Our Governance Under the Commonwealth of Virginia

Our church is incorporated as a non-stock corporation. Key elements of the by-laws are listed below.

The name of this religious community is the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Shenandoah Valley, Inc (“Church”)

The Church is incorporated in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Effective April 24, 2012, as a non-stock corporation qualifying as an exempt organization under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

The Church is a member of the Unitarian Universalist Association.

The Church declares and affirms its responsibility to promote the full participation of persons without regard to race, color, gender, physical and mental challenge, affectional or sexual orientation, age, national origin, socioeconomic status, political affiliation, or previous religious affiliation.

There are three leadership categories to which members are elected: The Board of Directors, the Shared Ministry Committee, and the Nominating Committee.

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors (“Board”) holds executive authority for business and affairs of the Church. The Board shall consist of seven Directors, all of whom must be Members.

The Board of Directors shall be elected at the Annual Meeting. The terms of all Directors shall be three years, except those of Directors elected to fill vacancies, whose terms shall be for the remainder of the term of the Director who ceased to serve. No Director shall serve more than two consecutive three-year terms, including an unexpired term.

Shared Ministry Committee

The mission of the Shared Ministry Committee (SMC) is, in collaboration with the Minister, to set goals for, articulate, and assess the performance of the programs and shared ministry of the UUCSV based on the Seven Principles of the UUA and the mission, covenant, and Right Relations Covenant (Promises) of the Congregation.

The Shared Ministry Committee shall be composed of five elected individuals, all of whom must be members and not serving in any other elected positions.

The Nominating Committee

The Nominating Committee shall be composed of three individuals who must be members. They shall solicit candidates for the Board and all Permanent Committees.