LWVOR MLD Report January 2016

Present: Pamela Ashland, Judy Golberg, Debbie Kaye, Norman Turrill, Chris Carson, Janet Calvert, Marnie Lonsdale, Kathleen Hersh, Linda Mather, and Libby Medley

Discussion concerning working with member leagues that feel they are destined to be losing members and possibly disbanding

  • It can be good to recognize these concerns – then formulate a plan – similar to the work of the Marion-Polk League
  • Where do you see your league in 2 years?
  • Acknowledge the problem with: yes we see a decline and (not but) what can we do about it – work with who we have, develop new recruitment ideas
  • Go to the community with the situation – Klamath Falls League shared their declining numbers and community members joined.
  • Use the nominating committee to find new leaders, may bring new ideas and practices that can be combined with traditional ways.
  • May need an intervention: state board members would work those in the local league to define the problem/situation and then mediate
  • Do less projects
  • Try to have the league maintain as a MAL rather than just stop being a local league or have them join with another local league.

Round Robin sharing:

  • Is there a “league” way or can new ideas be used
  • Leagues can reach out to the community and ask what the community needs – forums, events, information newsletters
  • Due to the holidays, there were fewer phone conference calls, but local leagues still received the information via e-mail
  • Linda reported that she will be starting phone conference calls with her leagues.
  • Libby reported that Umatilla was taking a break
  • Janet reported that Curry County is working on getting the community to be less apolitical and Lincoln County just finished their fruit sale
  • Debbie is in touch with Lane via e-mail and working with Clackamas via phone
  • Marnie continues to work with Marion-Polk via e-mail and sends information to Corvallis and receives their notices

Guidance discussion:

  • Engaging new members needs to address their value of their time
  • Impossibility handout opens up a discussion
  • Need to “grab” their attention. First we must grab their attention, and then the details can come later. Don’t overload them with too much “league” information
  • New members can be overwhelmed – feel the other members have so much knowledge and they cannot compete. Need to remind them that even the experienced members are still learning.
  • Break jobs/projects down into smaller pieces

Next meeting: February 4, 9:30