Volunteer Positions

Title: Organizing Collective Board (OCB) Member (At Large)

About the position:

The Organizing Collective Board of BLUU provides leadership for the organization. This is an egalitarian structure that operates as a collective, building consensus in creatively solving problems and maximizing impact. 

The At Large Board member is responsible for serving as a community representative on the OCB. This role is specifically designed to not be affiliated with any Staff members and to have more of an overarching perspective that will be helpful for OCB decision making.

This role is expected to:

• Liaise with and manage the Elder Council
• Represent Elder Council concerns and perspectives in OCB decision making

About Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism

Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism (BLUU) is a spiritual community for Black Unitarian Universalists and for Black people who also have liberatory values. BLUU is committed to expanding the power and capacity of Black UUs within Unitarian Universalism; providing support, information, and resources for Black Unitarian Universalists; and justice-making and liberation for Black people through our faith. BLUU creates transformative experiences for Black people through worship, spiritual care, organizing, youth ministry, and other opportunities for social and spiritual connection. BLUU is Black founded, Black-led and centers Queer Black leadership in all that we do. 

BLUU’s work puts Blackness at the center of Unitarian Universalism. BLUU gives a spiritual home to Black people who have roots in many traditions but share values that all support Black liberation and self-determination in spiritual communities and beyond. Since BLUU’s inception, BLUU has held in-person convenings, organizing campaigns, and monthly worship. BLUU evolved from an informal gathering of Black UUs in 2015 to a thriving 501c3 organization.

For more about BLUU, visit BlackLivesuu.org.

Responsibilities:

• Supporting OCB as a member of the Executive Board
• Performance Management – Providing feedback to peers
• Fundraising support
• Model and uphold the BLUU working agreements
• Other organizational support as needed
• Expect Board members to spend 12-20 hours per month, on average

Qualifications:

Required:

• Who
  • Black identity – much of BLUU’s work is supporting Black Sacred space
  • UU affiliation
• What
  • Commitment to BLUU’s mission and values
  • Commitment to BLUU’s principles and our established Working Agreements. 
  • Willingness to advance strategic goals and outcomes established by BLUU’s Organizing Collective Board.
  • Compliance with all operating policies and procedures of BLUU.
  • Knowledge of Unitarian Universalist principles and values
• How
  • Can separate BLUU interests from personal and professional interests in order to represent BLUU in UU spaces
  • Self-motivation and flexibility.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, commitment to a collegial work style, and mutual accountability.
  • Ability to work with people with diverse class, race/ethnic, sexual orientation, gender identity, and differently-abled experiences.
  • Ability to work as part of organizational teams on special projects.
  • A sense of humor.
  • A spirit of curiosity and patience with developing a new organization.

Preferred:

• Previous Board experience
• Experience strategic planning
• Commitment to continuous improvement

Give/Get Expectation:

BLUU aligns with valuing contributions in many forms. We seek Board members who are able to share their Time, Talents, and Treasure. While the OCB does not set a standard donation requirement, we do expect that Board members will invest in the organization at a level that is meaningful for them, both to model for other stakeholders and to demonstrate commitment. However, we do not want this expectation to be a hardship and/or to deter interested people from applying for the role, as we honor all the ways that people can contribute to BLUU’s work.

Environment:

BLUU is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. Women, people of color, LGBTQ persons and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Title: Organizing Collective Board (OCB) Member (FEEL Pillar)

About the position:

The Organizing Collective Board of BLUU provides leadership for the organization. This is an egalitarian structure that operates as a collective, building consensus in creatively solving problems and maximizing impact. This role would represent the FEEL pillar.

The FEEL pillar works to cultivate relationships among Beloveds and the Black UU community, as well as, relationships between BLUU and other UU entities and organizations.

