October 27th, 2011
URI ELECTS - URI's Trustee Selection Time - Vote!
URI ELECTS
URI'S TRUSTEES SELECTION TIME
The URI would like to invite all CC members across the globe to engage in the URI’s 2011-2012 Trustee Selection Process (TSP) and in voting on bylaw amendments put forward for your approval by the current Global Council.
Trustee Selection Process
Together we begin the process in which Cooperation Circles (CCs) around the globe choose URI’s 2012 Global Council. The purpose of the Global Council is to support URI members in making real the vision and values of URI’s Preamble, Purpose, and Principles, which are included in the trustee selection guide for your convenience. Importantly, the Global Council also is responsible to develop financial and other resources to meet the needs of URI.
A highly functioning, diverse Global Council with essential experience and expertise is critical to URI’s long term sustainability and impact in the world. Therefore, we urge your thoughtful engagement in this trustee selection.
Please read the guide carefully. It includes important dates, reminders for your CC’s participation, and frequently asked questions and answers.
The central spirit of the Global Council is one of service informed by deep listening to the hopes and aspirations of the whole URI community. The relationship of the CCs with the Global Council begins with the integrity of the process for selecting trustees. Your CC’s participation is vital.
There are three stages of Trustee Selection 2011 - 2012:
1. Nomination of Candidates (November - December 2011)
2. Election of Trustees (March - May 2012)
3. Installation of the 2012 Global Council (July 2012 - by conference call or face-to-face meeting)
At this first stage, your participation involves the following:
1. Register that your CC is eligible to vote: Only eligible CCs may nominate candidates and vote. Complete and submit the Certification of Voter Eligibility form to be received by the URI Global Office by Friday, December 30, 2011.
2. Vote on the proposed amendments of the URI Bylaws: Only eligible CCs may complete and submit the Bylaw Amendments Ballot to be received by the URI Global Office by Friday, December 30, 2011.
3. Nominate qualified candidates: If your CC wishes to nominate a candidate, please review the rest of this material carefully to ensure this person has the experience and expertise to serve the global URI effectively. Also check with the person to ensure that they have the commitment and time to serve effectively. Then, if appropriate, complete and submit one Candidate Nomination form (2 pages) to be received by the URI Global Office by Friday, December 30, 2011.
Proposed Bylaw Amendments
Your thoughtful consideration of the proposed amendments to the URI Bylaws is of particular importance at this time. The Global Council has approved the changes, and they are now before you with their strong endorsement. The rationale and the text of the proposed bylaw amendments are included with this packet of materials.
All three forms are due by Friday, December 30, 2011. You will find them at the Trustee Selection website at www.uri.org/trusteeselection. Through the URI main website, you will have the opportunity to complete the forms online and submit them to the URI Global Office before the due date.
FAQ:
Why should Cooperation Circles (CCs) participate in Trustee Selection 2011-2012?
The URI Bylaws state that 50% of eligible CCs in each region must participate in order for the vote to count. It is very important to the success of regional representation that every eligible CC votes.
Why do the URI Bylaws give CCs the right to elect trustees to the Global Council?
URI believes that CC members are the primary stakeholders in URI and therefore should have primary responsibility to choose its trustees. URI believes that a democratically elected Global Council will best serve the interests of the whole URI.
What is at stake during this selection process?
URI is a global organization dedicated to putting spiritual and democratic values into practice. Each time the URI world community participates successfully in a trustworthy, democratic process that crosses national, religious, and cultural boundaries to elect its trustees, the URI is practicing its core values. Each CC’s sincere effort is needed to pioneer effective global governance for URI and to contribute to a bold new model of global participation and leadership.
What is required for a CC to be eligible to vote?
- CCs must meet these requirements to be eligible to vote:
- The CC is comprised of at least seven (7) individuals and/or groups;
- The CC has members from at least three (3) different religions, spiritual expressions and/or indigenous traditions;
- The CC fully subscribes to the Preamble, Purpose and Principles as set forth in the Bylaws; and
- The CC is structured in accordance with the Preamble, Purpose and Principles.
Every CC is required to assess its purpose, activities and involvement, and make a reasonable decision if it is still fulfilling its aspirations and serving its purpose.
If our CC still exists but it has not been active, are we allowed to vote?
If a CC faces challenges and/or is questioning its effectiveness, the CC is encouraged to initiate a conversation with the regional coordinator. If your CC is no longer active and does not intend to be, it should ask to be removed as a URI member.
For further reference please check www.uri.org/trusteeselection, in case if you have any further questions or clarifications please don’t hesitate to contact us on:
Abdallah Hendawy, Multiregion Regional Coordinator on: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Or
Mark Mancao, URI Communications Manager on:
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Google Talk: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it