As you read this column, NoVES president Hank Gassner should be well on his way to recovery from his recent surgery. Although Hank wants to be kept aware of all that is happening at NoVES, I hope he takes some time for rest and relaxation. While Hank is away, please feel free to contact me with any questions and concerns. I look forward to having Hank back leading the Society.
The board and its sub-committees are working on compiling information gathered in this spring’s focus groups. Many thanks to our NoVES participants, facilitators from both NoVES and WES, and members who offered their homes for group meetings. What is going to happen with the information gathered at the groups? At this point, a board sub-committee is working on writing up this information. It is identifying trends, positive feedback, areas of concern, and goals for the future. The board will develop an action plan and provide a written report detailing our findings to members before the membership meeting in early June. Discussion of the plan and the data will be on the membership meeting agenda.
I can address a concern about access to contracts immediately. Contracts for the Leader, the Director of Religious Education, and the Green Hedges space are already on the NoVES members’ section website. Those concerned about Leader Jone Johnson Lewis meeting with members will be pleased to learn that Jone has been holding birthday meetings with members since January. We will handle other issues, such as meeting space and membership growth, over longer periods with involvement from many Society members.
The focus groups were not an end in themselves but a first step into the future of the Society. Carole and Sven will be leaving the board. Many thanks to Carole for sharing her legal expertise and her hard work on the focus groups, especially her contacts with the Alban Institute. Thanks also to Sven for his patience and dedication as Society treasurer. Even with two children, a new job, and a new home, Sven handled all treasury matters promptly and efficiently.
Year 2011-2012 will bring more changes to the composition of the board because of a by-law change passed at the 2009 membership meeting that limits the terms of board members. Three long-time members must leave the board that year. These departing members will not be eligible to run for another term for one year. Therefore, it is not too early for you to consider running for the board in an upcoming year. For year 2010-2011, we will send ballots in May and the election of board members will be part of the membership meeting.
Finally, many focus groups mentioned having more summer programs. Several members have sent in ideas and offers to plan trips and conduct classes. I welcome your further suggestions for summer events through email or at platform. The future is coming fast.
