Special Congregational Meeting Sunday, October 14 at 1:00 p.m

This is a final reminder that there will be a special congregational meeting in the Main Hall this coming Sunday, October 14.  Check will start at 12:45 p.m. on the patio and the meeting will start at 1:00 p.m.  The only topic for this meeting will be whether or not to change the name of our church.  Childcare will be provided.  No snacks will be provided due to Second Sunday lunch immediately prior.

If you are giving or receiving a proxy, please read the guidance below.  Also below are answers to some FAQs.

–Kristi Iverson, Board Secretary

Prepping your proxy

If you are giving your proxy to someone for the Oct 14 special congregational meeting, here are some questions you should give your proxy answers to.

Are you ready to vote on the name change?

If the new name were one that you liked, would you vote to change our name?

Which potential names do you like?  You can vote for as many as you like.  The following names are likely to be voted on, but there may be more names suggested at the meeting, so you might want to give your proxy guidelines on what kind of names you like.  Also, if there is a name that is not listed below that you would like the meeting to vote on, tell your proxy that too.

  • Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto (no change)
  • Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Palo Alto
  • Unitarian Universalists of Palo Alto
  • Unitarian Universalist Community of Palo Alto
  • Adobe Creek Unitarian Universalist Congregation
  • Creekside Unitarian Universalists

Most importantly, how do you want your proxy to vote on the decision to change our name?

Do you vote yes, no matter what the name is?  Do you vote no regardless of the name?  Or are there some names you would vote yes on and some names you would vote no on?  Try to give your proxy enough information so that they will be able to figure out how to cast your vote.

Name Change FAQs

If we do choose to change our name, what will we change it to?

Part of the meeting, assuming we vote to explore a name change, will be multiple votes to choose a new name.

What are some of the possible names? 

See list above.

Can we propose additional names at the meeting?

Yes.

What is required to change our name?

We need two thirds of members voting at the congregational meeting (including proxy votes) to vote yes on one specific name in order to change our name.

Can we use instant runoff voting so we can rank our choices?

The Board reviewed this, but then found that Roberts Rules of Order says to only use “preferential voting” if our bylaws state it is allowed.  Ours don’t.

Will the meeting take long?

We hope not – but it is hard to tell.

Will we use ballots, or show of voting cards?

We will use a show of voting cards only.

Where can I get a proxy form?

Please print a proxy form from our UUCPA website at:

https://www.uucpa.org/about-us/our-governance/voting-proxy-absentee-ballot-uucpa-congregational-meetings/

or pick up a paper form in the office.

How do I vote for the person for whom I am holding a proxy?

When a vote is taken, your blue voting card is for your own personal vote.  The pink voting card is for the vote of the person for whom you are holding a proxy.  Remember that any person attending the meeting can hold only one proxy.

Do I have to be a member to vote?

Anyone can attend, but only members can vote.  New members must be affirmed by the board 30 days before any congregational meeting in order to vote and must have given a donation of record during this fiscal year.