Committees of the Unitarian Universalist Association

The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) relies upon energetic, committed, visionary Unitarian Universalists (UUs) to serve on the committees, commissions, and boards that work with the staff and the UUA Board to carry out the mission of the Association. We are eager to draw volunteers from the rich diversity of our movement: diversity of race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and identity, age, geography, skills, and vocation.

If volunteering at the denominational level is of interest to you, please complete the Volunteer Leadership Application.

As part of the process, all applications will be vetted through the Ministries and Faith Development office. The reason is to be mindful that folks involved in misconduct or allegations of misconduct are not appointed or nominated to committees until due process is complete.

Elected Committees

The UUA Nominating Committee nominates candidates for all positions elected by the General Assembly except for President and Moderator. Candidates for elected positions may also be nominated by petition.

Staff liaisons are indicated in parentheses.

To be considered for nomination to one of the committees above, fill out the Volunteer Leadership Application.

Board-Appointed Committees

Staff liaisons are indicated in parentheses.

The Appointments Committee consists of seven members plus a trustee liaison. The Committee recruits and recommends candidates for board-appointed committees as well as board appointments to elected committees. As with all board-appointed committees, terms are for two- year periods, which can be renewed up to three times for a maximum of 8 years of service. The time commitment is significant, with an anticipated six meetings a year, at least two in person, and significant work between meetings.

In accordance with UUA Board policy, the Appointments Committee is expected to recommend individuals so that the membership of committees and task forces reflects the full diversity of the Association, especially in regard to historically marginalized communities, but also balancing amongst size of congregation, lay and ordained, geography, age (including youth and young adults), and gender, among others. The Committee consults with groups and organizations, including those traditionally underrepresented in Unitarian Universalist leadership, to help inform the appointment process. The committee collaborates with the Nominating Committee to develop systems and processes for recruiting, selecting, and training appointees and candidates, and assists in providing training, support, and monitoring to further the work of other committees.

  • Appointments Committee (Executive Vice President)
    The Appointments Committee consists of seven members plus a trustee liaison. The committee recruits and recommends candidates for board-appointed committees as well as board appointments to elected committees. As with all board-appointed committees, terms are for two-year periods, which can be renewed up to three times for a maximum of 8 years of service. The time commitment is significant, with an anticipated six meetings a year, at least two in person, and significant work between meetings.
  • Article II Study Commission (Executive Vice President)
    Article II of the UUA Bylaws, Principles and Purposes, is the foundation for all of the work of our UUA and its member congregations and covenanted communities. It is the covenant to which all of our congregations and covenanted communities pledge themselves when they become members of our UUA. Our current Principles and Purposes were last revised in 1987. The Article II Study Commission will review Article II of the UUA Bylaws, and propose any revisions that will enable our UUA, our member congregations, and our covenanted communities to be a relevant and powerful force for spiritual and moral growth, healing, and justice.
  • Audit and Risk Committee (Treasurer)
    Oversees the annual audit of financial statements by a public accounting firm and monitors the review, establishment and implementation of accounting policies and internal controls. One day meeting quarterly.
  • Commission on Social Witness (2 Board Appointments)
    The mission of the Commission on Social Witness is to engage individuals, congregations, and districts in an ongoing process of study, action and reflection on pressing social issues to deepen our faith, to foster a greater sense of association among Unitarian Universalists, and to proclaim our vision of justice in the world.
  • Election Campaign Practices Committee (Executive Vice President)
    Supervises UUA elections to ensure their fairness and compliance with the UUA Bylaws and Rules. Committee members must remain neutral in elections.
  • General Assembly (GA) Planning Committee (2 Board Appointments)
    The Planning Committee selects the site for each General Assembly, sets the daily schedule, determines which organizations affiliated with the UUA may present program material, and oversees opening events, music, ambiance, and evening activities. The UUA Board, based on recommendations by the Planning Committee, selects GA sites four to five years in advance.
    Note: This committee is currently suspended for up to three years per the GA 2022 business resolution (PDF).
  • Investment Committee (Treasurer)
    Composed of investment professionals, oversees the investment of all UUA endowment funds. Also assists with implementation of socially responsible investment policies and practices involving funds for which the UUA Trustees are responsible (including alternative and community development investments) consistent with GA resolutions and Actions of Immediate Witness, Board resolutions, and UU Principles and Purposes. Utilizes shareholder activism to express UU values, and works in coalition with other UU social justice constituencies. One day meeting quarterly.One-day quarterly meetings.
  • Ministerial Fellowship Committee (Ministries and Faith Development)
    Has jurisdiction over all phases of ministerial credentialing. Candidates for ministerial fellowship are interviewed by the Committee before fellowship is granted. Additionally, the Committee has the authority to remove ministerial fellowship. Three four-day meetings each year.
  • Presidential Search Committee (2 Board appointments)
    The Presidential Search Committee selects at least two nominees for the position of President of the Unitarian Universalist Association.
  • Religious Education Credentialing Committee (Ministries and Faith Development)
    Helps set and review standards, rules, policies and evaluative practices for participants in the Religious Education Credentialing Program, evaluates participants and their application and portfolio materials, and ensure that all participants adhere to relevant rules and policies. Two meetings per year.
  • Retirement Plan Committee (Treasurer)
    Oversees the UU Organizations Retirement Plan (UUORP or the Plan). The UUORP is a self-directed, defined contribution 401(a) retirement plan with a 401(k) component covering religious professionals and other employees of UU congregations, districts, related organizations as well as the UUA staff.
  • UUA Employee Benefits Trust (Ministries and Faith Development)
    The Health Plan Trust was established for the purpose of operating a self-funded health insurance plan for the staffs of Unitarian Universalist congregations, the UUA headquarters and field staffs, plus other eligible persons.

To be considered for nomination to any of the committees listed above, please fill out the Volunteer Leadership Application.

Staff Appointed Committees

Staff liaisons are indicated in parentheses.

  • Fund for a Just Society (Unitarian Universalist Funding Panel)
    Makes grants to non-UU organizations engaged in community organizing to create systemic change on issues of social and economic justice. Two meetings per year.
  • Fund for International Unitarian Universalism (Unitarian Universalist Funding Panel)
    Makes grants to strengthen Unitarian/Universalist institutions worldwide. One meeting per year.
  • Fund for Unitarian Universalism (Unitarian Universalist Funding Panel)
    Provides grants to Unitarian Universalist groups that support innovative, challenging programs designed to have wide denominational impact. Funding is provided by the Veatch Program of the UU Congregation at Shelter Rock. Two meetings per year.
  • Fund for Unitarian Universalist Social Responsibility (Unitarian Universalist Funding Panel)
    Provides grants to Unitarian Universalist groups that work to increase the involvement of UUs in social change, education, service, and advocacy. Funding is provided by the Veatch Program of the UU Congregation at Shelter Rock. Two meetings per year.
  • Music Leadership Certification Committee (Ministries and Faith Development)
    Reports to the President of the UUA, has jurisdiction over music leadership certification, makes rules governing music leadership certification as well as policies and procedures related to music leadership certification.
  • Panel on Theological Education (President)
    Evaluates programming at Unitarian Universalist seminaries and makes recommendations to the Board of Trustees regarding grants from the Theological Education Endowment Fund. Meets two times each year.

To be considered for nomination to any of the committees listed above, please fill out the Volunteer Leadership Application.