Nominating and Leadership Development

Committee Chairs: Jo Anne Gillespie and David Garnes
Best Way to Contact the Chairs: Email Jo Anne Gillespie at JoGillespie@aol.com, or David Garnes at davidgarnes@cox.net.

Mission of this Committee:
The Nominating & Leadership Development Committee supports and nurtures our community by fostering existing and potential leaders to discover and develop their leadership ministries. Working in partnership with congregational leaders, we match individuals with leadership development opportunities.

Programs, Opportunities, Activities and Work of the Committee

Identify and recruit qualified candidates to fill positions on Policy Board, Program Council and other leadership areas, such as major fund raising events.
Provide personalized support for leaders.
Help to plan training and development opportunities for UUS:E leaders.
Nurture leadership skills by identifying promising workshops as well as individuals who may benefit from them; select candidates for North East Leadership School (NELS).
Make contact with members and friends to identify their leadership interests at UUS:E and encourage them to participate more actively.
Honor the contributions made by leaders and other volunteers in the community.

Recent Activities:
Members of the Board and Program Council met September 28-29 2007 for a Leadership Retreat, which was held at the Unitarian Society of Hartford. Activities included a half-day workshop on knowing and understanding leadership styles; a half-day workshop on being in right relationship with others; and a brainstorming session on training and support that our Society’s leaders feel would benefit them. There was also time for fellowship and food, as well as reflection on the challenges facing the church in the coming year.

Upcoming Opportunities:
NLDC is organizing three training modules in early 2008, covering topics that were considered “high priority” by those attending the recent Leadership Retreat. These sessions are intended for current leaders and those who are interested in moving into leadership roles in the future. Currently planned are:

Recruiting, Motivating and Nurturing Volunteers
Group Dynamics and Team Building
Bringing Our Spirituality To Our Church Work

If you have questions or comments, contact Jo Anne Gillespie at JoGillespie@aol.com.

Meeting Dates are as follows:
1st Monday at 6:30 p.m.

Links important to this Committee:

UUA home page: www.uua.org
Clara Barton District: http://www.cbd.uua.org/
North East Leadership School: http://www.uua.org/nels/

InterConnections Newsletter for Lay Leaders: http://www.uua.org/publications/interconnections
UU University (held in conjunction with General Assembly): http://www.uua.org/events/uuuniversity

Needs of the Committee :

Individuals interested in exploring leadership and training opportunities within the church
Trainers who have skills to share with UUS:E lay leaders
Potential committee members, particularly those who are curious about, or already acquainted with a large number of UUS:E members and friends

To volunteer in one of these capacities or simply to converse about the work of this committee, please contact one of the chairs (see above).

UUS:E Nominating and Leadership Development presents… Learning opportunities for our leaders and those who aspire to be leaders.

Module 2 - March: Working with Volunteers:
Recruiting, Motivating and Delegating

If you’re in charge of recruiting and organizing committee members, this session will give you helpful tips on how to:

Talk honestly with potential volunteers about job duties
Delegate duties that match volunteers’ interests and skills
Hold volunteers accountable in a gentle but assertive way
Appreciate and reward volunteers in meaningful ways

You’ll get a chance to role-play some difficult situations, and you’ll leave with ideas you can put into practice right away. Facilitated by Kate Kimmerle and Nancy Simonds.

Module 3 - April: Effective Group Dynamics

An experiential learning exercise that examines group interactions on several levels, and helps us identify ways in which we may unknowingly be limiting how effectively we communicate on our committees, boards and councils. This module will help improve participant’s understanding of how to achieve a group dynamic that results in the best outcome when brainstorming, addressing issues or seeking working solutions. Facilitated by Jo Anne Gillespie.

Download and Print Form to Sign Up.

Updated Feb. 15, 2008