<HTML><FONT FACE=arial,helvetica><FONT SIZE=2>AMERICAN ETHICAL UNION
<BR>HIGHLIGHTS - BOARD OF DIRECTORS Meeting - APRIL 27, 2002 - in New York
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<BR>1. A JOB DESCRIPTION for an EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR of the AEU was approved. The person will be the Chief Executive Officer of the AEU, reporting to and evaluated by the Board, and responsible for the consistent achievement of the AEU's mission and financial objectives.
<BR> Four Committees were established: a Search Committee for an Executive Director; a Personnel Committee; a Fund Raising Committee; and a By-Laws Committee.
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<BR>2. The Board also approved establishing the position of a National YES (Youth) ADVISOR who will be responsible not only for helping with the Annual YES Conference, year-round advising and networking with Society YES Advisors and Groups, and exploring possible summer events, but also for starting a Young Adult Component to keep YES graduates connected to each other and to the Ethical Movement. The Religious Education Committee will conduct the search.
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<BR>3. FUNDING for these positions, beyond what is currently in the budget, will come from Budget Cuts, Fund Raising, and a one-time Drawdown from AEU Funds.
<BR> In relation to the BUDGET, since Growth & Development, Fund Raising, and Communications will be part of the responsibility of the new Executive Director, most of the budget on those lines are available to fund that position.
<BR> Some CUTBACKS for 2002-03 were decided upon: Since Fritz Williams will be leaving as Interim Membership Services Coordinator in September, only half of that position will be funded for 2002-03.
<BR> Funding for the Ethical Action Committee as well as for its Consultant, a position now held by Judith Eckerson, and for the Washington Ethical Action Office Reports were all eliminated. (Funding for the Washington Ethical Action Office was left intact.) The WEAO Reports will be included in "Dialogue," and perhaps also be available on line.
<BR> A request by the Leadership Training Committee for a staff person was not funded at this time.
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<BR>4. Fourteen new ADJUNCT LEADERS were certified based on the recommendation of the Leadership Committee. Six, from the St. Louis Society, Lyndon Blaylock, Alan Easton, Jim Honeywell, Marty Henry, Lois Clay Quest, and Danielle Lindsley were trained by its Leader Judy Toth. Eight, from the Washington Society, Ken Davis, Peggy Goetz, Mary Herman, Karen Schofeld-Leca, Nancy Montagna, David Rothman, Irving Spitzberg, and Virginia Thorndike were trained by its Leader Don Montagna. (The ones from Washington were approved subject to interviewing by the Leadership Committee.)
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<BR>5. It was agreed to hold the 2003 ASSEMBLY over the Memorial Day Weekend, but the location, to be either in Philadelphia or Northern Virginia, is not yet definite. Sue and Scott Walton, professional Conference Planners and members of the Chicago Society, have volunteered their assistance in making the necessary arrangements.
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<BR>6. INVESTMENT GUIDELINES proposed by the Finance Committee were approved and an Investment Sub-Committee is being established.
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<BR>7. A proposal by the Publications Committee for an annual YEARBOOK of LEADERS' PLATFORM ADDRESSES was approved. Each Leader will be invited to submit one Platform each year for inclusion, without editing, except for spelling, etc. Lee Smalley, the editor of "Dialogue," will serve as the editor.
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<BR>8. LOIS KELLERMAN spoke to the Board about her just published BOOK, "Marriage from the Heart: Eight Commitments of a Spiritually Fulfilling Life Together," how it was developed from the Eight Commitment of Ethical Culture, and her working with a co-author.
<BR> The Board re-affirmed its vote taken by email and by phone to approve payment towards the transportation costs of her North-East Book book tour. It was felt that this was a tremendous publicity opportunity for us to have a book brought out by a major publisher with significant Ethical Culture content.
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<BR>9. The Board agreed to consider proposals for LIFE MEMBERSHIPS and YOUTH MEMBERS at its next meeting, and asked that involved committees submit their reports prior to the meeting.
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<BR>10. Dates for BOARD MEETINGS next year will be: Sat., Sept.7; Fri-Sat., Oct.25-26 (a Retreat); Sat., Jan.11; Sat., March 15; at the Assembly, May 22-26 - Board dates not yet set. Location for Sept., Jan., and March meetings at the New York Society; for Oct.and May not set.
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