Unitarian of the Year Award 

 & 

Elected Positions

The Nominating Committee wants YOUR input!

Do you know a Unitarian of the Year?

The Unitarian of the Year Award honors a member of our congregation for significant contributions to our church       community this year.  Please take time now to submit your nominations for one or more individuals deserving of this recognition. To submit a nomination send an email to nominations@firstuuomaha.org, or call Shelton Hendricks or leave a note in the Nominating Mailbox at church. The UU of the Year Award is presented at our Annual Membership Meeting in May.

Are you ready to serve in an elected position? Or do you know someone who would be an excellent candidate?

The Nominating Committee is looking for church members who are willing to serve in elected            positions. We welcome self nominations if you are interested in serving. We also welcome your    suggestions of  others you think are good candidates.

Serving in an elected position is a valued gift to the church of your time and talents. In return, you are likely to deepen your personal connection to the church and better understand its importance in the lives of many of our members and our community. You will form new relationships and develop new leadership skills.

Positions to be filled include the President-Elect, Members of the Board of Trustees, and a Trustee of the Capital Trust, and members of the Nominating Committee.

 Membership in First Unitarian Church of Omaha with a history of supporting the Church both financially and as a volunteer is required for any position. 

Members elect positions at the Annual Meeting in the Spring.

To submit nominations for elected positions or for more information: contact any member of Nominating Committee, email nominations@firstuuomaha.org or call Shelton Hendricks.

President-Elect - 1 member is elected to serve a 2 year term as President-Elect / President.

This is a respected position in our congregation. Although it requires considerable commitment of time and energy, the rewards are incalculable. Members appreciate your leadership, you will learn many new skills, and your appreciation of our church and congregation will deepen. You will also have the opportunity to formally represent the congregation at General Assembly and district events.

The president-elect serves on the Board of Trustees, the Board Executive Committee, and prepares to serve as the president in his/her second year. The time commitment is more than the 10-14 hours a month expected of a Board member, but variable depending on issues before the congregation. 

The president compliments and works in cooperation with the ministry team. Aside from the necessary communication and managerial skills, the president needs the broad perspective to lead the Board as it focuses on the long-term vision and mission of our Congregation. 

Board of Trustees — 3 year terms

Our Board of Trustees and our Ministry Team work in partnership to serve the mission of the Church. Board members will be focusing primarily on the long-term vision, mission, and well being of our Congregation, not on administrative detail.  This change in Board focus is a key element of the new governance structure.  The day-to-day management of the Church will be the responsibility of the Ministry Team. The Board provides the Ministry Team with the goals that it needs to guide its work and also monitors and evaluates its performance.  

Board members should honor and respect confidentiality, work cooperatively, put the interests of the church’s mission ahead of personal interests or the interests of any constituency, and be willing and able to regularly engage in formal and informal conversations with Congregation members and participate in church activities.

A normal month will require approximately 10–14 hours of active work to prepare for and attend regular monthly board meetings (currently held on the second Tuesday at 7 p.m.).  Additionally, Board members have required training for the position (normally ½ weekend day early in each church year) and attend the Board’s annual planning retreat (normally 1 ½ weekend days).  From time to time Board members also serve on ad hoc Board Committees exploring special topics.

Trustees of the Capital Trust Fund - 1 member will be elected to serve a 3-year term as a Trustee.

The Capital Trust was established to hold and invest certain funds of the church.  You will monitor investments and make investment decisions within the guidelines established by the trust.  The Trustees provide reports to the Board of Trustees and the Congregation.

Nominating Committee - 3-year terms

Members of this Committee become knowledgeable about people in our congregation and the church’s goals to effectively recruit officers, and to support nominations for district and congregational awards.  Nominating Committee members may interview members of the congregation, prepare written summaries of candidates or award winners, participate in leadership-growth activities and in decision making processes in-person and electronically.  

Submitted by the Nominating Committee: Georgia Barber, Bob Hess, Tony Host, Kerry Case, Lynette Ryder, Judith Wright, and  Shelton Hendricks (convener).