Trustee Report, April 2006
UUA Trustee Report
Joan Lund
Boston, MA, April 19-23, 2006
Once again the UUA Board of Trustees (BOT) met for our quarterly meeting. I traveled to Boston on Wednesday, April 19th for an afternoon meeting of the Anti-racism/Anti-oppression/Multiculturalism Monitoring Team (AROMT). The BOT met as a whole on Wednesday evening, all day Thursday, and late afternoon on Friday do probe, discuss, and decide if we will continue to move in the direction of policy governance, spending time working on the UUA BOT Policy Manual. In addition, Thursday evening we enjoyed the presence of Fred Garcia, founder and President of Logos Consulting Group, who spoke to us about effective leadership and communication as a process. Friday the Working Groups addressed their specific BOT-related areas. The BOT meets on Saturday and Sunday to hear reports and discuss and pass or reject motions brought by the Working Groups. Saturday night we spent with U. T. Saunders, organizational development consultant, in an interesting exercise appropriately named ?Fishbowl?. Perhaps there is a familiarity with this exercise among you.
Of all the BOT meetings during which I have been a member, this was the most ?packed? in substance and activity. The report will include highlights of what I consider important information for you (subjective, of course) and significant motions passed. Each time I write my report concerning our BOT meetings I ponder on how I could/should shorten it and/or make it more relevant to you. Please know that unless I hear from several Florida District UU s I will be shortening the length and breadth of my reporting following future BOT meetings. With the exception of times the BOT goes into executive session our work and meetings are open and hopefully transparent to all who are interested. You can go to our UUA website, www.uua.org for official minutes of all BOT meetings and detailed reports by our UUA staff. As always if you have questions or comments please email/telephone me at jlund@uua.org or 813-931-9727. Our next BOT meeting will be at General Assembly (GA), June, 2006, in St. Louis.
Working Groups Association (AWG)
After a brief review of the focus of the Panel on Theological Education Report the AWG clarified that the Panel is not involved in the current discussion regarding the consolidation of the Meadville Lombard and Starr King. The AWG feels there are opportunities for raising the bar of UU professional ministry and strengthening linkage between theological education and preparation in the upcoming consolidation process between the two schools. The AWG reviewed the current rules pertaining to Independent Affiliate (IA) status, the letter, and the timeline sent to IAs earlier this year. Suggestions for revisions to the rules pertaining to IA status were discussed. There will be a workshop at GA regarding the IA transition and invitations will be sent to these groups. The AWG reviewed the timeline and findings of the Youth Consultation survey. Currently congregational conversations are happening. The UUA Bylaws provide little about the role of the Moderator. Our UUA has benefited from the talented and strong leadership of many Moderators. This role is a highly visible and engaged one and our Moderator works tirelessly at promoting the ?welfare? and health of our Association and its member congregations. In addition the Moderator ensures the efficacy and focus of the BOT, providing vital communication linkages between BOT Committees and building/sustaining relationships across our governance structure. All aspects of the Moderator role are critical to the health of our Association. The term ?Moderator? does not represent the largeness of this leadership position but the definition of ?Governance Officer? does more closely describe the primary tasks of the current role of Moderator. The motion made was tabled until the October BOT meeting.
Congregations (CWG) I am part of this group. We met jointly with the Living Our Faith Working Group for the part of our work regarding Gulf Coast Relief. Meg Riley, Director, UUA Washington Office for Social Justice, reported about the work of the Gulf Coast Relief Fund. She highlighted three points: 1) The UUA/UUSC Gulf Coast Relief Fund is an exciting, creative, adventure of healing and justice, both within our congregations and in the larger community. Over $3 million is being channeled into the Gulf Coast area to be vibrant presence and implant our values into the public arena. 2) The work of the UUA/UUSC is being invented as they go along, which means they are learning from the mistakes that have been made. Absence of communication, or missed communication, is common, because there are multiple communicators and often assumptions are made that are being passed on. Trauma magnifies all miscommunication, resulting in decision-making a consistent challenge. 3) There is a clear, effective, democratic decision-making process in place for disbursement of funds. Updated details are available at the UUA website. The Community Relief Fund has developed explicit guidelines for disbursement, which were talked through by the Gulf Coast Panel. Our discussion, led by BOT member, Rev. Burton Carley, emphasized the need to bring ?emotional intelligence? in dealing with people who are traumatized and have diminished capacity to plan. The issue is often one of ?we?, how to encourage all affected congregations to think collaboratively and create partnerships. The needs of marginalized people, who are excluded from relief and decision-making because of race, color, or class was discussed. International Update Cathy Cordes, Acting Director of International Programs, is busy interviewing our UUA and others about what is now being done internationally and planning a survey of congregations about their international involvement. There will be GA conversations with congregational presidents about practices, hopes, and aspirations. Cathy?s goals are to get UUs to look at all our work through an international lens and to develop a job description for the international director. Rev. Will Saunders, BOT Trustee, will be talking with various international organizations about their relationships with our UUA. The International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF) is ?in a state of real crisis?, according to UUA President, Rev. Bill Sinkford. There is a need to discern how and whether IARF should go forward. The BOT will discuss further steps regarding funding for IARF in January, 2007. The International Council of Unitarian Universalists (ICUU) will meet within the next week. The question for the BOT will be, do we continue to support the ICUU? And, how does the BOT?s international vision relate to ICUU? Congregations Come First This task force, appointed by the Moderator, is committed to finding ways to remove organizational obstacles to congregational health and vitality. The group will report to the BOT in January, 2008. Congregational Presidents Workshop Plans Four topics, with substantial conversation, will be highlighted: the health insurance plan, growth, ends and governance, and ?what three things does your congregation do best??
Growth (GWG) The UUA Growth Team encourages all congregations to foster more robust growth. Having many initiatives is a positive direction and metro and district-based approaches rely on local knowledge about what will be effective. Regional initiatives may seem to be ?chaotic? because there are so many different kinds of initiatives going on. Our UUAs Quality Assurance role depends upon the UUA stake in the growth initiatives (i.e. financial stake, staff capacity to be in an evaluative role). Additional resources may need to be allocated to increase the GWG knowledge base and staff capacity. It might be helpful if a ?guide to growth initiatives? grouped by qualitative strategy is prepared by staff. Benchmarks The GWG assumes there will be meaningful and measurable benchmarks built into plans, and hopes to hear about progress toward achievement of these benchmarks. Pennsylvania Growth Partnership The Wellsprings planning group reviewed the Pathways report and inventoried lessons and will be using them. An oversight group is working out the details of the Wellsprings start-up including three written agreements involving the minister, the Mainline financial component, and the Joseph Priestly District who is responsible for laying out strategies. Marketing Outreach/New Congregations Valerie Holton, Marketing Outreach Consultant, submitted a report to the GWG summarizing each growth advertising campaign with results-to-date and lessons learned. An update of The Chrysalis Way for emerging congregations in Florida was given. This program will come to culmination in June. Presidents Roundtables It has been learned that advertising does generate visitors. Special Commission Final Report on GA 2005 Growth implications include the need to evaluate ?our current anti-racism, anti-oppression, multicultural programs and determine if they are meeting our needs?. We need to continue to develop and utilize resources to help congregations become more hospitable and welcoming. As far as what is happening with our youth, this varies in different congregations and different districts. There are great hopes for the Consultation with Youth. Learnings from Pathways Task Force Report The GWG expressed concern about the ?independence? of the Task Force. It was felt staffing was ramped up too fast, and dollar allocation was not as wise at it could have been. Trying to implement a growth strategy that includes conflicting models for new congregational startup was problematic. There is a need to improve the structure of project management for such large initiatives so that roles are clearly defined, problems/conflicts get flagged and resolved, and all the players are on the same page. It would be beneficial to have someone with strong ?business sense? in that role. Wellsprings Rev. Stephan Papas, pastor of the partner church has a monthly meeting with Rev. Ken Beldon, pastor of Wellsprings and ?project manager?, vision-caster, leader, and timeline developer of the project.
