Your Board Members

Winter All Church Forum – January 26 – Eliot Chapel

Many thanks to the 80+ congregants who attended the All Church Forum on January 26!

We heard a check-in from Rev. Alison on congregational life, an update on the Annual Fund Drive, priorities for the 2025-2026 budget, and introductory information on two proposed changes to the church bylaws: one to change the size of the board from 12 seats to 9; the other regarding protection of our member list. See the presentation and additional information on the changes below. Look for additional opportunities for input and discussion this Spring.

Here are slides from the Forum.

View the livestream here on YouTube.

See FAQ on Church board size here.

Board Update – January 2025

Read answers to Frequently Asked Questions – and learn how the Board is moving toward greater transparency and congregant involvement in decision-making – in this update. Read more here.

Board Goals

At the Board’s December 2024 meeting, we set these goals:

1. Support Reverend Alison Miller and assure a safe work space for all Church staff.
   Assignment: Governance Committee
2. Hold at least four all church forums per year, enhancing communication and participation with the Congregation.
   Assignment: Communication Committee
3. Get us back on track in completing annual duties as defined in the bylaws and policies.
   Assignment: Governance Committee
4. During the 2024-2025 church year prepare the by-laws amendment to reduce the size of the board from 12 to 9. Present to the congregation for a successful vote.
   Assignment: Governance and Communications Committees
5. Increase the number of congregants serving as nonvoting members on the Board committees.
   Assignment: Governance, Finance and Communications Committees
6. Create a Right Relations Committee to serve the Congregation.
   Assignment: Governance Committee
7. Take action to improve our practices and model antiracist behavior as called for in the 8^th Principle. Continue to educate ourselves so that we can support the development of this work within the congregation.
   Assignment: Board Liberation Team
8. In partnership with the Executive Team, the church will create Mission, Vision, Strategic Planning
   Assignment: Moderator and Executive Team
9. Educate congregation and the board so that people better understand the fiscal health of the church.
   Assignment: Finance Committee

Fall 2024 Board Updates

Click the image below to view the document in full.

Attend a Board Meeting or Write the Board

Except during the summer months, the Board regularly meets on the first Wednesday of every month, beginning at 7 pm. The opportunity for congregant comment is usually scheduled in the first half hour of the meeting’s agenda. Please see the Board Packet, posted the Monday before the Board meeting, for the latest time and location.   

Board meetings are held both in-person and virtually, via Zoom. Congregants are invited to watch the meetings. The link and phone numbers below will connect you to virtual Board meetings.

Join Zoom Meeting

• https://tinyurl.com/yygdyabk
• Dial In Option: 1-669-900-6833
• Meeting ID: 829 3022 3125
• Pass code: 398649
• One tap mobile: +16699006833,,82930223125#

Write us

The Board also welcomes your written ideas and questions. 

Contact: board@firstunitarianportland.org