Seldovia Arts Council

2 responses so far ↓

• 1 Susan Mumma // Nov 5, 2008 at 9:55 am

  Hello all,
  I am asking that we have a teleconference this time based on the following:
  1. Not every member of the Seldovia Arts Council has a computer. Yes, they can run down to the local library or internet shop and get on line for a while, but I am wondering how many of our members are going to do that. Also, if the connection is slow, this could effect the time we need to use to make the call. I will look into the idea of using Skype for next time, but for this meeting I would like to leave it as it is. You must have a computer and know how to use it. If someone would like to research this and make it easy for all of us to attend a meeting using Skype, please add yourself to the agenda inorder to show everyone how to do this.
  2. Everyone has a phone and we do have teleconferencing equipment to use both at SVT and at the City of Seldovia should someone want to set that up.

  Besides all that, it is easy to misconstrue words written on a computer. I would like to make sure that the voice is heard, thus making it clearer who is talking and what they intend by the comments made. It will be good to hear all of your voices.

  Thanks,
  Susan M.

• 2 Susan Mumma // Nov 7, 2008 at 1:30 am

  Debating issues.
  I am noticing that a motion to hold winter meeting via wikki has been withdrawn” via chair request”. This is not exactly so. I feel the idea has merit and should be discussed.

  I would rather not hold a meeting via the wikki or the computer because of the nature of the computer itself and because of the question:
  When do helpful guidelines become burdensome unyielding rules? There is a fine line here. I feel that the computer, although a helpful tool locks us into some formats that can become unyielding.
  The wikki requires that someone man it and keep its pass codes and ciphers. It takes a bit of time to learn how to use one. A wikki is “owned by its creator” and that entity has a right to have a say as to who can or cannot be part of the wikki.
  Our meetings have been open to the public, all paid members have had the right to vote on issues pertaining to the organization if they come to a meeting and participate. Meetings have been moderated by a chairman who sets the agenda for the meeting. We have enjoyed a less formal way of discussing our issues and with a small group this usually goes well.
  It seems to me that the wikki format changes the meeting format so the the wikki owner becomes the moderator of the meeting and there is no real need for a chairman.

  The present method of getting information out to you has been comprised of the following methods:
  1. Emails to each member made by those who wish to speak. Anybody who has our email list can speak via this tool.
  2.The website, our marvelous tool for sharing information. Information must be channeled to the webmaster. This job is tremendously important and requires a great deal of skill and knowledge and importantly time to keep up. It must be extremely timely.
  3. Notices and posters on the post office wall
  4. Press releases made by our publicity chairman
  5.Word of mouth and information given directly to members at meetings a which issues can be discussed.
  6, Newsletters

  In my humble opinion, the closest way that we can come to a face to face meeting is via the telephone. For the coming “experimental” meeting, it has taken a great deal of time to make the website reflect an agenda that has some background materials included for you and it requires that those making a proposal to the membership, put it in writing in a timely fashion so that the webmaster is not having to re-adjust the site continually. It costs a bit of money for each line that comes in to the conference call, but it makes it so that out of town members can attend a meeting. This is new. It still requires that all members get together simultaneously. We have made it possible for everyone in Seldovia to come together physically at SVT as well. Everyone gets a voice in the meeting.

  I believe the issue need more time than we are going to have at this meeting to discuss and figure out. In our search for better and better methods of communication we need to be sure that everyone one has equal opportunity for access to that communication, within reason. I think it is also important that each member have equal opportunity to initiate ideas. This debate could take awhile. Susan M.

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