{"id":1273,"date":"2015-01-05T13:02:48","date_gmt":"2015-01-05T21:02:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ncnmlg.mlanet.org\/connections\/?p=1273"},"modified":"2015-01-05T13:06:47","modified_gmt":"2015-01-05T21:06:47","slug":"ncnmlg-executive-board-meeting-minutes-december-19-2014","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ncnmlg.mlanet.org\/connections\/?p=1273","title":{"rendered":"NCNMLG Executive Board Meeting Minutes, December 19, 2014"},"content":{"rendered":"

Link to Minutes<\/a><\/p>\n

Present on conference call: \u00a0Michelle Rachal, Michelle Henley, Stephen Kiyoi, Amy Studer, Claire Sharifi, Julia Hause, Jennifer Dinalo, Carmen Huddleston, Xan Goodman, Judith Mills<\/p>\n

Location: \u00a0ReadyTalk conference call.<\/p>\n

Meeting called to order by Stephen Kiyoi at 2:07pm.<\/i><\/p>\n

Potential NCNMLG\/MLGSCA Merger — Stephen Kiyoi<\/b><\/p>\n

The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the potential merger of NCNMLG\/MLGSCA.<\/p>\n

The FAQ (follows minutes) summarizes at a high level the anticipated benefits, process, and questions related to the potential merger.<\/p>\n

Stephen asked meeting attendees for questions and comments related to merger and \/ or FAQs in order to identify anything else that \u00a0needs to be considered before approaching MLGSCA.<\/p>\n

Questions raised:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. When will there be a formal timeline or committee identified? \u00a0According to Stephen, it is hard to know exactly how long it will take. \u00a0See process part of FAQ for steps. \u00a0Timeline and revision of the FAQ would need to come out of conversations with MLGSCA.<\/li>\n
  2. Would there still be opportunities for NCNMLG members to participate? \u00a0Per Stephen, these details will likely be worked out in committee.<\/li>\n
  3. Would a merger coincide with chapter elections? \u00a0Probably timeline will mean that NCNMLG will hold elections in Winter 2015.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    After discussion, Michelle Henley moved to initiate discussions with MLGSCA with an intention to pursue a merger. \u00a0Seconded: \u00a0Stephen Kiyoi. \u00a0Executive Board voted unanimously to approve the motion. \u00a0So moved.<\/p>\n

    Judith joined the meeting after the vote and posed the question: \u00a0What is MLA\u2019s take on the merger? \u00a0Stephen responded that MLA is a separate entity from NCNMLG and their role is to share the processes \/ experiences that other chapters have gone through as they have merged. \u00a0Judith asked re: timing for the merge and impact on paying bills. \u00a0As time frame is yet to be determined, Stephen advised shorter time frame for renewals of Chapter subscriptions to services such as SurveyMonkey..<\/p>\n

    Meeting adjourned at 2:32 pm by Stephen Kiyoi.<\/i><\/p>\n

    12\/18\/2014 — Draft minutes posted for comment by Amy Studer, NCNMLG Secretary.<\/p>\n

    FAQ – NCNMLG & MLGSCA Merger – DRAFT<\/b><\/h2>\n

    11\/21\/2014<\/p>\n

    Why should we consider a merger?<\/b><\/p>\n

    NCNMLG is a small chapter with rapidly declining membership. \u00a0We have 64 paid members, while larger chapters such as MLGSCA have more than 200. Our membership has declined about 40% each year for the past two years. \u00a0This places an increased burden on our members to volunteer for leadership positions and carry out the business of the chapter.<\/p>\n

    What\u2019s the benefit of merging?<\/b><\/p>\n

    A larger, combined chapter would mean more professional colleagues, more connection to professional and educational opportunities, and a wider pool of potential leaders. Both chapters could also build on their history of collaborating to host the annual Joint Meeting.<\/p>\n

    What has happened so far?<\/b><\/p>\n

    The merger has been discussed at the NCNMLG Executive Board and Business Meetings. We have also collected documentation on the 2009 Pittsburgh\/MAC chapter merger. \u00a0Our President and Vice President discussed the idea with MLGSCA leaders Kathleen Carlson (President) and Danielle Linden (Vice President), and Ray Naegle from MLA.<\/p>\n

    What\u2019s the process for the merger decision?<\/b><\/p>\n

    The decision to merge chapters involves several votes. \u00a0Each will be accompanied by an update of this FAQ, along with sufficient time for comment and discussion among members. \u00a0These steps include:<\/p>\n