Appendix B: Board Covenant

Board Covenant

Adopted by the Board February 19, 2025

We the UUCB Board of Directors covenant to:

Work well together by:

• Respecting each other’s experiences and learning from one other;
• Acknowledging and respecting the limits of our individual and collective resources (time, energy, money, etc.)
• Encouraging ourselves and congregants to communicate concerns directly to the subject of those concerns, and offering assistance for that communication, as needed
• Being accountable to one another and to the Congregation;
• Showing clear love and concern for the welfare of the Congregation; and
• Encouraging the expression of diverse opinions and perspectives within the Board.

Honor our shared values by:

• Exhibiting an encouraging positive attitude;
• Treating each other and congregants with respect and dignity;
• Looking to our shared values for guidance when making decisions and taking actions;
• Being honest and kind with each other and with congregants; as well as
• Approaching our work with a spirit of joy and good humor.

Uphold the trust of the Congregation by:

• Being available to the Congregation and to each other;
• Listening deeply to the joys and concerns of congregants;
• Ensuring that Board decisions and actions take into account diverse opinions and perspectives of congregants;
• Exploring creative solutions to congregational challenges;
• Acting reliably and in a trustworthy manner;
• Embracing conflict and critique as a path toward deeper understanding and more complete problem-solving;
• Engaging in thoughtful and deliberate decision-making; and then:
• Speaking as one voice.

The Board will support the Minister by

• Acknowledging their hard work and celebrating their successes
• Hearing their concerns and challenges and, when needed and appropriate, offering assistance
• Providing thoughtful, honest feedback to the Minister, both on an ongoing basis and in the annual Ministerial appraisal

The Minister will support the Board by

• Soliciting input from staff in the areas of their concern or expertise on relevant matters before the Board
• Helping the Board appreciate and act on the shared values and goals that inform its work
• Offering a broader perspective on the Board’s work, informed by denominational matters and prior experience
• Connecting the Board to broader resources available to religious organizations