December meeting very productive

Thursday night's regular business meeting was very productive. A number of questions that have been brought to the attention of the executive committee were addressed and resolved.

The goal of tonight's meeting was to try to streamline and simplify business meeting structure, committee reports, and agenda creation.

High on the list of priorities was how to provide a way in which members can be sure their volunteer projects are recognized and available to the entire membership. I believe we made a lot of progress toward that goal.

Members will soon have a place to check in on project and volunteer opportunities as well as ongoing volunteer projects. RPMGA will create and maintain an online database, or "clearinghouse", of volunteer projects complete with a description of the project, point person's name, phone number and email. Vice President Laura Boettcher will create the website.

Mike Maddox gave a report on the outcome of the recent survey he had posted to the blog that was created to assess what projects members thought belong to RPMGA, and what projects do not. The survey showed that there seems to be a pervasive misunderstanding on that point. Numerous respondents seemed confused as to which was which. Mike compiled a list of what does (or has) belonged to RPMGA, and what does not. The goal of the survey and the resulting report was to show what should be placed on the agenda (RPMGA projects only) and what should not.

Another important change is that in future committees (or teams) will be required to present a written report at each meeting.

Mike suggested that to create a more productive atmosphere in the hour-long networking session following the business meeting, we should encourage project point persons to reserve a spot to speak on their projects for about 20-30 minutes. The networking session will address volunteer projects and ideas that do not fall under the aegis of the RPMGA. The object is to give volunteers a forum wherein they can discuss their projects with the membership.

Note: Secretary Jenny Membrino will post the minutes within a few days for your perusal. When the minutes are posted please take a few moments to read them through.

Jenny, thank you so much for the wonderful snack table, door prizes and cookies. You outdid yourself. It was wonderful.

If you have any questions, contact me at mastergardenermary@gmail.com or by phone at 774-1159 (cell) or 754-2123 (home).