Trustee Report, January 2006
UUA Trustee Report
Joan Lund
Boston, MA, January 19-22, 2006
Boston in January?always unpredictable weather-wise, but the warmth of the Trustee colleagues and the amount of work to be done keeps us indoors most of the time. I had purchased ?snow? boots, a decision spurred by the over 24 inches of snow last year. They stayed in my suitcase this time but the morning of my departure the ?white stuff? was falling, thus a five-hour delay in getting home. Makes me grateful to live in our beautiful and often ?warm? state.
During this two-year rotation of chairpersonships on the UUA Board of Trustees (BOT) I am convening the Anti-racism/Anti-Oppression/Multiculturalism Team (AROMT). We met Thursday afternoon to do our on-going work on making certain the BOT and both the appointed and elected UUA committees receive AROM training. We also assist the BOT Working Groups in process AROM process observation. Training for the BOT is planned for the next meeting in April and October, 2006. In addition the BOT will sponsor an AROM workshop in St. Louis at General Assembly (GA).
Thursday evening I was privileged to be in charge of an activity to bring the BOT closer together in friendship. We had fun getting to know one-another a bit better.
Informal notes were prepared by observer, Myrtle Hepler, from the District Presidents Association (DPA). My summary of the BOT meeting will be organized by reports/topics, and loosely by sequence of events. As always if you have questions or comments please email/telephone me at jlund@uua.org or 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 October, 2005 meeting and the BOT ?packet?. I can only begin to tell you of the substance of the meeting.
Working Groups
These four groups meet the Friday preceding the Saturday and Sunday BOT meeting. I currently serve on the Congregations Working Groups (CWG).
Association (AWG)
There was continued discussion of the Independent Affiliate Transition Plan which included the length and support of transition, impact on GA logistics, and workshop space at GA. A MOTION stating, ?The Board will send out a communication regarding the changes to the Independent Affiliate criteria and a timeline for implementation? passed. This communication will be going out to congregational leaders, Independent Affiliate Organizations (IA), and district leadership. There has been some UUA conversation concerning a possible name change to Liberal Church of America or UUA of Congregations which might spark exploration of deeper conversation about identity and purpose. The AWG believes the BOT should declare and intention to create a commission to study what is required by the Association Bylaws, which would include reflection on a name change, principles and sources, purposes, non-discrimination statement and freedom of belief. Discussion occurred around a review of existing UUA candidate reimbursement policy. Currently candidates who are not elected do not get reimbursement for attendance at GA or post GA events. Should cost of governance be funded at Association level or does a shift need to happen at congregational/district levels? The AWG recommended leaving the current policy in place at this time. Awards for and recognition of volunteers at GA has moved back and forth between presenting awards in plenary and an awards breakfast. The desired end is to find ways to share with congregations and district best practices for recognizing and motivating volunteers. The discussion on The Consultation of Ministry to and with Youth included Anti-racism/Anti-oppression/Multi-cultural (AR/AO/MC) issues, ministerial outreach, and noted that 200 congregations so far have committed. Over 3,000 youth have received the UU Youth Ministry Survey. The AWG recommended a Ministerial Fellowship Committee (MFC) rule change eliminating categories of ministry. The BOT passed a MOTION approving the change to the MFC rule 9 which deletes the words ?No applicant shall be considered for more than one category of ministry at the same interview?.
Congregations Working Group (CWG) I am a member of this group.
