AUUC Affiliated Groups

Definitions and guidelines for affiliated groups

Per Article XI of our by-laws, all groups and activities must annually be approved by the Board of Directors to claim any affiliation with Accotink.  No funding (or other recognition) can be provided to any group whose affiliation has not been approved. The following are definitions of the types of groups which could be affiliated with the church:

  • Advisors: Members (often individuals) appointed by the Board because of their specific expertise (e.g., Human Resources) who provide advice to the Board within that area of expertise.
  • Affinity Groups: a group of congregants united by a common interest (e.g., poetry, book clubs, quilting). These groups must be approved by the Board to be eligible to use AUUC facilities, receive recognition and/or funding.
  • Task Forces: a group assembled for a specific project with a finite duration with a specific charge drafted by the Board of Directors or their delegate. The charge will state the specific project details to include the issue(s), the impact of the issue(s), and the desired timeframe for the Task Force to define potential solutions for the issue(s). The Task Force shall present the potential solutions to the Board of Directors, who will use the information to make decisions.
  • Teams: a group assembled to accomplish a relatively well-defined and narrow purpose that does not have a finite duration.
  • Committees:  ongoing groups with charters approved by the Board with a broad mission.  Committees must develop charters that include a clear linkage to the values set forth in the AUUC Mission Statement. The initial charter must be approved by the Board. The proposed charter shall at a minimum specify the general purpose, duties, and organization of the committee.

Attached is a list of current Board approved groups (AUUC Affiliated Groups 2025-26).  Only those designated as Committees also require a ‘Charter’ approved by the Board, all of which were approved at the August 6th Board meeting.

Each year in the Spring, to coincide with committees submitting their annual report, a Board member will work through the Program Council to contact each group to ensure they are still functioning, verify leadership, and if a committee, we request they review/update their charter.   This information will be collected in June for Board approval as AUUC enters the new church year.

If you see a need for a Committee or Affinity Group that doesn’t currently exist, you don’t have to wait until next Spring. Just contact a member of the Board and tell them what new group you would like to help establish, its purpose, and how it aligns with UU values and our AUUC mission statement, and the Board will guide you through the approval process.

 

Affiliated Groups Approved for 2025 – 2026

Committees

  • Building and Grounds
  • Children and Youth Spiritual Development
  • Denominational Affairs
  • Green Sanctuary
  • Finance Committee
  • Membership Development Committee
  • Memorial Ministry Committee
  • Social Justice Committee
  • True Accotink Colors

Teams

  • AV Tech Team
  • Coffee Team
  • Communications Team
  • Garden and Landscaping Team
  • Greeter and Welcoming Team
  • Ushers
  • Worship Associates Team

Advisor Functions

  • Historian
  • Human Resources
  • Rentals
  • Community Events

Affinity Groups

  • AUUC Women’s Book Discussion Group
  • AUUC Crafters
  • Poetry Group
  • Sacred Circle Dance
  • Sacred Wheel