UUA Governance
The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) is a voluntary association of autonomous, self-governing local churches and fellowships, which have freely chosen to pursue common goals together. The Association’s polity is congregational; Association decisions are made by congregational delegates in business sessions at the annual General Assembly (GA).
Between General Assemblies, the UUA is governed by the Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees meets at least quarterly.
As Chief Governance Officer, Jim Key, UUA Moderator, presides at the General Assembly and at meetings of the Board of Trustees.
The Financial Advisor, Larry Ladd, elected by the General Assembly, provides the Board of Trustees and Administration with independent and expert advice on business and financial matters and reports annually to the congregations on the UUA's financial condition.
The Secretary of the Association, Susan Ritchie, is responsible for Board correspondence and elections.
The First Vice Moderator, Donna Harrison, chairs the Coordinating Council, which helps coordinate Board agendas, education, and deliberations.
The Clerk, Harlan Limpert, keeps minutes of Board meetings.
The President, Peter Morales, is elected by the General Assembly and is responsible for carrying out the ENDS of the Association as articulated by the Board of Trustees.
For more information about our Associational governance, contact the Secretary (secretary @ uua.org).
UUA Staff
The Chief Operating Officer, Harlan Limpert (coo @ uua.org), is responsible, under the supervision of the President, for the day-to-day management of the Association. The Chief Operating Officer maintains close consultation with the President in the formulation of policy, implements the President's instructions, and acts in the absence of the President on the Association's behalf.
The Office of the Chief Operating Officer maintains liaison with the Board of Trustees, with Associate Members, and with Related Organizations.
The Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, Tim Brennan (treasurer @ uua.org), is responsible for all of the UUA's financial affairs and oversees the UUA's annual audit and other financial reports as issued by the Financial Services staff group.
UUA Districts
There are nineteen Districts of the UUA in North America. Districts are governed by district Boards of Trustees, which develop district policy and support local congregations to encourage the growth, development, and extension of Unitarian Universalist ideals. The District Presidents Association (DPA) exists to be the voice and the ears for Unitarian Universalist district boards with the UUA staff, as well as for education and support of district leadership. Each District elects a member of the UUA Board of Trustees, the policy-making body for the UUA. Some Trustees represent more than one District.
UU Volunteers
The UUA relies upon energetic, committed, visionary UU volunteers to serve the twenty-plus committees, panels, and task forces that work with staff and the UUA Board to carry out the mission of the Association.
- Application for Committees of the Board
- Application for Nomination to a Committee, Commission, Task Group, or Panel
Vision for the UUA: Gathered Here
Gathered Here is a joint initiative of the UUA Board of Trustees and the UUA Administration. It is an invitation to all Unitarian Universalists to discover our common aspirations and unleash the power of our faith through one-on-one, small group, and larger group conversations.
This work is made possible by the generosity of individual donors and congregations.
Please consider making a donation today.
