UUFA Bylaws

Bylaws

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ames

Article I – Name and Status

Section 1. The name of this Fellowship is the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ames, Iowa. Its building is located at 1015 North Hyland Avenue, Ames, Iowa 50014.

Section 2. The Fellowship is affiliated with the Unitarian Universalist Association, Boston, Massachusetts, and with the Prairie Star District of that Association.

Section 3. The Fellowship is a non-profit corporation incorporated in the State of Iowa according to the document entitled “Amended and Related Articles of Incorporation of the Unitarian Fellowship of Ames, Iowa.” (Filed for record, January 19, 1973, Book 13, Page 768, State of Iowa, Story County.) Nothing in these Bylaws is intended to be contradictory to the articles of that document.

Article II – Purpose

Section 1. The Fellowship is a religious organization that cherishes the traditions of Unitarian Universalist and other liberal religious movements. It is organized to promote the objectives of its own members and of the Unitarian Universalist Association. It brings together free people of honest reverent spirit for the common study, affirmation and practice of religion without dogma. It helps its members apply religious and ethical values to the enrichment of their daily lives. The members of the Fellowship share a basic belief in the importance of individual thought, and respect for the personalities and convictions of others. They have faith in human dignity and its potential.

Section 2. Among the objectives of the Fellowship are helping one another in the search for truth, aiding in the spiritual and intellectual development of each person to his or her fullest capabilities, uniting in action against human injustices, and working for human fellowship among all people on Earth. In pursuing these objectives, the members of the Fellowship try to avoid all unreasonable and dogmatic prejudices, especially those concerning race, creed, gender and sexual orientation, and to emphasize love and support of our fellow human beings, the surrounding community, and the universe.

Section 3. Our mission statement, adopted May 5, 1996, is: We are a diverse community of caring individuals who come together to provide an environment that nurtures and educates our children, stimulates the study and practice of ethical and liberal religious ideals, supports the creative spirit in us all, and demonstrates concern for the environment and the broader community.

Article III – Membership

Section 1. Membership in the Fellowship is open to any person of fourteen years of age or more who is in sympathy with its activities and willing to contribute to its financial support.

Section 2. One becomes a member of the Fellowship by completing the new-member orientation and by signing the membership book, subject to affirmation by the Board of Directors of the Fellowship. Members are entitled to vote and hold office and are expected to show their support by participating in Fellowship activities and by contributing their time, talent and money.

Section 3. Any member may resign his/her membership by notifying the Board of Directors in writing. A member who has neither participated in the life of the Fellowship nor contributed services or funds during January 1-December 31 of a given year will be notified by mail that his/her membership has become inactive pending a return to participation.

Section 4. The members, officers, and staff of the Fellowship enjoy freedom in their words and beliefs so long as they do not, either expressly or by implication, indicate they speak for the congregation unless the congregation has given them the authority to do so.

Article IV – Congregation

Section 1. The congregation consists of all members of the Fellowship.

Section 2. The congregation is the ultimate authority in all major decisions concerning the Fellowship. It elects the Board of Directors and the officers of the Fellowship. It approves the annual budget and any extra-budgetary expenditures and/or obligations exceeding three (3) percent of the annual operating budget individually or ten (10) percent cumulatively. It may amend these Bylaws; subject to approval by the State of Iowa, it may amend its Articles of Incorporation.

Section 3. The congregation exercises its authority at the annual meeting and at other congregational meetings. Other congregational meetings may be either general or special meetings. At special congregational meetings only items listed on the announced agenda will be considered. Notice of congregational meetings will be sent to all members at least one week before the meeting either through the Fellowship newsletter or by a special mailing, as determined by the Board of Directors, except for those meetings requiring a forty percent quorum. A two-week notice will be required for those meetings. Any proposed change in the Bylaws will be included in the notice.

Section 4. For congregational meetings, a quorum shall consist of twenty percent of the members for all purposes except the calling or dismissal of a minister, the acquisition or disposal of real estate, the incurring of a financial obligation equal to or greater than fifty percent of the annual budget, or amending the Bylaws. For these purposes, a quorum will consist of forty percent of the members, voting in person or by absentee ballot on or before the day of the congregational meeting.

Section 5. Each member is entitled to one vote at a congregational meeting; there will be no proxy voting. Absentee ballots may be provided at the discretion of the Board of Directors. All decisions, unless otherwise specified in these Bylaws, are made by majority vote. The president of the Fellowship presides at congregational meetings. Before voting, members will sign to record their attendance at a meeting or their vote by absentee ballot.