The CWG and Living our Faith Working Group (LOFWG) met jointly to discuss and learn about the nature and purpose of the Strategic Planning Group for the Rebuilding of UUism in New Orleans (SPG). This is tremendously difficult work, dealing with on-the-ground trauma and long-range planning at the same time plus the history and makeup of the UU churches involved is complex and sensitive. Since there has been no established policy for the allocation of disaster relief funds, the SPG proposed a policy covering fund purposes, clarity to donors about fund allocation, and the organizations with whom disaster relief partnerships may be formed. The MOTION passed as proposed by the LOFWG is too lengthy to state in this report. Please email or telephone me for entire motion. In a conversation with Rev. William Sinkford, UUA President, we learned that UUA relationship with the three international organizations is in question and there is opportunity to discern the clarity of our work with these groups. We need to take a year to consider our relationships with the international organizations and a half-time interim director will be hired to cover the International Office to oversee this process. MOTION passed: ?Resolved that the UUA BOT reaffirms the staged reduction in funding for the International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF). Further resolved that the UUA BOT supports the efforts of President Sinkford to continue the staged reductions in UUA funding for IARF and appoints Trustee Will Saunders as a UUA delegate to the IARF Congress in March, 2006, representing the UUA Board of Trustees. The Lifespan Faith Development discussion with Judith Frediani revolved around the Tapestry of Faith Curriculum Project. Tapestry of Faith embodies a faith development focus for our congregations and is a series of programs and resources for all ages that nurture UU identity, spiritual growth, a transforming faith, and vital communities of justice and love. There is a timetable in place to insure this curriculum is available for free in its entirety on the website starting in 2006. Trustee Rev. Jose Ballester presented the latest Special Commission Report on GA 2005 to the CWG, emphasizing that one of the most critical elements of ?fixing? our problems with youth is the interest and training of responsible, caring adult leadership, congregationally-based and also willing to act nationally. A final report from the Commission will be forthcoming in April. A fairly wide-ranging discussion of what we want to accomplish at the GA two-workshop Friday afternoon event with congregational presidents took place with Gini Courter, UUA Moderator, and Bill Sinkford, recognizing the ultimate goal is to get congregations to understand that it is their Association. Many ideas were expressed; a subgroup (of which I am a member) for this event, with the charge to create the agenda, with follow-up participation by other CWG members, will be working on this.
Growth Working Group (GWG)
Growth initiatives were discussed at length with Bill Sinkford, Harlan Limpert, Director of District Services, and Rev. Tracey Robinson-Harris, Director of Congregational Services. Rev. Sinkford noted that he and the BOT have identified growth as a primary objective but we are in an experimental mode and don?t yet know how to grow UUism. Various ?things? are being tried such as marketing and metropolitan growth strategies. Disappointment in the Pathways initiative was expressed in the BOT members concern about the absence of benchmarks, risk mitigation, lack of a timely evaluation, and opportunities for ?course correction?. The BOT also hopes that in addition to the ?learnings? from this experiment, evaluation will be built into future growth initiatives, including longitudinal analysis. Harlan Limpert has made more workshop slots available so that each Breakthrough Congregation can have its own workshop at GA 2006. The GWG also discussed the Special Commission Interim Report on GA 2005, affirming the direction the report seems to be going. MOTIONS passed by the BOT from the GWG: 1) ?That the UUA Administration develop a comprehensive plan prior to embarking on growth projects in which the UUA has a financial interest. This plan should include a clear projection of (a) funding sources, (b) level of financial risk, and (c) a scheme for annual evaluation of progress during the first three to five years of the project. 2) That the Moderator appoint a task force to plan for an effective institutional response to the 2005 Commission on Appraisal (COA) Report. 3) That the first Vice-Moderator present to the Board for its approval at the April, 2006 Board meeting a plan for responding more rigorously and reliably to reports received and/or approved by the Board. 4) That the first Vice-Moderator, in consultation with the Secretary, present to the Board for its approval at the April, 2006 Board meeting a plan for effective and efficient response to letters, e-mails, and other communications addressed to the Board.?
