GUIDELINES/BYLAWS -- As Amended January 14, 2026
Article 1: NAME
The name of the organization is UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST WOMEN AND RELIGION (UUWR). UUWR is a UUA Related Organization. (https://www.uua.org/offices/organizations?page=2)
Article 2: CHARTER
WOMEN AND RELIGION RESOLUTION passed by the UUA GA, Ithaca NY, June 23, 1977 (https://uuwr.org/archives/continental/1977-women-and-religion-resolution)
Article 3: PURPOSE
UUW&R is dedicated to freeing ourselves, others and Earth from traditional, historical, and contemporary oppressive and patriarchal systems. We continue to work together to implement the 1977 UUA Women and Religion Resolution.
Article 4: MEMBERSHIP
Any person is eligible for membership in UUW&R who is in general accord with the above-stated purpose and who supports the work of the group.
Article 5: GUIDELINES
UUW&R shall be guided by the Core Group as described in Article 7.
The work of UUW&R shall be carried out by a feminist process as we understand (based on "Peace & Power" by Peggy Chinn https://peaceandpowerblog.org/author/peggychinn/ and "Shared Leadership" by Elizabeth Fisher https://uuwr.org/store/books/shared-leadership)
Article 6: MEETINGS
The annual meeting of UUW&R shall be held at times and places set by the Core Group. Special meetings, social events, public programs, etc. may be scheduled by the core Group or a designated committee.
Article 7: CORE GROUP
The Core Group consists of: Officers and at-large members of W&R at the continental level, Committee Chairs and participants of the Annual Gathering. Any woman+ is welcome to join the Core Group and assist in the work of UUW&R at any time by committing to do so.
Article 8: BUDGET
The budget for the calendar year will be established at the Annual Gathering after receiving up-to-date financial statements. Expenditures over $500 must have prior written approval from one of the Co-Conveners and the Treasurer.
Article 9: NON-PROFIT INTENTION
- Said organization is organized exclusively for charitable, religious and educational purposes according to section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code.
- No part of the net earnings of the organization shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to its members, trustees, officers, or other private persons, except that the organization shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in the purpose clause hereof. No substantial part of the activities of the organization shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the organization shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office. Notwithstanding any other provision of this document, the organization shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by an organization exempt from federal income tax under sections 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or (b) by an organization, contributions to which are deductible under section 170(c) (2) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code.
- Upon dissolution of the organization, assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code.
Article 10: REVIEW AND REVISION
These Guidelines will be reviewed periodically and revised as necessary.
Certificate of the Officers
Regarding Adoption of the Bylaws of Unitarian Universalist Women and Religion
We certify that we are the duly elected and acting Co-Convener and Treasurer of the Unitarian Universalist Women & Religion and that the foregoing pages are the bylaws of this organization as adopted and amended by the core group members on January 16, 2026.
Nyx Ember Firebourn, Co-Convener __________________________________
Gretchen Ohmann, Treasurer ______________________________
UPDATES: Current officers are on the Core Group page. https://uuwr.org/about-us/core-group
