Dear CWR Friends:
In the interest of keeping you informed, the Communicators for Women Religious Board of Directors shares highlights of our monthly meetings. The Board met via videoconference on Tuesday, June 21, 2016.
Board Chair Eileen Dickerson opened the meeting, sharing the Communicator’s Prayer with the members.
Minutes of the May Board meeting were approved.
Strategic Plan Implementation Committee Co-Chair Eileen reported that the committee and Executive Director Nick Schafer reviewed and discussed a year one checklist, outlining which of the plan strategies have been completed, which are in the process of being completed and which remain to be initiated or completed. The committee will work with Nick and Coordinator Susan Oxley to carry out the first year strategies. Eileen also said that, in keeping with the directives of the plan, the committee and staff are planning a gathering of representatives from other organizations to explore collaboration.
The Board discussed ways of enhancing member services, another goal of the member-approved strategic plan.
Executive Director Nick Schafer submitted an extensive written report. His introduction video was sent out to members via the listserv and is also accessible on the CWR website. Nick and Susan are working to get the CWR office up and running at the CTU building in Chicago. They are also working on an Annual Calendar of Events, which will be shared with a variety of audiences.
Nick reported that he has met with some of the neighbors in the building, including Brother Paul Bednarczyk, CSC, Executive Director of NRVC, and Carol Regan from the Religious Formation Conference. He has also attended several CWR committee meetings in his first three weeks on the job.
Coordinator Susan Oxley reported that registration for Conference 2016 in Indianapolis has had a strong beginning.
Treasurer Sister Beth Kress, PBVM, shared the CWR bank and investment account balances as of May 31 and indicated that the Second Quarter Financials will be reported at the July meeting.
MarComm (Marketing/Communications) Co-Chair Jennifer Kaminski reported that, in keeping with the strategic plan, the committee has prepared a CWR fact sheet for use with various audiences. They are also preparing materials and giveaways for upcoming exhibits (LCWR, JS Paluch and NRVC). They are completing the Conference 2016 list of media contacts in the Indianapolis area for conference publicity.
Membership Committee Chair Sarah Jenkins and her committee members are planning various activities for Conference 2016.
From Conference 2016 Committee Chair Kathy Gatliff:
“We’re in turbocharge mode and everything is moving full speed ahead! By now, you should have received the conference registration brochure in the mail. Online registration is also available. Also, don’t forget to reserve your hotel room! Please note that we are offering two “tracks” during the workshops this year: advanced and basic. Don’t delay: Early bird registration ends on July 15!
We are just finalizing last-minute details including speakers’ travel arrangements and handouts. Soon you will receive additional info about our Yapp app, which we started using last year and will expand upon this year. Watch the listserv for more details, and follow CWR on Facebook!”
Conference 2017 Committee Chair Dave Eck said that his committee is discussing themes and researching possible presenters, presentations and evenings out.
Development Committee Chair Kate Martin reported that her committee has obtained one sponsor, one donor, five exhibitors, one virtual exhibitor, one welcome bag insert and three Ministry Marketplace participants for Conference 2016. Kate and her committee are following up with other organizations for sponsorship and exhibiting. The Board asks CWR members to please submit ideas for sponsors and exhibitors to Kate: kmartinssd@sanrafaelop.org
Enjoy the Summer!
CWR Board of Directors
Eileen Dickerson, Chair
Sister Angela Szczawinska, CSFN, Vice Chair
Sister Beth Kress, PBVM, Treasurer
Rochelle Cassella
Dave Eck
Kathy Gatliff
Stephanie Hall
Sarah Jenkins
Jennifer Kaminski
Kate Martin
Jean Merry
“The benefits you receive as a member of CWR are made possible by an ALL VOLUNTEER Board. CWR can thrive and grow as long as our members volunteer their gifts through Board service.”