Summit Bylaws

The purpose of this Fellowship is to foster liberal religious living through worship, study, service, and fellowship. To this end, we covenant to affirm and promote the well being of the fellowship.

Let the Fellowship be a caring community where we may share our Unitarian Universalist beliefs through the acceptance of the world as one living system.

Let us be mindful of, and nurture, the emotional, spiritual and intellectual needs of our members.

Let us dedicate ourselves to influence the larger community by works as well as by words.

Let us create an atmosphere of freedom in which we may explore ever changing individual truths.

Let us promote the rights of conscience and the use of democratic process in our Fellowship and in society.

ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. Membership

Any person may be a member of this fellowship who is in sympathy with its purpose and program, has signed the membership book, and made an annual financial contribution of record.

It is generally understood that all members should have an understanding of the history and current situation of the Unitarian Universalist movement. It is specifically understood that membership is open to all persons regardless of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, age, or national origin.

Section 2. Voting Membership

Any member not in inactive status (see this Article, Section 3) who is of legal voting age in the State of California and has been a member of Summit Fellowship for a minimum of 30 days shall be considered a voting member. The Secretary shall maintain a list of voting members.

Section 3. Inactive Members

The Board of Directors may place a member in inactive status when it is known that such member has moved from the local area, or upon request of such member, or whenever the Board of Directors determines that such member has not participated in the affairs of the Fellowship in any manner for a period of at least one year. Before such action is taken, at least 30 days notice by mail shall be given such member at the last known address for such member appearing in the records of the Fellowship.

Active membership status of such a member shall be reinstated upon written request from the member to the Board of Directors, or by direction of the Board of Directors if the member resumes participation in the Fellowship, provided in both cases that the member becomes a financial contributor of record.

Section 4. Resignation and Reinstatement of Membership

Members may terminate their membership in the Fellowship by written or verbal declaration to the Board of Directors. A former member may reinstate membership by signing the membership book and becoming a financial contributor of record.

ARTICLE IV. DENOMINATIONAL AFFILIATION

This Fellowship shall be a member of the Unitarian Universalist Association and of such regional and sub-regional associations as the Association establishes.

ARTICLE V. CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGS

Section 1. Regular Meetings

The Fellowship shall hold one Annual Meeting each year in the month of May at such time and place as shall be determined by the Board of Directors. At this meeting the Officers and Directors of the Fellowship and the Nominating Committee shall be elected as provided in Articles VI and VII the annual budget shall also be considered and adopted at this Annual Meeting.

Section 2. Special Meetings

A special meeting of the membership may be called by the Board of Directors at its discretion. A special meeting must be called by the Board of Directors upon written request of 10 or more voting members of the Fellowship.

Section 3. Notice of Meetings

The time and place of all Congregational Meetings must be announced by written notice, which may be announcement in the newsletter. Such notice must be mailed to all members at least two weeks before the day of the meeting. The notice shall set forth the business to be transacted at the meeting. Action shall be taken at any Congregational Meeting only on subjects previously announced.

Section 4. Quorum

A quorum shall consist of 40% of the voting members.

Section 5. Voting Majorities

Amendments to the By Laws (Article XII), a dismissal of ministers (Article IX), and encumbrance, disposition, or purchase of real property shall require approval by two-thirds of the votes cast. A Calling of minister(s) shall require approval by 90% of the votes cast Alll other action shall require approval by a simple majority of the votes cast.

Section 6. Ballots

All motions requiring two-thirds majority shall be by secret ballot. Upon request by any member, voting on any other matter shall be by secret ballot.

Section 7. Absentee Voting

Voting members who are unable to attend congregational meetings to cast their ballots personally (e.g., disability, illness, professional travel or vacation, etc.) may cast absentee ballots. These ballots must be completed and signed by the absentee members, and delivered to the President or Vice-President of the Board of Directors no later than 24 hours prior to the scheduled meeting at which that vote is to occur.

ARTICLE VI. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1. Composition

At each Annual Meeting there shall be chosen by ballot a President, a Vice-President, a Treasurer, a Secretary, and five Directors. Terms shall begin on July 1 following their election. All officers and directors shall be voting members of the Fellowship.

Section 2. Terms

Terms shall begin on July 1 following the directors’ and officers’ election. OFFICERS: The President and Vice President shall serve a 1-year term, and may be re-elected to a second consecutive term. The Treasurer and Secretary shall serve a 1-year term, and may be re-elected to two additional consecutive terms. Following service in any office for the maximum allowable terms, there shall be a 2-year gap before a member can be re-elected to that office. DIRECTORS: Directors shall serve a 1-year, and may be re-elected to three additional consecutive terms.

Section 3. Function

The Board of Directors shall do all things necessary to conduct the business of the Fellowship. Any matter considered of sufficient importance shall be referred by the Board to the members at a Congregational Meeting as provided by Article V, Section 2.

Section 4. Duties and Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities of the President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Directors shall be defined by the Board of Directors.

Section 5. Vacancies

If the office of the President becomes vacant, the Vice-President shall become President and shall serve until the next July 1.

If the President is temporarily absent or unable to carry out the duties of the office, the VicePresident shall serve as President.

If any other office or director's position becomes vacant, the remaining members of the Board of Directors, even if less than a quorum, shall appoint the replacement Officer or Director, who shall serve until the next July 1.

Section 6. Meetings

Meetings of the Board of Directors shall take place monthly at a time and place determined by the Board of Directors. Special meetings may be called by the President. A special meeting must be called by the President upon written request of three members of the Board.

Section 7. Quorum

A quorum for meetings of the Board of Directors shall consist of five members of the Board.

Section 8. Attendance of Board Members

Board members are expected to attend all regular monthly meetings. Any member of the Board who has been absent from three consecutive regular meetings of the Board forfeits membership on the Board and that position shall be considered vacant, unless excused by the Board.

