Needed: Provisional Guiding Documents Drafting Team

Position Description: Provisional Guiding Documents Drafting Team

Overview: We are seeking 10 dedicated individuals from Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan to form a diverse strategy team tasked with drafting the provisional guiding documents for what will be a newly merged region. This team will play a crucial role in shaping the future a newly expanded faith community by creating strategic, legally sound, and inclusive guiding documents that reflect our shared values and vision.

Team Description: The drafting team will consist of 10 members (five from each region) representing the Illinois/Wisconsin, and Michigan regions and supported by regional staff. The team will work intensively from November 2024 to April/May 2025 with a final draft expected by June 2025, allowing a 90-day notice for congregational review. After this review, the draft documents will be presented to at the called Regional Assembly in October 2025. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Reading and Reviewing Documents: Thoroughly read and analyze existing guiding documents and relevant materials to understand the current framework and identify areas for improvement.
• Interpreting Governing and Procedural Texts: Apply critical thinking to interpret complex legal and procedural documents, ensuring the new guiding documents are clear.
• Researching Best Practices: Conduct research on best practices in governance and organizational structure.
• Innovative Thinking: Approach challenges with creativity and an open mind, thinking outside of the box to develop innovative solutions that address the unique needs of the merged region.
• Engage in Regular Meetings: Participate actively in virtual meetings at least once a month, with additional communication and drafting tasks between sessions.
• Foster Collaboration: Participate in quarterly face-to-face meetings to build strong relationships and ensure collaborative efforts across team members.
• Document Drafting: Contribute to the creation of inclusive, strategic, and legally sustainable documents that align with the region’s mission and goals.
• Uphold Regional Values: Work within the framework of worshipful work and covenant partnership, ensuring all efforts reflect the shared values of the community.

Qualifications:

• Active member of a Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) congregation in Illinois, Wisconsin, or Michigan.
• Demonstrated familiarity with guiding documents for congregational, regional, and possibly general expressions of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
• Passionate about the vision and mission of the emerging region.
• Recognized as a respected leader within your congregation.

Required Skills:

• Collaborative Mindset: Ability to work effectively in diverse groups, valuing different perspectives and experiences.
• Communication Proficiency: Strong skills in both virtual and in-person communication, ensuring clarity and understanding across various formats.
• Inclusivity Focus: Commitment to creating an environment that respects and includes diverse voices and perspectives.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to contribute to strategic discussions that align with the region’s long-term vision and goals.
• Volunteer Dedication: Willingness to engage intensely as a volunteer, contributing time, energy, and expertise to achieving the team’s mission.

Commitment:

• Members should be prepared to dedicate significant time and effort, balancing their volunteer roles with personal and professional commitments.
• Participation in both virtual and in-person meetings, fostering strong connections and collaboration among team members.

Application Process: Interested candidates should submit a resume and a cover letter detailing their qualifications, skills, and passion for this opportunity. Please include specific examples of past leadership experiences and how you have contributed to inclusive and strategic initiatives.

Deadline for Applications: November 6, 2024