Living Our Faith Working Group (LOFWG)
An update by Kay Montgomery, UUA Executive Vice-President, regarding fundraising for Gulf Coast Relief informed the LOFWG that $3 million has been raised with another $500,000 from the Veatch Fund. So far over $430,000 (about $250,000 to the congregations and $170,000 for community relief) has been spent. The joint meeting with the CWG is reported above along with the motion the Board passed. Tom Hallock of Beacon Press outlined efforts at connecting Beacon?s work with our congregations. The CWG agreed that the full BOT needs to do more to push congregational connections to Beacon Press, particularly encouraging the growth of the Beacon-L mailing list. The CWG reviewed the Special Review Commission Interim Report on GA 2005, noting GA must be a totally safe space for all UUs. The LOFWG recommended that the Youth Office produce an orientation for youth that includes realistic expectations for the GA environment, protocols for handling incidents, models for successful youth activism, etc. The LOFWG further recommended that the GA Opening include guidance for all UUs in how to be civil and respectful to one another at GA. Nancy Lawrence, Program Coordinator of the Steering Committee of the UU White Allies Organization reported on that group?s work. This is a new group with growing, strong energy. The LOFWG suggested that white members of the BOT become members of the White Allies group and encourage UUs in their districts to join (website: www.uuallies.org). Work is on-going to create a permanent name for the group. There was a discussion concerning Interweave?s questions about our commitment to Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, and Transgender (BGLT) issues. Kay Montgomery related historical information; the Secretary will be asked to write a letter to Interweave in response to their letter to the Board, affirming BOT commitment to BGLT issues. The Commission on Social Witness (CSW) submitted a proposal which was discussed between Gini Courter and the LOFWG. It was noted with enthusiasm the work of the CSW is doing to re-imagine the social witness process. Gini outlined the new four-year congregational study/action issue (CSAI) process that is being envisioned. Instead of multiple Study Action Issues (SAIs), we would have one issue being considered at one time. Several alternatives were discussed that would allow this to be on the tentative GA agenda by the February 1st deadline. The LOFWG agreed that it would make sense for the BOT to review the bylaw changes via email and authorize the Executive Committee to vote electronically. Representatives from the Journey Toward Wholeness Transformation Committee (JTWTC) joined the LOFWG to update the BOT on their work. They related future plans, particularly the idea of concentrating on one issue per year, starting with a review of AR/AO/MC work that?s happening in districts. The JTWTC needs the BOT?s affirmation to go forward with their new vision because there will be work the JTWTC won?t be able to do the work that it has been doing. A conversation will take place between the JTWTC and the UUA administration on how this work can continue. MOTION passed by the BOT: ?The UUA Board affirms the JTWTC?s vision of assessing and monitoring the UUA?s transition to becoming an AR/AO/MC institution by narrowing its focus to in-depth analysis in one particular area each year?.
President, Rev. Bill Sinkford
Bill began by showing the BOT a portion of a video about the Consultation on Ministry with Youth, and then discussed his work with Megan Dowdell relating to the success and continuing progress of this Consultation. Bill related the brief story about Martha and Waitsill Sharp?s humanitarian work during WWII, whose courage and humanity will be celebrated worldwide. The couple have been honored by Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Martyrs? and Heroes? Remembrance Authority in Israel, as Righteous Among the Nations. The conversations between the theological schools are on-going. As discussion continues and decisions are made the BOT will receive the information. In the late 1980s Shelter Rock and the Panel on Theological Education funded a ?chair? at Harvard University. Because of generous donations the ?chair? will continue and be named The Ralph Waldo Emerson Chair for Unitarian Universalist Studies.
Executive Vice-president, Kay Montgomery
In Staff news Kay stated there are four districts in search of a District Executive. She urged UUs to subscribe to UU World on-line at www.uuworld.org; and let us know that the Congregational Handbook which is now exclusively on-line will be brought up-to-date frequently. Kay encouraged BOT members to remind folks in our Districts to purchase both Beacon Press and Skinner Books.
Secretary, Paul Rickter
As of the time he reported congregational membership certification was 30%; the deadline to report is February 1st. Certifying membership is easily done on-line. Unfortunately, by the time this report reaches you the deadline will have passed.
Financial Advisor, Dan Brody
Dan related information concerning the Annual Program Fund, Friends of the UUA, Unrestricted Bequest Income, the General Investment Fund, the Congregational Properties and Loan Commission, Socially Responsible Investing (SRI), and Capital Campaign Financing via a power point program. He devoted time to relating SRI current status, policy, and organizational questions regarding SRI. This is an area of interest to many UUs; I suggest that interested folks seek out Dan?s report on the UUA website; there will be and Investment Committee report in April on future implementation of SRI. There are many agenda items for our Financial Advisor including, but not limited to, a health insurance plan (I will report on this later), debt management, conflict of interest policies, the role of the Audit Committee, and Beacon Press.