This role is expected to:

• Provide strategic direction and prioritization to the pillar staff
• Represent FEEL pillar concerns and perspectives in OCB decision making
• Stay informed on important developments within the UU universe and 
• Work with the Board and Staff to help ensure that BLUU remains a leader and standard bearer in UU spheres, including:
  • Representing the interest of Black UUs
  • Sharing perspectives on important issues
  • Partnering on projects that impact Black UUs

Pillar Scope:

• BLUU Beloveds
• Youth Group
• Peer Supports (e.g. Havens – meetup groups)
• UUA
• UUA Affiliate groups (e.g. DRUUMM, UUWF, UUSC, …)

About Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism

Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism (BLUU) is a spiritual community for Black Unitarian Universalists and for Black people who also have liberatory values. BLUU is committed to expanding the power and capacity of Black UUs within Unitarian Universalism; providing support, information, and resources for Black Unitarian Universalists; and justice-making and liberation for Black people through our faith. BLUU creates transformative experiences for Black people through worship, spiritual care, organizing, youth ministry, and other opportunities for social and spiritual connection. BLUU is Black founded, Black-led and centers Queer Black leadership in all that we do. 

BLUU’s work puts Blackness at the center of Unitarian Universalism. BLUU gives a spiritual home to Black people who have roots in many traditions but share values that all support Black liberation and self-determination in spiritual communities and beyond. Since BLUU’s inception, BLUU has held in-person convenings, organizing campaigns, and monthly worship. BLUU evolved from an informal gathering of Black UUs in 2015 to a thriving 501c3 organization.

For more about BLUU, visit BlackLivesuu.org.

Responsibilities:

• Representing the FEEL pillar on the OCB and externally
• Professional Development – Providing guidance and direction to BLUU staff
• Performance Management – Providing feedback to Staff and peers
• Fundraising support
• Model and uphold the BLUU working agreements
• Other organizational support as needed
• Expect Board members to spend 12-20 hours per month, on average

Qualifications:

Required:

• Who
  • Black identity – much of BLUU’s work is supporting Black Sacred space
• What
  • Commitment to BLUU’s mission and values
  • Commitment to BLUU’s principles and our established Working Agreements. 
  • Willingness to advance strategic goals and outcomes established by BLUU’s Organizing Collective Board.
  • Compliance with all operating policies and procedures of BLUU.
  • Knowledge of Unitarian Universalist principles and values
• How
  • Can separate BLUU interests from personal and professional interests in order to represent BLUU in UU spaces
  • Self-motivation and flexibility.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, commitment to a collegial work style, and mutual accountability.
  • Ability to work with people with diverse class, race/ethnic, sexual orientation, gender identity, and differently-abled experiences.
  • Ability to work as part of organizational teams on special projects.
  • A sense of humor.
  • A spirit of curiosity and patience with developing a new organization.

Preferred:

• Previous Board experience
• Experience strategic planning
• Commitment to continuous improvement

Give/Get Expectation:

BLUU aligns with valuing contributions in many forms. We seek Board members who are able to share their Time, Talents, and Treasure. While the OCB does not set a standard donation requirement, we do expect that Board members will invest in the organization at a level that is meaningful for them, both to model for other stakeholders and to demonstrate commitment. However, we do not want this expectation to be a hardship and/or to deter interested people from applying for the role, as we honor all the ways that people can contribute to BLUU’s work.

Environment:

BLUU is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. Women, people of color, LGBTQ persons and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Title: Organizing Collective Board (OCB) Member (FEEL Pillar)

About the position:

The Organizing Collective Board of BLUU provides leadership for the organization. This is an egalitarian structure that operates as a collective, building consensus in creatively solving problems and maximizing impact. This role would represent the MANAGE pillar.

The MANAGE pillar is responsible for all of the administrative glue that holds BLUU together and enables amazing work in the other pillars. This serves as the centralized menu of services the other pillars utilize episodically.

