On Jan 18, several long-time members of GR Perlmongers gathered to discuss what 2008 might bring for our Perlmongers. We discussed the organizational needs of the club and ideas for improving meetings, raising membership, etc.. We will be holding elections this Friday for 3 board positions and accepting volunteers to act as "meeting coordinator" for upcoming 2008 meetings. Please consider how you can help make GR Perlmongers an asset to our members and the community!
<br><br><b><font size="4">Board Positions</font></b><br><br>We need to elect for the following positions for 2008. If would like to be considered (or wish to nominate someone) for a particular position, please respond with your name and the position in which you would be willing to serve. Or, simply attend the election meeting this
<b>Friday, Jan 29, 11:45AM-12:45PM at Mongolian BBQ on 28th St. in Grand Rapids, MI</b>. Candidates will be announced at the conclusion of the meeting and absentee voting will be available via the mailing list Friday afternoon until 5PM for those unable to attend. (In the event of fraud, scandal, corruption, or if noone attends, the President reserves the right to dispense punishment and make appointments!)
<br><br><b>President</b><br> - Liaison for organization<br> - Final decision on organizational and policy matters<br> - Final decision on roles/responsibilities<br> - Manage budget and donations<br> - Responsible for meeting coordination and recruitment of volunteers
<br><br><b>Marketing Representative</b><br> - Responsible for regular communications to mailing list<br> - Publicity/Public affairs/Public relations<br> - External communications regarding meetings<br> - Updates website meeting schedule
<br><br><b>VP/Treasurer</b><br> - Assist coordination of monthly meetings <br> - Confer and assist on organizational and policy matters<br> - Manage expenses and submit reports<br> - CPO (the duties of "Chief Pizza Officer" may also be delegated to this position)
<br><br>Additional duties (tbd by elected officials):<br> - Administration of mailing list membership<br> - Manage Lending Library<br> - Manage website<br> - Coordinate monthly puzzle/trivia<br><br><font size="4">
<b>Volunteer Opportunities</b></font><br><br>Volunteers are needed to act as <b>"Meeting Coordinator</b>" for all 2008 meetings. Meeting coordinator will plan, organize, and facilitate part or all of a monthly Perlmongers meeting. This includes selection of topic (subject to approval), speaker(s), selection of venue, menu, etc.. Assistance will be provided as required.
<br><br><font size="4"><b>Meetings</b></font><br><br>Unless otherwise arranged, the monthly meeting time will be lunchtime on the last Friday of each month. Meetings will be generally categorized as follows:<br><br> 1. Free training
<br> 2. Technical topic<br> 3. Major event/speaker<br><br><b>2008 Schedule (tentative)</b><br><br>Jan 27 - Elections<br>Feb 29 (yes, there is one!) - Free Training - tbd<br>Mar 28 – Technical topic - tbd<br>Apr 25 – Major Event/speaker - tbd
<br>May 30 – Free Training - tbd <br>Jun 27 – Technical topic - tbd<br>Jul 25 – Major Event/speaker - tbd<br>Aug 29 – Free Training - tbd <br>Sep 26 – Technical topic - tbd<br>Oct 31 – Major Event/speaker - tbd<br>Nov/Dec - tbd
<br><br>We are planning 3 meetings of each type for 2008. We threw around a number of grand ideas for meeting topics and speakers - and ALL are possibilities! We just need the right people to organize and make it happen.<br>
<br>All the ideas above are subject to change, and your input and participation is highly valued!<br><br>Ed Eddington<br>2007 President<br>Grand Rapids Perlmongers<br><a href="mailto:ed.eddington@gmail.com">ed.eddington@gmail.com
</a><br><br>