Living Our Faith (LOF) Joint meeting with CWG (see above portion of report). Update on Vision for Social Justice/Witness Work, Rev. Jan Carlsson-Bull, Chair of the Commission on Social Witness, reported, outlined the motivations behind the changes, and discussed with LOF changes to the Commission on Social Witness (CSW). The latest round of Study/Action Issues (SAI) generated just three proposals and only one of these fir the criteria for SAIs. Energy might be focused on one issue every four years, the deadline for the congregation poll would be the same as the yearly certification date, and a 25% response would be need to go forward. There is a need to get congregations actually doing the work. The new plan will allow for: effectiveness, accountability, and persistence, and will help congregations be more accountable for our UUA?s social justice work. Three members of the Accessibility Committee joined LOF to report on their work. Their work is constantly focused on educating people and congregations about accessibility issues. There is a higher level of awareness of accessibility and much more interest among able-bodied people and an understanding of accessibility as more than just ?getting a ramp?.
President, Rev. Bill Sinkford
Bill did not present a ?formal? report but noted the work done by the Leadership Group around ?language? development has been enormously helpful. He upheld the work of half-time Acting Director of International Programs, Cathy Cordes? engaging stakeholders in how congregations can enrich and deepen international relationships and connections. The results of the Youth Council survey revealed that 47% of you do not consider their spiritual home to be their congregation. Bill indicated how pleased he is about the newly endowed chair at Harvard, the Ralph Waldo Emerson UUA Professor of Divinity. In addition to the professorship Harvard will sponsor a ?lectureship? about UUism, UU issues and our role at Harvard Divinity School.
Executive Vice-president, Kay Montgomery
Kay reported on recent staff hires and changes. She noted that Rev. Beth Miller will succeed Rev. David Hubner, Director of Ministry and Professional Leadership in June.
Secretary, Paul Rickter
Paul reported 58 congregations failed to certify, there were six appeals, and three were granted.
Financial Advisor, Dan Brody
Dan?s presentation consisted of slides highlighting the financial state our UUA. He noted a considerable increase in the Friends of the UUA budget in-take. Dan devoted considerable time to informing the BOT and discussing our UUA?s proposed health plan, and urged the BOT to go forward with the plan. This plan is an important step in dealing with our mutual togetherness and will change lives dramatically for some who work for us. His presentation can be found on the UUA website.
Moderator, Gini Courter
As you realize Gini surveyed all Association congregations asking about issues of concern to them. She plans to spend time during plenaries discussing the top three or four ?winning? questions: What are the common traits of our growing congregations? Of those with stagnant or declining membership? What do we need to teach, as best we can to children and youth and new members? Why are many of us unable to tell others about the importance of church in our lives? What do ?freedom of the pulpit? and ?freedom of the pew? properly mean in our UU tradition? Gini informed us she was in New Orleans a few weeks ago to be a presence and model support in the re-building efforts. UUs want to help in so many ways; she suggested contacting the Unitarian Church of Baton Rouge website if your congregation wishes to send members to help. The National Leadership Task Force was developed by the February, 2006 Synchronization Meeting. This Task Force is charged with exploring the feasibility of formalizing a scouting system to develop national leaders, reviewing the clarity of charges to committees and commissions of the UUA, and making recommendations to make this information more widely accessible.
Finance Committee, Lyn Conley
As always there is more information than will be reported from this committee. Health Insurance Finance met with Bill Thompson, Milliman Inc. actuary who stated that a self-insured health insurance program is something the UUA can do and with proper staffing the wherewithal exists to make this happen. A marketing aspect of the health plan was presented which informed the Committee the need to have 500 people signed up by 10/15/06 to launch the plan. Highmark BCBS will be the firm used as the administrator of the plan and is one used by other denominations in the Church Benefits Association who collectively have over 165,000 of their clergy and church staff enrolled in programs similar to that proposed for our UUA. Capital Campaign Rev. Terry Sweetser, Vice-president for Stewardship and Development elaborated on the campaign?s five stated purposes: extending our public marketing presence, developing free-on-line religious education curricula, supporting congregational partnerships for growth, enhancing youth and young adult ministry, and creating a UU Center for Theological Education involving the seminaries and establishing a lay leadership school. Stewardship and Development The Annual Program Fund (APF) is projecting reaching its goal. Friends of the UUA will conduct a deep phone campaign between now and the end of the fiscal year primarily to cultivate new donors. Unrestricted bequest income is going to be below budget. Beacon Press is doing well. The reforecast shows Beacon producing a surplus. Liberal Religious Charitable Society (LRCS) There was a discussion concerning investment of holdings. A process is being sought to discern the best legal advice and a process to maximize the best way to fund our faith.
