UUCA'S BOARD OF TRUSTEES

All are invited to a policy governance seminar at UUCA on September 27 with Miriam Carver.  Free for members of UUCA and $30 for non-members that includes registration, materials, lunch, and childcare. Continental breakfast available at 8:00.  Workshop is 8:30-4:30. Download flier for details and reserve your space.

OVERVIEW

The congregation is the ultimate authority for UUCA. An elected Board of Trustees represents the congregation and conducts the business of the congregation, subject to authority granted under our bylaws. The Board governs through set policies and acts on behalf of the congregation to further the congregation's mission and chosen Ends.

The UUCA Board of Trustees has regular monthly meetings on the first Thursday of each month at 7:00 at UUCA. Meetings are generally held in rooms 209 and 210 and are open to the congregation. Additional meetings are scheduled as necessary.

• Bylaws
• Policies
• Reports
• Members of the Board of Trustees
• Committees of the Board and of the Congregation
• Agendas and minutes
• Leadership Calendar
• Board Covenant
  
• Planned Giving
  
• UU Endowment Fund
• Growth Initiatives Fund

MEMBERS

All officers and at-large Trustees are nominated for election by the Nominating and Leadership Development Committee whose members are elected directly by the congregation. The Board of Trustees consists of twelve members. For 2008-2009, members are:

DeAnn Peterson - President

Laura de Castro - President-Elect (elected to a two-year term, the first year of which is served as President-Elect and the second year of which the person succeeds to the office of President)

John Guyton - Chief Financial Officer

Doug Abell

Shirley Adams

Michael Dangerfield

Gordon Love

Marshall Orson

Denise Sheriff

Mary Sherman

David Smith

Laura Yamashita

MONITORING REPORTS

At UUCA, the board listens to the congregation and is responsible for articulating the congregation's goals and values as Ends statements. We call these Ends the "gifts we wish to give". As our executive, the senior minister leads both volunteer and paid staff in finding creative means to accomplish these Ends and reports progress to the Board of Trustees. The board has responsibility for monitoring progress towards achieving the Ends and revises or clarifies the Ends statements and other policies as needed.

This is all part of the policy based system of governance. Through the Appreciative Inquiry process, Congregational Survey, and a year of listening and discussing, the board identified six Ends statements that officially became part of our policies in May 2007. With Rev. David's assistance, the board asked "What would a successful monitoring system look like?" and identified a need for a meaningful and manageable system. We want a monitoring system that provides context and meaningful conversations that build a culture where all congregants take personal responsibility for UUCA's success.

In December 2007, the board began a year-long cycle so that every policy, including every Ends statement, is carefully reviewed and discussed by each board member. There are semi-annual reviews of the remaining polices related to Board-Executive Linkage and Board Governance too.

As of June, we have completed our first 4 Ends statement discussions. The executive reports shows how the Ends statements are interpreted and the progress made to achieve the Ends. Each Conversation Summary, contains a synopsis of board member interviews with congregants focusing on two primary questions "Does the Ends statement clearly articulate the congregation's goals and values?" and "Did we make adequate progress towards that End?".

• Summary Report (as of June 2008)
  
• "What Would A Successful Monitoring System Look Like?"
  
• Calendar (see page 2)
• Annual Report to the Congregation - May 2008
  
• Detailed Reports on Ends Statements
  
• Vibrant faith community (February 2008)
  
• Executive Report
• Conversation Summary
• Loving community (June 2008)
• Executive Report
• Conversation Summary
• Safe and welcoming community (coming August 2008)
  
• Executive Report
• Conversation Summary
• Children and youth (April 2008)
  
• Executive Report
• Conversation Summary
• People with a passion (coming October 2008)
  
• Executive Report
• Conversation Summary
• Creative community (December 2007)
  
• Executive Report
• Conversation Summary

BOARD COVENANT

We, the members of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Board of Trustees, covenant to foster beloved community as we engage in the work of the board.

• I will use "I" statements and speak for myself.
• I will use respectful language and tone.
• I will avoid interrupting others.
• I will listen to understand.
• I will assume the best possible motive of others.
• I will step back and encourage all to participate.

• I will place the needs of the congregation first.
• I will respect confidentiality.
• I will honor the board speaking as one voice.
• I will be a positive public voice.
• I will raise disagreements when needed within the board.

• I will step up and follow through.
• I will respond and acknowledge emails and other requests.
• I will be on time and prepared for meetings.
• I will share our time and I will do my part to ensure meetings end on time.
• I will support fellow board members.
• I will take the work of the board seriously and I will remember to have fun.