This role is expected to:

• Provide strategic direction and prioritization to the pillar staff
• Represent MANAGE pillar concerns and perspectives in OCB decision making
• Manage compliance and policy administration
• Uphold working agreements and mediate disagreements in the organization
• Foster continuous improvement in organizational processes and tools
• Facilitate Strategic Planning
  • Plan and facilitate OCB Retreats (currently Bi-annual)

Pillar Scope:

• Administrative – Payroll processing, Documentation management, 
• Communications – Regular touchpoints (newsletter, FB posts), Collateral management, Organizational PR
• Development – Fundraising, grant applications
• Event Planning – Scheduling, milestone management
• Resourcing – Staffing, Performance management
• Revenue management – speaking engagements, BLUU merchandise, etc.

About Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism

Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism (BLUU) is a spiritual community for Black Unitarian Universalists and for Black people who also have liberatory values. BLUU is committed to expanding the power and capacity of Black UUs within Unitarian Universalism; providing support, information, and resources for Black Unitarian Universalists; and justice-making and liberation for Black people through our faith. BLUU creates transformative experiences for Black people through worship, spiritual care, organizing, youth ministry, and other opportunities for social and spiritual connection. BLUU is Black founded, Black-led and centers Queer Black leadership in all that we do. 

BLUU’s work puts Blackness at the center of Unitarian Universalism. BLUU gives a spiritual home to Black people who have roots in many traditions but share values that all support Black liberation and self-determination in spiritual communities and beyond. Since BLUU’s inception, BLUU has held in-person convenings, organizing campaigns, and monthly worship. BLUU evolved from an informal gathering of Black UUs in 2015 to a thriving 501c3 organization.

For more about BLUU, visit BlackLivesuu.org.

Responsibilities:

• Representing the MANAGE pillar on the OCB and externally
• Professional Development – Providing guidance and direction to BLUU staff
• Performance Management – Providing feedback to Staff and peers
• Fundraising support
• Model and uphold the BLUU working agreements
• Other organizational support as needed
• Expect Board members to spend 12-20 hours per month, on average

Qualifications:

Required:

• Who
  • Black identity – much of BLUU’s work is supporting Black Sacred space
  • HR Experience – high level knowledge of non profit organizations and applicable policies and legal requirements
• What
  • Commitment to BLUU’s mission and values
  • Commitment to BLUU’s principles and our established Working Agreements. 
  • Willingness to advance strategic goals and outcomes established by BLUU’s Organizing Collective Board.
  • Compliance with all operating policies and procedures of BLUU.
  • Knowledge of Unitarian Universalist principles and values
• How
  • Can separate BLUU interests from personal and professional interests in order to represent BLUU in UU spaces
  • Self-motivation and flexibility.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, commitment to a collegial work style, and mutual accountability.
  • Ability to work with people with diverse class, race/ethnic, sexual orientation, gender identity, and differently-abled experiences.
  • Ability to work as part of organizational teams on special projects.
  • A sense of humor.
  • A spirit of curiosity and patience with developing a new organization.

Preferred:

• Previous Board experience
• Experience strategic planning
• Commitment to continuous improvement

Give/Get Expectation:

BLUU aligns with valuing contributions in many forms. We seek Board members who are able to share their Time, Talents, and Treasure. While the OCB does not set a standard donation requirement, we do expect that Board members will invest in the organization at a level that is meaningful for them, both to model for other stakeholders and to demonstrate commitment. However, we do not want this expectation to be a hardship and/or to deter interested people from applying for the role, as we honor all the ways that people can contribute to BLUU’s work.

Environment:

BLUU is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. Women, people of color, LGBTQ persons and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Title: Organizing Collective Board (OCB) – Board Treasurer

About the position:

The Organizing Collective Board of BLUU provides leadership for the organization. This is an egalitarian structure that operates as a collective, building consensus in creatively solving problems and maximizing impact. This role is a volunteer position with some expectation of financial contribution to the organization.

The Treasurer is responsible for keeping focus on the financial position and representing that position in decision making. The focus of this position is on truth telling and transparency so that the organization is making informed decisions and all relevant stakeholders feel comfortable that the fiduciary responsibilities of the organization are being upheld in line with the values of the organization.

