CONSTITUTION

Article 1. Name
      The name of this religious organization shall be the Central Midwest Chapter of the Unitarian Universalist Ministers' Association.

Article 2. Purpose
      In order to enhance our ministerial skills, effectiveness and leadership, we covenant:

- To support and promote the Unitarian Universalist movement, its societies and its association,
- To assist ministers, churches, and the association in interpreting its ministry,
- To improve the professional capabilities and skills of the ministers in the UUMA,
- To assist the UUA and other association agencies in efforts related to the ministry,
- To support each other through the chapter and to nurture our ties to one another,
- To foster a sense of commitment to one another and a concern for the professional rights of the ministry,
- To defend the tradition of freedom in all church, association, and ministerial matters, tempered by our obligations to one another as colleagues and by the standards set forth in the Code of Professional Practice.

Article 3. Membership
      Membership is open to any UUMA member in good standing, serving or residing within the CMwD.

Article 4. Meetings
      The annual meeting of this UUMA Chapter shall take place in the Spring. Every two years, during this meeting, officers shall be nominated and elected, and appointments made. The yearly retreat of the Chapter shall take place in the Fall.
      Special meetings of the Chapter may be called by the officers or shall be called upon the written request of ten voting members of the Chapter.
      All meeting shall be called by an elected officer. The call shall state the purpose of the meeting and shall be made by mail at least 14 days prior to the meeting.

Article 5. Quorum
      A quorum shall consist of 10 UUMA members and at least two elected officers.

Article 6. Officers
      Officers shall consist of a President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer. They shall be elected from among the members at the annual meeting. They shall serve a two year concurrent term.
      The President shall be the executive officer of the chapter. The President shall preside at chapter meetings and at all duly called meetings. The President may appoint a Program Committee, and other committees as needed.
      The Vice-President shall preside in the absence of the President and shall assist the President in carrying out chapter policy and implementing programs.
      The Secretary shall act as both Recording Secretary and Corresponding Secretary.
      The Treasurer shall be the chief financial officer of the chapter.

Article 7. Terms
      The officers and the nominating committee shall serve for terms of two years.

Article 8. Other Positions
      The membership may offer suggestions to the CMwD and to the UUA regarding settlement representatives.

Article 9. Parliamentary Authority
      The rules contained in the current edition of Robert's Rules of Order shall govern this chapter in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with this constitution and any special rules of order the chapter may adopt.

Article 10. Amendments
      This constitution may be amended by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the eligible voting members present and voting at any duly called meeting of the chapter, provided that a statement of such proposed amendment or amendments has been included in the call of the meeting.

Article 11. Policies
      Policies of the chapter may be established by a majority of those voting, in attendance at a meeting.

April 16, 1999