Moderator, Gini Courter
Gini expressed interest and concern about the UUA?s relationship with the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC). Gini let the BOT know there will be many opportunities at GA to address AR/AO/MC issues; this will include dialogues about how we create and maintain the ?beloved community?. What are the basic cultural competencies we need to have to work and be together? Gini talked about the 2006 plenary sessions, saying she hopes to make them interesting and ?zippy?. There will be scheduled times during plenary when delegates will be able to talk together; these will focus on what is important to our faith and the questions will be framed in an ?ownership? context.
Finance Committee (FC), Lyn Conley
As usual and expected much information came from the FC. Although he was not present, Rev. Terry Sweetser, Vice-president for Stewardship and Development, in a written report noted the total cost of Capital Campaign 2010 (CC10) will be just short of $6 million, and that one goal of CC10 is to increase the amount on pledges that come in as cash as opposed to planned giving. There are a number of initiatives aimed at doing this. He has been working on how we can focus on raising more cash when it is more labor and resource intensive to raise cash. Because of the smallness of the UUA?s development staff the FY08 budget will include an increase in the Stewardship and Development Staff. A timeline for CC10 was distributed. In April the FC will be presented with a formal campaign proposal and a final decision by the BOT will be requested at that time. Mark Steinwinter, Director, Information Technology Services (ITS), reported to the FC, thanks to a generous donor, a new initiative has been developed in conjunction with Lifespan Faith Development to launch a new technology platform for the authors of the new curriculum. The goal is to have the homepage and major sites up for GA 2006. A self-insurance health plan with Highmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield that is being used by several member denominations of the Church Benefits Association is being considered. Rev. Ralph Mero, Director of the Office of Church/Staff Finances, hopes to have a design of a virtual plan with all benefits and costs to the FC within 60 days so that it can be studied before April. Beacon Press (BP is launching a new website with a book-selling feature, which will include an affiliates program with on-line discounts. FC MOTIONS passed by the BOT: 1) Agreed to adjustments in the district grant calculations received by specific congregations who were affected by the 2005 hurricanes (substantially paraphrased), and these congregations will be certified to send GA delegates to GA regardless of no financial contributions to the UUA. Fair Share requirements for UUA grants, loans, etc. will be waived in FY2006/07 for these congregations. 2) Approved the FY 2007 Operating Budget. 3) Approved the FY 2007 Capital Expenditures Budget. 4) Affirmed that the Administration proceed with the development of a plan to test for enrollees to make a UUA funded health insurance plan financially viable. A recommendation for further action will be available to the BOT for the April meeting (again somewhat paraphrased).
Additional Information
There is much news to relate but in keeping with the self-imposed 6-page limit there is information that won?t make ?the cut?. 1) MOTION from the Administrative Organization Personnel Committee (AOPC) passed: (paraphrased) In keeping with maximizing professional effectiveness/personal well-being of the President and Moderator when traveling on UUA business, up to 25% of budgeted travel amounts may be expended by a spouse or partner. On transcontinental and international trips, business class travel is authorized. Travel expense reports will be submitted to the Financial Advisor for review and approval. 2) GA: Reported that GA staff is more confident that safety and security procedures will be in place, including ones relating to AR/AO/MC concerns. Theme of Right Relations will be addressed throughout GA, beginning with district In-gatherings, all Orientations, and Opening Ceremony. Volunteer Orientation will stress cultural competence. Ware Lecturer will be poet Mary Oliver, who will talk and read her poetry. Advance packets about GA will go only to congregations, ministers, and districts. Folks who attended 2005 GA will receive postcards directing them to the UUA website. Effective 2007, Independent Affiliate Organizations will be allotted one program slot. 3) Information Technology and Electronic Communications Committee (ITEC): A lengthy and interesting report was given by Marg Sanders (in full on the UUA website). Their vision is that in 6 years, congregations and those who serve them will routinely collaborate over integrated easy-to-use channels that we build and maintain to grow healthy congregations that promote Unitarian Universalism in the world.
Florida District UUA Trustee point of personal privilege: President Rev. William Sinkford will be in Florida for several events during February. On Feb. 11th and 12th , he will be at the Clearwater UUs for a Social Justice Weekend. Check the District Packet for details. On Feb. 19th he will be in the pulpit at the UU Church of Tampa to celebrate the Church?s 50th Anniversary. I urge you to make an effort to spend time with Bill, who is a warm and engaging UU.
That?s all folks! I thank all of you who made it through these 6 pages.
