"Conflict" as used in this policy includes differences over various matters, struggles, verbal abuse, or misunderstandings between members (participants) or groups, or members and Society staff or among staff members of such a serious nature that it can reasonably be said that the conflict:

undermines or threatens the atmosphere of trust, respect and cooperation that is necessary to the well-being of the Society and its parts, or

is prejudicial to the operations of the Society or its programs or services, or

is divisive or harmful to the good name and reputation of the Society within the larger community or within the Unitarian Universalist movement.

Essential to the concept of prevention is education and training in communication skills, conflict management principles and the UUA's Statement of Principles.

Committee members shall each contribute towards the formation of conflict management practices and procedures, and provide information and evaluative reflection to each other in the course of implementing this policy.

The Committee shall develop a conflict management process, and a Code of Ethics governing its own practices and procedures.

The Committee shall advise the Board from time to time on needed changes in policy or on other relevant matters.

In implementing this policy, the Committee and its members shall strive to adhere to the Mission Statement of the Society, the UUA's Statement of Principles and the USSB constitution.

Persons related to the Society, whether members, staff or groups finding themselves in conflict which they have been unable to resolve, are expected to seek the assistance of the Conflict Management Committee, or secure private mediation services, or request conflict management assistance through the Pacific Southwest District of the UUA.

To effect the conflict management process for a particular conflict or dispute, the Conflict Management Committee will designate a Conflict Management Team of two or more committee members.

Following mediation, the parties are expected to abide by the terms of their agreement and to fulfill the terms on their own initiative.

Should disagreements arise over implementation, the parties may again seek the assistance of the Conflict Management Committee.

Should the Committee be unable to effect a solution or a party (or parties) continues to refuse to implement the agreement, the Committee (or the Team managing the conflict) shall write a report to the Board, with recommendations.

When the Board receives a report from the Committee relating to an individual or group in default of an agreement, the Board my deal with the matter in its discretion.

In accordance with Board policy on security of records, the Conflict Management Committee, on motion passed at a duly constituted meeting, may request that the Board destroy designated files that are closed and need no longer to be retained.

Committee members shall ensure the confidentiality of members' discussions, and shall respect such confidentiality at all times.

Committee members shall not engage in mental health counseling or therapy (psychotherapy) in connection with any conflict among Society members or staff which they are seeking to resolve. Should any party have a need for further assistance, the Committee may assist him or her in securing suitable help.

In fulfilling its responsibilities, the Committee and its members shall strive to adhere to the Mission Statement of the Society, the Board's Conflict of Interest Policy, the UUA's Statement of Principles and the Unitarian Universalist Minister's Association Guidelines.

"Member" means a person who has been accepted into formal membership of the Society by the Board, or a person who is a regular participant in the life of the Society.

"Group" means the Board, a Committee or other set of persons within the Society.

"Staff" means any person employed by the Society.

"Mental health counseling" means therapeutic interventions designed to address the emotional and mental well being of a person.

"Therapy" means the application of psychotherapeutic techniques designed to treat mental or personality disorders or aid in healthy relationships and include the provisions of explanations and interpretations of behaviors, thoughts and internal mental and emotional states.