|
In Attendance
Bennett Boeschenstein Jim Liewer Steve
Watson
Mary Graham Frank Coons
Karen Levad
Bob Wilson Nancy
Spangler Fran Didier
Paul Didier Teresa
Coons, Guest Illene Roggensack, Facilitator
The following were identified as desirable Outcomes for the day:
- Create a roadmap for the
near/far future
- Explore development of
partnership opportunities for our work
- Explore ways of securing
funding
- Increase ownership in
our efforts (at the board level, as well as member support/ engagement)
- Explore ways to increase
community awareness/knowledge of our work
Review of Mission Statement
The following draft restatement of the mission is suggested (may need to be
“wordsmithed” a bit): “Grand Valley Audubon Society strives to foster an
appreciation for, and preserve a diversity of habitats for birds and other
wildlife, and a sustainable healthy environment through education, research
and individual action.”
Vision for the Future
The following items were brainstormed and agreed upon as the goal for the
near-future (five years) for GVAS:
- Have high level of
respect within the community; decreased intimidation factor within the
community (e.g. through presentation of beginning birding class)
- Continue provision of
meaningful programming
- Secure and maintain
resources to sustain GVAS, particularly to aggressively pursue
communications efforts
- Construct/operate a
nature center for the Grand Valley that is an integral part of the area’s
nature education
- Continue involvement in
physical sites
- Increase volunteer
involvement
- Increase participation
in field trips
- Increase membership
(from current 80)
- Increase visibility –
attain top-of-mind awareness among local citizens
- Increase partnership
efforts with variety of nonprofits, corporations and governments
- Increase
focus/involvement by youth; people of all age groups
Changes to Current/Planned Programming
Education
- Increase
“sophistication” of committee – e.g. additional training for members
- Provide classes for
special populations
- Develop speakers’ bureau
– Frank
- Increase outreach to
both active and inactive retirees
- Develop partnerships in
offering educational programming to the community (e.g. with Math and
Science Center)
- Conduct inventory of the
equipment/tools available (internal and through collaborative efforts) –
Bob, Jim and Education Committee to complete in coming 90 days
- Develop system for
evaluation of educational offerings (both pre-offering and
post-participation) – Karen to complete in coming year
This list may be divided up by the Education Committee for assignment
specifically to those working in adult and youth education; and/or assign
duties to other committees (e.g. outreach to retirees as part of
marketing/communications effort)
Site Development
- Prioritize maintenance
of sites
- Continue to be
opportunistic
- Develop policy for land
donation/acquisition
- Update habitat
management plan
- Increase water quality
in ponds
- Collaborate with State
Parks, Grand Junction Parks and Rec, others
- Apply for GoCo funds, as
available – immediately to connect trail with Nature Center
- Enhance interpretive and
other signage (e.g. Braille trail, named areas, etc.) – immediately for
Ela site
- Engage in neighborhood
improvement – e.g. clean up entrance road
- Install sufficient
restrooms for public
All tasks are assigned to Bob and Bennett, who will prioritize and timeline
them for the rest of the board.
Nature Center
- Keep moving forward with
three-year, $2 million capital campaign
- Work with Math and
Science Center regarding possible collaboration on site construction and
occupancy – Teresa Coons will lead effort to connect two boards for
discussion
Supporting Functions
Governance/Administration/Operations
- Board
- Secure annual gifts
from all board members
- Get training for board
members
- Develop better system
for board member recruitment, training, retention, recognition,
diversification (e.g. Hispanic leadership, areas of expertise) – in
coming year
- Develop committee
structure to be more effective – in coming year
- Staff
- Look at possible
expansion to paid staff – February 2009 board meeting
Outreach/Resource Development
- Develop a plan for
outreach/public relations/marketing/publicity/fundraising/communica-tions
– Karen to lead ASAP
- Develop board engagement
and training in fundraising and other outreach functions (as part of plan)
Volunteer Involvement
- Need to develop a system
for recruiting, training, placing, supervising and recognizing
volunteers. Model after DOW program?
- Database will help
Bob – will enter data ASAP
Karen, Steve, Jim, Helen Traylor – “mine” members for potential volunteers
- Overall goal to increase
number of volunteers
Everyone – face-to-face requests for people to get involved
Outline specific volunteer tasks – details re: time commitment, etc.
The Case for GVAS
The following words come to mind for those in attendance when thinking of
taking the GVAS message to the community:
Green!
Local Citizen-Science
Future generations A local
getaway Fun
Connect to nature Lifelong
learning Good for the Soul
History
Free! No child left
inside
Dedication Good
people Hard work
Evaluation of the Day’s Activities
Positives:
- We followed the agenda
- Good input from
everyone; did not shy away from things that needed to be said
- Heard the thoughts of
others
- Good overview of our
operations
- Better information on
board function and direction
- Fellowship with each
other
- Lunch was good!
- Teresa Coons’
involvement
- Facilitated
Would change:
Imperative:
|
