Steering Committee Discussion and Committee Nominations Area.

[George Lewter]

To make the network more of a community, members need to feel they have a say in how the organization operates. Members are always encouraged to voice opinions on anything that transpires here. But random non-invested opinions don't necessarily determine the best course of action on important issues. I would like to form a steering committee from our more active members, to meet online at least once every other month for 60-90 minutes. The agenda would be to discuss and vote on matters of importance to the network.

I propose to appoint three members, and ask the membership to nominate and elect three more by a simple email vote.

I have already asked  Catherine Rehbein to serve on the committee, as someone we all know to be an active, communicative member, as well an inspiration for those of us who aspire to make unique clay creations. Happily, she has consented to serve. So, I need two more members who care for this network, and would like to help give it guidance. Please contact George Lewter if you can commit to being a steering committee member, and would like to help in this manner.

We need our members to nominate three more high-caliber members. Hopefully we will get some amateur potters, and some representing different generations. Please nominate people you would feel comfortable in contacting to express your interests in matters before the committee.

The steering committee "interest group" will become the private workspace for the committee members' to do their work, and to post their individual communications for-the-record.  

This discussion forum is the best place for network members to post communications either about the steering committee, or to the steering committee as a group. It will also serve as the standard place for the committee to send notifications to the network general membership.  

[Kabe Burleson]

Sounds good to me george. Keep up the good and hard work and thank you for your passion.

[George Lewter]

The $9 supporting membership is a new way to participate that will advance our capabilities, activities, and services. Your contribution is needed and appreciated.  We also need your participation.  Ask a question. Tell us what inspires you. Show us what you are working on. Doing those things would make you a supporting and sustaining  member.  It has nothing to do with your professional, amateur, or student status. The "cool kids" here are the ones who reveal themselves.  

My previous use of the term "high-caliber member" was a poor word choice, for which I apologize. My intent was not to offend or belittle anyone, but to find the best people to provide guidance for this organization in a way that we allow us to make good decisions in a timely manner. This discussion has been open for over a month, and yours is only the second comment, which further illustrates the need for expedited decision making. A steering committee is the best way I can think of to prevent me from making stupid mistakes on major issues, that could be avoided by getting the advice of others who care about the community. I thank you for your comment, and hope it signals more active participation by you in our network.