All Members Please Read

[fambrough]

I thought this might refocus the club to a degree. Looks like we just tailored a new desciption to meet requirements? If so, that's fine. Just seemed like with a new mission statement we could extend our influence and purpose. Since I'm kind of a fringe member anyway (not very active in the club, can't make it to most of the meetings, etc.) I don't think a refocus is necessarily something desired by a majority or even something that needs to be done. I think I misinterpreted the goal here. I understand that the change has positive benefits regardless. Speaking only for myself, it would be very nice to see a broader commitment (like keeping fostering reseach and education part of the mission statement). Lots of organizations make contributions to research, education and areas of specialization when the organizations themselves don't make claims to do the actual education/research etc.

I hope the meeting went well (and was fun and educational). Sorry I couldn't attend. I'm sure the club will be better with whatever new statement was passed. Maybe I'll be able to come next month. I really do appreciate all the hard work club officers do. Thanks. And thank you for making me better a reefer!

 

[serpentman]

The motivation behind the change is to take what we have historically done as a club and make sure it is defined in a way that keeps us compliant with the IRS non-profit status. I don't believe the change to the mission statement is intended to redirect the club's efforts.

 

[ReefWidowed]

I was advised to keep the mission statement specific but vague. The mission statement becomes legally binding. This means, that IRS could assume that the club as a whole would be conducting research and documentation, and publishing on a regular basis and hold us to it. If we failed to do the research as an entire club we could have our status revoked. I am very grateful to the club members who red-flagged that, as it could have caused problems later on. The education statement covers research done by individual members and then shared with the rest of the club and will be included in the 10 page narrative statement I have to come up with as well.

One of the reasons I posted this so early was that if a member in good standing had a problem/suggestion that they could bring it to light, and I appreciate all the advice so far.

If you have a better idea for a mission statement that you think is honestly closer to our focus as a club (and has the word education in it) please post it, or pm it to me, and I'll run it by those who have been assisting me and give it due consideration.

As a reminder, voting will take place in a secret ballot in November.You can pick up your ballot when picking up your member raffle ticket and voting will close with raffle last-call.

Anyone passionate about voting, but unable to make the meeting please contact a board member and arrangements will be made as long as your membership is in good standing.

Jennifer

 

[rj ripetide]

Keep up the good work.... It is appreciated.
Rj

 

[ReefWidowed]

Reminder Bump