Section 6. Normally a congregational meeting will be called by the Board of Directors. However, any ten members of the Fellowship may, by written petition to the Board, request a congregational meeting. The Board shall then call such a meeting at a time agreeable to at least half of the petitioners.

Section 7. The annual meeting of the congregation will be held during the last quarter of each fiscal year to elect the officers and Board of Directors of the Fellowship for the coming year, to elect three members to the next Nominating Committee, to approve the budget, to present annual reports and appreciations, and to take up other items of business requested.

Article V – Board of Directors

Section 1. The Board of Directors of the Fellowship is the policy body of the Fellowship. The Board is responsible for the care and administration of the property of the Fellowship and for conducting its normal business affairs. The Board affirms all new members. In addition to the committees set forth in Article IX, the Board may create and disband such committees as it deems necessary and will determine the powers and duties of all committees. The Board has the responsibility to keep the congregation informed of its actions.

Section 2. The Board consists of the four officers of the Fellowship, the immediate past president and six other members. One of these six other members will be a person under the age of 21, who will serve for a one-year term. The other five members will be elected to staggered two-year terms. No member of the Board who is not an officer may be elected to the Board for more than two consecutive terms.

Section 3. In the event of a vacancy on the Board between annual meetings, the members of the Board may appoint someone to fill out the term until the end of the fiscal year immediately after the next annual congregational meeting.

Section 4. The president of the Fellowship is the chairperson of the Board of Directors. The president, or the vice president, calls the meeting of the Board.

Section 5. The Board is required to meet at least once each month, August through June, and at other times as needed.

Section 6. A quorum at a board meeting consists of a majority of Board members.

Section 7. A Board member may be removed from the Board for failure to perform his/her duties. Three consecutive unwarranted absences may be grounds for removal. Such action may be taken at a meeting of the congregation upon request of the Board.

Section 8. Any Board member may resign from the Board of Directors by notifying the Board in writing. Such a resignation will be effective immediately, unless a later date is specified and agreed to by the Board.

Section 9. All parts of the meetings of the Board of Directors are open except for those dealing with Fellowship personnel matters.

Article VI – Officers

Section 1. The elected officers of the Fellowship shall be the president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer. The president and vice president are elected for one-year terms. The secretary and treasurer are elected to two-year terms, in alternating years. The officers are members of the Board of Directors.

Section 2. The president oversees the administrative affairs of the Fellowship to see that they are managed as well as possible. The president presides at all business meetings of the congregation and the Board, and sees that each standing committee has a chairperson. The president or the minister (or the designee of either) officiates at all religious ceremonies including marriage.

Section 3. The vice president fulfills the duties of the president in the president’s absence and assists the president as needed. The vice president is co-chair, with the minister, of the Council of Committees. The vice president is co-chair of the Stewardship Committee.

Section 4. The secretary carries out the duties determined by the president and the Board. These duties include the responsibility for the careful recording and distribution to the congregation of minutes for all congregational meetings and Board meetings, and the preservation of important letters and other documents.

Section 5. The treasurer carries out the fiscal duties determined by the president and the Board. These duties include keeping financial records and supervision of the receipt, care and spending of all Fellowship funds. The treasurer must keep informed of the financial condition of the Fellowship and report such condition monthly to the Board. The treasurer will report to the congregation at the annual meeting on the financial condition of the Fellowship and will file with the Board of Directors a final audited report within two months of the end of the fiscal year.

Section 6. The Executive Leadership Team (ELT) shall consist of the president, the vice president, the immediate past president, and the minister. The ELT will develop the Board agenda items and carry out other responsibilities as designated by the Board.

Article VII – Minister

Section 1. The minister will provide spiritual and administrative leadership to the Fellowship and will represent the Fellowship in the community and promote the Purposes and Principles of the Unitarian Universalist Association.

Section 2. The minister will be a non-voting, ex-officio member of the Board and of all committees. The minister is co-chair, with the vice president, of the Council of Committees.

Section 3. The minister will be called, upon the recommendation of the Ministerial Search Committee, by no less than a three-quarters vote of the quorum present at a special congregational meeting.

Section 4. The minister will serve under such terms and conditions as set forth in a written contract approved by the Board. The contract will contain a provision for termination of services upon three months written notice. The minister’s services may be terminated by the members at a special congregational meeting.

Article VIII – Director of Religious Education

Section 1. The director of religious education, alternately known as the director of youth and children’s ministries, administers the religious education program for children and youth, interprets goals and activities to parents and the congregation, and participates with the Religious Education Committee, the Youth-Adult Committee, the minister, and others in planning and evaluating the program.

