Thanks for all your notes welcoming Bella into the world...she has been
nothing but a wonder so far. We're thrilled!
RK info - After meeting with the Board last week, there are a number of
changes that will be occurring to the organization and how it operates
in
order to improve the River Kids experience. Here's a brief list of
some of
the changes in play:
1) Meetings will be held in the library from 4-5pm. Bigger space in
which
to operate.
2) Snack will be offered as part of membership through Extended Day,
as with
other Talents Classes. This should help minimize distractions. River
Kids
will get snack at 3:30 under Tobie's supervision and then come to the
library after eating. (4th-6th Grades normally eat at 4pm...RK will be
allowed to go early.)
3) Large Group Meetings will be focused on educational activities
regarding
rivers. (Small Groups will still be formed for special projects and
will
meet separate from the large group during the week.)
4) The benefit will be planned differently this year. This is a major
topic
of discussion at the next Board Meeting. The central sentiment of the
Board
was that we like giving to others and some flashiness is good to attract
attention to the cause, but we need to have a less extravagant affair
that
is more centered around the cause rather than just hype. We are
considering
a variety of alternative formats, including a benefit concert, a
clean-a-thon or walk-a-thon, and others...
5) The benefit is NOT the place to focus on celebrating the year for
River
Kids...that needs to be a separate event for RK Families alone where
speeches are really heard and appreciated. No direct plans are in
place for
this event, but it will be in development this year.
6) The RK Board will continue to meet monthly to make guiding
decisions and
discuss issues further. The Board will be a necessary venue for
problem-solving that did not exist last year.
Additional Plans/Thoughts:
- RK will not be taking on any new projects this year. We will be
focusing
on bringing closure to old projects and educating ourselves more about
rivers.
- RK will be involved in more cleanups this year. Hands-on
involvement is
part of being a River Kid.
- This year we will host a River Kids Open House on September 26, 4-5pm.
The goal will be to present potential members with the most up-to-date
and
accurate information regarding the organization and expectations for
members. Our primary goal is to steer away any kids that are only
superficially interested, or interested only in the benefit dinner
because
of its flashiness. We also hope that returning members might be able
to get
their heads wrapped around the year by being there. So ALL RK
families are
invited as well. The Board members are expected to be there if
possible to
give a presentation.
- Field trips and Guest Speakers should be considered as part of
meetings.
Projects currently in play:
1) Rain Harvesting - Installation being completed this fall.
Unveiling/Recognition ceremony in development.
2) Herbie Project - Herbie is still waiting on a home. City Museum has
assured me that we will be able to discuss possibilities very soon. The
completion of the new roof complex has occupied them since we first
brought
this idea to them.
3) Mural Project - No new info. We were officially denied permission to
paint at the end of last year. However, we are considering working with
Trailnet to seek out a new location that will be okay with all.
4) River Kids Urban Exchange (Mentoring Project) - This group will
need to
begin meetings early to decide how this project evolves.
5) Benefit - This group will be starting from scratch this year to
discuss
how this event can be dramatically improved.
I hope this update gives all of you an idea of how much consideration
has
been given to improving this organization. The Board Meeting was a
testament to the passion that River Kids have and should have for being
people who truly affect positive change. I've never been prouder to
be a
part of River Kids.
Rock on, River Kids!
Ben
P.S. For those looking for river-friendly events:
Here's the address for the Confluence Greenway website. If you're not
familiar with them, take a closer look...they are tied to many amazing
active living projects and river-related events. Their event calendar
is
filled with wonderful opportunities!
No comments:
Post a Comment