CALLED TO ORDER AT 8:20 P.M.

ALL BOARD MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE

CRYSTAL BALL:

Financials:  DVPN lost approximately $800.00.  Some causes included:  (i) overpurchasing food; (ii) too much spent on hall; (iii) money spent on speaker.

It was determined that, while attendance was up from previous years, it was not up significantly enough to justify an outside, “named” speaker.  There were a number of prominent community speakers, yet their respective communities did not show up in significant numbers.  Additionally, if attendance was much larger, the venue (Germantown U.U.) would not have comfortably fit the number.  The new venue did not fit significantly more people than the William Way center, although it was observed that many people drove to the event.

The Board concluded that it should look into cheaper venues, perhaps in the suburbs, and not necessarily be so conscious of public transportation.  However, parking, while not a necessity, is still a good amenity.  Additionally, the Board concluded that it cannot count on more than 50-75 persons at the event next year.  Finally, the Board concluded that it would seek speakers from its own community, and not concentrate on the named speakers.

Paula was assigned to contact Ivo Dominguez, Helena Anderson and others to determine facilities they’ve used and how much they are.  Also, the Board members will keep their eyes open for alternative facilities.

The idea of co-sponsorship was brought up by Bob.  Maria countered that co-sponsorship would mean a splitting of funds for our only real money-making event of the year, and we may have to offer discounts or free admittance to certain people (i.e.: if we co-sponsored it with the U of D group), which would eat further into the profit.  The Board voted not to co-sponsor the event at this time.

FINANCIALS:

DVPN has approximately $520.00 in the bank account.  This is not adequate to pay for this quarter’s newsletters. 

CafePress sales are doing relatively well.  However, CafePress pays DVPN quarterly, and checks are received up to 60 days after the end of the quarter.  DVPN will not receive a check until around September, and it will be likely less than $100.00.

Maria offered to donate money to make up the shortfall for the newsletters (approximately $100.00)

Maria also paid for the new order of 36 tote bags as a donation.

BY-LAWS AND DVPN GOALS:

All Board members now have a copy of the By-Laws.  No one had any questions.  Bob made the point that we need to keep the By-Laws in mind whenever we are doing anything involving DVPN.

Maria noted that we are generally in compliance with the By-Laws; however, we did not schedule an annual meeting this year.  The Board intends to re-visit the issue of the annual meeting and amend the By-Laws to change the window of its occurrence.

Bob noted that not many people show up to the public meetings, but the Board determined we need to keep having them, as they are one true opportunity for community members to approach the Board with ideas and to fuel fresh blood into the group.  Satellite meetings in the suburbs are garnering decent attendance.

Bob moved that the By-Laws be published on the website, and the Board approved.

Maria suggested that the Board needed to focus on whether or not we truly had a community to serve.  The Board was concerned about the lack of support from the community centers, especially at the Ball.  The Board discussed a more active solicitation of committees and committee chairs, to alleviate the burden on the Board, prevent Board burnout, and get involvement from the community. The Board would still have control over the activities of the committees, with the committees reporting to the Board.  It was observed that we already have people running the MS Walks, Blood Drives, and some other events.  The Board decided it needed to state up-front exactly what help was needed, and what was involved in that help, rather than a simple, blind call for volunteers.

Bob noted that the pagan community in general may not be large enough or affluent enough to warrant building a physical community center.  The Board decided we are doing what we need to do at this point in the development of the organization, but we need to watch over-optimism.  The Board voted to table the idea of the Community Center for a significant period of time

NEWSLETTER:

Raffaella reported that the next issue of the newsletter is nearly completed.  Raffaella has also created a rate card for advertisers, showing the exact size and price of ads.  Raffaella will send out a note to Ball vendors to nudge them to advertise.  Paula will send her email addresses.

Raffaella reported that there are plenty of submissions; enough for the next 3 issues.  Also, the artwork for this upcoming issue was donated by an artist in exchange for a blurb about her and her work. 

MEMBERSHIP:

The Board discussed renewals.  Paula captures renewal dates, so sending notices should not be difficult.  The Board decided to emphasize the benefits that don’t cost DVPN anything, such as merchant discounts, and not send out a trinket for renewals.  If the Board notices that people are not renewing at the levels we want, we will revisit the trinket decision.

Raffaella brought up the idea of a members-only picnic. 

Membership count is currently around 65.

CURRENT PROJECTS:

SUMMER SOCIAL:

Raffaella does not want this issue to go to press without a date for the summer social.  Some dates in July were tossed about, and it was determined that the final date would be decided online, so the Board can research what other events may be taking place on those dates.  Raffaella will look into the weekends, the other events scheduled, and the availability of the pavilion.  Once the date is finalized, Bob will take the money to the Fairmount Park Commission and sign the contract.

