Trustee Report, October 2004
UUA Trustee Report
Joan Lund
Boston, MA, October 13-17, 2004
By the time you read this it may be blustery and cold in
weekend I spent there in October was beautiful both in color and weather.
Most of the trees had not yet started to "turn" but a few were vibrant
oranges and golden yellows. October was a month in which I traveled
frequently, making two trips to
the Annual Program Fund. Early in October I drove to Sanibel and Captiva for
two days with out-of-town friends and we witnessed first-hand the havoc the
hurricanes caused. It will be years before vegetation returns as it was for
so many years, and certainly many months before the rubble is removed. In
addition, my husband and I went to
glad to be home for awhile.
The Board meetings were on Saturday, from
Sunday, from
a lovely reception was held at 25 Beacon for Rev. Robert West, who was
awarded the Distinguished Service Award. As you know the Board holds its own
Sunday morning worship service, this time beautifully done by Judi McGavin,
a trustee from the Pacific Northwest District who is serving the last year
of eight years on the Board. She spoke eloquently, beautifully, and from the
heart about the saying of good-byes. Her words were especially poignant
because her mother had died over the summer. For this Board meeting the
Trustees arrived on Wednesday because
Anti-Racism/Anti-Oppression/Multi-Cultural training occurred both on that
night and all day Thursday. Friday the Board working groups spent together,
listening to various reports, coming to consensus, and preparing motions for
the Board meeting days. Additional information will follow as the report
continues.
Informal notes were prepared by District President's Association Observer
Connie Haas Zuber, president of the Heartland District. This report will be
organized by reports/topics, and loosely by sequence. As always if you have
questions or comments please email me at jlund@uua.org, lundjb@verizon.net,
or telephone me at 813-931-9727. In addition you can go to the UUA website,
www.uua.org for detailed reports by the staff and Rev. Bill Sinkford, plus
BOT minutes from the June meeting.
Working Groups
These four groups meet the entire Friday preceding the Board meeting.
Living Our Faith
This is the group on which I serve and we devoted most of our day to
discussion concerning the Commission on Social Witness review panel work in
attempt to bring recommendations to the Board. Briefly, the final report of
the Social Witness Process Review Panel was submitted to the Board in April,
2004. This panel was convened by then Moderator Diane Olson after she
studied the evaluation forms from GA 2002. As many of you know the process
from the grassroots up is cumbersome and confusing, and 56% of the delegates
at the 2002 GA said it had very little or not effect on their local
congregation's programs. There is far too much information about the CSW
review panel, the response from the CSW, and the Living Our Faith's working
group discussion to relay here but I will be glad to talk by phone with any
interested UU. Much of the CSW's work is embedded in the by-laws, which are
detailed and constraining, in order to protect it. The Board would come
across as "suspect", and we would need much more experience to do so. The
LOF working group will develop and facilitate a workshop at GA, inviting
delegates to join in conversation with the Board, UUA staff, CSW, UUSC, and
other affected groups about how we "do" Social Justice at GA, how this
process relates to our congregational polity, and if there are more
effective means to helping our congregations engage more fully in being
justice seeking religious institutions. In January the Board was requested
by the Journey Toward Wholeness Transformation Committee to change the name
of this committee. We feel more conversation between the Committee, the
Board, and the administration is needed, and the JTWTC has not been
officially re-named by the Board of Trustees.
Growth
This working group noted an undertone of anxiety about "change" in the
growth questions asked by Congregational Presidents at the 2004 GA. Faith is
a concern underlying these questions. A consensus that it is not the Board's
job to answer the Presidents' questions and further recommended selected
questions be answered on the web and in The World. One of our Districts sent
a resolution to the Board regarding a lack of Board commitment to provide
congregational assistance in the area of growth. The Board will acknowledge
the resolution, appreciating the concerns and assuring the District of the
Board's ongoing commitment to foster a vision of growth for out Association.
A Board report updating current plans and progress related to UU identity
and growth issues will be sent, as requested, to all districts by the end of
January, 2005. The UUA "Growth Team" is refining its imagination for how to
do some "breakthrough" thinking around growth. Districts will be asked to
identify one "breakthrough" congregation and four will be invited to make
plenary presentations as motivators and teachers. "Breakthrough"
congregations will be asked to mentor one "aspiring" congregation in their
district. There was some discussion about the "Uncommon Denomination" logo
becoming a "service mark" of our Association. The BOT adopted an
International Vision statement urging the UUA administration and member
congregations foster institutional partnerships. At the recommendation of
the GWG, the Board passed a motion requesting the Administration initiate
conversation and coordination regarding staff, GA Planning Committee, and
Board's workshop recommendations ensuring an array of workshops that reflect
our overall goals and purposes. The Board also recommended there be a growth
track, irrespective of point of origin or workshop (only staff sponsored
workshops were listed in the GA "tracks").
Our Association
This working group focused on three congregational Presidents' questions
related to GA: access to workshop slots, affordability, and the balance of
business versus program justice work. They saw these as related to large
questions bout GA's role and purpose that all working groups might discuss.
The Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association president updated the GWG
on developments and meetings since the April 04 Board meeting regarding the
UUMA and Ministerial Fellowship Committee discussions and actions on the
proposal to re-design the MFC. A review of the Service of the Living
Tradition by staff is underway regarding the concerns related to audience
applause and cheers, length, and the worshipful nature of the event. The
Board passed a motion placing a proposed bylaw change on the agenda of the
2005 GA that would give delegate voting status to credentialed religious
educators-masters level. There is concern about the ballooning of Affiliate
groups. The OA working group discussed the purpose of UUA support for
Affiliate Status, the major question being how the current affiliate
situation serves the Association's goal of strengthening relationships with
congregations. Common Ground III was discussed and it was affirmed that this
was not a conversation about whether there is a CG3 but how it will happen.
A seven person group was charged by Youth Council with carrying forward the
conversation about their Common Ground concept, considering the OA working
group conversation. A motion was put forth by the Board requesting the UUA
President to convene a consultation for the purpose of renewing the
Association's vision of its ministry for and with youth.
Our Congregations
There was a complex discussion about leadership's vision for congregational
involvement at GA and within our association. Moderator Gini Courter asked
that a board conversation be initiated about how UUA leaders interact with
congregation leaders during non-GA time, noting people need to know she and
Bill Sinkford are not the only leadership. She also identified the
commitment to have a larger proportion of GA workshops done by congregations
by the 2006 GA. Health insurance for congregation ministers and staff is of
concern to the Board and a major step forward is afoot to consider a
self-funded plan. Current survey work is gathering information about
potential people who would participate. It was noted that maintaining free
registration for congregation presidents is very important but that the
likely limit for being able to do this is about 5 years.
President Bill Sinkford's Report
Bill began by telling us about recently preaching in
asking the congregation if they could name the Purposes of the Association
without referring to the Principles and Purposes cards many of us carry in
our wallets. No one could. He then read the purposes from our By-Laws and
compared them to that congregation's mission statement. He wondered if what
is needed most as an Association is not a revision of the Principles but a
"statement of mission that captures our religious purpose and our calling".
And further, "if we could imagine a process to involve our congregations in
framing and owning a mission for the Association of Congregations?"
He went on to talk about some of the public witness work being carried out
by our congregations which included: The Marriage Equality Caravan
completing a cross-country pilgrimage in Washington, D.C., noting press
coverage "was excellent"; and six Atlanta congregations wrapping their
buildings in Rainbow Ribbons as hate-free zones as Georgia prepares to vote
on a Constitutional Amendment banning same sex marriage. Bill stated,
"Unitarian Universalism is committed to bearing witness for marriage
equality for the long haul". He also noted that UUs have registered tens of
thousands of first-time voters in ours (and others) effort to reclaim our
democracy.
In the area of growth Bill told us the Association experienced another year
(2004) of growth in adult membership, although growth is still below 1%/year
in adult membership. However there is a shrinkage in our RE enrollments,
down 6% vs. a year ago, which he indicated is "surprising and alarming". A
preliminary analysis has been conducted and shows the growth in numbers of
children of "baby boomers" has finally caught up with the
statistics. Although further analysis will be conducted, total growth among
children and youth in the
expanding numbers of young Latina/Latino and Hispanic children", a
population where the Association has not had wide-spread successful
ministry. The vision of the new Growth Team, to name "break through"
congregations and call for their leadership in telling their stories and
mentoring others was well received at the Long Beach General Assembly.
Although the Association is still in an experimental mode as it relates to
growth, the goal remains attaining and sustaining a 5%/year rate of
membership growth.
The UUA is in the early stages of preparing for the largest capital campaign
in our history. There will be a year of preparation, focused on listening to
many important constituencies and then identifying priorities and language
that will "invite" generosity.
Bill reported that because of the successful UUA/UUSC collaboration
regarding Voter Participation and Umbrella Fund Raising the UUA has employed
a consultant to help the two institutions find other areas where operational
collaborations could expand our impact and enrich our common work. He also
told us that the International Association of Religious Freedom had been in
search for a new General Secretary. An offer was extended to a candidate.
This organization, founded by us over 100 years ago, has been in search of a
mission and money to carry out a mission. UUA financial support of IARF
currently is $85,000 per year with the goal of reducing that commitment to
about $60,000 per year in reasonable time.
Short news bits: Elaine Pagels accepted the invitation to be the Ware
Lecturer at the 2005 General Assembly in
Soul's, D.C.) will preach the Sunday Worship, and Rev. Patrick O'Neill
(
said a few words about Christopher Reeve (whom he met once); stating he bore
very public witness to the healing power of faith, and his tireless work
inspired millions with hope. Bill asked those who wish to honor his memory
to make a contribution to the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation.
Lastly, Rev. Bill Sinkford has decided to stand for re-election as President
of the Association, stating much has been accomplished and there is more to
do in moving ahead especially in the area of public witness. He stated, "It
continues to be a privilege to serve as President of the Association".