This role is expected to:

• Provide regular updates to the Board (and Staff/Director) on financial status/concerns. (Identify and flag trends, internal and external.)

• Manage and advise on financial strategy
  1. Investment strategy
  2. Fundraising goals
• Provide regular budgetary support to staff
  1. Advise on budget line items
  2. Flag when over budget
• Manage the annual audit
• Represent budgetary concerns and perspectives in OCB decision making
• Manage and liaise with the Financial Transparency Group

Scope:

• Financial statements and reporting for:

1. Organizing Collective Board
2. BLUU Staff
3. BLUU wider community
4. UUA and other partners

• Endowment management

Responsibilities:

• Represent the financial aspects of BLUU on the OCB and externally
• Manage performance by providing feedback to staff and peers
• Support fundraising efforts
• Model and uphold the BLUU working agreements
• Provide other organizational support as needed
• Spend an average of 12-20 hours per month on BLUU work

Qualifications

Required:

Who:

• Black identity—much of BLUU’s work is supporting Black sacred space
• Previous financial experience in a corporate or no profit environment

What:

• Commitment to BLUU’s mission and values
• Commitment to BLUU’s principles and our established Working Agreements
• Willingness to advance strategic goals and outcomes established by BLUU’s Organizing Collective Board
• Compliance with all operating policies and procedures of BLUU
• Knowledge of Unitarian Universalist principles and values

How:

• Can separate BLUU interests from personal and professional interests in order to represent BLUU in UU spaces
• Self-motivation and flexibility
• Strong interpersonal skills, commitment to a collegial work style, and mutual accountability
• Ability to work with people with diverse identities related to class, race/ethnic, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion and disability
• Ability to work as part of organizational teams on special projects
• A sense of humor
• A spirit of curiosity and patience with developing a new organization

Preferred:

• Previous board experience
• Financial credentialing—CPA, MBA, etc.
• Experience strategic planning
• Commitment to continuous improvement

Give/Get Expectation

A give/get policy is a requirement that all directors on the organization’s board either “give” and/or “get” a certain fundraising goal for the organization. For organizations with a “give or get” policy, each director can either donate the required amount or raise the desired amount through fundraising activities.

BLUU aligns with valuing contributions in many forms. We seek Board members who are able to share their Time, Talents, and Treasure. While the OCB does not set a standard donation requirement, we do expect that Board members will invest in the organization at a level that is meaningful for them, both to model for other stakeholders and to demonstrate commitment. However, we do not want this expectation to be a hardship and/or to deter interested people from applying for the role, as we honor all the ways that people can contribute to BLUU’s work. 

How to Apply

If you are interested in being BLUU’s Treasurer, please complete this form.

If you have questions about the Treasurer role, email BLUU Development Board Chair, Natasha Walker, at [email protected].

About Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism (BLUU)

Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism (BLUU) is a spiritual community for Black Unitarian Universalists and for Black people who also have liberatory values. BLUU is committed to expanding the power and capacity of Black UUs within Unitarian Universalism; providing support, information, and resources for Black Unitarian Universalists; and justice-making and liberation for Black people through our faith. BLUU creates transformative experiences for Black people through worship, spiritual care, organizing, youth ministry, and other opportunities for social and spiritual connection. BLUU is Black founded, Black-led and centers Queer Black leadership in all that we do. 

BLUU’s work puts Blackness at the center of Unitarian Universalism. BLUU gives a spiritual home to Black people who have roots in many traditions but share values that all support Black liberation and self-determination in spiritual communities and beyond. Since BLUU’s inception, BLUU has held in-person convenings, organizing campaigns, and monthly worship. BLUU evolved from an informal gathering of Black UUs in 2015 to a thriving 501c3 organization.

BLUU is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. Women, people of color, LGBTQ+ persons and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. 

For more about BLUU, visit BlackLivesuu.org.