Motions that passed: #1 That the Board of Trustees authorize the UUA administration to permit enrollment in a self-funded UUA health plan. Enrollment will begin on May 1, 2006, to enroll a minimum of 500 employees by October 15, 2006.
#2 That the Board of Trustees approve the working goal of $20 million cash, $55 million overall for the capital campaign and the working budget of $7.25 million. Further, the Board of Trustees approve the purpose of raising funds for theological education and ministerial development. Additional campaign purposes will be refined as a collaborative effort between the administration and the Board of Trustees.
Anti-racism/Anti-oppression/Multiculturalism Monitoring Team (AROM)
I am the convener of this group. The AROM Team will be offering a workshop at G.A., titled Right Relations for the Journey, addressing the topic of process observation with an anti-racism/anti-oppression/multiculturalism lens. We are planning a BOT training on systems, and change theory.
Additional Information
General Assembly (GA)
The theme of Right Relations will be addressed throughout GA, beginning with District In-Gatherings, all Orientations, and Opening Ceremony. A/R A/O M/C programs will be available in every program slot, plus some relevant film programs. Lead ushers will undergo conflict management training. The GA Preparedness Plan is an ?all hazards? mitigation approach to any potential crisis including major incidents occurring in or around the convention center complex which involve conference attendees and/or UUA staff. The plan will coordinate all resources of the Association in a systematic and appropriate response. BOT members will be available in the Exhibit Hall except during plenaries and will be expected to communicate with the Crisis Management Group (CMG) if necessary. There will be a Gay Pride parade on Saturday morning, but not in the Convention Center area.
UU University
This will be the first ever training program offered to lay leaders in the days before GA. There will be 3 tracks; Membership, Finance, and Leadership. The keynote speaker is the Rev. Dr. Peter Steinke. (See the May Trustee Tidbits column in your newsletter)
Final Report of the Special Review Commission
This Commission was established by Moderator Courter and President Sinkford following the 2005 GA in Ft. Worth to address the reports of distressing incidents involving UU youth of color. There have been many learnings about, and subsequent recommendations for our future as a community of faith, after an exhaustive process to discern the history and trajectory of events that led to the incidents. The report can be found on the UUA web page. It will be distributed to UUA Committees and Staff for reflection and future planning.
Meadville Lombard and Starr King Theological Schools Exploration, evaluation, and discussion are continuing regarding the merger designs of the two schools.
Lessons from Pathways Rapid Start Large Congregation
1) The project needed to test fewer ideas at one time. 2) A major project needs one model or approach. 3) Pathways needed a realistic project plan. 4) The Pathways experiment needed a focused project management. 5) The project needed to maintain a high degree of connection and communication. 6) The staffing of a new church should have been gradual. 7) Extensive marketing as a priority investment was essential to the projects progress. 8) Worship services could have started earlier, and religions education classes should begin when worship does. 9) The panel questions whether a generic liberal religious community church planting model will work for Unitarian Universalists. 10) Our Association needs to do a better, more focused job of growth.
Distinguished Service Award
The 2006 The Annual Award for Distinguished Service to the Cause of Unitarian Universalism will be awarded to Denny Davidoff and to Jerry Davidoff.
There is much information that could not be included in the interest of saving trees. This would include several motions that were considered and either passed, tabled, or rejected by the BOT. For these and detailed staff and committee reports please go to the UUA website and link to the Board of Trustees site. Thanks to the truly dedicated folks who have read my summary.
Joan Lund
Boston, MA, April 19-23, 2006
Once again the UUA Board of Trustees (BOT) met for our quarterly meeting. I traveled to Boston on Wednesday, April 19th for an afternoon meeting of the Anti-racism/Anti-oppression/Multiculturalism Monitoring Team (AROMT). The BOT met as a whole on Wednesday evening, all day Thursday, and late afternoon on Friday do probe, discuss, and decide if we will continue to move in the direction of policy governance, spending time working on the UUA BOT Policy Manual. In addition, Thursday evening we enjoyed the presence of Fred Garcia, founder and President of Logos Consulting Group, who spoke to us about effective leadership and communication as a process. Friday the Working Groups addressed their specific BOT-related areas. The BOT meets on Saturday and Sunday to hear reports and discuss and pass or reject motions brought by the Working Groups. Saturday night we spent with U. T. Saunders, organizational development consultant, in an interesting exercise appropriately named ?Fishbowl?. Perhaps there is a familiarity with this exercise among you.
Of all the BOT meetings during which I have been a member, this was the most ?packed? in substance and activity. The report will include highlights of what I consider important information for you (subjective, of course) and significant motions passed. Each time I write my report concerning our BOT meetings I ponder on how I could/should shorten it and/or make it more relevant to you. Please know that unless I hear from several Florida District UU s I will be shortening the length and breadth of my reporting following future BOT meetings. With the exception of times the BOT goes into executive session our work and meetings are open and hopefully transparent to all who are interested. You can go to our UUA website, www.uua.org for official minutes of all BOT meetings and detailed reports by our UUA staff. As always if you have questions or comments please email/telephone me at jlund@uua.org or 813-931-9727. Our next BOT meeting will be at General Assembly (GA), June, 2006, in St. Louis.
Working Groups Association (AWG)
After a brief review of the focus of the Panel on Theological Education Report the AWG clarified that the Panel is not involved in the current discussion regarding the consolidation of the Meadville Lombard and Starr King. The AWG feels there are opportunities for raising the bar of UU professional ministry and strengthening linkage between theological education and preparation in the upcoming consolidation process between the two schools. The AWG reviewed the current rules pertaining to Independent Affiliate (IA) status, the letter, and the timeline sent to IAs earlier this year. Suggestions for revisions to the rules pertaining to IA status were discussed. There will be a workshop at GA regarding the IA transition and invitations will be sent to these groups. The AWG reviewed the timeline and findings of the Youth Consultation survey. Currently congregational conversations are happening. The UUA Bylaws provide little about the role of the Moderator. Our UUA has benefited from the talented and strong leadership of many Moderators. This role is a highly visible and engaged one and our Moderator works tirelessly at promoting the ?welfare? and health of our Association and its member congregations. In addition the Moderator ensures the efficacy and focus of the BOT, providing vital communication linkages between BOT Committees and building/sustaining relationships across our governance structure. All aspects of the Moderator role are critical to the health of our Association. The term ?Moderator? does not represent the largeness of this leadership position but the definition of ?Governance Officer? does more closely describe the primary tasks of the current role of Moderator. The motion made was tabled until the October BOT meeting.
Congregations (CWG) I am part of this group. We met jointly with the Living Our Faith Working Group for the part of our work regarding Gulf Coast Relief. Meg Riley, Director, UUA Washington Office for Social Justice, reported about the work of the Gulf Coast Relief Fund. She highlighted three points: 1) The UUA/UUSC Gulf Coast Relief Fund is an exciting, creative, adventure of healing and justice, both within our congregations and in the larger community. Over $3 million is being channeled into the Gulf Coast area to be vibrant presence and implant our values into the public arena. 2) The work of the UUA/UUSC is being invented as they go along, which means they are learning from the mistakes that have been made. Absence of communication, or missed communication, is common, because there are multiple communicators and often assumptions are made that are being passed on. Trauma magnifies all miscommunication, resulting in decision-making a consistent challenge. 3) There is a clear, effective, democratic decision-making process in place for disbursement of funds. Updated details are available at the UUA website. The Community Relief Fund has developed explicit guidelines for disbursement, which were talked through by the Gulf Coast Panel. Our discussion, led by BOT member, Rev. Burton Carley, emphasized the need to bring ?emotional intelligence? in dealing with people who are traumatized and have diminished capacity to plan. The issue is often one of ?we?, how to encourage all affected congregations to think collaboratively and create partnerships. The needs of marginalized people, who are excluded from relief and decision-making because of race, color, or class was discussed. International Update Cathy Cordes, Acting Director of International Programs, is busy interviewing our UUA and others about what is now being done internationally and planning a survey of congregations about their international involvement. There will be GA conversations with congregational presidents about practices, hopes, and aspirations. Cathy?s goals are to get UUs to look at all our work through an international lens and to develop a job description for the international director. Rev. Will Saunders, BOT Trustee, will be talking with various international organizations about their relationships with our UUA. The International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF) is ?in a state of real crisis?, according to UUA President, Rev. Bill Sinkford. There is a need to discern how and whether IARF should go forward. The BOT will discuss further steps regarding funding for IARF in January, 2007. The International Council of Unitarian Universalists (ICUU) will meet within the next week. The question for the BOT will be, do we continue to support the ICUU? And, how does the BOT?s international vision relate to ICUU? Congregations Come First This task force, appointed by the Moderator, is committed to finding ways to remove organizational obstacles to congregational health and vitality. The group will report to the BOT in January, 2008. Congregational Presidents Workshop Plans Four topics, with substantial conversation, will be highlighted: the health insurance plan, growth, ends and governance, and ?what three things does your congregation do best??
Growth (GWG) The UUA Growth Team encourages all congregations to foster more robust growth. Having many initiatives is a positive direction and metro and district-based approaches rely on local knowledge about what will be effective. Regional initiatives may seem to be ?chaotic? because there are so many different kinds of initiatives going on. Our UUAs Quality Assurance role depends upon the UUA stake in the growth initiatives (i.e. financial stake, staff capacity to be in an evaluative role). Additional resources may need to be allocated to increase the GWG knowledge base and staff capacity. It might be helpful if a ?guide to growth initiatives? grouped by qualitative strategy is prepared by staff. Benchmarks The GWG assumes there will be meaningful and measurable benchmarks built into plans, and hopes to hear about progress toward achievement of these benchmarks. Pennsylvania Growth Partnership The Wellsprings planning group reviewed the Pathways report and inventoried lessons and will be using them. An oversight group is working out the details of the Wellsprings start-up including three written agreements involving the minister, the Mainline financial component, and the Joseph Priestly District who is responsible for laying out strategies. Marketing Outreach/New Congregations Valerie Holton, Marketing Outreach Consultant, submitted a report to the GWG summarizing each growth advertising campaign with results-to-date and lessons learned. An update of The Chrysalis Way for emerging congregations in Florida was given. This program will come to culmination in June. Presidents Roundtables It has been learned that advertising does generate visitors. Special Commission Final Report on GA 2005 Growth implications include the need to evaluate ?our current anti-racism, anti-oppression, multicultural programs and determine if they are meeting our needs?. We need to continue to develop and utilize resources to help congregations become more hospitable and welcoming. As far as what is happening with our youth, this varies in different congregations and different districts. There are great hopes for the Consultation with Youth. Learnings from Pathways Task Force Report The GWG expressed concern about the ?independence? of the Task Force. It was felt staffing was ramped up too fast, and dollar allocation was not as wise at it could have been. Trying to implement a growth strategy that includes conflicting models for new congregational startup was problematic. There is a need to improve the structure of project management for such large initiatives so that roles are clearly defined, problems/conflicts get flagged and resolved, and all the players are on the same page. It would be beneficial to have someone with strong ?business sense? in that role. Wellsprings Rev. Stephan Papas, pastor of the partner church has a monthly meeting with Rev. Ken Beldon, pastor of Wellsprings and ?project manager?, vision-caster, leader, and timeline developer of the project.
