Shandi
11-20-2009, 10:14 AM
I think it's a good idea to gather emails of interested women, but how to specifically implement that action? Who will gather and compose the list, and communicate? Seems like someone will need to take responsibility:
for gathering the names/emails and composing a list to send out
also indicating on this list those volunteers who have meeting spaces
and for communicating to the list of women. The when and where and the what.
If it's going to be a potluck, it's beneficial to indicate that, so people are clear. I've found that this really adds to the enjoyment of the event. The "volunteer communicator" could take a vote in the initial email, so there's a consensus, which seems to be the way women like to do things.
Also, "someone" might want to create an informal agenda, that can be added to, by the attendees, so there's some kind of structure.
An agenda isn't absolutely necessary, but again, having experience with women's groups, it can be very helpful in facilitating the meeting.
Time can pass very quickly, and it's good to get business out of the way before people have to leave. So, again, it could be helpful to indicate a time frame for the agenda/suggestions, ideas, and names of volunteers, so people know when to get there to make sure they get in on decisions. For those that aren't there, someone will need to notify them, or maybe a general overview of the meeting can be sent out to all on the list.
Another thing I've noticed in these groups is that there's a ton of ideas, because they come so easily. It's the "implementation" of them, that may not come as easily. So another list to gather is a volunteer list of women who would be willing to implement ideas that may arise in this initial meeting. A record of attendees is also helpful, and a legal notebook with a heading such as
NAME EMAIL PHONE VOLUNTEER
(Be sure to leave enough room across for these items) (YES/NO)
This is the place where I've seen some "break down" in my experience with these things. Many women want to this to happen, usually only a very few are willing to step up and make a commitment to actually do the organizing, which is so necessary.
I hope this will be different, and there will be plenty of volunteers to assist this desirable meeting, and those that follow.
I think I did see one volunteer for gathering names, and another for a place to meet. Most women indicated their interest, and that they wanted to be notified by email or phone. Of course, posting the details on Wacco is also desirable, but then some women may not check in on a regular basis, and there could be some upset if they weren't notified personally.
I'm in no way offering negativity, in case some may see it that way. It's just that I've been involved in women's groups for many years, starting on the Big Island in 1983. Some I organized, and some I co-organized, some were part of a larger meeting/conference; some were career oriented, some were support oriented; most had some kind of small fee.
One initial women's meeting/potluck I went to many years ago at a volunteer's home, had a high response of 35 women who had come out in rainy weather to meet in a tiny home. There was hardly room to move.
So, I think it's good to have an idea of the actual meeting capacity of a home, in other words not just "standing" room, and then have people RSVP and really mean it, so that the hostess has a idea of how many will be coming.
With the response I've seen on WaccoBB, it could mean a lot of women gathering, so it's best to be prepared for that.
I'm glad to see the wonderful response, and wish unexpected blessings on participants.
for gathering the names/emails and composing a list to send out
also indicating on this list those volunteers who have meeting spaces
and for communicating to the list of women. The when and where and the what.
If it's going to be a potluck, it's beneficial to indicate that, so people are clear. I've found that this really adds to the enjoyment of the event. The "volunteer communicator" could take a vote in the initial email, so there's a consensus, which seems to be the way women like to do things.
Also, "someone" might want to create an informal agenda, that can be added to, by the attendees, so there's some kind of structure.
An agenda isn't absolutely necessary, but again, having experience with women's groups, it can be very helpful in facilitating the meeting.
Time can pass very quickly, and it's good to get business out of the way before people have to leave. So, again, it could be helpful to indicate a time frame for the agenda/suggestions, ideas, and names of volunteers, so people know when to get there to make sure they get in on decisions. For those that aren't there, someone will need to notify them, or maybe a general overview of the meeting can be sent out to all on the list.
Another thing I've noticed in these groups is that there's a ton of ideas, because they come so easily. It's the "implementation" of them, that may not come as easily. So another list to gather is a volunteer list of women who would be willing to implement ideas that may arise in this initial meeting. A record of attendees is also helpful, and a legal notebook with a heading such as
NAME EMAIL PHONE VOLUNTEER
(Be sure to leave enough room across for these items) (YES/NO)
This is the place where I've seen some "break down" in my experience with these things. Many women want to this to happen, usually only a very few are willing to step up and make a commitment to actually do the organizing, which is so necessary.
I hope this will be different, and there will be plenty of volunteers to assist this desirable meeting, and those that follow.
I think I did see one volunteer for gathering names, and another for a place to meet. Most women indicated their interest, and that they wanted to be notified by email or phone. Of course, posting the details on Wacco is also desirable, but then some women may not check in on a regular basis, and there could be some upset if they weren't notified personally.
I'm in no way offering negativity, in case some may see it that way. It's just that I've been involved in women's groups for many years, starting on the Big Island in 1983. Some I organized, and some I co-organized, some were part of a larger meeting/conference; some were career oriented, some were support oriented; most had some kind of small fee.
One initial women's meeting/potluck I went to many years ago at a volunteer's home, had a high response of 35 women who had come out in rainy weather to meet in a tiny home. There was hardly room to move.
So, I think it's good to have an idea of the actual meeting capacity of a home, in other words not just "standing" room, and then have people RSVP and really mean it, so that the hostess has a idea of how many will be coming.
With the response I've seen on WaccoBB, it could mean a lot of women gathering, so it's best to be prepared for that.
I'm glad to see the wonderful response, and wish unexpected blessings on participants.