Joan Lund
Boston, MA, January 19-22, 2006
Boston in January?always unpredictable weather-wise, but the warmth of the Trustee colleagues and the amount of work to be done keeps us indoors most of the time. I had purchased ?snow? boots, a decision spurred by the over 24 inches of snow last year. They stayed in my suitcase this time but the morning of my departure the ?white stuff? was falling, thus a five-hour delay in getting home. Makes me grateful to live in our beautiful and often ?warm? state.
During this two-year rotation of chairpersonships on the UUA Board of Trustees (BOT) I am convening the Anti-racism/Anti-Oppression/Multiculturalism Team (AROMT). We met Thursday afternoon to do our on-going work on making certain the BOT and both the appointed and elected UUA committees receive AROM training. We also assist the BOT Working Groups in process AROM process observation. Training for the BOT is planned for the next meeting in April and October, 2006. In addition the BOT will sponsor an AROM workshop in St. Louis at General Assembly (GA).
Thursday evening I was privileged to be in charge of an activity to bring the BOT closer together in friendship. We had fun getting to know one-another a bit better.
Informal notes were prepared by observer, Myrtle Hepler, from the District Presidents Association (DPA). My summary of the BOT meeting will be organized by reports/topics, and loosely by sequence of events. As always if you have questions or comments please email/telephone me at jlund@uua.org or 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 October, 2005 meeting and the BOT ?packet?. I can only begin to tell you of the substance of the meeting.
Working Groups
These four groups meet the Friday preceding the Saturday and Sunday BOT meeting. I currently serve on the Congregations Working Groups (CWG).
Association (AWG)
There was continued discussion of the Independent Affiliate Transition Plan which included the length and support of transition, impact on GA logistics, and workshop space at GA. A MOTION stating, ?The Board will send out a communication regarding the changes to the Independent Affiliate criteria and a timeline for implementation? passed. This communication will be going out to congregational leaders, Independent Affiliate Organizations (IA), and district leadership. There has been some UUA conversation concerning a possible name change to Liberal Church of America or UUA of Congregations which might spark exploration of deeper conversation about identity and purpose. The AWG believes the BOT should declare and intention to create a commission to study what is required by the Association Bylaws, which would include reflection on a name change, principles and sources, purposes, non-discrimination statement and freedom of belief. Discussion occurred around a review of existing UUA candidate reimbursement policy. Currently candidates who are not elected do not get reimbursement for attendance at GA or post GA events. Should cost of governance be funded at Association level or does a shift need to happen at congregational/district levels? The AWG recommended leaving the current policy in place at this time. Awards for and recognition of volunteers at GA has moved back and forth between presenting awards in plenary and an awards breakfast. The desired end is to find ways to share with congregations and district best practices for recognizing and motivating volunteers. The discussion on The Consultation of Ministry to and with Youth included Anti-racism/Anti-oppression/Multi-cultural (AR/AO/MC) issues, ministerial outreach, and noted that 200 congregations so far have committed. Over 3,000 youth have received the UU Youth Ministry Survey. The AWG recommended a Ministerial Fellowship Committee (MFC) rule change eliminating categories of ministry. The BOT passed a MOTION approving the change to the MFC rule 9 which deletes the words ?No applicant shall be considered for more than one category of ministry at the same interview?.
Congregations Working Group (CWG) I am a member of this group.
