<HTML><FONT FACE=arial,helvetica><FONT SIZE=2>Sorry - I seemed to have neglected to send these out on AEU-Announce.
<BR>Annabelle
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<BR>AMERICAN ETHICAL UNION
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<BR>HIGHLIGHTS - Board Meeting & Retreat - Feb. 22 & 23, 2002 - at Murray Grove, NJ
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<BR>1. The Board voted to create the position of EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR to head up its staff following a Retreat with members of the National Leaders Council (NLC) and the Program Team (PT). (PT = Chairs and Staff of the several AEU Program Committees.)
<BR> The Retreat included a facilitated discussion guided by consultant Ed White of the Alban Institute. It followed earlier Workshops held with each of the three groups led by Bart Worden and David Reis on behalf of the Growth & Development Committee.
<BR> Based on its study, the Board decided this was the best way to implement the vision, to modernize the operations, and to facilitate the growth of the Ethical Movement. It anticipates that having an Executive Director will enhance the effectiveness and coordination of its various components, clarify authority and accountablility, improve communications, and enable the Board to focus on its governance responsibilities. It will begin preparing a job description, finding financing, and starting a search for the appropriate candidate. Several Task Forces were formed to facilitate the process.
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<BR>2. There is a VACANCY on the Board due to the resignation of Mimi Henry. Leaders and presidents of those Societies which do not now have a member on the Board will be notified that their members are invited to apply. Applicants must submit a petition signed by ten members and a personal statement of up to 200 words. The Board will vote to fill the vacancy from among those applying.
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<BR>3. Four new ADJUNCT LEADERS were certified based on the recommendation of the Leadership Committee. They are Karen Elliott, Mandi Kirsh, Steve Meskin, and Gordon Still, all from the Baltimore Society and trained by Leader Fritz Williams.
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<BR>4. Other items discussed: Lois Kellerman's upcoming book tour in the Northeast in late April and May; the Summer School which still has a few vacancies; the 2003 Assembly which will be on the East Coast in either April or June; a proposal for a Humanist degree-granting program; a "rapid response" system to current issues proposed by the NLC; the need for a Leadership Training Coordinator; the need for a Youth Coordinator for which the Religious Education Committee was asked to write a job description and start the search process; and establishing a category of Youth Members.
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