4064 What's Policy Governance All About? Practical Perspectives

Rev. Paige Getty , Minister of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbia , Md.
Rev. Rob Hardies , Minister of the All Souls Unitarian in Washington, D.C.
Chris Hunt , President, All Souls Unitarian in Washington, D.C.
Cathy Muller , Director of Lifespan Religious Education at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbia , Md.
Helen Foss , recent past Vice-President of First Unitarian Church of Wilmington , Del.
Rev. Margaret Keip
Sponsor: Joseph Priestley District

This workshop was not meant to be a tutorial on Policy Governance. It was an opportunity to speak with people from congregations who have implemented this style of governance to hear how they have adapted it to their congregation as well as the challenges and successes they encountered. The presenters hoped to assist other congregations who are thinking about or are implementing P.G.

Tips on Policy Governance

1. Educate yourselves. Read up on Policy Governance
   a. By John Carver
   i. John Carver on Board Governance (video)
   ii. Boards That Make a Difference
   iii. Empowering Boards for Leadership (audio)
   iv. The Carver Guide Series on Effective Board Governance
   b. Check web site for Jossey-Bass Nonprofit and Public Management Series
2. Check web sites from other congregations. Download them and compare. Adjust to your congregation's size and needs.
3. Consider hiring a consultant to come in to work with the Board writing Ends and Administrative Limitations.
4. Make sure roles are clear. Understanding the function of the Board and Administrative Team/Executive Team/CEO is crucial. Develop clear job descriptions for leadership as well as staff.

Handouts from the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbia's Policy Governance Policies

Ends Statement
Mission, Vision, and Covenant Statements
Administrative Limitations
Administrative Limitations for Councils and Committees
Administrative Team Covenant
Organizational Chart

Other Handouts

Rules and Basic Resources for Policy Governance
2004 'Dashboard' and Ends Policies from First Unitarian (Wilmington, DE)

Reported by Gila Jone; edited by Margy Levine Young

Unitarian Universalist Association
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