The CWG and Living our Faith Working Group (LOFWG) met jointly to discuss and learn about the nature and purpose of the Strategic Planning Group for the Rebuilding of UUism in New Orleans (SPG). This is tremendously difficult work, dealing with on-the-ground trauma and long-range planning at the same time plus the history and makeup of the UU churches involved is complex and sensitive. Since there has been no established policy for the allocation of disaster relief funds, the SPG proposed a policy covering fund purposes, clarity to donors about fund allocation, and the organizations with whom disaster relief partnerships may be formed. The MOTION passed as proposed by the LOFWG is too lengthy to state in this report. Please email or telephone me for entire motion. In a conversation with Rev. William Sinkford, UUA President, we learned that UUA relationship with the three international organizations is in question and there is opportunity to discern the clarity of our work with these groups. We need to take a year to consider our relationships with the international organizations and a half-time interim director will be hired to cover the International Office to oversee this process. MOTION passed: ?Resolved that the UUA BOT reaffirms the staged reduction in funding for the International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF). Further resolved that the UUA BOT supports the efforts of President Sinkford to continue the staged reductions in UUA funding for IARF and appoints Trustee Will Saunders as a UUA delegate to the IARF Congress in March, 2006, representing the UUA Board of Trustees. The Lifespan Faith Development discussion with Judith Frediani revolved around the Tapestry of Faith Curriculum Project. Tapestry of Faith embodies a faith development focus for our congregations and is a series of programs and resources for all ages that nurture UU identity, spiritual growth, a transforming faith, and vital communities of justice and love. There is a timetable in place to insure this curriculum is available for free in its entirety on the website starting in 2006. Trustee Rev. Jose Ballester presented the latest Special Commission Report on GA 2005 to the CWG, emphasizing that one of the most critical elements of ?fixing? our problems with youth is the interest and training of responsible, caring adult leadership, congregationally-based and also willing to act nationally. A final report from the Commission will be forthcoming in April. A fairly wide-ranging discussion of what we want to accomplish at the GA two-workshop Friday afternoon event with congregational presidents took place with Gini Courter, UUA Moderator, and Bill Sinkford, recognizing the ultimate goal is to get congregations to understand that it is their Association. Many ideas were expressed; a subgroup (of which I am a member) for this event, with the charge to create the agenda, with follow-up participation by other CWG members, will be working on this.
Growth Working Group (GWG)
Growth initiatives were discussed at length with Bill Sinkford, Harlan Limpert, Director of District Services, and Rev. Tracey Robinson-Harris, Director of Congregational Services. Rev. Sinkford noted that he and the BOT have identified growth as a primary objective but we are in an experimental mode and don?t yet know how to grow UUism. Various ?things? are being tried such as marketing and metropolitan growth strategies. Disappointment in the Pathways initiative was expressed in the BOT members concern about the absence of benchmarks, risk mitigation, lack of a timely evaluation, and opportunities for ?course correction?. The BOT also hopes that in addition to the ?learnings? from this experiment, evaluation will be built into future growth initiatives, including longitudinal analysis. Harlan Limpert has made more workshop slots available so that each Breakthrough Congregation can have its own workshop at GA 2006. The GWG also discussed the Special Commission Interim Report on GA 2005, affirming the direction the report seems to be going. MOTIONS passed by the BOT from the GWG: 1) ?That the UUA Administration develop a comprehensive plan prior to embarking on growth projects in which the UUA has a financial interest. This plan should include a clear projection of (a) funding sources, (b) level of financial risk, and (c) a scheme for annual evaluation of progress during the first three to five years of the project. 2) That the Moderator appoint a task force to plan for an effective institutional response to the 2005 Commission on Appraisal (COA) Report. 3) That the first Vice-Moderator present to the Board for its approval at the April, 2006 Board meeting a plan for responding more rigorously and reliably to reports received and/or approved by the Board. 4) That the first Vice-Moderator, in consultation with the Secretary, present to the Board for its approval at the April, 2006 Board meeting a plan for effective and efficient response to letters, e-mails, and other communications addressed to the Board.?