About the position:

The Financial Transparency Group of BLUU provides fiduciary oversight (transparency, support, and community accountability) for the organization. 

The goals of this group are:

1. To support transparency around financial expenditures and plans.
2. To advise on investment strategy and revenue optimization
3. To help build trust within the BLUU community and the wider UU community. 
4. To evaluate how the BLUU budget expenditures are matching up with the working goals of BLUU. 

The group meets once virtually every month. There will be approximately 15-30 minutes of associated reading material and preparation before each meeting. At this time, pre-reading for the meeting is the only request for prep time outside of  meeting together. BLUU asks Financial Transparency Group members to also help share materials from BLUU to your networks through social media and other avenues that you have access to that you feel will be helpful.

Financial decision-making responsibility regarding BLUU’s finances will remain with the Organizing Collective Board (OCB). This Financial Transparency Group is advisory and will not have a board-like relationship to BLUU in the sense that involves oversight of our structure or control of finances. This Group is not a voting body. The group is a group that will give thoughts, feedback and insights to the Treasurer, who will relay them to the OCB and whose feedback and insights will be taken into account in decisions regarding funding allocation (budgeting).

About Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism (BLUU):

Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism (BLUU) is a spiritual community for Black Unitarian Universalists and for Black people who also have liberatory values. BLUU is committed to expanding the power and capacity of Black UUs within Unitarian Universalism; providing support, information, and resources for Black Unitarian Universalists; and justice-making and liberation for Black people through our faith. BLUU creates transformative experiences for Black people through worship, spiritual care, organizing, youth ministry, and other opportunities for social and spiritual connection. BLUU is Black founded, Black-led and centers Queer Black leadership in all that we do. 

BLUU’s work puts Blackness at the center of Unitarian Universalism. BLUU gives a spiritual home to Black people who have roots in many traditions but share values that all support Black liberation and self-determination in spiritual communities and beyond. Since BLUU’s inception, BLUU has held in-person convenings, organizing campaigns, and monthly worship. BLUU evolved from an informal gathering of Black UUs in 2015 to a thriving 501c3 organization.

For more about BLUU, visit BlackLivesuu.org.

Responsibilities:

We are inviting 5-8 people to serve for a two-years commitment on the Financial Transparency group. The group will be responsible for:

• Meeting with the BLUU OCB Treasurer to go over prepared financial statements;
• Assisting with the sharing out of publicly prepared financial statements;
• Working with the Treasurer to field questions from the broader Black UU community surrounding issues of transparency and financial stability; and
• Supporting the BLUU OCB and staff in understanding and exploring the financial intricacies of our unique organizational structure.
• Model and uphold the BLUU working agreements
• Other organizational support as needed
• Expect volunteers to spend 2-4 hours per month, on average

Qualifications

Required

• What
  • Financial experience (Corporate or non profit)
  • Commitment to BLUU’s mission and values
  • Commitment to BLUU’s principles and our established Working Agreements. 
  • Willingness to advance strategic goals and outcomes established by BLUU’s Organizing Collective Board.
  • Can separate BLUU interests from personal and professional interests in order to represent BLUU’s financial interests
• How
  • Knowledge of Unitarian Universalist principles and values
  • Ability to work with people with diverse class, race/ethnic, sexual orientation, gender identity, and differently-abled experiences.
  • Ability to work as part of organizational teams on special projects.
  • A sense of humor.
  • A spirit of curiosity and patience with developing a new organization.

Preferred

• Previous Non profit Board experience
• Experience strategic planning
• Commitment to continuous improvement

How to Apply

To apply to be a member of the Financial Transparency Group, please fill out this form.

If you have questions about the Financial Transparency Group, email BLUU Developmental Board Chair, Natasha Walker, at [email protected].

Environment

BLUU is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. Women, people of color, LGBTQ persons and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Organizing Collective Board (OCB) – THINK Pillar Board Member

About the position

The Organizing Collective Board of BLUU provides leadership for the organization. This is an egalitarian structure that operates as a collective, building consensus in creatively solving problems and maximizing impact. This role would represent the THINK pillar.

