8th Principle Accountability Checklist
Heather Millar, President
It is appropriate as we begin this new year to look forward and anticipate our future. Based on all of the wonderful things that have been happening at UUCA to make connections and offer opportunities to serve, learn and lead, I expect a bright future with lots of participation. I am excited and look forward to experience both the expected and unexpected in the coming months.
An area that will continue to be emphasized by the Board and others is our commitment to the 8th Principle. In April 2018 UUCA members voted to support the 8th Principle to “accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions.” The Board continues to seek ways to live up to this promise. We have been working with members of the Building Beloved Community Team (BBC) to develop an accountability checklist. During its December meeting, the Board approved its 8th Principle Accountability Checklist. Click (HERE) to view the checklist. It is also posted on the UUCA website on the Board of Trustees page.
The checklist includes three sections. In the first section, General Presence in Congregation, the Board states it will “publicize its commitment to the 8th Principle” and will use and encourage the use of the Subtle Acts of Exclusion (SAE) Model.
Highlights in the second section, Board Meetings and Actions, include the following. “Meetings will be conducted in an inclusive manner, ensuring that all participants have a chance to be heard.” “An inclusive lens is sensitive to the concerns and experiences of people who are not part of the dominant identities.” At each meeting, a Board member serves as the 8th Principle Accountability Observer who views the meeting with a continual eye on our Accountability Checklist.
The third section, Personal Growth, includes the commitment of each Board member to continue to learn and develop their understanding of this work by reading and attending classes and discussions.
A frequently asked question when we considered the 8th Principle in 2018 and continues now is: How do we “accountably dismantle?” As a step towards this, the Board developed, with help from BBC, and plans to follow this 8th Principle Accountability Checklist. The Board encourages other groups to develop and use an 8th Principle Accountability Checklist appropriate for their functioning.