Section 2. The director of religious education serves under such terms and conditions as set forth in a written contract approved by the Board. The contract will contain a provision for termination of services.

Article IX – Committees

Section 1. There will be a Nominating Committee, Committee on Ministry, Finance Committee, Religious Education Committee, Membership Committee, Sunday Program Committee, Youth-Adult Committee, Stewardship Committee, Personnel Committee, and two endowment committees. In addition to these committees, a Ministerial Search Committee will be activated in the event of a vacancy in the position of minister. Unless otherwise provided in these Bylaws, these committees and all other committees created by the Board will select their own chairpersons, with approval of the Board. The chairpersons of all committees (or their designees) constitute the Council of Committees.

Section 2. The Nominating Committee consists of three members elected by the congregation and two members appointed by the Board. The members elected by the congregation will serve staggered, three-year terms. The members appointed by the board will serve staggered, two-year terms. The Nominating Committee presents a slate of candidates for officers, Board members, and three new Nominating Committee members at the annual meeting. The committee will announce its selections at least two weeks prior to the annual meeting. The committee is required to nominate the current year’s vice president for the office of president for the ensuing year, unless he or she declines.

Section 3. The Committee on Ministry consists of four members, chosen cooperatively by the Board of Directors and the minister. Members serve for three-year, staggered terms and may be reappointed or reselected. When a vacancy occurs, the minister will submit a list of names to the Board, which will select the new member. The purpose of the Committee on Ministry is to promote effective ministry in the congregation and to assist the congregation in understanding and evaluating the nature and scope of the ministry of the Fellowship. The committee counsels the minister on professional development and advocates continuing-education plans for the minister to the Board and congregation.

Section 4. The Finance Committee consists of five or more members and is responsible for developing the annual budget, and auditing the Fellowship financial records annually.

Section 5. The Religious Education Committee consists of five or more members and is the policy-making body for the children’s religious education, subject to Board review.

Section 6. The Membership Committee consists of five or more members. The committee maintains the membership list, oversees production of an annual directory, welcomes new members, and helps new members integrate into the Fellowship.

Section 7. The Sunday Program Committee consists of seven or more members. The committee plans and implements Sunday morning services when the minister is absent or not presenting the program, and cooperatively plans and implements shared services with the minister.

Section 8. The Ministerial Search Committee will consist of seven people, four to be elected by the congregation, and three to be appointed by the Board. The committee chairperson will be selected by the committee members.

Section 9. The Youth-Adult Committee (YAC) consists of three adults, three youth, and the Director of Religious Education. The committee is the policy-making body for the youth, subject to board review, and the committee plans, implements, promotes, and advocates for this same group.

Section 10. The Stewardship Committee is responsible for cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding private gifts on behalf of the UUFA, and creating a culture of philanthropy within the congregation.

Section 11. The Personnel Committee shall consist of four members, preferably one of whom is also on the Finance Committee. These members shall serve in rotation and shall meet as needed. The committee may elect its own chair, who shall serve for a minimum of one year. The Personnel Committee shall consult the Unitarian Universalist Association fair-compensation guidelines for implementation at the Fellowship; monitor staff job descriptions and compensation, including salary and benefits; and annually review and prepare staff contracts and make salary and other compensation recommendations to the Finance Committee and to the Board of Directors. The committee shall periodically review the Personnel Policy Manual and may suggest to the Board of Directors revisions and/or additions to the manual. Additionally, the Personnel Committee shall assist regular supervisors with staff training and orientation in an advisory capacity; develop, implement, and monitor performance-evaluation procedures for all staff; and conduct annual staff reviews.

Section 12. The endowment committees shall consist of the Endowment Acquisitions & Disbursements Committee and the Endowment Fund Investment Committee.

Part A. The five-person Acquisition & Disbursement Committee shall be elected by the membership of the Fellowship. The members of this committee shall be members of the Fellowship, nominated by the Board of Directors or from the floor and elected by the membership at the annual meeting or at a special meeting called in accordance with the Bylaws of the Fellowship. Members serve five-year, staggered terms. Any unexpired vacancy on the committee shall be filled by appointment by the Board of Directors for the remainder of the unexpired term. No more than one member may also be a member of the Board of Directors. None shall be a member of the Endowment Fund Investment Committee. This committee shall solicit, encourage, and promote gifts and bequests from all possible sources and shall make a diligent effort to develop and carry out programs for that purpose. Such solicitation shall not be conducted in competition or conflict with the regular pledge programs of the Fellowship.

