Board+Covenant

= COVENANT =

Board of Directors, Community Church of Chapel Hill, Unitarian Universalist
(adopted May 2008, amended February 2009)

// Stand tall for integrity but not at another’s expense //

 * We will:**
 * 1) Make our interactions respectful.
 * 2) Listen carefully and respectfully to each other, will give each other time to speak.
 * 3) Raise our hands when we wish to speak.
 * 4) Ensure that all members have the opportunity to share their opinions and work towards consensus. When consensus is not possible, we will agree to disagree and work towards a workable resolution of the issue.
 * 5) When disagreements arise we will discuss them respectfully with the person involved—not third or fourth parties.
 * 6) Read materials and be prepared to participate in any action needed
 * 7) Encourage dialogue, debate, integrity, honesty in free discussion.
 * 8) Think carefully about how we correct each other---perhaps remembering that it is not always essential to be right or have the last word.
 * 9) In cases where there is a conflict between board members which cannot be resolved by those affected, for example because the aggrieved board member is not comfortable resolving the conflict alone, a process involving 2 other board members will be implemented. The goal will be to resolve the conflict in a positive manner.
 * 10) The covenant accepted by the board will apply to all Board-related interactions within and outside of Board meetings, including person-to-person and telephone conversations as well as electronic communication and action.
 * 11) Items discussed or voted upon in confidence electronically will be made public through a report to the Board that will be approved as part of the Board minutes. Until that time electronic communication regarding Board business will stay within the Board, excepting instances where outside expertise is required.
 * 12) When disagreements arise and are discussed electronically, resolution should be sought initially between the disagreeing parties and involving the Board chair as needed, but only as a last resort involving the entire board.
 * 13) Board members will remain cognizant and respectful of the fact that Board discussions and minutes aside from closed sessions are open to public view.
 * 14) As a general rule, individual board members are free to state their own opinion on any issue, but should share information about the opinions of other board members in an anonymous manner only. They should also clearly and accurately state any final decision, and its rationale, taken by the board on any issue, even if they do not support that decision. Board discussions should be presented in a manner that is fair and balanced and accurately reflects the range and diversity of the opinions shared.
 * 15) This covenant applies to the entire Board, including ex-officio members.


 * The chair will:**
 * Offer everyone a turn before allowing others to speak; board members will respectfully point out when someone who wishes to speak is not seen by the chair. If it appears that the chair does not see board members who wish to speak, other board members will point this out.
 * Make every attempt to get materials out 3 to 5 days before meetings. Late items will only be accepted in extreme situations.

//In order to ensure that actions are carried out, one board member will keep a running “to-do list” which will be reviewed prior to the adjournment of the meeting. Board members will work to make sure that action items are followed and that the necessary actions or communications are accomplished.//