Good Offices Ratification
Ministers nominated to serve in Good Offices for their Chapter are asked to read the Expectations and Practices for Chapter Good Offices below before completing the Chapter Good Offices Ratification Form.

We will contact you if we have questions or need clarification, and you will receive a welcome letter with information about training events and resources for Good Offices. The link to the form is located at the bottom of the page.

Expectations for People Serving in Chapter Good Offices

  • When elected or appointed, participate in the new Good Offices Orientation.
  • Participate in the Good Offices training programs for as long as you serve in the role.
  • Participate in quarterly, 90 minute Good Offices Consultation Group sessions.
  • Ensure an annual email contact with each Chapter member to:
    • (re)introduce the Chapter Good Offices Team
    • describe the Chapter Good Offices service
    • invite further consultation
  • Fulfill agreed Chapter expectations for:
    • initiating periodic personal contact with each Chapter member
    • offering specific topic video webinars to Chapter members
    • offering specific topic programs at Chapter gatherings
  • Ensure timely response to requests for counsel, support, representation or mediation
  • Read the Good Offices Handbook and review each time you are asked to serve in the role
  • Read the UUMA Guidelines for Professional Ministry
  • Be in touch with Regional Lead and Congregational Life Staff when you will be working with them on a particular case
  • If you need support at any time, call on the Good Offices Coordinating Team and/or the Director of Ministries and Programs.

Practices for Chapter Good Offices

  • To assist ministers in their professional relationship with one another:
    • facilitate discussion of a written covenant to define and guide the relationship;
    • provide counsel or support in assessing satisfaction in the relationship;
    • provide counsel, representation or mediation in negotiating terms for the continuation or termination of service interaction; and/or
    • provide counsel or support in seeking resolution of the tension through application to the UUMA Committee on Collegiality and Ethics and the Board of Trustees.
  • To assist a minister in a professional relationship with the UUA or its representatives:
    • provide counsel, support or representation in assessing satisfaction in the relationship, or in negotiating terms for its continuation and/or
    • provide counsel, support or representation in response to a UUA staff/committee action related to questions or complaints regarding the minister’s practice of ministry.
CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE
GOOD OFFICES RATIFICATION FORM