The Board also talked about a theme for the Social revolving around demonstrations and “how-to’s”.  Bob mentioned that Mike Welch was interested in speaking, and that he had attended a “community-building” ritual in New Castle County that he thought could be put on at the Social.  Paula also suggested that Marc and Robin (last names?) be contacted to speak.  Franklin suggested he put on a “ritual of Mommus”, which is essentially a parody  of ritual structure.  IT was decided that may offend certain groups and should not be held at the Social.

WINTER SOLSTICE CONCERT:

Franklin said he saw one obstacle to putting this event on again this year: paying for the books.  Ten books would cost approximately $300-500.  DVPN would only need to purchase the books once to own the rights to perform the concert each year.  Franklin suggested that we would not need a full choir, but could perform the ritual using the CD.  The Board felt the crowd draw would not be as significant for a CD as for a live concert.

Maria voiced concerns that we would need to make enough money to support it, and since the Ball lost money this year, we are really in a whole as to other events this year.  We need a venue, a choir, and personnel to put it all together. 

Franklin will report to the Board at the next meeting with a proposal and budget.  Franklin also suggested that he may be willing to donate the funds to purchase the books.  He also has information about two different choirs who may be willing to take on the project for no fee or for a small percentage of the gate.

BLOOD DRIVE:

Currently scheduled for Sunday, May 19, 2002.  Four people have signed up so far.  George will make a push for more participants, by promoting on the list.  Bob will make sure the information is in the updates published to the notification lists.

MS WALK:

There are two teams: one in Montgomery County (walking at Valley Forge Park) and one in Bucks County (walking at Tyler State Park).  One team has approximately 14 members, and the other has six members.  The walk is scheduled for May 4, 2002.

UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE:

Lecture with Jason Miller is scheduled for this Saturday, April 27, 2002, at 7:00 p.m.   Board members should arrive by 6:30 p.m.  Paula has created a tic sheet and membership list for discounts.  U of D students will collect the gate.  U of D will provide site free of charge, but students must be admitted free of charge.  Maria will review contract on day of event.

The U of D student group has also approached the Board to sponsor a concert with Kiva, a band from the D.C. area, with a folk/pagan slant.  The Board is being asked to handle publicity and to provide assistance in the form of bodies.  DVPN would share in the proceeds.  The event is targeted for next year.  The Board approved DVPN’s involvement in the project.

PAGAN PRIDE

Paula had no update to report to the Board.

NEW PROJECTS:

SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK:

Diana Greyfox has approached the Board with the idea of putting on a Shakespeare in the Park.  She would take care of staffing if DVPN provides the site, publicity and facilitates her communications with the staff.  Washington Crossing Park was suggested by Paula, as being close to New Hope and more “touristy” and “artsy”.  Paula will look into the costs of renting a pavilion.  

Diana is preparing a final proposal, which will include a budget.  Franklin suggested ticket prices be kept around $10.  The Board thought it would be hard to put this on this year, but maybe we could aim for next May.  We would await the final proposal.

COMMUNITY GARDEN:

Raffaella suggested the Board look into sponsoring a community garden through PhilaGreen.  This space could be beautified by members of DVPN, and could be used by members for ritual space.  The Board could also use this space for lectures and the proposed “members-only picnic”.  DVPN could control admission.  Raffaella will find out information and present the proposal to the Board at the next meeting. 

The Board thought this may be a good substitute for the goal of a physical community center.  It was thought that if this project works, DVPN could find space in other locations, including the suburbs.  Raffaella thought what our community really needs is ritual space, and perhaps not so much a physical building.

OTHER MATTERS:

MINUTES:

Bob made the point that the minutes need to be timely typed and distributed to the Board prior to each meeting for vote, and wanted to make each Board member accountable that this occur.  Additionally, Bob wanted the meetings in electronic format, so they could be posted on the website.

Maria made the point that the minutes do not need to be perfect, nor supplemented by what occurs after the meeting, but they simply are an accurate representation of the meeting.  From a legal standpoint, the minutes must be complete.  Bob also commented that we need to develop a better organizational memory.

Paula is keeping the written minutes well.  Maria suggested that each Board member take a turn at typing them up after each meeting.  The process would be to take the book from Paula after the meeting, type them up as soon as possible, and have them ready for distribution at the next meeting.  In the event the person in charge of the minutes gets tied up with other matters and cannot fulfill this duty, that person is to let the rest of the Board know, and someone else will volunteer.  Then it is a matter of transferring the book to that person.  The minutes should be distributed through the email list for review and corrections prior to the meeting, and at the beginning of each meeting, accepted for publication. 

Maria volunteered to type this month’s meeting minutes.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Maria Aprile Sawczuk and Paula Tomko

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