The Name Change Task Force has been helping the community consider a new name for UUCB since the congregational vote in June of 2000 to investigate the possibility. We've done a questionnaire, five reports at UUCB member meetings, four other open discussions, newsletter articles, informal discussions, etc. As reported at the Annual Meeting last June, we will meet on Sept 29th at 12:30 to put together the final proposal, and time has been reserved on the calendar for a Special Congregational Meeting on Nov 3rd 2002 to make a final decision. The following names have been proposed so far: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Boulder Unitarian Universalist Community of Boulder Unitarian Universalist Circle of Boulder Unitarian Universalist Church/Community of Boulder Many feel that times change, UUism has diversified, and that one of these names would be more welcoming and inclusive than the current name. If you have other suggestions, please send them to Neal McBurnett. At the same time many people are attached to our current name and worthy heritage. We have looked at the legal and financial issues, and they are minor. We would retain the current name as legally valid, so the question is more what name we would commonly use in the future. The biggest expense may be a few hundred dollars for a new sign. A name change would require changes to the bylaws. Amendments can be proposed by the board or any 10 members, can be voted on at any congregation meeting, and require notice in full with the notice of the meeting. They must pass by a 60% majority. Special meetings can be held with 14 days notice after being requested by the board or the president or moderator, or within 30 days of a petition by 10% of the active members. At the Sept 29th meeting we'll firm up the list of possible names and "decide how to decide" so a notice of the special meeting can be sent. Since some people would prefer more than one alternative to the current name, one proposal for this decision-making process is to use the highly regarded "Approval Voting" process to select among the alternatives. In other words, we would have two votes at the same meeting. First we would place all the proposed new names on a ballot, and allow members to vote for as many names as they like. The name which gets the most votes (i.e. the name which has the highest "approval rating") would then be offered as a bylaw change. The bylaw vote would take place second. It would have to win by a vote of 60%. Other proposals for how to make this decision are welcome. For more background, including notes from previous discussions, the history of our names, other name changes, previous articles, etc, you have several options: Look on the bulletin board in the hallway; Pick up a copy of the draft report from the counter by the door; Visit http://bcn.boulder.co.us/uuc/namechange/ Please don't wait until the last minute to raise issues or engage in the discussion . Please join the Name Change Task Force if you're willing to help with the process. We'd like a broad range of viewpoints. Other discussions can be arranged. Or send in an article for the newsletter. Thank you. Neal McBurnett
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