UULMF Bylaws

Bylaws: Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry of Florida
Adopted February 10, 2007
Amended April 12, 2012

Article I. Name

Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry of Florida (UULMF)

Article II. Purpose

UULMF is a statewide justice ministry that empowers the voice of Unitarian Universalist values in the public arena.

Guided by Unitarian Universalist principles, the Ministry educates, organizes, and advocates for public policies that:

-- Uphold the worth and dignity of every person
-- Further justice, equity, and compassion in human relations
-- Ensure use of the democratic process and the rights of conscience
-- Protect religious freedom
-- Promote respect for the interdependent web of all existence
-- Build community of peace, justice and liberty for all

Article III. Membership

There are two forms of membership: Congregational and individual.

Unitarian Universalist congregations in the state of Florida can join by contributing a fixed rate per voting member per year.

Individuals can join at several different fixed and monthly contribution levels. The current rates for both of these membership levels are identified in our latest brochure.

Article IV. Denominational Affiliation

UULMF is part of the national UU State Advocacy Networks.

Article V. Organization

A Steering Committee guides the activity of the UU Legislative Ministry of Florida. The Florida District Unitarian Universalist Association acts as its Fiduciary Agent.

Article VI. Steering Committee

Section 1. Composition
The Steering Committee is made up of no less than 5 or more than 10 voluntary members including roughly equal numbers of clergy and lay members.

Section 2. Qualifications

Steering Committee members shall be members of a Unitarian Universalist congregation in Florida and shall have expressed desire and commitment to further the mission of UULMF.

Section 3. Terms of Office

Terms of office are for two years, renewable annually thereafter.

Section 4. Duties

The Steering Committee shall

• Develop the overall program of the legislative ministry including agreed upon goals, core issues, and action plans.

• Plan and execute fundraising efforts to achieve sustainability

• Build and maintain the network of congregational members throughout Florida

• Take actions to inspire individual UU participation in agreed upon issues, and to develop skills for civic engagement

• Meet regularly by conference call to update progress on goals. Meet annually face-to-face to elect Chair or Co-chairs and set plans for the coming year.

• Provide an annual report to the District Executive and funding agencies evaluating their progress toward achieving their goals.

The Chair or Co-chairs shall:

• Prepare the agenda for the regular conference calls and the Annual face-to-face meeting and conduct those meetings

• Update the Steering Committee regularly on the status to budget and progress toward agreed upon goals

• Approve expenditures, as agreed in policy by full Steering Committee

• Communicate with Steering Committee members, the District Executive, the national UU State Advocacy Network of Networks (UUSANS), UULMF webmaster, and Congregational Leadership as needed.

• Offer support to Steering Committee members to help meet their goals.

• Produce the annual report, with input from the full Steering Committee.

Article VII. Amendments to the By-Laws
Amendments to these by-laws shall be submitted to the Steering Committee 2 weeks before a vote. Approval of the proposed change shall be made by a 2/3 vote of the Steering Committee.