[Fuusm-l] Dialogue Sessions Summary

[Darryl Ting]

FUUSM Community,



The following is a summary of the recently completed Dialogue Sessions.





THE DIALOGUE SESSIONS



BACKGROUND

In response to a significant level of frustration within the congregation
from people feeling they have not been heard, a motion was passed at the
Annual Meeting in April to have “congregational style” meetings for the
purpose of congregational feedback on the minister’s performance and
specifically excluding the minister.  The absence of the minister was
believed to be necessary so that those who wanted to speak during the
meetings could do so openly.



The Board subsequently determined they could not call a congregational
meeting and exclude the minister. And the minister declined to voluntarily
exclude herself.



So, an independent steering team was formed to implement the motion.  And,
after talking with a church member, Rev. Kat reconsidered and agreed to
absent herself.  The Dialogue Sessions proceeded as unofficial
congregational meetings and were scheduled for July 26 and August 23.   A
third session, September 6, was added later.



A BRIEF SUMMARY

Attendance at the sessions was good … 49, 36 and 43 for sessions 1, 2 and 3
respectively.  That size is equal to or greater than the typical attendance
at annual meetings.  The content of the group in attendance was also
significant … they were a large portion of the hands-on core of the
church.  By size and content, the voice of this group was substantial.



We first heard statements of first-hand experiences from a total of 24
people.  Positive and negative experiences were about evenly split.  And an
overwhelming majority of the attendees said they were better informed after
this sharing.



We then heard a summary of the Board’s Ministerial Performance Review
Process and a summary of the latest evaluation.  This process is only in
its second year, and most attendees were unaware of how it worked.  There
were lots of questions and comments on it.



We then had an open comment period.  10-15 people shared their views on the
minister’s performance.  These were mainly people who had not made
first-hand experience statements.  So we heard from just about the entire
group.



And in the last session, we were able to draw a conclusion from these
sessions.  Based on the first-hand experiences and using Unitarian
Universalist Ministers Association resource material, the group did reach a
preliminary finding of a behavioral issue.  Instead of finalizing the
finding, the group chose a healing approach and voted in favor of this
recommendation to the Board … *We recommend the Board contact our UUA
representative within 1 week and ask for advice and assistance on this
matter.*



The group also voted in favor of a second recommendation to the Board … *We
recommend the Board contact our UUA representative for advice on how we can
give input to and discuss issues related to our minister’s performance.*



Follow-up … The Board has contacted our UUA representative, and next steps
are being discussed.



TAKE-AWAYS



As the steering team, we acknowledge that these Dialogue Sessions have
created turmoil in our congregation.  Some people are upset because they
view the sessions as a trial and that Rev. Kat’s absence was unfair.  A
more accurate analogy would be a grand jury … to investigate and see if
anything is really there.  By intent and conduct, that is what we tried to
do … investigate.



There are reasons to look beyond the current turmoil and be hopeful about
our future.  During these sessions, the true character of our congregation
was revealed … a group of people who are dedicated to our affirmation and
who have become bonded to each other through trying to live it.  Even in
disagreement, people listened, became better informed, treated each other
with respect, and discussed and decided TOGETHER.  And in the end, WE
listened to our good UU hearts, and WE chose a healing approach for
ourselves and Rev. Kat.



We are very grateful to all who invested their time and patience to
participate in these important meetings.



Your Dialogue Sessions Steering Team,

Karen Binkley, Nancy Luthy, Darryl Ting
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