July 5, 2020 Meeting – The Network Concept
The purpose of the meeting was to organize PN support activity, both for the present (during the pandemic) and beyond. We are in transition from a single group to a network structure. We need to decide who we are and what we intend to become. All future activity depends on that.
We need to approve a way forward and assign responsibilities to volunteers. In particular:
Goal #1: Get agreement on the long-term concept:
A. That we want a network structure with activity conducted both centrally and within local groups.
B. That there should be a balance of activity, addressing both personal support and advocacy
Goal #2: Get agreement on where to focus our volunteer efforts during the next few months.
Goal #3: Obtain volunteers to:
A. Perform critical tasks to keep network (groups and central) operational until the next organizational meeting. This includes the 6/13 meeting, budget/funding, an interim board, answering queries from the public and maintaining our mailing list, website & Facebook.
B. Form “working groups” to address issues and report back at the next meeting, including names, mission docs, org structure, funding, and how to aid the Foundation’s lobbying efforts.
Terry offered to help in any way she can, 703-941-4703 home, Tmorlando@fcps.edu , cell number 575-565-0384, 6601 Dearborn Drive Falls Church VA 22044
Joanne and her husband had volunteered for the Reston group and hadn’t heard anything.
Bruce noted that they weren’t able to recruit any replacements for Steve as leader or Mike as technical support so far. He recommended we continue to meet by Zoom even when restrictions are lifted so more can participate easily. Consensus seems to be to plan to meet by Zoom for the foreseeable future. David posited that many members aren’t familiar with the technology to join us today. Joanne said she and her husband expressed interested in volunteering but no one followed up.
Mohammed recommended two books on sleep: Matthew Walker, Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams; Arianna Huffington, The Sleep Revolution.
JUDSON VAUGHN provided significant input for notes via chat including: We use slack to communicate with one another. We will train you. Facebook Group: On Your Feet Zoom: Most aren’t tech savvy. We need more outreach. We must organize before we promote. We need a provisional board.
Rodney volunteered to take notes and prepare for the website.
Steve volunteered to confirm the speaker and contact her to make sure she is ready for the meeting and understands the format. Steve needs backup.
Terry volunteered to be Steve’s apprentice.
Volunteer as speaker coordinator?
No caregivers present.
Joanne will not be at June 13 meeting. Rebecca is not sure about her attendance.
No date set for July meeting.
Flyer? Doesn’t make sense.
Who would be treasurer? Steve wants to give up the banking account. About $800 in the account. We write 3-4 checks per year. not much to it but we need someone reliable. Rebecca volunteered to be an interim treasurer.
Buddy system should work and pairs two people together. To support one another and be a backup for tasks.
What are the duties of the Responder/Recruiter? You answer Google Voice calls and answer questions. Terry might be interested. Bill said he’d be willing to help.
Bruce said Judson described a working model.
Bruce wants to extend the meeting for another 30 minutes.
What did you like about Jud’s description? We are basically doing it now. We just need to get volunteers and formalize the structure.
Joanne likes the ideas from the Floris meeting. But it didn’t have a followup due to the virus.
Joanne: People are coming to these meetings. They want programming in small groups.
That’s the beauty of the network concept. You can have sessions large enough to attract top name speakers, but small enough for discussion.
One of the problems of Zoom is that we need to have breakout sessions to organize. Some are very interested in different treatment options that are available in the DC area.
One of the things Zoom doesn’t have is closed caption. Many have hearing problems. Otter, a closed caption system, would be helpful. This is a natural outgrowth for some things you want to do.
I don’t want to have just heroes. We want to go off and do what we need to do, not what we HAVE to do. We need more volunteers. We need a succession plan.
Pat: I hear Bruce saying we need to wrap it up.
Rodney will be the note taker.
Steve, Terry, and Joanne will coordinate speaker.
Pat will be the Zoom leader for next week.
Publicity? Next week. No volunteers.
Rebecca will be the treasurer for a while. She will work with Steve.
Someone to work with the Pay page? Pat will organize a working group to address.
Bill? Are you willing tackle the Responder Recruiter role? Bill has gone.
Rodney asked Mike by private message: How do I access the recording to complete the notes? He responded in separate email with the link.
JUDSON VAUGHN to Everyone on chat: Breakouts? Responders Recruiter?
Rodney: God bless you all and stay safe.