Bylaw change Summary from March 5 meeting
Why: To discuss a proposed Bylaws amendment that would allow Trustees to serve two (2) consecutive terms.
When: Sunday, March 26, 2023 – 12:30pm – 1:30pm
Where: via Zoom (link will be sent on Saturday, March 25, 2023)
You are invited to attend a Special Congregational Meeting on Sunday, March 26, 2023, to discuss a proposed bylaws amendment that would allow Trustees to serve two consecutive Board terms.
ARTICLE V – Board of Trustees
Section 2: Eligibility
Individuals who have been Members of the Congregation for at least two (2) consecutive years are eligible to be elected to the Board of Trustees. Any Trustee who has served a full or partial three-year term is eligible to serve a second consecutive term if nominated by the Nominating Committee and re-elected at the Annual Meeting by the Congregation. No Trustee who has served for two consecutive terms (full or partial) 24 or more consecutive months is eligible for re-election until after an interval of one (1) year.
Section 3: Size and Term
The Board of Trustees consists of nine (9) elected Members plus ex-officio members as specified in Section 5 of this Article. Elected Members serve three-year terms, with three (3) new Members being elected each year to replace three (3) who complete their terms.
Benefits of Making this Change:
· We have an immediate need to fill the Treasurer role with a member of the BOT. There are no apparent candidates with the necessary skill set.
* Our current Treasurer is willing and able to serve a second term.
* This would allow us time to prepare someone to succeed them.
· It would allow people to build more expertise as Trustees and officers.
· It would support our goal to develop a clear leadership pipeline for board members and officers; more experienced veterans will be available to help train the next generation.
· In years when Trustees are willing to serve consecutive terms, it could reduce the recruitment demand for the Nominating Committee.
What are other congregations doing?
An informal poll of UUA Board Presidents tells us that of the 16 churches that responded, 15 allow for consecutive terms, with a total of 6 consecutive years allowed being the norm.
According to www.boardsource.org “The most common board member structure is two consecutive three-year terms.”
What checks are in place?
· The proposed Bylaw change requires that a Trustee who is willing and able to serve consecutive terms be nominated by the Nominating Committee and re-elected at the Annual Meeting by the Congregation.
· The Bylaws contain processes to remove Trustees.