Becoming a more formal organization?

Becoming a more formal organization - We are Moving Forward

It is unanimous. The volunteer board members and the member of the group are for project "Moving Forward" . Mike Mohr & Monica informed Nick LiBassi, Director of Special Projects of our decision to move forward and become a chapter of the National Spinal Cord Association.

We are putting our Action Teams together. Click a link for each teams' description and a list of members.

• Finance

• Fundraising

• Public Relations

• Legal

• Planning

November 12, 2012 - Meeting: possibly becoming a Chapter

More than 30 people attended the Madison SCI November meeting at Divine Savior UMC including members, family members, volunteers, and caregivers.

Announcements:

·        December’s Potluck
·        Introduction Physical Therapy Students on the Fundraising Project

Business:

Mike Mohr reviewed briefly the main points of the “Moving Forward” project, who has been on the potential board, & where we hope to go. He solicited input from attendees at the meeting.

What do you enjoy about the SCI group?

•  Connecting with others who have a shared experience – support for person and family
• Camaraderie/ understanding, common bond
• Speakers-informed pipeline – larger scale network in the Nat’l Organization
• Established sense of community – critical for those new in town or adjusting to injury
•  Enjoy social activities – hand cycling, kayaking, picnics, and other getting together for dinner, potlucks, and other stuff
• Work with students, a future professionals in the field and bringing awareness
•   Purchase equipment for people to try before they buy or to borrow. Ideas include software; home and travel equipment like transitions, portable ramps, and a travel roll-in shower chair; and adaptive recreational equipment like the dragonfly, handcycle, or adaptive kayak.

How could we make it better?

·        Getting into rehab hospitals, 1-on-1 mentors, support, reach-out. Mark Laufenburg has been introduced as our community liaison to the VA, UW Hospital, and a few other community agencies and we want to establish a stronger relationship with the hospitals and community agencies and developing stronger support and reach-out 

·        More people work on committees with shared responsibilities

What would the organizational structure look like?

·        Members, (BOD) – deal with finances, legal issues, etc., and active committees. We have a planning committee for speakers, we need a committee for planning what we want to do!, we want to allow members to organize events/ projects that they are interested in

·        Democratic structure

·        Perhaps incorporate meetings via Skype too.

We had discussed why we should join the NSCIA with Nick LiBassi, Director of Special Projects.

Why join?

Founded in 1948 and now has 40,000 members. It is a well-known org. Members with SCI and diseases related to the spinal cord are welcome. Doctors, therapists, caregivers are involved. Access to resources is available for a successful life.

Free magazine for members and recently acquired New Mobility magazine which requires a subscription.

The Nat’l organization’s goal is to provide chapters with resources. The chapter’s goal is to provide members with resources. $250 are the annual dues for a chapter. Our fee would be waived the first year.

After the call finished, Mike asked:  What do you think?

·       Good for getting ideas, info booth, freebies to give out at expos

·        Worth a try- group wouldn’t have to change much. We can always dissolve association with them.

·        We can get business sponsors and have a connection to the United Way.

·        We are taking on a reputation.