Leadership Development
Personal Development is…
“Leadership is a series of behaviors, rather than a role for heroes.”
– Margaret Wheatley
Leadership Development Committee: Vicky Scheuerell, Janell Heidenreich, Diana Wise, and Wendy Fuller
Contact: ldc@uueugene.org
We believe that every member of UUCE has something vitally important to offer the congregation.
UU congregations are governed by our members, and we choose our leaders from among our members. The periodic support and training offered aim to help people gain confidence and to feel more comfortable moving into roles that are new to them.
The flow of people through leadership roles keeps the congregation vital. Leadership roles change over time, as do the people who hold them. We encourage you to try something new: to move from a long-held role to a time of rest, or to re-engage in church life after a time of rest.
Leadership Development Cohort
Grow. Connect. Lead.
Are you ready to deepen your engagement, build real relationships, and develop leadership skills that make a difference? Join our Leadership Development Cohort and take a supported, hands-on journey toward becoming a community leader.
Registration required. Email ldc@uueugene.org with interest.
What You’ll Gain
🔹 Build Strong Relationships
Start with guided one-on-one conversations and shared group experiences. You’ll leave more connected and grounded in community.
🔹 Shape Your Learning Path
Choose your top growth areas:
- Conflict facilitation and consensus-building
- Networking and shared goal-setting
- Deepening connections within the community
- Accessing and navigating church systems
- Organizational governance
- Financial sustainability and stewardship
- Leading and evaluating programs
🔹 Be Mentored While You Practice
Work with mentors in ministry, social justice, worship, governance, and more. You choose your focus.
🔹 Lead a Real Gathering
All cohort members take turns designing and facilitating sessions. Get real experience leading group discussions and presentations.
Program Features
- Interactive twice monthly gatherings
- One-on-one conversations with Rev. Jen or Ember
- Hands-on leadership experience in focus areas
- Peer collaboration and presentation practice
- Real connection to church mission and people
Ready to Learn and Lead?
Want to explore leadership at a deeper level and make an impact in our community?
Registration required. Email ldc@uueugene.org with interest.
Our program is two Saturday mornings a month, January 17 to March 28. Please commit to attending all 6 sessions.
Elected Leadership
Every year new people are needed to serve in elected positions. We want everyone in our congregation to feel that they could serve in these roles. By providing the resources at the bottom of this page and other trainings, we strive to remove barriers that prevent people from coming forward to serve.
The 5-member Leadership Development Committee (LDC) leads the search for new members for the Board of Trustees, the Leadership Development Committee, and the Committee on Right Relations.
LDC members serve two-year terms for a maximum of four years.
The 7-member Board of Trustees (the Board) creates policies and authorizes programs to meet the congregation’s needs and accomplish its mission. Board members are elected for two-year terms for a maximum of six years. During their terms, some Board members also serve as the congregation’s officers: president, vice-president, secretary, or treasurer.
The 5-member Committee on Right Relations (CORR) helps congregants and groups resolve conflicts and provides education and resources on right relationship.
Leadership of Program or Affinity Groups
Currently active groups in the congregation were initiated by members who wanted to share a mutual interest or achieve a goal with others in the congregation. Here are two resources for joining with others or turning your ideas into viable programs:
The Involvement Guide, is a great way to connect with one of our many existing programs and projects, and to learn how things get done.
For a copy of your own, send a request to involvementguide@uueugene.org.The UUCE Group Charter: Every group that wants to identify itself as a UUCE group with access to church resources is required to complete a charter. These charters are presented to the Board of Trustees for approval. Any questions prior to submission may be directed to the church office.
Leadership Strategies
A Sustainable Leadership strategy, or Succession Planning, offers an arc of experienced support and an exit ramp. Someone taking on a major leadership role passes through three phases: 1) a year to observe the role; 2) a year or more in the role; and 3) a year as a mentor for a successor.
A Shared Leadership or Circle Leadership strategy identifies tasks to be accomplished and divides up and rotates the work among members. Tasks such as setting an agenda, leading a meeting, taking notes, observing process, providing opening and closing words, taking up specific time-limited tasks, and sending out notices and minutes can all be shared.