SOCIAL ISSUES
SOCIAL ACTION POLICY
(KUF Board, March 2, 2009)
replacing Social Action Policy
approved by the Board on March 6, 2000
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to set forth responsibilities and requirements that assist KUF "to provide the opportunity for social action in an environment where all are respected and diverse beliefs are accepted and celebrated." (KUF Mission Statement)
Responsibilities
1. The Social Action Facilitation Team will assist KUF members and friends who wish to pursue issues of social responsibility within the KUF community as individuals, linking them with other individuals, KUF Committees and other resources, as appropriate.
2. In pursuing issues of social responsibility and action, KUF members will bring forward the Seven Principles which animate our concerns and actions and which KUF has agreed to "affirm and promote." When referencing the substance of CUC or UUA statements, KUF members will place them in their proper historical and jurisdictional context.
3. KUF members will clarify that they are acting as individuals, without endorsement from the KUF community. For example, at events held in the KUF building, organizers will inform attendees that KUF has no official position on the subject being discussed. The following disclaimer has Board approval: "The Kingston Unitarian Fellowship invites speakers because their topics are important and of interest to many of our members as well as many persons in the wider Kingston community. However, the Fellowship has not voted to take an official position on these topics."
4. Maintaining an environment that is respectful of diversity and individuality requires responsible interaction and compassion. In this regard, KUF members will promote thoughtful listening and respectful dialogue.
5. KUF members will accept that social action is voluntary and that individuals’ particular abilities and energies are for them to allocate as they see fit from time to time.
6. KUF will not sponsor or endorse any social action on behalf of a registered political party. Within the context of our charitable status, KUF will be mindful of both the obligation to advocate on issues of concern and the limitations set by applicable Canada Revenue Agency rulings.
Accountability
1. The KUF Board will act on requests for fund-
2. The Board will approve acceptable opportunities for members and friends to etwork at social action events. (e.g. Social Action kiosk at coffee hour...breaking news, KUF kids walking for the cure etc.)
3. The Board will require members who seek fundraising support from the congregation to give notice in writing via the Board Social Action Liaison (with a copy to the President), at least one week prior to a regularly scheduled board meeting and, if approved, authorize the announcement, and or publication of such fundraising.
4. In order to provide a nurturing environment for exploring social responsibilities and encouraging social action, the KUF Board may waive building rental fees when the purpose of the rental is for forums and meetings related to social action. Coordination through the Social Action Facilitation Team and the Building Committee, well in advance of the planned event, is essential. The Board requires notice in writing via the Board Social Action Liaison (with a copy to the President), at least one week prior to the regularly scheduled board meeting. The final decision on waiving of rental fees or advertising rests with the KUF Board.
5. Since KUF celebrates diversity of opinion and member involvement in social action both in and outside of the congregation, few issues are expected to ever come before the KUF congregation for endorsement. Recommendations for congregational endorsement must be made to the KUF Board in writing, at least one week before a regularly scheduled Board meeting. The KUF Board will decide which issues should be brought to the congregation as a whole for discussion and vote, usually at a regularly scheduled congregational meeting (January or May). Approval by at least 66 percent of the Voting Members in attendance is required for official endorsement.
“To become and remain intelligent, one needs a constant sharpening of the mind’s edge. One must have the grindstone of intelligent opposition, the spark of irony, the stimulus of the unfamiliar, and the flash of wit.” C. Northcote Parkinson.
Accepted in Principle by the Board on March 2, 2009