Executive Vice-president, Kay Montgomery
Kay enthusiastically reported there will be a new hymn book supplement,
"Songs for the Journey", debuting at G.A. (The BOT had the privilege of
having the UU musicians who created this resource sing some of the new songs
with us on Thursday night). There were almost 1500 submissions for the
songbook, from which the committee selected about 60. Kay reminded us that
Beacon Press publishes many books related to our Anti-racism/Anti-oppression
work. She reported Mark Steinwinter has been hired as the new Information
Technology Director.
Secretary, Rev. Wayne Arnason
Wayne reminded the BOT that 2005 is the year for Board policy review and we
will be asked to do so by January, 2005, to be looking at policies in regard
to policy governance. He also told us we are approaching UUA election
season; the Nominating Committee has done its work and is in the process of
notifying candidates being put forward. We won't know until
will be a contested election for Moderator and President but both current
persons holding those positions will stand for re-election.
Financial Advisor, Larry Ladd
Our history lesson was about Rev. James Luther Adams (1901-1994).
the "power" behind the first Commission on Appraisal, a professor at
Meadville-Lombard, Harvard, and Andover Newton. He is considered an early
anti-racist/anti-oppression UU. Larry noted congregational resources
(expenditures) shrunk 0.03% in 2004 (after increased inflation was taken
out), and spending was 47.7% than in 1994. He indicated Beacon Press is
"ahead of plan"; the Annual Program Fund brought in 3.5% over the prior year
and was approximately $40,000 under what had been budgeted. Friends of the
UUA decreased by 4.4% over FY 03 and that included revenue from the "Freedom
to Marry" campaign. The audit has been completed by Deloitte and Touche, who
met with the UUA Audit Committee three times. UUA investments are strong,
showing a 17.9% return on all endowments. This is Larry Ladd's last year as
Financial Advisor. His full report can be found on the UUA web page.
Moderator's Report
Gini Courter is very interested in relationship with, and empowerment within
our congregations. She never wants the Association to be viewed as a "top
down" organization and she asks what it means for all of us to be in "right
relation" with each other? Gini believes leadership by example always works
and the Board must continually be aware of our specific roles, one of which
is being aware of, and responsible to committees that report to the Board as
opposed to those who report to the GA delegates.
Finance Committee
Lyn Conley reported on the day-long (Wednesday) meeting of the FC and
presented eight motions for the Board's consideration; all passed. Shortened
versions: 1) a change to the language of the Congregational Properties and
Loan Commission Guaranty of Building Agreement. 2) adoption of the Site
Acquisition Program as recommended by the Congregational Properties and Loan
Commission. 3) approval of the registration fee for a congregation's highest
elected lay leader (president) attending GA 2005 as a delegate be
reimbursable from the GA reserve account. 4) approval of increase in
registration for child care at GA to $220 for four days. 5) approval of the
FY 05 Beacon Press budget. 6) approval of the FY 05 Capital Expenditure
budget. 7) approval of the FY 05 Operating Budget. 8) approved future
funding for capital campaigns by taking an additional draw up to 2% from the
Association's accumulated appreciation from restricted endowments in a
sufficient amount to cover capital fund raising expenses.
Best Practices Committee
This committee exists to assist the Board in being a continuously learning
organization and serves as a clearinghouse for tasks or issues that are
"homeless". They also assign tasks to existing working groups and task
forces. They acknowledge that some tasks may be worked on directly by the BP
committee. The Committee on Committees plans to appoint the Open UUA
Implementation committee as called for in the resolution adopted at the 2004
GA, and the BP committee has agreed to assist during the start-up phase of
the new committee, if requested. Based on the events of our Thursday
whole-Board systems theory work a decision was made for an Ad-Hoc group to
take on the strategic planning and governance review tasks (from the BPC).
Tasks remaining on the BPC list include: a BOT self-evaluation process, job
descriptions for all Board job assignments, planning for the October, 2005
Board retreat, new Board member orientation, development of method of
educating our districts as to skills and qualifications needed in a UUA
Trustee, and Board leadership training.
Anti-racism/Anti-oppression Assessment and Monitoring Team
We met during lunch on Saturday, assessed the AR/AO training the Board
experienced Wednesday evening and all day Thursday. The Board's training is
being done in stages and we have been exposed to the language and the UUA's
position and history in this area. In addition we are building skills to
recognize systemic racism and oppression. The Board's goal is to have all
Board-appointed committees go through AR/AO training. The Youth are
very-much involved and led our Wednesday evening training.
Additional Information
1)The Administration Organization and Personnel Committee, consistent with
the by-laws and a fundamental governance principle reminded the Board that
BOT members shall not seek employment by, or contracts from the UUA for
themselves, family members, or companies in which they hold a significant
financial interest. Also the UUA Administration shall not approach a member
of the BOT regarding possible employment on the UUA Staff. 2) The Board
approved a Board Role in Public Witness policy. 3) The Board approved a
number of Committee appointments.
In the interest of saving trees and because this report is certainly long
enough I am ending it. Thanks to those of you who read the whole thing. Your
dedication and perseverance is noteworthy. I await your comments, concerns,
and an opportunity to expand on any of the information I have relayed, to
the best of my recollection and ability. A blessed Thanksgiving and holiday
season to you all. Stay in touch.
