Sample Covenants

Sample 1: (from UU Small Group Ministry website)

We value our time together as a group and therefore:

• commit to attend the meetings
• start and stop meetings on time

We value our privacy and therefore:

• keep personal information strictly confidential
• share ideas outside the group without attribution

We value each other’s contribution to our discussion and therefore:

• encourage and allow all to contribute equally
• listen to all contributions
• try to use only "I" statements
• treat each other with respect, caring, and kindness
• keep discussion on topic

We value face-to-face decision-making and therefore:

• discuss all matters of group process only at meetings
• use e-mail only for routine housekeeping matters or informal communications

We value service to others and therefore:

• minister to each other’s needs
• commit to do a service project to benefit others in our church or larger community

We value our values and therefore covenant to abide by them.

Sample 2: CAREGIVERS COVENANT GROUP (from Arlington UU Church)

We Covenant:

TO PARTICIPATE

• To be on time and prepared
• To make every attempt to attend) and when I cannot attend, I will let someone know in advance
• To commit to this group for a one year period

TO ABIDE BY THE FOUR PRINCIPLES

• To show up - choose to be present
• To listen to what has heart and meaning
• To speak the truth without blame or judgment
• To be open, not attached, to outcomes

TO SHOW RESPECT

• To allow members to participate equally
• To endeavor to listen to others without judgment
• To respect what is said and not gossip about discussions to others

TO ENHANCE OUR SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT

• To support each other emotionally, spiritually, and practically by sharing experiences and concerns
• To deal with the sacrifice of time, energy, and resources we give to those we care about deeply

TO GIVE

• To commit as a group to continue to demonstrate the worth and dignity of others and our own inner grace as consistent with the mission of the church and the principles of UUA.
• To provide service to each other by keeping our group open and growing and changing