Bylaws for

CUUPS-Twin Cities

as amended 01/05/03

Preamble

In accord with the principles of the Unitarian Universalist Association as expressed in Article II of the Bylaws of the UUA, we, as members and/or friends of Unitarian Universalist congregations ("congregations") in the Twin Cities metro area that are member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, join together to form a chapter of the Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans, Inc. ("CUUPS"), an Ohio non-profit religious corporation which is itself an Independent Affiliate of the Unitarian Universalist Association. This organization is intended to serve Unitarian Universalism in the Twin Cities metro region through outreach, referral and education.

Article I – Name

The Name of this organization will be "CUUPS-Twin Cities" ("the chapter").

Article II – Purpose

The chapter is formed for the purposes of (1) promoting the understanding and practice of Pagan and Earth-centered spirituality within congregations; (2) enabling networking among Pagan-identified Unitarian Universalists; (3) providing information about Unitarian Universalism to the broader pagan community; (4) providing education materials on Paganism and Earth-centered spirituality to congregations and the general public; (5) promoting interfaith dialogue; (6) encouraging the development of thea/theological and 
liturgical materials based on Earth and Nature-centered religious and spiritual perspectives; (7) encouraging ritual in Unitarian Universalist worship and celebration; (8) foster healing relationships with the Earth and all of the Earth's children.

Article III – Membership

Membership in the chapter shall be open to any adult individual or family who meet two criteria: (1) That they pay dues to CUUPS-Twin Cities and (2) that they substantially support the purposes of CUUPS and the seven principles of Unitarian Universalism. Minors between the ages of 14 and 17 may become members of CUUPS-Twin Cities in their own right with written parental consent.

Article IV – Board Positions

The following are Named Positions of the chapter board. Board members shall be members of CUUPS-Twin Cities, CUUPS and a Unitarian Universalist congregation (church, fellowship, society, etc.)

Facilitator – Shall chair board meetings. Shall act as liaison between the chapter and CUUPS. Shall act as liaison between the chapter and the congregation(s), communicating well in advance to minimize conflicts with congregation schedules and to maximize congregation participation in CUUPS-Twin Cities events.

Treasurer – Shall be responsible for holding the funds of the chapter. Shall report quarterly to the Chapter Council. Shall report annually to the congregation's treasurer.

Manager of Chapter Communications – Shall produce and distribute a chapter newsletter and ensure that chapter activities are listed in the congregation's newsletter. Shall maintain chapter e-mail list. Shall ensure that information about chapter activities is easily accessible to the local Pagan online community.

Secretary – Shall record, distribute and maintain meeting notes, ritual schedule and team membership. Shall set up and maintain an archive of notes and ritual scripts.

The board may create or abolish positions and committees as needed.

Article V – Meetings of the Board

The Board of CUUPS–Twin Cities shall meet at least quarterly, preferably within two weeks of the nearest equinox or solstice. All members shall be notified at least 14 days in advance of a board meeting, which shall be open to any member. The last quarterly Board meeting of the calendar year will also be the chapter's "Annual Meeting". The Fiscal year for the chapter ends 06/31. Quorum for Board meetings shall be a simple majority of its members. The Board is encouraged to "govern by consensus", but in the event a vote is determined necessary, proposals shall require a simple majority of those voting to pass. The Board may convene emergency meetings, providing maximum notice possible to members, for conducting emergency business other than by-law adoption or amendment. Actions taken at emergency meetings are taken provisionally and require ratification at the next quarterly meeting.

Article VI – Funding

CUUPS–Twin Cities shall be funded by donations and by membership dues, as determined by the Board, and by any other available source(s) the Board may identify. The Board may establish various classes of membership and the qualifications, rights, and privileges, including voting rights, of each.

Article VII – Communications

It is the policy of CUUPS–Twin Cities to build bridges between UUs and Pagans by publishing events of both organizations in the chapter newsletter. Additionally, chapter events may be publicized in congregation newsletters, service programs and/or bulletin boards following those congregations'' communications' guidelines.

Article VIII – Elections

Elections shall occur at the Annual Meeting for all open Board positions. The Board shall determine the qualifications for voting no later than the quarterly meeting prior to the Annual Meeting. The Board will nominate named positions. Further nominations will be taken from the floor.

Article IX – Restrictions and Exclusions

1. The Facilitator of CUUPS–Twin Cities is the sole authorized public spokesperson for the organization, but may delegate this responsibility on a case-by-case basis.

2. The Facilitator of CUUPS–Twin Cities will mediate with congregation leadership to resolve conflicts.

3. No organizational funds may be used for the individual benefit of members, Board members or others except where approved as reimbursement for authorized expenses or compensation for authorized services, where the expenses or services are intended to further the mission or activities of the chapter.

4. For purposes of advocacy on behalf of its members or of Pagans or Unitarian Universalists generally, CUUPS-Twin Cities shall conduct itself as if organized under the prevailing language of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or of its successor provisions.

Article X – Chapter Assets

Upon wind up or dissolution of the chapter, all assets remaining after payment of all debts and liabilities shall become the property of the sponsoring congregation and shall be divided equally among them if there are more than one.

Article XI – Adoption and Amendment

The by laws of CUUPS–Twin Cities and any amendments thereto, shall become effective upon approval of 2/3 or more of members present and voting at the quarterly or annual meeting at which the by laws or amendment(s) have been placed on the agenda with such placement having been publicized in accordance with Article VI. Current by laws shall be provided to CUUPS members as part of their membership packet or upon request and to the sponsoring congregation(s) of CUUPS-Twin Cities upon adoption or amendment.