Tidbits, 12/06
UUA TRUSTEE TIDBITS
Joan Lund , December 2006
Earlier this week I counted the number of columns I have written since being elected your UUA Trustee and it numbers thirty-seven. It is important to me to keep the columns informational, current, and not repetitive. I count on you to let me know whether this is the case. Last month?s column was about a topic on which I had previously written and this month I am doing the same by addressing Independent Affiliates (IA) since the UUA Board (BOT) has voted upon and instituted some rule changes regarding qualifications to become an IA (reference July, 2005).
The UUA Board of Trustees grants independent affiliate status to independently constituted and operated organizations whose purposes and intentions are found to be in sympathy with the principles of the Association and who support the Association by paying an annual contribution. The Office of the Executive Vice President maintains a list of current independent affiliates and coordinates the annual review of each organization's status as an independent affiliate. Applications for IA status are vetted through the Our Association Working Group of the Board. The BOT determines that the organization is of substantial benefit to the Unitarian Universalist movement. According to the UUA Bylaws Purposes: ?The Unitarian Universalist Association shall devote its resources to and exercise its corporate powers for religious, educational, and humanitarian purposes. The primary purpose of the Association is to serve the needs of its member congregations, organize new congregations, extend and strengthen Unitarian Universalist institutions and implement its principles.?
The BOT understands that the health and vitality of our congregations form the foundation of our Association and that our congregations are not served by IAs operating in isolation or serving as an alternative for congregational life. The BOT is committed to ongoing reflection concerning the purpose and potential of each organization who applies for IA status. We continue to strive to be aware of the focus and clarity of relationship with and between congregations and IAs as they shape Unitarian Universalism. IA status is only one way of being in relationship with our Association of congregations. The rules for becoming an IA can be found on the UUA website; there are currently 60 IAs. At General Assembly each IA is entitled to one program event related to their business or mission.
Examples of organizations desiring IA status include, but are not exclusive to: groups that connect to historically marginalized persons within our faith community and provide a forum for linked oppressions; and an organization that encourages dialogue, research, and scholarship between and among the different UU theological perspectives and religious groups.
Much more could be written but space does not permit. You know I am always open to comments and questions. I can be reached at jlund@uua.org. Wishing you a wonderful, peaceful holiday season.
