2019-04 Observations

In the early part of 2019, Pauline talked to a number of members and summarized her observations here:

  1. The Board needs to present in a clear and unified manner what the mandate of the group is
  2. a lapel mic is needed for the speaker
  3. someone actually needs to actively chair and run the meetings and be mindful of time
  4. someone or maybe two need to be designated as greeters for new people and to actively look after them
  5. new people to the group need to know ahead of time and understand that the Elderberries is not a coming out group, is not a lonely hearts club, is not a therapy group or a 12 step programme
  6. people who do not behave or who are rude need to be actively dealt with
  7. The Pride Committee says something before each meeting about being respectful; the Elderberries need to adapt something like this and say it before the meeting starts.
  8. someone needs to actively look after the speaker.
  9. Donation tin: when it's passed around, it's made clear that the donation is not compulsory which is fine, but there is no explanation of what the donation is for / how it is spent. There should be a clear explanation at the start of the meeting of why the tin was necessary
  10. the meetings need to be positive and uplifting and FUN.