Kittitas Valley Unitarian Universalist Congregation

Our Governance

According to the UUA, consultant Herb Miller highlights five key components in congregational governance, though his terms and arrangement differ slightly from what follows. KVUUC’s governance involves the Board, congregation, and minister. We also discuss various councils. Our by-laws list standing councils, their composition, and their responsibilities. Once the congregation approves a budget, councils handle decisions and events within their budget and scope. Matters beyond a council’s scope go to the Board, and if needed, the congregation.

1. Visioning and policy setting

Visioning is revisited every five years, beginning with a member retreat and concluding with adoption at a congregational meeting. Policy is determined by congregation members at the annual meeting. Policy ideas typically originate from our councils, rise through the board, and are presented at the annual meeting.

2. Coordinating, calendaring and communicating

The worship council creates the worship calendar, the RE council handles the religious education calendar, and other councils schedule their respective events. These calendars are unified by the Coordination Council, which includes the minister, office administrator, newsletter editor, order of service editor, online coordinator, and key council members.

3. Planning and program management

As noted, councils are responsible for programs within their purview.

4. Serving in shared ministry and implementing programs

As noted, councils are responsible for programs within their purview.

5. Recruiting and training

The Nominating Committee consulting with the minister is responsible for recruiting. The Board working with the minister is responsible for mentoring and training new recruits.