How We Govern at Foothills
Unitarian Universalist congregations are led by the people who make them up. That’s you.
At Foothills, members elect leaders who shape the vision of our community and ensure we stay true to our values. These leaders govern in partnership with our Senior Minister, who—with staff and ministry teams—carries that vision into action.
We use a model called policy-based governance. This means our Board focuses on the ends—where we’re going, what matters most, and how we stay accountable. The Senior Minister and staff focus on the means—how we live it out in real time, across everything we do.
This approach keeps us aligned, nimble, and grounded in shared purpose.
Who Does What
Board of Trustees
The Board is made up of elected members who:
- Articulate and steward our mission and vision
- Set policies that guide church leadership
- Monitor outcomes and ensure accountability
- Work in deep partnership with the Senior Minister
This elected team helps ensure strong and diverse leadership by:
- Recruiting and recommending candidates for elected roles
- Supporting pathways to leadership across the congregation
Our Documentation System
Governance isn’t just about who sits on a board. It’s about how we make decisions, who is accountable, and how we keep growing with integrity.
At Foothills, we use a layered system of documentation that keeps things clear, transparent, and easy to find.
- Voted on by the congregation
- Our legal and foundational rules
- Define membership, meetings, elections, and more
- Created and maintained by the Board of Trustees
- Define our mission, vision, executive limitations, and board practices
- Created by the Executive Team
- Interprets policies and provides strategic direction for ministries
- This is very much a work-in-progress; we post things as they are finalized, so please reach out if you are looking for something you don't see here.
Why It Matters
When we’re clear about how we govern, we build trust.
When we share how things work, we make space for more people to lead.
And when our structures reflect our values, our community grows stronger.
When we’re clear about how we govern, we build trust.
When we share how things work, we make space for more people to lead.
And when our structures reflect our values, our community grows stronger.
Explore the Guide to learn how you can get involved, understand our commitments, or bring your leadership to life.
Have questions or want to offer feedback? Reach out to a member of the Board or staff. We’re always learning—and your insight helps us lead better.