Mainely Men Board Meeting Minutes - October 12, 2003



Members Present: Mark Allen, Tommy Allan, Eric Aronson, Guy Cousins, Paul Fuller, and Alan Littlefield. Guest: Tor Smith.

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Smoking Area at Pilgrim: The smoking area restrictions in Pilgrim Lodge rules conflicts with Mainely Men’s understanding of the front porch and the parking area. Obtain clarification from Pilgrim Lodge manager. Mark.

There was a suggestion to relocate the smoking area from the front porch. Paul offered a tarp that could be erected at the group picture area. Discuss at next board meeting. Board Members.

Website: Mark Allen and his partner continue to develop the website. Continue to develop and launch. Mark and his partner. Guy’s email address needs to be changed on interim AOL website. Change Guy’s email address. Alan.

Press Release : In efforts to increase attendance at future MM weekends, the group decided to support various outreach opportunities. Contact Portland area media venues (Time Warner Public Access Channel, Casco Bay Weekly, The Phoenix). Tommy

One press release needs to be written to support a consistent message. It needs to be brief. Write press release for use in print and on TV. There was brief discussion regarding the timing of announcements. Decision needed. Board Members at next board meeting.

Registration Form Revisions: Several revisions need to be made in the registration form. * Space needed to accommodate registrants’ workshop topics. * Update return address. * Add contact information.

Board Membership: The topic of changing board membership by adding an alternate position was discussed. Decision needed. Board Members at next board meeting.

Mark Allen and Guy Cousins will be leaving the board in May. Two new members needed. Nominees accepted are: Joe Minot, Roy Nelles, and Brian Quinn. Select two nominees and establish contact plan. Board Members at next board meeting.

Financial Reserves: Expenses exceeded registration fees collected for MM#44. MM reserves cannot support many more retreats without fees covering expenses. We must take action now. Discuss progress. Board Members at next board meeting.

Ideas discussed:
Increase 3-day retreat registration fee range to $50-$75).
Change MM#45 registration form to:

Solicit charitable donations.
Obtain SECA grant.
Solicit advertisements from businesses whose mission aligns with MM’s.
Lifeguard: A couple of registrants relayed complaints to board members stating the lifeguard’s behavior as rude during the weekend. Questionable homophobia was mentioned in the discussion. The board will consider any potential candidates presented for the lifeguard position. Monitor future comments on this subject. Board members.
Outreach: The board revisited several outreach initiatives to increase attendance.

MM was represented at the Common Ground Fair last month. Coordinate participation efforts to attend the 2004 Fair. Tor Smith and Alan Littlefield.

Engage counseling professionals in our outreach activities. Distribute printed materials to area counseling professionals.

Inreach activities. Jim Fotter. MM #45 Assigned Duties:

Mark Allen to include assigned duties list of volunteers in these minutes. Pinkie -
Tommy Allan
Cultural Event Emcee - Ashley Lenartson
Workshop - Eric Aronson
Soundman - Keith Prairie
Name tags - Joe Minot
Opening Ceremony - Tom Allan & Jim F.
Registration/welcome table - Jim F.
Newcomer orientation - Jim F.
Burden basket - Not Assigned
Worry Log - Not Assigned
Drumming/Open ceremony - Not Assigned
Bread Baking - Not Assigned

Schedule Dates for Future MM Weekends:
2004 Dates are: May 14-16, October 8-11

Next Board Meeting:
Next meeting will take this winter. Time and location to be determined.

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