Congregational Life - Governance
One of the things that makes Unitarian Universalism unique, effective and meaningful, is congregational polity. I use every possible opportunity to remind members that their presence and active participation in congregational life and governance is what lends shape and meaning to it, to Unitarian Universalism as a whole, and it's impact in the wider community.
In support of democratic process, each voice needs to be heard. I look for and lift up the Holy within Congregational meetings and elections, and within team and committee work. I consistently remind members of their responsibility to keep Unitarian Universalist values and the mission of the congregation central in all things, to participate in the Shared Ministry of the congregation and to support its leadership. Most recently I've introduced an Installation Ceremony for the Board of Trustees.
I have been honored to lead creative, empowering Board Retreats for several congregations in and beyond my district, as well as Visioning and Covenanting processes. In each congregation I have served, a commitment to policy and leadership development, covenants, visionary stewardship, resource sharing (especially with other congregations in the cluster and district), bold community service and visibility, and transparency have been stressed. I have worked extensively on Strategic Planning, the process of creating Safe Congregations Policies and covenants, and of increasing community visibility.
Another governance area in which I have been active is through my service to the San Fernando Valley Cluster as Cluster Minister, and to the PSWD Unitarian Universalist Minister's Association as Good Officer (2010-2013), Addictions & Recovery Ministry co-founder (2009) and, currently, as Vice President. This involvement has helped me continue to learn about governance, which includes building supportive connections and alliances with colleagues and congregations.
In support of democratic process, each voice needs to be heard. I look for and lift up the Holy within Congregational meetings and elections, and within team and committee work. I consistently remind members of their responsibility to keep Unitarian Universalist values and the mission of the congregation central in all things, to participate in the Shared Ministry of the congregation and to support its leadership. Most recently I've introduced an Installation Ceremony for the Board of Trustees.
I have been honored to lead creative, empowering Board Retreats for several congregations in and beyond my district, as well as Visioning and Covenanting processes. In each congregation I have served, a commitment to policy and leadership development, covenants, visionary stewardship, resource sharing (especially with other congregations in the cluster and district), bold community service and visibility, and transparency have been stressed. I have worked extensively on Strategic Planning, the process of creating Safe Congregations Policies and covenants, and of increasing community visibility.
Another governance area in which I have been active is through my service to the San Fernando Valley Cluster as Cluster Minister, and to the PSWD Unitarian Universalist Minister's Association as Good Officer (2010-2013), Addictions & Recovery Ministry co-founder (2009) and, currently, as Vice President. This involvement has helped me continue to learn about governance, which includes building supportive connections and alliances with colleagues and congregations.