UUCB Board Role As Listener
Does the title “Listening Presence” sound a bit like an eavesdropper, or the ear of some higher being — or of a “trusted source”, the new term that UUCB is starting to learn about?
Well, it’s not! As a Board member, one of my roles for the past year and a half has been to listen to — and solicit — any suggestions and concerns that congregants may have about happenings at UUCB. You may recall that Randall Hudson, in this same role several years ago, wore rabbit ears to invite conversations. Playboy “bunny ears” are not quite my thing, but you may have seen me walking around with a smallish sandwich board asking for input. I’m always happy to hear your thoughts.
People have offered many concerns and suggestions, in addition to praise, for the Board. Some messages have to do with church communications, decor, atrium questions, art displays, the roles of various committees and more. Many of these I’ve passed on to our staff, or to groups who oversee those matters.
The Board, particularly in the past few months, is working to separate operations questions, overseen by the minister and staff, from policy or governance issues, to be taken up by the Board. Your “Listener” will direct messages to the people who can address them, very often the staff or relevant committees. If the question is a matter of policy, however, it will be taken to and discussed at the following monthly Board meeting. Do feel free to let me know of any suggestions or questions you may have. Each will be taken seriously and directed to those who can address it. Thank you!
-Helen Toy
