Board Retreat Report

From L to R: Abby Gitlitz, President; Drew Schrader, at large; Regina DiLavore, Secretary; Bill Lonnberg, Treasurer; Linda Pickle, at large; Mary Craig, at large; Jane McLeod, Vice President

On September 2, the Board of Directors met for our annual retreat, where we came together for an intense and focused time of exploration about UUCB. We affirmed that we are taking the necessary steps during this period of interim ministry to continue our transition from the Policy Governance model adopted in 2008 to a Partnership model, i.e., a close partnership between Ministry and Board. A primary goal of the retreat was to identify our areas of focus for the next 12 months. Through guided thought-provoking exercises and deep discussions, the board determined three main areas for us to focus on:

Support our ministerial search process – How can the board best support the search committee and the congregation as we work together to call an outstanding settled lead minister?

Nurture ourselves as the congregation we are now – This congregation is ever changing. How can the board help nurture our congregation in this moment, serving the needs of the people who choose to make this congregation their home now, even as we lay foundations for the future?

In this Partnership model, the Board takes care of the resources of the congregation, including finances, property, and personnel, in partnership with volunteers, staff, and minister. Everything we all do – including making policies – is in service of the programs and ministry of the congregation. This includes mundane activities like making sure we have a functioning HVAC system so the sanctuary is comfortable, as well as supporting social justice task forces and other groups or encouraging the formation of new adult religious education courses. 

Increase clarity in our organizational systems – How can we communicate and celebrate the vibrant structure of UUCB? This includes the ongoing work of adopting new bylaws [learn more about our Bylaws Revision Process] and further clarifying what a Partnership model of governance can look like for us. It will entail revising board policies to accurately reflect who we are and how we do things. We also hope to work with the congregation to diagram where each part of our large and complex organization fits, from task forces to interest groups to teams and committees, staff and ministers to elected positions so we can increase awareness and participation.

This next year is an exciting one for us as we look ahead to calling a new settled lead minister. The board is energized and ready to do what we can to help us thrive as a congregation.

In deep appreciation for all who call this congregation home.

Abby Gitlitz

For more information on a Partnership Model of governance, watch this video by Dan Hotchkiss.