Living Our Faith Working Group (LOFWG)
An update by Kay Montgomery, UUA Executive Vice-President, regarding fundraising for Gulf Coast Relief informed the LOFWG that $3 million has been raised with another $500,000 from the Veatch Fund. So far over $430,000 (about $250,000 to the congregations and $170,000 for community relief) has been spent. The joint meeting with the CWG is reported above along with the motion the Board passed. Tom Hallock of Beacon Press outlined efforts at connecting Beacon?s work with our congregations. The CWG agreed that the full BOT needs to do more to push congregational connections to Beacon Press, particularly encouraging the growth of the Beacon-L mailing list. The CWG reviewed the Special Review Commission Interim Report on GA 2005, noting GA must be a totally safe space for all UUs. The LOFWG recommended that the Youth Office produce an orientation for youth that includes realistic expectations for the GA environment, protocols for handling incidents, models for successful youth activism, etc. The LOFWG further recommended that the GA Opening include guidance for all UUs in how to be civil and respectful to one another at GA. Nancy Lawrence, Program Coordinator of the Steering Committee of the UU White Allies Organization reported on that group?s work. This is a new group with growing, strong energy. The LOFWG suggested that white members of the BOT become members of the White Allies group and encourage UUs in their districts to join (website: www.uuallies.org). Work is on-going to create a permanent name for the group. There was a discussion concerning Interweave?s questions about our commitment to Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, and Transgender (BGLT) issues. Kay Montgomery related historical information; the Secretary will be asked to write a letter to Interweave in response to their letter to the Board, affirming BOT commitment to BGLT issues. The Commission on Social Witness (CSW) submitted a proposal which was discussed between Gini Courter and the LOFWG. It was noted with enthusiasm the work of the CSW is doing to re-imagine the social witness process. Gini outlined the new four-year congregational study/action issue (CSAI) process that is being envisioned. Instead of multiple Study Action Issues (SAIs), we would have one issue being considered at one time. Several alternatives were discussed that would allow this to be on the tentative GA agenda by the February 1st deadline. The LOFWG agreed that it would make sense for the BOT to review the bylaw changes via email and authorize the Executive Committee to vote electronically. Representatives from the Journey Toward Wholeness Transformation Committee (JTWTC) joined the LOFWG to update the BOT on their work. They related future plans, particularly the idea of concentrating on one issue per year, starting with a review of AR/AO/MC work that?s happening in districts. The JTWTC needs the BOT?s affirmation to go forward with their new vision because there will be work the JTWTC won?t be able to do the work that it has been doing. A conversation will take place between the JTWTC and the UUA administration on how this work can continue. MOTION passed by the BOT: ?The UUA Board affirms the JTWTC?s vision of assessing and monitoring the UUA?s transition to becoming an AR/AO/MC institution by narrowing its focus to in-depth analysis in one particular area each year?.
President, Rev. Bill Sinkford
Bill began by showing the BOT a portion of a video about the Consultation on Ministry with Youth, and then discussed his work with Megan Dowdell relating to the success and continuing progress of this Consultation. Bill related the brief story about Martha and Waitsill Sharp?s humanitarian work during WWII, whose courage and humanity will be celebrated worldwide. The couple have been honored by Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Martyrs? and Heroes? Remembrance Authority in Israel, as Righteous Among the Nations. The conversations between the theological schools are on-going. As discussion continues and decisions are made the BOT will receive the information. In the late 1980s Shelter Rock and the Panel on Theological Education funded a ?chair? at Harvard University. Because of generous donations the ?chair? will continue and be named The Ralph Waldo Emerson Chair for Unitarian Universalist Studies.
Executive Vice-president, Kay Montgomery
In Staff news Kay stated there are four districts in search of a District Executive. She urged UUs to subscribe to UU World on-line at www.uuworld.org; and let us know that the Congregational Handbook which is now exclusively on-line will be brought up-to-date frequently. Kay encouraged BOT members to remind folks in our Districts to purchase both Beacon Press and Skinner Books.
Secretary, Paul Rickter
As of the time he reported congregational membership certification was 30%; the deadline to report is February 1st. Certifying membership is easily done on-line. Unfortunately, by the time this report reaches you the deadline will have passed.
Financial Advisor, Dan Brody
Dan related information concerning the Annual Program Fund, Friends of the UUA, Unrestricted Bequest Income, the General Investment Fund, the Congregational Properties and Loan Commission, Socially Responsible Investing (SRI), and Capital Campaign Financing via a power point program. He devoted time to relating SRI current status, policy, and organizational questions regarding SRI. This is an area of interest to many UUs; I suggest that interested folks seek out Dan?s report on the UUA website; there will be and Investment Committee report in April on future implementation of SRI. There are many agenda items for our Financial Advisor including, but not limited to, a health insurance plan (I will report on this later), debt management, conflict of interest policies, the role of the Audit Committee, and Beacon Press.
Moderator, Gini Courter
Gini expressed interest and concern about the UUA?s relationship with the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC). Gini let the BOT know there will be many opportunities at GA to address AR/AO/MC issues; this will include dialogues about how we create and maintain the ?beloved community?. What are the basic cultural competencies we need to have to work and be together? Gini talked about the 2006 plenary sessions, saying she hopes to make them interesting and ?zippy?. There will be scheduled times during plenary when delegates will be able to talk together; these will focus on what is important to our faith and the questions will be framed in an ?ownership? context.
Finance Committee (FC), Lyn Conley
As usual and expected much information came from the FC. Although he was not present, Rev. Terry Sweetser, Vice-president for Stewardship and Development, in a written report noted the total cost of Capital Campaign 2010 (CC10) will be just short of $6 million, and that one goal of CC10 is to increase the amount on pledges that come in as cash as opposed to planned giving. There are a number of initiatives aimed at doing this. He has been working on how we can focus on raising more cash when it is more labor and resource intensive to raise cash. Because of the smallness of the UUA?s development staff the FY08 budget will include an increase in the Stewardship and Development Staff. A timeline for CC10 was distributed. In April the FC will be presented with a formal campaign proposal and a final decision by the BOT will be requested at that time. Mark Steinwinter, Director, Information Technology Services (ITS), reported to the FC, thanks to a generous donor, a new initiative has been developed in conjunction with Lifespan Faith Development to launch a new technology platform for the authors of the new curriculum. The goal is to have the homepage and major sites up for GA 2006. A self-insurance health plan with Highmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield that is being used by several member denominations of the Church Benefits Association is being considered. Rev. Ralph Mero, Director of the Office of Church/Staff Finances, hopes to have a design of a virtual plan with all benefits and costs to the FC within 60 days so that it can be studied before April. Beacon Press (BP is launching a new website with a book-selling feature, which will include an affiliates program with on-line discounts. FC MOTIONS passed by the BOT: 1) Agreed to adjustments in the district grant calculations received by specific congregations who were affected by the 2005 hurricanes (substantially paraphrased), and these congregations will be certified to send GA delegates to GA regardless of no financial contributions to the UUA. Fair Share requirements for UUA grants, loans, etc. will be waived in FY2006/07 for these congregations. 2) Approved the FY 2007 Operating Budget. 3) Approved the FY 2007 Capital Expenditures Budget. 4) Affirmed that the Administration proceed with the development of a plan to test for enrollees to make a UUA funded health insurance plan financially viable. A recommendation for further action will be available to the BOT for the April meeting (again somewhat paraphrased).
Additional Information
There is much news to relate but in keeping with the self-imposed 6-page limit there is information that won?t make ?the cut?. 1) MOTION from the Administrative Organization Personnel Committee (AOPC) passed: (paraphrased) In keeping with maximizing professional effectiveness/personal well-being of the President and Moderator when traveling on UUA business, up to 25% of budgeted travel amounts may be expended by a spouse or partner. On transcontinental and international trips, business class travel is authorized. Travel expense reports will be submitted to the Financial Advisor for review and approval. 2) GA: Reported that GA staff is more confident that safety and security procedures will be in place, including ones relating to AR/AO/MC concerns. Theme of Right Relations will be addressed throughout GA, beginning with district In-gatherings, all Orientations, and Opening Ceremony. Volunteer Orientation will stress cultural competence. Ware Lecturer will be poet Mary Oliver, who will talk and read her poetry. Advance packets about GA will go only to congregations, ministers, and districts. Folks who attended 2005 GA will receive postcards directing them to the UUA website. Effective 2007, Independent Affiliate Organizations will be allotted one program slot. 3) Information Technology and Electronic Communications Committee (ITEC): A lengthy and interesting report was given by Marg Sanders (in full on the UUA website). Their vision is that in 6 years, congregations and those who serve them will routinely collaborate over integrated easy-to-use channels that we build and maintain to grow healthy congregations that promote Unitarian Universalism in the world.
Florida District UUA Trustee point of personal privilege: President Rev. William Sinkford will be in Florida for several events during February. On Feb. 11th and 12th , he will be at the Clearwater UUs for a Social Justice Weekend. Check the District Packet for details. On Feb. 19th he will be in the pulpit at the UU Church of Tampa to celebrate the Church?s 50th Anniversary. I urge you to make an effort to spend time with Bill, who is a warm and engaging UU.
That?s all folks! I thank all of you who made it through these 6 pages.
