Updates from the January 2025 Trustee Meeting

By Judy Van Cleave, secretary, Urantia Foundation, Idaho, United States

Five-Year Planning

Mo Siegel began the meeting by reviewing the five-year goals that were established during the planning session last October. He shared his list of primary areas of concern that will need attention. He identified board members to assign each of the eight goals to, instructing them to prepare a road map for accomplishing their goal in a half-page report. He gave special thanks to Joanne Strobel for her work in organizing the planning. Lastly, he observed how blessed we all are to be working on the beginning stages of this revelation, and quipped: “We won the lottery.”

Books

Despite a slow fourth quarter, 2024 concluded with increases across most categories of book sales. The year-to-date figures show encouraging growth, with an 8% increase in sales from 2023. This growth was particularly evident in Spanish, Portuguese, and French Urantia Books. The new paperback version of The Untold Story of Jesus was well received and sales of this book were robust as well.

Sales of the English hardcovers were strong in Q4. Paperback sales were down for the quarter but were up 4% YTD. The Cambridge LeatherSoft books will be ready for sale in early April. These books are very popular and will help boost English sales in the coming quarters.

Education

The Urantia Book International School began enrolling students for the new trimester on January 6. A total of 215 unique individuals were enrolled in 18 courses, which are being facilitated by 27 volunteers from six language branches. A “beta course” in Simplified Chinese characters was also launched with 14 participants. The monthly Spotlight Series continued in English and Spanish.

Tamara Strumfeld reported on the activities of the online Urantia Book Study Group Directory. During the final quarter of 2024, significant improvements were made to streamline the management of the directory. Scott Brooks and his tech partner developed and implemented a system to track nonresponsive study group hosts worldwide. What previously required extensive volunteer hours is now more automated.

The support of Urantia Association International, the Urantia Book Fellowship, and Urantia Foundation in this joint project demonstrates a unified commitment to foster study groups and exemplifies our desire to support the expanding worldwide Urantia community.

The Education Committee reported on their plans to sponsor Science Symposium IV, November 6–8, 2025. Marjorie Ray, biochemist and longtime symposium contributor, will once again serve as emcee. This series has been held every three years, and past presenters will be extended an advance invitation. This event will take place in a hybrid format, with presenters having a choice of travelling to Chicago to stay at the Foundation or participating remotely by Zoom. More information will be forthcoming.

Fundraising and Finances

• Q4 unrestricted donations totaled 7% above Q4 of 2023 and 3% above Q4 budget.

• Restricted donations totaled 117% above Q4 of 2023 but 10% below Q4 budget.

• Q4 estate gifts totaled $365,446.

• Total income increased 15% compared to Q4 of 2023 and was 51% over budget.

• Administrative expenses were up 16% compared to Q4 of 2023 and were 11% over budget.

• Total expenses increased by 6% from Q4 of last year but remained 14% under budget.

Cultural Advisory Council (CAC)

The Cultural Advisory Council was established to enhance the cultural wisdom and awareness of the Foundation’s dissemination efforts while acquainting council members with the work of Urantia Foundation, so that both may better serve the readership within their cultures.In 2025, the CAC members will begin organizing meetings between the Foundation and their communities. Jisoo Han of South Korea has volunteered to go first and will organize a meeting for spring. The cohort will continue to meet quarterly throughout the year and attend all of the community meetings. In the second half of 2025, a new cohort will be organized for 2026.

Translations

Georges Michelson-Dupont presented his 105th translation report. The Esperanto and Filipino teams continue to make progress on their translations. The Portuguese team is celebrating the completion of its revision of O Livro de Urântia and plans to gather feedback from readers are underway.

The Spanish Revision

The Spanish Revision Strategic Planning Team, which includes Tamara Strumfeld, Victor García-Bory, Gaetan Charland, Marilynn Kulieke, Olga López, Georges Michelson-Dupont, and Mo Siegel, presented an extensive overview of the history and issues concerning the Foundation’s Spanish translations. A long and in-depth conversation followed with members of the expanded board.