Mainely Men Board Meeting Minutes - March 19, 2005



Members Present: Guy Cousins (Registrar), Joe Minot, Vince Dufort, Eric Aronson, Keith Prairie, Roy Nelles, Steven Mairs, Robert Paradis, Alan Littlefield (Historian); Not Present: Jacques Wienstein (Treasurer)

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A.Acceptance of Minutes - Approved by consensus

B.Treasurer’s Report - Tabled

C.Brochure and Mailing
* Finalized text and design: MM’s new and improved brochures were unveiled which will include language alluding to the next gathering’s theme (drafted by Eric).
Elimination of non-essential information to allow room for inclusion of two registration forms on a single sheet is among the improvements.
A font change was suggested by Roy N.
Approval by consensus was given pending correction of a clerical error with a telephone number pointed out by Keith P.
* MM is set to send out approximately 4,000 pieces in this mailing.
Efforts to reduce duplicate mailings were discussed.
The Board also discussed ways to remind members to invite friends to upcoming gatherings.
Steve M. suggested emailing registration forms wherever possible to cut down postage expense.
Vince D. re-introduced PayPal as a payment option which could increase registration to upcoming gatherings.
Some security concerns were discussed. The Board approved this method and authorized Vince to take necessary action.

D.Outreach/Advertising - Tabled?

E.Spring Theme and Workshops
* Eric clarified his vision for the upcoming weekend as an opportunity to reflect on where the men’s movement has come from, where we are today and where we are heading. Jacques W., Bert DeFrees, Howard Solomon and Steve Putnam’s names were mentioned as possible leaders of workshops related to this.
* The following preliminary roster was developed:
o Where We’ve Come From - Steve Putnam?
o What Mainely Men Did For Me - Robert Paradis, Steven Mairs
o Men Moving Men - Roy Nelles et al
o Mentoring - Steven Mairs

F.Weekend Program (continued)
* Mainely Men BoD is interested in reviewing and possibly updating our Mission Statement.
Robert P., Steven M. and Guy C. will coordinate the availability of Flip charts within the main lodge throughout the weekend as a way of soliciting broad participation as we gather ideas.
* An outline for the weekend was prepared by our next Pinkie, Eric. There was some discussion concerning excessively long opening circle.
In consideration, some segments were consolidated together to save time and at least one (Calling the Four Directions) was eliminated from the action lineup.
The ‘Fire Walk’ will also be moved to Saturday night (after the Cultural Event) and will be held in lieu of a dance.
* Jacques W. has agreed to lead the Bread Baking workshop.
* Steve Putnam is slated to lead the Angel Walk.

G.Other Tasks and Responsibilities for the Weekend
* Robert S., Robert P. and Steven M. have been identified as Smudgers preceding formation of the Opening Circle.
* Vince Dufort will host the Cultural Event
* Alan L., Guy Cousins and Steven M. will coordinate a Mainely Men Video Festival currently slated to be held in Cabin ‘A’. The availability of an ongoing presentation of a “California Men” gathering video as well as “A Gathering of Men” the PBS special with Robert Bly hosted by Bill Moyers. Guy will bring the necessary AV equipment and ‘California’ video, Steve M. the ‘Bly’ VHS tape.

H.Men’s Resource Center Ad Update - Tabled?

J.Review of Mainely Men Mission
Mainely Men BoD is interested in reviewing and possibly updating our Mission Statement.
Robert P., Steven M. and Guy C. will coordinate the availability of Flip charts within the main lodge throughout the weekend as a way of soliciting broad participation as we gather ideas.

K.Other Business - None

Prepared by Steven D. Mairs

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