Cayuga Lake Watershed Network
Doc. #2010-
Program Committee (formerly Outreach Committee)
June 14, 2010
Present: Dale Baker (chair); Roxy Johnston, Rebecca
Ruggles, Judy Pipher
Agenda: Our new chair called the meeting to ascertain:
- Best way for committee to operate (how has committee done it
in the past?)
- Program decisions for 2010?
- Where do we go from here?
We began by bringing Dale up to date on the Program Cte. (formerly
Outreach and Education Cte.) and its history. Prior to 2009, the
committee had been autonomous, with occasional input from the Board
or the Steward, and took responsibility for the website, for Lakefest,
and some educational meetings and activities. These included planning
and execution, including PR. Monthly telecons were held, with occasional
face to face meetings. In 2009 the Board attempted to change the
structure to make programs more aligned with the focus of the Network
and to address issues raised by the Issues Cte., and they decided
to concentrate on fund-raising events. At a retreat of the program
and issues committees (hereafter PC and IC) in 2009, Rebecca raised
the concept of friend-raising followed by fund-raising. The 2009
events were planned. Two successful conferences were held, on Weeds
(north end) and on Phosphorus (south end). A successful traveling
road show on Lake Levels was held n 2009, which culminated in a
major event on Lake Levels in coordination with FLEA and Lansing
Library April 2010, where some 100 people attended. Roxy noted that
we should have prepared talking points to really push the Network
at such events. It was noted that making use of other institutions’
considerable PR capabilities was beneficial to CLWN.The IC began
the process of planning the Spring 2010 Wetlands conference at the
north end in late April. The PC took over once the prime movers
on the IC were in Europe for an extended period, and since planning
for the conference was drifting toward the end. PR needed a lot
more attention. Attendance was modest (~40), although it was very
well executed. One of our speakers suggested redoing the exact same
conference at Montezuma Refuge, appealing to their clientele.
Late 2009 we held another retreat to discuss 2010 programs, and
a draft plan was circulated. We are all unclear about our responsibilities
for the several planned events mentioned – but a north end
spring conference and a south end fall conference are planned, the
website maintained, a possible road show, attendance to help various
fairs (e.g. Montezuma and also Alternative gift fair). Information
on the former event at Montezuma Winery with Montezuma Refuge tours
– June 20, with Dale representing the Network can be accessed
at
http://newyorkoutdoors.wordpress.com/2010/06/10/7th-annual-wildflowers-wine-celebration-at-montezuma-winery-june-20/
There are also several cleanups and stream monitoring events mentioned,
but responsibilities for these less clear. Similarly Sunset on Cayuga
– the dinner event (fundraiser) that replaces the old Lakefest
celebration – is handled by a separate cte. but volunteers
are needed.
Roxy and Judy noted that we need to take on PR and develop really
good networks to achieve that for events we champion.. Judy mentioned
the hot button issues at the north end (Seneca Meadows Clay mining;
Scepter Inc. monofill in Varick) and Roxy mentioned hydrofracking
remains the primary south end issue. Rebecca noted that we must
focus on hot button issues to gain citizen interest. Roxy felt that
Dale should interface with IC to find out the Network focus for
2010, and whether they are involved in the fall conference. Somehow
we need to have responsibilities firmed up and focus points identified.
Next meeting will be face to face around noon on a Sunday in August
at Rebecca’s home (2082 Lake Rd) August 8. Dale reminded us
all that we should join the Board and other friends at Ronda Fessenden’s
farm for a dish to pass dinner July 13.
Post-telecon Rebecca emphasized take-away points:
- Should have prepared talking points to really push the Network
at events.
- Making use of other institutions’ considerable PR capabilities
is beneficial to CLWN.
- Need to take on PR and develop really good networks to achieve
attendance at events we champion.
- Focus on hot button issues to gain citizen interest
- Need to have responsibilities firmed up and focus points identified.
Submitted by Judy
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