Governance at Unitarian Universalist Congregation Atlanta

2010-03-25T15:01:00.001-04:00

Rock the (UUCA) Vote?!

Greetings from the Bylaws committee of your Board of Trustees! Being a member of the Bylaws Committee may not sound like the most exciting job…but it has given us the opportunity to explore issues essential to our congregation. One of these important issues is the manner in which UUCA puts into action our fifth Unitarian Universalist principle: the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large.

With our May 23rd congregational meeting quickly approaching, the Board is considering ways to help foster the inclusion of as many members’ voices as possible in congregational decision-making. One tool that the Board is considering is absentee voting, and we want you to start thinking about this, too. We want to explore members’ thoughts and ideas about whether and how absentee voting could be used to increase the ability for all of us to be heard and counted in our democratic process.

Check this column in next month’s newsletter for more information, and be sure to put our congregational meeting on your May calendar. While we will not be making any decisions about absentee voting at that meeting, we will be presenting possibilities and seeking your input on the role this tool could play at UUCA. We want your perspective – so don’t be absent for this one!

The Board of Trustees Bylaws Committee

P.S. If you are curious about what our denomination is doing in regard to the “Fifth Principle”, you can read more at http://www.uua.org/aboutus/governance/board-appointedcommittees/fifthprinciple/index.shtml.

February Board Newseltter

2010-03-07T07:29:00.001-05:00

The February edition of the Board newsletter is now available.

February 28, 2010 Board Newsletter

Sample Newsletter

2010-01-29T13:25:00.001-05:00

The Board is considering new bi-monthly newsletter to help strengthen communication with the congregation. Please let us know your thoughts.

January 2010 Board Newsletter

Introduction to Governance

2010-01-29T12:48:00.006-05:00

The UUCA Board of Trustees speaks with one voice through written policies.

Policy-based governance is intended to:

elevate the voice and vision of congregation as the driving force behind what we do
empower and free congregants to work together creatively to realize their visions
clarify roles of staff and board
ensure accountability for achieving shared outcomes

These written governing policies address each category of organizational decision at the broadest level. The four main sections are:
a. Ends: The difference we make in the world.
b. Executive Limitations: Constraints on executive authority that establish the prudence and ethics boundaries within which executive activity and decision must take place.
c. Board Governance: Specification of how the Board conceives, carries out, and monitors its own task.
d. Board-Executive Linkage: How authority is delegated and its proper use monitored.

Ends Statements - The difference we make in the world.

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Acting out of our values, and in accordance with our mission, UUCA will give to the world:

A vibrant faith community for spiritual seekers that worship together, embracing lifelong religious learning and respecting different spiritual journeys.
A loving community that provides support and care for others through both the best and the most difficult of times.
A safe and welcoming community where all are valued.
Children and youth, centered in the values of our religious community and nurtured in love, who are compassionate leaders in seeking justice and peace.
People with a passion for social and economic justice who work together for human rights and a sustainable environment.
A creative community that challenges us to see the world with new perspectives and gives voice to the human spirit through music and the Arts.

We are a place where hope is born - Hope that we as a congregation, nation, and world can live harmoniously, with arms that can reach across great divides to offer support, find friendship, and make peace. We give these gifts to the world.

Executive Limitations: Constraints on executive authority that establish the prudence and ethics boundaries

2007-06-28T13:00:00.001-04:00

The Executive shall not cause or allow any practice, activity, decision, or congregational circumstance that is inconsistent with our Unitarian Universalist principles or is unlawful, imprudent or in violation of professional ethics, or commonly accepted business practices.

Tier 2 policies provide further clarification:

Board-Executive Linkage: How authority is delegated and its proper use monitored

2007-06-28T12:54:00.001-04:00

The Board will hold the Executive accountable for the operational organization, its achievements and conduct, and for operating under an annual strategic plan approved by the Board.

Tier 2 policies provide further clarification on:

Board Governance: Specification of how the Board conceives, carries out, and monitors its own task

2007-06-28T12:51:00.001-04:00

The Board of Trustees of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta will govern through set policies and will act on behalf of the congregation to further the congregation's mission and chosen Ends.

Tier 2 policies provide further clarification on: