On Governance
All organizations require a way to investigate potential, make decisions, and “stick to the rules.” The community wants to know not only what to expect, but that their institution is underscored by meaning and worth.
The Unitarian Universalist Society of Amherst (UUSA) is governed by a Board of Trustees that oversees the workings of the congregation. These workings include the committee structure, the staffing and ministry, and the bylaws that help guide the mission and vision for our faith community.
That said, no system of governance can exist without the support of the congregation. and that support requires flexibility to the ever-changing needs of the times. Because we are of a faith open to revelation, we govern ourselves by habits of inquiry, by self-examination. The Board continually reviews how our committee system works, if it is effective, and how it fits into the ministries of our community. In the 2022-23 year, we experimented with a new departmental structure that clusters committees, ministries, teams and our one circle into groupings that may have common interests. We are also practicing and learning the tools of sociocracy to make sure our meetings are as welcoming and inclusive as possible.
Our Board of Trustees is committed to representing the whole congregation, listening respectfully to the needs of the many and the few, knowing that we walk together in our Unitarian Universalist faith.
Members may contact one of the Board Co-Presidents if they would like to observe a meeting. Meetings are open to members except when the Board is discussing personnel issues or contractual matters. The Co-president has the discretion to call an executive session.
To access the minutes of board meetings click this link.