Dear CWR Friends:

In the interest of keeping you informed, the CWR Board of Directors shares highlights of our monthly meetings. The Board met in a videoconference on Tuesday, April 14, 2015. Here are the highlights of that meeting:

The meeting opened with a prayer shared by Vice Chair Sister Angela Szczawinska.

March Board meeting minutes were approved with two corrections.

Chair Eileen Dickerson reviewed the Board’s contemplative approach to the issues regarding the 2016 Conference in Indianapolis and to the subsequent decision not to cancel the conference.

Hilton Grant Chair Julie Gilberto-Brady said that three in-person focus group sessions have been conducted with 23 participants, and two videoconference focus group sessions were held via Zoom. The online survey for those who were not able to participate in the focus groups will be available until April 24. In addition, the American City Bureau (ACB) consultant working with us has conducted phone interviews with outside colleagues and organizations with whom we have worked. ACB also has spent a good deal of time reflecting on the organization, its structures, mission, etc. At the May Board meeting in Racine, the ACB consultant will present the findings and recommend goals so that we can begin the process of formulating a new strategic plan.

Conference 2015 Committee Co-Chair Stephanie Hall reported that conference plans are coming together well. All speakers and workshops are confirmed — it’s a great slate of presenters that communicators won’t want to miss. An optional evening out is planned to the Balloon Museum and Fiesta Park to see a “night glow” of the balloons. The committee has lined up a shuttle to take attendees back and forth from the hotel to Old Towne Albuquerque for dinner and shopping another evening. The committee will introduce a CWR Conference 2015 App that will be available for attendees and non-attendees that will include the full schedule, presenter bios and other conference info. Registration brochures will be coming soon.

Two additional CWR members have volunteered for Conference 2016: Susan Palmer and Louise Koselak. Conference Committee Chair Kathy Gatliff said that the committee will meet in April to further discuss program and presenter ideas for the event.

Details and logistics for the Board’s in person meeting in May at the Siena Center in Racine, Wisconsin were discussed. Board openings will be discussed at that meeting, so we ask that any member who is interested in serving on the CWR Board to contact Eileen Dickerson (edickerson@greynun.org | 267-364-0487) or any Board member.

Happy Spring!

CWR Board of Directors
Eileen Dickerson, Chair
Sister Angela Szczawinska, CSFN, Vice Chair
Sister Beth Kress, PVBM, Treasurer
Sister Paulette Gardner, SSA
Kathy Gatliff
Julie Gilberto-Brady
Stephanie Hall
Jennifer Kaminski
Stephanie Manseau
Kate Martin
Paula Staisiunas Schultz

“Please remember that 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.”