The THINK pillar is responsible for establishing, preserving,  and co-creating an accessible and iterative history and legacy of Black Unitarian Universalism in Unitarian Universalism and within the wider world.

This role is expected to:

• Provide strategic direction and prioritization to the pillar staff
• Represent THINK pillar concerns and perspectives in OCB decision making
• Support planning of one learning initiative/class per year 
• Serve as BLUU Archivist/Historian

Pillar Scope:

• BLUU Publications- SkinnerHouse Publications, BLUU Box
• Archives
• Professional Development/ Courses for BLUU Community Members
• BLUU Consultancy
• Book Clubs

About Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism (BLUU)

Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism (BLUU) is a spiritual community for Black Unitarian Universalists and for Black people who also have liberatory values. BLUU is committed to expanding the power and capacity of Black UUs within Unitarian Universalism; providing support, information, and resources for Black Unitarian Universalists; and justice-making and liberation for Black people through our faith. BLUU creates transformative experiences for Black people through worship, spiritual care, organizing, youth ministry, and other opportunities for social and spiritual connection. BLUU is Black founded, Black-led and centers Queer Black leadership in all that we do. 

BLUU’s work puts Blackness at the center of Unitarian Universalism. BLUU gives a spiritual home to Black people who have roots in many traditions but share values that all support Black liberation and self-determination in spiritual communities and beyond. Since BLUU’s inception, BLUU has held in-person convenings, organizing campaigns, and monthly worship. BLUU evolved from an informal gathering of Black UUs in 2015 to a thriving 501c3 organization.

For more about BLUU, visit BlackLivesuu.org.

Responsibilities

• Representing the THINK pillar on the OCB and externally
  • Communicating about their respective pillar’s vision and how it’s connected to BLUU’s broader vision of justice-making and Liberation through our faith
• Professional Development – Providing guidance and direction to BLUU staff
• Performance Management – Providing feedback to Staff and peers
• Fundraising support
• Model and uphold the BLUU working agreements
• Other organizational support as needed
• Expect Board members to spend 12-20 hours per month, on average

Qualifications

Required

• Who
  • Black identity – much of BLUU’s work is supporting Black Sacred space
• What
  • Commitment to BLUU’s mission and values
  • Commitment to BLUU’s principles and our established Working Agreements. 
  • Willingness to advance strategic goals and outcomes established by BLUU’s Organizing Collective Board.
  • Compliance with all operating policies and procedures of BLUU.
  • Knowledge of Unitarian Universalist principles and values
• How
  • Can separate BLUU interests from personal and professional interests in order to represent BLUU in UU spaces
  • Self-motivation and flexibility.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, commitment to a collegial work style, and mutual accountability.
  • Ability to work with people with diverse class, race/ethnic, sexual orientation, gender identity, and differently-abled experiences.
  • Ability to work as part of organizational teams on special projects.
  • A sense of humor.
  • A spirit of curiosity and patience with developing a new organization.

Preferred

• Previous Board experience
• Experience strategic planning
• Previous publishing/archive/library experience
• Commitment to continuous improvement

Give/Get Expectation

BLUU aligns with valuing contributions in many forms. We seek Board members who are able to share their Time, Talents, and Treasure. While the OCB does not set a standard donation requirement, we do expect that Board members will invest in the organization at a level that is meaningful for them, both to model for other stakeholders and to demonstrate commitment. However, we do not want this expectation to be a hardship and/or to deter interested people from applying for the role, as we honor all the ways that people can contribute to BLUU’s work.

Environment

BLUU is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. Women, people of color, LGBTQ persons and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. 

Organizing Collective Board (OCB) – BELIEVE Pillar Board Member

About the position

The Organizing Collective Board of BLUU provides leadership for the organization. This is an egalitarian structure that operates as a collective, building consensus in creatively solving problems and maximizing impact. This role would represent the BELIEVE pillar.

