The UUFP is governed by the democratic process as outlined in our by-laws. Members our
Board of Directors are elected every year at our annual Congregational Meeting. The board
positions, along with term limits for those positions, are outlined in our by-laws. The
positions (term limits) are as follows: President (1 year), Vice President (one year), Treasurer
(exempt from term limits), Secretary (two years), and Members-at-Large (two years).
Turnover on any leadership team is considered a good thing because it brings fresh perspectives, new ideas, and diverse expertise to the decision-making process, often leading to improved innovation and strategic thinking. Unfortunately for UUFP, we’ve not had that turnover. If you have attended any of the Congregational Meetings over the past years, there is always a vote to override our by-laws so that someone can stay in their position longer. We have had outstanding people serving on our board for many years and we are grateful to them and thank them for their service, However, for the long-term health of our UUFP democracy and sustainability of our UUFP community, we need to evolve away from this practice. To that end, after serving as President of the Board of Directors for six years, I will be stepping down
from the role at the end of this term (June 30). While I have been grateful and humbled to be of service to a community that I love, it is time for a new generation of leadership.
The Board has already been discussing a potential succession plan, but we need your help. In addition to my stepping down, Miranda Van Horn has also stated that she would also be
stepping down. So, there are now not one, but four open positions on the board. The ask that
we have of you, is to look deep within yourself and see if you have the willingness to participate
on a team that will lead UUFP into the future. If you think that you might be interested, please
reach out to any member of the board to discuss it further.
In closing, I want to thank Jon Price and Sam Cantin for their work this month on the UUFP
plumbing. From getting our septic tank drained, to working with a water system professional to determine the best way to reduce the silt in our well water, they have been very busy keeping
our water flowing. And as W.H Auden said, “Thousands have lived without love, but no one has lived without water.”
With gratitude, Linda