Section 9. Board Meetings

The time and place of Board meetings shall be published in the newsletter and in the Order of Service. With the exception of specifically designated executive sessions, all Board meetings shall be open to members of the Fellowship and other interested persons.

ARTICLE VII. NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS

Section 1. Nominating Committee

The Nominating Committee shall be composed of five voting members of the Fellowship, none of whom shall be a member of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall nominate five candidates for the Nominating Committee and shall place their names on the ballot for election by the Fellowship. Notice shall be given pursuant to Article V, Section 3. Candidates may also be nominated from the floor at the Annual Meeting. All candidates must consent to be nominated in either written or verbal form.

Elected at the Annual Meeting their terms shall begin on July 1. Members of the Nominating Committee shall serve for 2 years and may be re-elected to serve a second 2-year term. Terms shall be staggered with 3 member’s terms expiring one year and 2 members’ terms expiring the next year. The Committee shall nominate candidates for the Board of Directors, with the consent of each nominee, for each Officer's and Director's position, and shall be responsible for conducting all elections.

If a position on the Nominating Committee becomes vacant, the Board of Directors shall appoint a replacement to serve until the next July 1 when a replacement shall be elected to complete the term.

Section 2. Nominations of Officers and Directors

Nominations for Officers and Directors may be made in two ways:

Nominations by Committee: As stated in this article, Section 1, the Nominating Committee shall nominate a candidate, with that person's consent, for each Office's and Director's position. No member of the Nominating Committee shall be nominated for an Officer's or Director's position by the Nominating Committee. A member of the Nominating Committee

may, however, be nominated from the floor. Nominations by the Nominating Committee shall be announced in the written notice of the Congregational Meeting at which the elections will be held pursuant to Article V, Section 3.

Nominations from the floor: Nominations shall not be closed until an opportunity has been given to the members at the Congregational Meeting to make further nominations, with each nominee's consent, either in written or verbal form.

ARTICLE VIII. COMMITTEES AND AFFILIATED GROUPS

Section 1. Committees

The Board of Directors shall create such standing, special, and ad hoc committees as necessary for the efficient operation of the Fellowship. Each committee shall submit a written annual report of its activities, goals, and finances to the Board of Directors, copies of which shall be made available to the congregation. Standing committees shall include, but not be limited to, Finance, Membership, Program, Religious Education, Ministry, Music, Personnel, and Social Action. All standing committee chairs shall be voting members of the Fellowship. The chairpersons of the individual committees shall be appointed by the Board of Directors, or, for existing committees, elected by the committee and confirmed by the Board of Directors.

Section 2. Affiliated Groups

Organizations that support a value structure similar to the Fellowship and whose existence and functions benefit the Fellowship may be recognized as affiliated groups. Affiliated groups shall meet the following criteria: (a) each affiliated group must be recognized by the Board of Directors. (b) The senior officer -- or in the case of youth groups, the advisor -- must be a voting member of the Fellowship. (c) Each affiliated group shall direct its own programs and functions. (d) Each affiliated group shall be responsible for its own finances, including fund raising and the cost of its activities. The affiliated group shall pay for direct expenses incurred on its behalf, and at its request, incurred by the Fellowship.

ARTICLE IX. MINISTER

Section 1. Duties

The minister shall be responsible for the conduct of worship within the Fellowship and for providing leadership in the Fellowship in carrying out the purposes in Article II. The minister shall have freedom of the pulpit as well as freedom to express his or her opinion outside the pulpit.

The minister shall be a non-voting ex officio member of the Board of Directors, standing committees,

and of such other committees as the Board may designate. The minister shall consult with and advise the Board on the management of Fellowship affairs and the administration of Fellowship policy.

Section 2. Appointment

The minister shall have been accepted in fellowship by the Unitarian Universalist Association or be actively seeking such fellowship.

The Minister shall be recommended by the Ministerial Search Committee, which shall be composed of seven members elected at any Congregational Meeting legally called for the purpose, from a ballot prepared by the Nominations Committee. The Minister shall be called upon approval by 90% of the members voting at any Congregational Meeting legally called for the purpose.

The term of service shall be negotiable.

The Minister's initial salary and other remuneration shall be determined by the Negotiating Team subject to approval by the Board of Directors.

Section 3. Dismissal The Minister may be dismissed only by two-thirds of the members voting at any Congregational Meeting legally called for that purpose. The Salary and benefits of a dismissed Minister shall continue for three months after the date of dismissal.

Section 4. Resignation

The Minister may resign by giving three months' notice. At the Minister's request, the Board of Directors may waive all or part of this time period.

ARTICLE X. PAID POSITIONS

The creation of other paid positions shall be approved by a majority of the voting members of the Congregation at a Congregational Meeting. The Board of Directors shall be responsible for filling the position or positions.

Paid personnel shall serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors.

It is specifically understood that paid positions are open to all persons regardless of race color, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, or religious affiliation.

ARTICLE XI. FISCAL YEAR

The fiscal year of the Fellowship shall be from July 1 to June 30.

ARTICLE XII. AMENDMENTS

These Bylaws shall become effective upon ratification by the membership at a Congregational Meeting. These Bylaws, so far as allowed by law, may be amended or replaced at any Congregational Meeting by two-thirds of the members voting. Notice of any proposed change shall be contained in the notice of the meeting, which shall comply with the requirements of Article V.

ARTICLE XIII. DISSOLUTION

Should this Fellowship cease to function and two-thirds of the membership vote to disband, any assets of the Fellowship will be transferred to the Unitarian Universalist Association for its general purposes, this transfer to be made in full compliance with whatever laws are applicable.

*****************