WellSprings is a member of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), a “congregationalist” tradition – which means our denomination is an association of independent organizations, not a hierarchical body. In “congregationalist” denominations, ultimate authority lies in the hands of the membership of each individual congregation – a “bottom-up” rather than “top-down” approach.
At WellSprings, as in most UU congregations, the membership delegates leadership to an elected Board. The Board, in turn, delegates day-to-day operations to the Ministers and Staff Team, and governs the congregation in accordance with our legal bylaws. The Board asks each person committing to membership to read this section of our bylaws, to ensure that all who join our community understand how membership is formally defined at WellSprings, and what the process is for terminating, or reinstating, your membership.
If you’re curious to read more, you can also find a link to our full bylaws, at the bottom of this page.
ARTICLE THREE
MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 1. Voting Members of the Congregation. A Voting Member of the Congregation is a person who is at least 18 years of age, and has completed the requirements for membership as established by the Board of Trustees.
SECTION 2. Termination of Membership. Any member of the Congregation may terminate his/her own membership by filing a written resignation with the Executive Minister or the Executive Minister’s designee. Members who have not participated in the activities of the Congregation or who have not made a contribution of record within the past year will become Non-Voting Members. A Non-Voting Member may not vote at a meeting or serve as an elected officer and may not be included in the Congregation population count. Non-Voting members shall be asked by a minister or designee if they wish to continue their membership. If a clear, affirmative answer is not received in such time as deemed reasonable in the minister’s or designee’s sole discretion, such member will have their membership terminated.
SECTION 3. Reinstatement of Membership. Those individuals who have had their membership terminated (voluntary or involuntary) may write a letter to the Executive Minister or their designee requesting to be reinstated, and, after completing the current requirements for membership, will be reinstated.
SECTION 4. Support. All members of the congregation shall be encouraged to support the Congregation with their time, talents, and financial contributions.
You can read the full bylaws of the congregation here.