The BELIEVE pillar is responsible for uplifting and supporting the ongoing development of a Unitarian Universalism that centers Blackness through spiritual practice, spiritual community, and faith-rooted care.

This role is expected to:

• Provide strategic direction and prioritization to the pillar staff
• Represent BELIEVE pillar concerns and perspectives in OCB decision making
• Regularly attend BLUU worship services and events
• Establish/maintain a meaningful relationship with the UUA Office of Ministries and Faith Formation, MFC
• Establish/maintain a meaningful relationship with UU seminaries
• Attend GA on a regular cadence

Pillar Scope:

• Worship and spiritual practice
  • Liturgy and how we mark time over the year
• Pastoral care
• Faith formation
• Theology in the public square
• Youth ministry
• BLUU Harbors (spiritual communities)
• Spiritually-based gatherings

About Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism (BLUU)

Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism (BLUU) is a spiritual community for Black Unitarian Universalists and for Black people who also have liberatory values. BLUU is committed to expanding the power and capacity of Black UUs within Unitarian Universalism; providing support, information, and resources for Black Unitarian Universalists; and justice-making and liberation for Black people through our faith. BLUU creates transformative experiences for Black people through worship, spiritual care, organizing, youth ministry, and other opportunities for social and spiritual connection. BLUU is Black founded, Black-led and centers Queer Black leadership in all that we do. 

BLUU’s work puts Blackness at the center of Unitarian Universalism. BLUU gives a spiritual home to Black people who have roots in many traditions but share values that all support Black liberation and self-determination in spiritual communities and beyond. Since BLUU’s inception, BLUU has held in-person convenings, organizing campaigns, and monthly worship. BLUU evolved from an informal gathering of Black UUs in 2015 to a thriving 501c3 organization.

For more about BLUU, visit BlackLivesuu.org.

Responsibilities

• Representing the BELIEVE pillar on the OCB and externally
  • Communicating about their respective pillar’s vision and how it’s connected to BLUU’s broader vision of justice-making and Liberation through our faith
• Professional Development – Providing guidance and direction to BLUU staff
• Performance Management – Providing feedback to Staff and peers
• Fundraising support
• Model and uphold the BLUU working agreements
• Other organizational support as needed
• Expect Board members to spend 12-20 hours per month, on average

Qualifications

Required

• Who
  • Black identity – much of BLUU’s work is supporting Black Sacred space
• What
  • Commitment to BLUU’s mission and values
  • Commitment to BLUU’s principles and our established Working Agreements. 
  • Willingness to advance strategic goals and outcomes established by BLUU’s Organizing Collective Board.
  • Compliance with all operating policies and procedures of BLUU.
  • Knowledge of Unitarian Universalist principles and values
• How
  • Can separate BLUU interests from personal and professional interests in order to represent BLUU in UU spaces
  • Self-motivation and flexibility.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, commitment to a collegial work style, and mutual accountability.
  • Ability to work with people with diverse class, race/ethnic, sexual orientation, gender identity, and differently-abled experiences.
  • Ability to work as part of organizational teams on special projects.
  • A sense of humor.
  • A spirit of curiosity and patience with developing a new organization.

Preferred

• Previous Board experience
• Trained as an OWL Facilitator, previous worship leadership
• Experience strategic planning
• Commitment to continuous improvement

Give/Get Expectation

BLUU aligns with valuing contributions in many forms. We seek Board members who are able to share their Time, Talents, and Treasure. While the OCB does not set a standard donation requirement, we do expect that Board members will invest in the organization at a level that is meaningful for them, both to model for other stakeholders and to demonstrate commitment. However, we do not want this expectation to be a hardship and/or to deter interested people from applying for the role, as we honor all the ways that people can contribute to BLUU’s work.

Environment

BLUU is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. Women, people of color, LGBTQ persons and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.