Policy Governance
Everyone in this congregation hopes you find this to be a place where your gifts and values come to life and your spirit grows.

The Fox Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship is a member of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). This is an association of liberal congregations, but not a governing body. Our Fellowship governs itself. We invite you to become a member and add your voice.

This congregation is large enough that we need a formal structure to make things happen. This is how we take care of business at FVUUF.

The Governing Board, made up of seven members, serves for staggered terms. Staying in close touch with the congregation, the board articulates the Fellowship’s vision through its governing policies and, referring to those policies, monitors the work of the Executive Team, known as the X-Team. The board speaks only through its written Governing Policies*, which are decided by discussion and voting.

The Governing Policies give directions to the work of the Fellowship. They set forth our mission, values and the ends we reach for. They describe the board’s relationship to the congregation, with the X- Team and within itself. The policies also list what must not be done, as limitations. Outside of what is expressly stated it cannot do (such as mistreat staff or spend outside the budget), the X- Team may do anything to achieve the mission and ends of the Fellowship. This allows for a lot of freedom and creativity.

The Executive Team is the leadership group responsible for the day to day operations of the Fellowship. It currently includes Senior Minister Roger Bertschausen, Assistant Minister Dottie Mathews and Business Administrator Siri Witt.

The X-Team makes all the decisions about how things happen here. While each member of the team focuses on a particular area of responsibility, the whole team decides broader issues, such as preparation of the budget. The X- Team is responsible for operation policies, such as personnel policies.

Guided by the mission and ends and restricted by the limitations, the X-Team reports directly to the Board. So long as it does not do anything the board says not to do, as stated in written policy, the team has the freedom to do anything else to help us grow our spirits and bring our gifts and values to life.

The congregation has a significant role as well. We elect the Members of the Governing Board, we get involved in areas we are interested in, we share our time and other resources, we speak up when we have something to say and we support our board and staff. Additionally, the congregation has the power to overturn any board action.

Members and friends help carry out the work of the Fellowship through committees that ultimately report to an X-Team member or to the Board.

Q.    How do I become involved with a team doing work I am interested in?

A. Reflect on which expression of your spirituality you want to expand, then:

* Speak with Membership Coordinator Marie Murton at 731-0849x18 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
* Look in the Directions newsletter or weekly Order of Service.
* Look on our website, www.fvuuf.org, or on the kiosk near the visitor’s table.
* Ask other members and friends, especially if you wish to work with them.

Q.   Where should I take an idea or concern?

A. Speak with, call or email the relevant person on the Executive Team:
Rev. Roger Bertschausen for Program Ministry Team
Rev. Dottie Mathews for Membership Ministry Team
Siri Witt for Stewardship Ministry Team
* For governance issues (mission/ ends/limitations), speak with a member of the Board. The list of Board members can be found on the website or in the newsletter.
* Speak with the Membership Coordinator or another staff member.
* Talk with a member of the congregation who has been involved.
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Q. I’ve heard the term “shared ministry”. What does it mean?

A.   Shared ministry means living out our gifts and values in everything we do, with everyone we meet. At the Fellowship, it means working together,     
sharing our talents and resources in a spirit of abundance and respect. This
makes our community more cohesive and powerful. Our way of governance,
our X-Team, the way we all work together, and our outreach projects are all good examples of shared ministry.

Q.   How do I learn more about the formal structure of the Fellowship or about the board?

A.    Speak with any Board Member, former Board Member, Executive Team member or attend a Board meeting. Members and friends may attend open meetings. They are held on the third Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm.