Article I. Name The name of this religious congregation shall be Unitarian Universalists of Petaluma (UUP).
	UUP Board - Fall, 2002

Article II. Purpose

The purpose of this congregation is to provide a haven where members can share in a spiritually, culturally, and socially diverse local religious community. We envision a congregation that will be welcoming to all, that values the contributions of each member in shared ministry, and that actively promotes and models individual development of an ethical way of living. We are intentionally intergenerational, and covenant to provide religious education and spiritual growth for children and adults.

The Unitarian Universalists of Petaluma are committed to providing an open-minded, embracing religious presence in the Petaluma community, that examines, adopts and practices the "Seven Principles" and the "Living Tradition" of the Unitarian Universalist Association.

The Seven Principles

Along with the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, the Unitarian Universalists of Petaluma covenant to affirm and promote:

• The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
• Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;
• Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;
• A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
• The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;
• The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;
• Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

The Living Tradition

The living tradition we share draws from many sources:

• Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces which create and uphold life;
• Words and deeds of prophetic women and men which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love;
• Wisdom from the world's religions which inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life;
• Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God's love by loving our neighbors as ourselves;
• Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science, and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit;
• Spiritual teachings of Earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.

(from the Bylaws of the Unitarian Universalist Association)

Article III. Membership

Member:
A member is a person who has signed the membership book in the presence of a Board Member or minister. Through such signing the member enters into a covenant with the members of the congregation to use the Unitarian Universalist Association's Principles and Purposes as guiding values in their lives. UUP is inclusive; all are welcome as members.

Voting Member:
Voting members are the caretakers of the congregation: A voting member is a member who is sixteen years of age or older, who has been a member of the congregation for at least 30 days and who annually makes a pledge of money and/or time, thus reaffirming membership in the congregation. Younger individuals may become members by successfully petitioning the Board. Voting members will be asked to make a minimum annual contribution to the congregation except in cases of financial hardship (waivers can be requested from the Board of Trustees).

Accounting of Membership:
Members may withdraw from membership by submitting a written or oral resignation. A member may be excluded from membership for cause by action of the Board of Trustees. Members may be removed from rolls if they have been inactive for more than one year.

Article IV. Affiliation

This congregation shall be a member of the Unitarian Universalist Association and of the Pacific Central District. It is the intention of this congregation to make annual financial contributions equal to its full Fair Share as determined by the Association and the district.

Article V. Meetings

The dates of congregational business meetings shall be determined by the congregation itself, or by any person or persons designated by it. The annual business meeting shall be held each year in late spring at such time and place as shall be fixed by the Board of Trustees. Special business meetings may be called at the written request of any members. The business to be transacted at all meetings shall be set forth in the notice of the meeting, which shall be sent to all members by written means at least fifteen [15] days before the meeting. Decisions will be made upon a simple majority vote of those present and voting at business meetings.

When decisions are made regarding the purchase or sale of property, or the calling or dismissal of a minister, a quorum of thirty percent of the voting membership will be required.

The Board of Trustees shall set the agenda for the annual meeting. At the annual business meeting, voting members shall:

1) Elect Officers and the Nominating Committee
2) Set a minimum level for contributions by members
3) Adopt a budget
4) Transact other business as outlined in the agenda.

Article VI. Governance

UUP shall be governed by its members. At each annual meeting members of the board of trustees shall be chosen, all of whom shall be voting members of the congregation. The board shall be composed of five to nine members, all of whom shall be voting members of the congregation. Regular terms of office for Trustees shall be for a period of three years. Regular terms of office for Trustees shall be so fixed at the beginning, or upon any change in the Board composition that assures the fewest number of trustees elected each year. No trustee shall serve more than two three-year terms consecutively.

A nominating committee of three members who shall not be members of the Board of Trustees shall also be chosen at the annual meeting.

Specific Duties of the Board of Trustees:

The Board of Trustees shall:

1) Administer UUP finances
2) Define committee structure
3) Employ staff members other than the minister (as appropriate)
4) Provide general supervision over all activities of the congregation
5) Maintain and support a strong religious education program
6) Approve all legal papers
7) Refer to the membership matters of policy it deems controversial
8) Delegate members to serve as delegates to the annual delegations (UUA General Assembly and the Pacific Central District Annual Meeting)
9) Other duties as necessary

Article VII. Ministry

At such a time as UUP is ready to call a Minister, this section of the bylaws shall be determined and voted upon by the congregation.

Article VIII. Fiscal Year

The fiscal year shall end June 30.

Article IX. Dissolution

In the case of dissolution of the congregation, all of its property, real and personal, after paying all just claim upon it, shall be conveyed to and vested in the Unitarian Universalist Association or its legal successor, or to any Unitarian Universalist related organization, and the board of trustees of the congregation shall perform all actions necessary to effectuate such conveyance.

Article X. Amendments

These bylaws, so far as allowed by law, may be amended or replaced at any meeting of the congregation by a two-thirds vote of those present and voting. Notice of any proposed change shall be contained in the notice of the meeting.

Amended at the Annual Meeting of 2005