First U Trustee
Thank you for considering the position of Trustee for the First Unitarian Congregational Society in Brooklyn. Clearly you care deeply about the congregation and believe that you have experience and skills that will serve us well.
Serving as a Trustee is an honor. It is also a wonderful opportunity to share your gifts with the congregation. Trustees strive to model good leadership by demonstrating how to act in right relationship, how to work using good process and how to be responsible stewards of our congregation’s future. Specifically, as a Trustee you will:
- Serve for a three-year term
- Attend all monthly Board meetings (occasionally more frequently)
- Attend annual Board retreat (usually a Saturday in June)
- Serve on one of three groups: Standing Committee, Program Workgroup, or Administrative Workgroup to ensure the healthy functioning of the congregation in these areas (This is decided among the Trustees at the annual retreat.)
The Standing Committee is responsible for setting the agenda of Board meetings, overseeing the work of the Working Groups, and handling urgent matters when the Board cannot meet. It generally meets the week before the Board meeting. The Senior Minister is an ex officio member of the Standing Committee.
The Program Working Group monitors the organized programs of the congregation. Usually one member of the Group chairs the Program Council.
The Administrative Working Group oversees the congregation’s administrative areas: finance, human resources, property and works with the Finance Council, Staff Relations Committee and Buildings and Grounds Committee.
The Standing Committee and both Working Groups report to the Board at each meeting.
- Assist with monthly Board tasks such as counting the weekly offering and thanking congregants who have made exceptional contributions.
- Attend and participate in the planning of congregational meetings.
- With the advice of the Finance Council, determine a budget to be presented to the congregation at the annual meeting that supports our mission, controls expenses and preserves our endowment
- Attend important congregational events
- Assist with membership development by serving as a Board representative at one pre-membership class each year and participating in other membership events
- Make an annual pledge that demonstrates leadership based on the fair share giving guide
- Participate in year round stewardship activities either by taking a leadership role or by being a steward/canvasser
- Be a visible and positive member of our congregation
- Learn about and uphold the Congregational and Board by-laws
