WiserEarth Area of Focus Stewards

Present:  Judith, Chris, Larkin

Work on getting the word out for upcoming events, esp first 3:

SMART Moves - Sept 25, 7:30 pm community ctr

Cider making - Oct 4, 2 pm, FrogSong

Laguna cleanup - Oct 11, 9a-noon, Ladybug lot

Steering meeting -  Oct 14, 7:30p, FrogSong

Salon - Oct 18, 10 a (?)

Chris will post to LIFEE list.  Judith will post to Green Action list and other local green lists and bb's she's on.  Larkin will put on WACCO.

Getting official:  bio from Chris by end of  w/e, Larkin will work on hers, get one from Laurie-Ann and ask Stacey and Sean

Judith reported on her presentation to Debora Hammond's Global Food Web class to look for students interested in working on a TC food project.  She also reported that an instructor in ENSP would like to talk about such a possibility and perhaps creating a service-learning course.

We decided that we need a set spiel at every event to do at the beginning and end that includes:  who we are, what we're doing, what's coming up, how you can get involved

We talked about creating a "toolkit" that included:  one sheet, perhaps double-sided,  with our mission, list of resources, and the projected timeline/goals, and stages of involvement (see below).  Larkin pointed out the need for encouraging and cultivating self-initiative.  This kit could also have (or refer to) a FAQ, including how to find collaborators on a project.  There could also be included some token of a physical manifestation of TC -- for example, if we decided we wanted a nut tree project, we could include a nut or a nutcracker.

We also talked about how important it is to give people an easily understood means of getting engaged/involved with TC.  Chris highlighted three different phases of involvement: 1) exploring (attending meetings, figuring out what PO and TT are about), 2) identifying passions, and 3) defining/joining a project, building a team and doing the wondrous work.  Chris suggested celebrating people as they move through these levels, with some kind of public recognition.

Looking at the organizational aspect of proposed meetings, we discussed how to (re-)work things in a way that makes sense.  What we came up with was having the monthly, 2nd Tuesday pm meetings be the Steering Committee mtgs.  What are now Friday noon meetings are the Organizational Sub-committee of the Steering Comm. and the monthly Salons are their own thing.   As projects get going, we would ask that a representative report to the monthly Steering Comm meetings.  Spelling out that these are all open to everyone is important. 

Larkin outlined her ideas for a structure for the October 18 salon.

Ideas for next meeting:

• Talk about plans for cider party, laguna clean-up, salon.
• Start to look at potential "Unleashing" dates.
• Work more on toolkit idea and materials.
• Discuss/work toward public presentations (powerpoint) on TC.

Chris will not be able to attend the meeting on 9/26.