Charter Program Council
Mount Vernon Unitarian ChurchCharter of the Program Council
1. Purpose
The Program Council supports the work of committees so as to achieve the mission, vision, and goals of the church and to enhance participation of its members and friends.
2. Type of Committee
The Council is a permanent part of the church organization specified in the Bylaws.
3. Membership
The members of the Program Council are six area coordinators representing the major areas of church ministry (Sunday Services, Social Justice, Lifespan Spiritual Growth, Membership, Communication, and Our Home Community), plus the minister and the convener. Each area coordinator is elected for a two-year term by the congregation at an Annual Meeting, with nominees proposed by the Nominating Committee.
4. Chair
The convener is a Board member selected by the Board. Program Council members may elect a chair from their membership to call and conduct meetings.
5. Activities, Duties, Responsibilities
a. The Council as an Organization
At its monthly meetings, the Program Council coordinates planning for functions, activities, and events conducted or supervised by the church’s volunteer committees and individuals. To do this, the Council members:
Short-term:
• Exchange information about current developments and discuss any issues that may arise, and
• Review the calendar of forthcoming events to determine priorities and reduce conflicts.
Long-term:
• Continuously monitor the structure of committee and volunteer assignments to ensure effective functioning,
• Provide support for leadership development,
• Appoint committee chairs as specified in committee charters, and
• Approve revisions of existing committee charters and review proposed charters of new committees. Charters of new committees must be approved by the Board of Trustees. After the BOT has approved the initial charter for a committee, the Program Council can approve revisions so long as the changes do not substantially modify the committee's function and the changes do not affect any provisions concerning Board-authorized responsibilities.
b. The Program Area Coordinators
Each area coordinator maintains regular communication with committee chairs and individual volunteers in his or her area. The coordinator:
• Attempts to ensure that individuals and committees are functioning effectively, by recruiting, encouraging, inspiring, and helping solve problems.
• Reviews and forwards budget requests and annual reports to the Board of Trustees and the congregation.
• Advises the Program Council on appointment of committee chairs in his or her program area.
6. Communication Between the Program Council and the Board
The convener is the primary vehicle for communication between the Program Council and the Board, providing oral and written reports as necessary and appropriate.
7. Authority Delegated or Retained
The Board retains legal responsibility for all financial, personnel, and policy decisions, including fund-raising.
Primary Author of this charter: Ron Brandt
Date on which this proposed charter was approved by the Council: August 2010
Date this charter was approved by the Board of Trustees: September 13, 2010