Berry Street Scribe Job Description

Job Description:  Scribe to the Ministerial Conference at Berry Street (application)

Purpose:  Selected by the Berry Street Conference Executive Committee and appointed by the UUMA Board of Trustees, the Berry Street Essay Scribe functions to preserve the traditions of the MCBS and to initiate the work of the Committee.

Shared Responsibilities include:

  • January-March convene the BSE, and facilitate the process for choosing an essayist and nominees for new member of BSE; 
  • Coordinate with UUMA Board and staff for appointments and logistics for Conference;
  • Communicate with essayist and BSE about Conference;
  • Convene annual conference, held annual last day of UUMA Ministry Days, offer remarks on the occasion, and close Conference with announcement of following year’s essayist; 
  • Ensure records are maintained for BSE proceedings and communicate with UUMA staff regarding the Conference page on UUMA website.

Additional Expectations: as found in Charter

Core Skills and Preferred Experiences:

  • Attended multiple essays;
  • Strong background in UU history and heritage (recommend reading “The Throughline: 200 Years of the Berry Street Essay” ed. Kate Walker) ;
  • Understanding of history and complexity of the Conference, capacity to maintain unique perspective and role of the Ministerial Conference at Berry Street;
  • Well respected and networked within the UU Collegial Circles;
  • High capacity for confidentiality, organized, comfortable with public speaking;
  • A demonstrated commitment to and understanding of antiracism and anti-oppression work.

Process: A Scribe is selected using this process:

  1. Applications sent to the Berry Street Essay Executive Committee
  2. Committee reviews applications and submits recommendations to UUMA Board of Trustees
  3. In consultation with the committee, Board reviews recommendations and appoints scribe.
  4. Outgoing Scribe makes the invitation. 

Length of Term: 4-year term, renewable once

Support Provided: While the Conference operates independently of the UUMA, limited support is available through the UUMA office. Additionally, the scribe will be appointed in the current scribes last year so as to provide opportunity to overlap in duties.