Written in April 2023 and revised in March 2026.

As Coastal Virginia Unitarian Universalist staff, we covenant to bring care, integrity, collaboration, accountability, and excellence to our relationships and our shared ministries that serve this congregation. To live this covenant, we honor the following practices:

1. We will ask for help when needed. Giving support to one another when asked. And when it is necessary, we will say “no” graciously.
2. Treating each other with respect.
3. Honoring deadlines and downtime equally.
4. Being clear and honest in our communication with one another.
5. Acting with integrity and honoring what is shared in confidence.
6. Honor the skills and expertise of one another, respect each other’s unique roles, and direct questions appropriately.
7. Assuming good intentions in our interactions with each other and the congregation and setting aside our assumptions to really hear what the other is saying and honor each other.
8. When we feel that an injury or offense to us occurs, we will Pause and consider whether we are Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired before speaking or acting (PHALT).
9. In the event of a disagreement or misunderstanding, we will speak directly and respectfully with one another in calm tones.

We all take responsibility in upholding and revisiting our covenant as needed.