Primary Board Responsibilities

Per the bylaws, The Board of Trustees shall govern the business, property, and affairs of the congregation, and shall promulgate policies for the conduct of its affairs consistent with the laws of the State of Colorado, the Articles of Incorporation, these Bylaws, and any resolutions adopted by the membership. The Board of Trustees shall be accountable solely to the membership of the congregation. 

The Board of Trustees at Foothills Unitarian has six primary responsibilities highlighted in our Board Policy 1.2. Governing Role of the Board.

1. Articulates mission, values, and vision: The Board is responsible for discerning, developing, and articulating the church’s mission and visionary goals in partnership with the ministry team.  This includes the articulation of core values (every 20 years - last done in 2018), mission (every 10-15 years - last done in 2016), and vision (every 5-7 years - last done in 2018).  The mission is the “owner” of the Congregation, and is the guidepost for the Board’s decisions and actions. It is the thing that the Board is ultimately responsible to and accountable for.   

2. Governs through policy: Under Foothills’ form of governance, referred to as “policy-based governance,” the Board is responsible for development of and updates to governing policies.  

3. Monitors policy compliance: Although the professional staff is responsible for developing and implementing programs and practices to achieve the mission and visionary goals, the Board is responsible for oversight and monitoring policy compliance. 

4. Links to the future: In support of the board’s responsibility to articulate the mission, values, and vision, the Board connects with our sources of authority and accountability (Board Policy 1.1.4), and keeps a future focus.

5. Makes decisions in exceptional cases: The Board addresses concerns related to Board policy, grievances and misconduct of Board members or the Senior Minister, and approvals of variances or exceptions to Board policies. 

6. Convenes Congregational Meetings: the Board is responsible for annual business meetings, elections, and special topics for congregational approval.