Living Our Faith (LOF) Joint meeting with CWG (see above portion of report). Update on Vision for Social Justice/Witness Work, Rev. Jan Carlsson-Bull, Chair of the Commission on Social Witness, reported, outlined the motivations behind the changes, and discussed with LOF changes to the Commission on Social Witness (CSW). The latest round of Study/Action Issues (SAI) generated just three proposals and only one of these fir the criteria for SAIs. Energy might be focused on one issue every four years, the deadline for the congregation poll would be the same as the yearly certification date, and a 25% response would be need to go forward. There is a need to get congregations actually doing the work. The new plan will allow for: effectiveness, accountability, and persistence, and will help congregations be more accountable for our UUA?s social justice work. Three members of the Accessibility Committee joined LOF to report on their work. Their work is constantly focused on educating people and congregations about accessibility issues. There is a higher level of awareness of accessibility and much more interest among able-bodied people and an understanding of accessibility as more than just ?getting a ramp?.
President, Rev. Bill Sinkford
Bill did not present a ?formal? report but noted the work done by the Leadership Group around ?language? development has been enormously helpful. He upheld the work of half-time Acting Director of International Programs, Cathy Cordes? engaging stakeholders in how congregations can enrich and deepen international relationships and connections. The results of the Youth Council survey revealed that 47% of you do not consider their spiritual home to be their congregation. Bill indicated how pleased he is about the newly endowed chair at Harvard, the Ralph Waldo Emerson UUA Professor of Divinity. In addition to the professorship Harvard will sponsor a ?lectureship? about UUism, UU issues and our role at Harvard Divinity School.
Executive Vice-president, Kay Montgomery
Kay reported on recent staff hires and changes. She noted that Rev. Beth Miller will succeed Rev. David Hubner, Director of Ministry and Professional Leadership in June.
Secretary, Paul Rickter
Paul reported 58 congregations failed to certify, there were six appeals, and three were granted.
Financial Advisor, Dan Brody
Dan?s presentation consisted of slides highlighting the financial state our UUA. He noted a considerable increase in the Friends of the UUA budget in-take. Dan devoted considerable time to informing the BOT and discussing our UUA?s proposed health plan, and urged the BOT to go forward with the plan. This plan is an important step in dealing with our mutual togetherness and will change lives dramatically for some who work for us. His presentation can be found on the UUA website.
Moderator, Gini Courter
As you realize Gini surveyed all Association congregations asking about issues of concern to them. She plans to spend time during plenaries discussing the top three or four ?winning? questions: What are the common traits of our growing congregations? Of those with stagnant or declining membership? What do we need to teach, as best we can to children and youth and new members? Why are many of us unable to tell others about the importance of church in our lives? What do ?freedom of the pulpit? and ?freedom of the pew? properly mean in our UU tradition? Gini informed us she was in New Orleans a few weeks ago to be a presence and model support in the re-building efforts. UUs want to help in so many ways; she suggested contacting the Unitarian Church of Baton Rouge website if your congregation wishes to send members to help. The National Leadership Task Force was developed by the February, 2006 Synchronization Meeting. This Task Force is charged with exploring the feasibility of formalizing a scouting system to develop national leaders, reviewing the clarity of charges to committees and commissions of the UUA, and making recommendations to make this information more widely accessible.
Finance Committee, Lyn Conley
As always there is more information than will be reported from this committee. Health Insurance Finance met with Bill Thompson, Milliman Inc. actuary who stated that a self-insured health insurance program is something the UUA can do and with proper staffing the wherewithal exists to make this happen. A marketing aspect of the health plan was presented which informed the Committee the need to have 500 people signed up by 10/15/06 to launch the plan. Highmark BCBS will be the firm used as the administrator of the plan and is one used by other denominations in the Church Benefits Association who collectively have over 165,000 of their clergy and church staff enrolled in programs similar to that proposed for our UUA. Capital Campaign Rev. Terry Sweetser, Vice-president for Stewardship and Development elaborated on the campaign?s five stated purposes: extending our public marketing presence, developing free-on-line religious education curricula, supporting congregational partnerships for growth, enhancing youth and young adult ministry, and creating a UU Center for Theological Education involving the seminaries and establishing a lay leadership school. Stewardship and Development The Annual Program Fund (APF) is projecting reaching its goal. Friends of the UUA will conduct a deep phone campaign between now and the end of the fiscal year primarily to cultivate new donors. Unrestricted bequest income is going to be below budget. Beacon Press is doing well. The reforecast shows Beacon producing a surplus. Liberal Religious Charitable Society (LRCS) There was a discussion concerning investment of holdings. A process is being sought to discern the best legal advice and a process to maximize the best way to fund our faith.
Motions that passed: #1 That the Board of Trustees authorize the UUA administration to permit enrollment in a self-funded UUA health plan. Enrollment will begin on May 1, 2006, to enroll a minimum of 500 employees by October 15, 2006.
#2 That the Board of Trustees approve the working goal of $20 million cash, $55 million overall for the capital campaign and the working budget of $7.25 million. Further, the Board of Trustees approve the purpose of raising funds for theological education and ministerial development. Additional campaign purposes will be refined as a collaborative effort between the administration and the Board of Trustees.
Anti-racism/Anti-oppression/Multiculturalism Monitoring Team (AROM)
I am the convener of this group. The AROM Team will be offering a workshop at G.A., titled Right Relations for the Journey, addressing the topic of process observation with an anti-racism/anti-oppression/multiculturalism lens. We are planning a BOT training on systems, and change theory.
Additional Information
General Assembly (GA)
The theme of Right Relations will be addressed throughout GA, beginning with District In-Gatherings, all Orientations, and Opening Ceremony. A/R A/O M/C programs will be available in every program slot, plus some relevant film programs. Lead ushers will undergo conflict management training. The GA Preparedness Plan is an ?all hazards? mitigation approach to any potential crisis including major incidents occurring in or around the convention center complex which involve conference attendees and/or UUA staff. The plan will coordinate all resources of the Association in a systematic and appropriate response. BOT members will be available in the Exhibit Hall except during plenaries and will be expected to communicate with the Crisis Management Group (CMG) if necessary. There will be a Gay Pride parade on Saturday morning, but not in the Convention Center area.
UU University
This will be the first ever training program offered to lay leaders in the days before GA. There will be 3 tracks; Membership, Finance, and Leadership. The keynote speaker is the Rev. Dr. Peter Steinke. (See the May Trustee Tidbits column in your newsletter)
Final Report of the Special Review Commission
This Commission was established by Moderator Courter and President Sinkford following the 2005 GA in Ft. Worth to address the reports of distressing incidents involving UU youth of color. There have been many learnings about, and subsequent recommendations for our future as a community of faith, after an exhaustive process to discern the history and trajectory of events that led to the incidents. The report can be found on the UUA web page. It will be distributed to UUA Committees and Staff for reflection and future planning.
Meadville Lombard and Starr King Theological Schools Exploration, evaluation, and discussion are continuing regarding the merger designs of the two schools.
Lessons from Pathways Rapid Start Large Congregation
1) The project needed to test fewer ideas at one time. 2) A major project needs one model or approach. 3) Pathways needed a realistic project plan. 4) The Pathways experiment needed a focused project management. 5) The project needed to maintain a high degree of connection and communication. 6) The staffing of a new church should have been gradual. 7) Extensive marketing as a priority investment was essential to the projects progress. 8) Worship services could have started earlier, and religions education classes should begin when worship does. 9) The panel questions whether a generic liberal religious community church planting model will work for Unitarian Universalists. 10) Our Association needs to do a better, more focused job of growth.
Distinguished Service Award
The 2006 The Annual Award for Distinguished Service to the Cause of Unitarian Universalism will be awarded to Denny Davidoff and to Jerry Davidoff.
There is much information that could not be included in the interest of saving trees. This would include several motions that were considered and either passed, tabled, or rejected by the BOT. For these and detailed staff and committee reports please go to the UUA website and link to the Board of Trustees site. Thanks to the truly dedicated folks who have read my summary.
