East Shore Unitarian Church follows a Policy Based Governance structure.
“A congregation needs:
- A unified structure for making governance decisions. The governing board represents the membership by articulating mission and vision, evaluating programs, and ensuring responsible stewardship of resources.
- A unified structure for making ministry decisions. Program leaders (paid and unpaid) work harmoniously to create effective programs with the support of a structure that delegates authority and requires accountability.
- A firm and well-marked boundary, with active mutual communication and accountability, between governance and ministry.”
from Governance and Ministry: Rethinking Board Leadership, by Dan Hotchkiss – p. 58.
Our Bylaws & Policies
East Shore Unitarian Church follows specific Bylaws and Policies:
Upcoming Bylaw Changes Discussion Period Now Open
Your questions and concerns are important. Your input is needed!
The Bylaws Task Force is starting a month-long period of discussion with members on major changes to East Shore’s bylaws. We have proposed other changes since spring 2021 that were approved by the congregation. This will be our last and largest proposal to you covering the remainder of specific bylaws and formatting changes to the whole document.
The Bylaws Task Force is proposing that several current bylaw sections be moved to board policies. Bylaws are meant to stand the test of time. The policy development process, not the bylaws, would be where most change happens from month to month, year to year. Practically speaking, anyone can propose a new or revised policy. Changes to the bylaws will still be needed over time but less often, and will address more fundamental matters and legal changes than those being proposed by the Bylaw Task Force now.
- Major areas of Bylaw Changes Proposed for Discussion
- 25 minute Video presentation and edited transcript of video
- See drafted specific bylaw changes
- The Why, Who, How and Timeline of Bylaws Review Project
Now is your time to comment and give input before the June 9 congregational meeting.
Please send your comments to [email protected] by April 20th. Final recommended changes will be mailed to you through the usual congregational meeting notice about 2 weeks before the meeting.
In Peace,
Bylaws Task Force (Grace Colton, Mary Anderson, Marcy Langrock, Ryam Hill)
The Why, Who, How and Timeline of Bylaws Review Project
Why do a Bylaws Review? East Shore needs leaner, more long-term and broadly inclusive bylaws that are as easy to understand as possible. All of our bylaws were created overtime with good intention. It is time for a comprehensive update and review. Since the 1950s,...
Major areas of Bylaw Changes Proposed for Discussion
There's significant rewording and rearranging in the minister article, committees and ministry teams article, and the congregational meetings article. See drafted new bylaw changes for more details. Possible changes to bylaws quorum percentages, dollar minimums,...
Bylaws Review Project Begins its Final Phase
What is the Bylaw Review Project? The Bylaws Task Force, a sub-group of Policy & Governance Committee, has been developing proposals for changes to our bylaws for members to vote on at congregational meetings. We were created in spring of 2020 and include Grace...