Unity In Marin Board of Trustees: Application to Serve

The Unity In Marin Board of Trustees provides leadership at UIM. It is important to have well-rounded individuals who are interested in their own personal growth and expansion, while serving the community. This tool serves as a self-reflective guideline for anyone considering the Board of Trustees as a path of service. We are looking for candidates who demonstrate the following characteristics: 
Unity Teachings: • Is well grounded in Unity principles • Shows evidence of practicing Unity principles in daily life • Demonstrates a prayer consciousness • Demonstrates spiritual maturity (e.g., uses tools, speaks from principle, grounded) • Exhibits a clear prosperity consciousness and practices consistently – tithing, giving, sharing, serving 

Participation and Commitment: • Willing to talk to community members • Regularly attends Unity classes and workshops • Demonstrates leadership in other areas of the community • Has been an active member of Unity In Marin; Participates in church activities • Is known and respected by congregation members; Is visible in the community • Is proactive and follows through with commitment; Volunteers and dedicated to serving Unity 

Personal Qualities: • Is open and willing to listen to Spirit • Accepts feedback and is committed to personal growth • Listens well while maintaining objectivity • Is honest and open, even if point of view differs • Has a clean, uplifting sense of humor • Shows respect for other people, cultures and opinions • Willing to be the highest example for others to follow • Understands service is an opportunity for their own personal growth and development 

Board Skills: • Has a talent, skill or training that is beneficial to the board • Is interested and capable of fundraising • Has prior leadership experience and skills • Understands that being on the board is “sacred service” • Willing to reach agreement, compromise; Values teamwork and respects team consensus Briefly describe how you embody these qualities? 

The Board is responsible for the business, policy and financial matters of the church as well as serving as a support system for the minister. The following ten areas represent overall responsibilities of Board Governance of Unity In Marin. 1. Fundraising 2. Strategic Partnership 3. Long-term Strategies 4. Identifying Long Term Projects 5. Determining Benefits and Services to Membership 6. Inspiring Membership, Recruiting, Promoting, Involvement 7. Visioning Who We Are in the Future 8. Public Relations 9. Fiduciary Responsibilities 10. Working Boards; Planning and Producing Events 

• The Board of Trustees (BoT) conducts formal meetings, calls, zooms and routine email communications throughout each month conducting the governance of Unity In Marin in close partnership with the Senior Minister and staff. 
• In addition, half and full day retreats are scheduled annually for Board training & development and developing strategy for Unity In Marin. The Spring Board Retreat is scheduled for Friday evening and Saturday  from 10am-3pm. 
Outside of Retreats:
• The average monthly time spent in Board business is about 4-6 hrs for regular members and 6-8 hours monthly for officers. Consisting of;
• The formal business meeting occurs once a month on third Thursday from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm with overtime if needed. 
• In addition, the Board will meet in Executive session periodically for the purpose of conducting Senior Minister evaluation, hiring or other HR issues. 
• A "Board Huddle" is conducted once a month on first Thursdays 7p for about an hour via zoom for either a quick debrief on a particular topic or for a more in depth discussion of an upcoming business item. 
• The Finance committee meets second Thursdays, consisting of the Senior Minister, Board President, Treasurer, Director of Finance and any other interested Board members. 
• Board minutes, monthly reports and communications occur via email, text and through the BoT Group on Planning Center online (PCO). 
• Most Board decisions are reached by consensus and Board matters are not publicized until they are complete. 
Confidentiality of discussions is required. 

Do you feel you are able to meet the commitments outlined above to enable your full participation and ability to meet the Board's responsibilities? Do you have any concerns regarding your ability to meet the time commitments for Board service? If so, please describe.