Part B. The three-person Endowment Fund Investment Committee shall be appointed by the Board of Directors of the Fellowship. Members shall serve at the pleasure of the Board and may serve for an indefinite period of time. No more than one member shall also be a member of the Board. This committee shall be responsible for the management, supervision, and investment of all assets of the endowment fund. It shall distribute income and principal as directed by the Acquisitions & Disbursement Committee.

Article X – Staff

Section 1. The creation and elimination of permanent staff positions will be at the discretion of the Board, with congregational approval.

Section 2. Personnel decisions shall be the responsibility of the Board and the minister.

Article XI – Fellowship Year

Section 1. The Fellowship’s fiscal year begins on the first day of July each year and ends on the thirtieth day of June of the following year.

Section 2. New officers and new members of the Board elected by the congregation at the annual meeting assume office at the beginning of the fiscal year.

Article XII – Parliamentary Authority

Section 1. The rules contained in Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised shall govern the Fellowship in all cases to which they are applicable, and in which they are not inconsistent with these Bylaws and any special rules of order the Fellowship may adopt.

Section 2. The terms “written,” “writing,” “mail,” and “mailing,” when used in these bylaws, includes electronic transmission of such information unless otherwise specified.

Article XIII – Operational Limitations

Section 1. Notwithstanding any other provisions of these articles, the corporation shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by a corporation exempt from Federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3), Title 26, U.S. Code, or (b) by a corporation, contributions to which are deductible under Section 170(c)(2), Title 26, U.S. Code.

Article XIV – Amendments

Section 1. These Bylaws become effective immediately upon their adoption and may not be altered except by a two-thirds vote at a congregational meeting. Any proposed change will be included in the notice requirement contained in Article IV.

Section 2. Amendments initiated by the Board or one of its committees must be voted on no sooner than ten days, but not later than ninety days, after formal approval of the proposal by the Board.

Section 3. Amendments initiated by individual members of the Fellowship must be submitted in writing to the secretary of the Fellowship, signed by at least ten members of the Fellowship. The secretary will deliver the proposal which must be voted on no sooner than ten days, and no later than ninety days, after delivery to the Board.

Article XV – Dissolution

In the event of a dissolution of the Fellowship, after all outstanding debts have been paid or otherwise provided for, all remaining assets, both real and personal, including all property hereafter acquired, shall become the property of the Unitarian Universalist Association, Boston, Massachusetts, or any UUA affiliate organization (District, Camp/Conference Center, other congregation, etc.) as the Board of Directors shall determine.

Article XVI – Nondiscrimination Policy

Section 1. We affirm and promote the full participation of all persons in the Fellowship’s activities and endeavors—including membership, programming, hiring, and the calling of religious professionals—without regard to age, race, national origin, color, gender, physical challenge, affectional or sexual orientation (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning) , and without requiring adherence to any particular religious belief or creed.

Article XVII – Noncommercial Educational Radio Station

Section 1. The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ames is authorized to serve as the Corporation for a noncommercial educational radio station to provide educational programming plus media access and services. Programs will include, but are not limited to, those concerned with regional history and culture, ecology, sustainable agriculture, education, economy, politics, spiritual life, and social issues ranging from local to international. Programs of significant general interest will also be considered.

Section 2. The Corporation is authorized to apply for, license and operate one or more noncommercial, educational broadcast stations, serve and fully qualify as a “public telecommunications entity” within the intent of 47 U.S.C. Section 397 (12).

Section 3. The Corporation at all times shall maintain “local diversity of ownership” as defined in Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rules and Regulations, Section 73.7003 (b) (2). At no time shall the Board, any parent or subsidiary entity, any voting member, officer or director of the Board have an attributable interest in another radio station, including any license, construction permit or debt or equity position, if the principal community contour of such station would overlap in any part with the principal community contour of a new noncommercial radio station for which the Corporation files an FCC application for construction permit.

Section 4. The Corporation shall maintain a permanent headquarters within 25 miles of Story City, Iowa, and composition of the Corporation Board shall be maintained at all times with the characteristics necessary to qualify it as an “established local entity” under Rules and Regulations of the FCC, Section 73.7003 (b) (1), 47 C.F.R. Section 73.7003 (b) (1).

Approved at Congregational Meeting, March 29, 1998

Amended at Congregational Meeting, May 1, 2005

Amended at Congregational Meeting, May 6, 2007

Amended at Congregational Meeting, May 4, 2008

Amended at Congregational Meeting, May 3, 2009