does the job description need clarifying or updating? Are there provisions for growth and learning on the job? Does the congregation see the religious educator as an asset? Is there a need to re-negotiate existing agreements consistent with changed circumstances or new vision? How can this be accomplished?
7. Make commitments. The heart of the covenant is what is willingly agreed to by the parties to it. Put it in writing! Have the governing board give its approval. Publicize it to the congregation with pride. Build in a periodic review to check on how it is going. Register your covenant with the UUA RE Department so that they can know and support your efforts.

If it ain't broke.... If you believe you already have in existing covenant, implicit or explicit, and that all parties are in agreement, try writing something down on paper and sharing it, if all parties recognize it and agree to it, then it can be brought to your governing board for its approval. Send a copy in to the RE Department or a letter acknowledging that you are a congregation covenanted for excellence in RE!