February 2009 - Junior League of Minneapolis

President’s Note
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President
Emily Backstrom
President-Elect
Anna Lyon
CFO/VP Finance
Maggie Kirchoff
Recording Secretary
Sarah McLeod
VP Administration
Julie Dosek
VP Community
Sarah Borchers
VP Fundraisers
Jessica Zeaske
VP Marketing
Tara Sullivan
VP Membership/Training
Stephanie Bartling
VP Projects
Heather Tansey
Legal Advisor
Adriana Luedke
Sustainer Representative
Carolyn Dahl
MISSION
REACH OUT STATEMENT
Minnesota winter has the tendency to cause everyone to
hibernate: social events are fewer, neighbors disappear
into their homes, and more time is spent under a blanket on
our couch. I am proud to say our members bucked this trend
in January and got out into our community! We rolled up our
sleeves to assemble furniture at Bridging and sort food at
Second Harvest. We also attended roundtable discussions on
three important issues facing our community – hunger, health
& nutrition, and early child development.
With the arrival of February, opportunities to connect with
each other and our community will continue. I encourage
you to engage in rich discussion at your neighborhood
meetings. Grab a few friends – within and outside the JLM – to help sort books at
the warehouse for Books 4 Kids. Take advantage of the great opportunities that
Helping Hands has organized for us to volunteer with outside community
organizations. And when you are in need of a laugh mid-month, come to the Brave
New Workshop event held on February 19.
February is also a time when the leadership of the JLM really begins to put next year
at the forefront of our thinking. Nominating is busy placing next year’s chairs. The
management boards are discussing and voting on motions that will be brought
forward to membership at the March general meeting regarding our portfolio of
projects and fundraisers. Both the current and next year’s Boards will hold a joint
retreat to begin transitioning the League’s strategic plan initiatives.
So, whether you are in the moment of volunteering or deep in conversation in a
leadership meeting, you are truly living the mission of the Junior League of
Minneapolis. You are helping to build a stronger community today and for the
future. When you get out and work in your community, we will all be a bit warmer
during this cold Minnesota winter!
Warm regards,
Emily Backstrom
2008-2009 President
BOARD NOTES by Sarah McLeod, Recording Secretary
The Project Development committee has been working with the BOD on
potential new projects for JLM. Look for information at February
Neighborhood meetings.
The board reviewed the Leadership Structure of several committees and passed
motions to adjust the number of nominated positions accordingly.
The board reviewed the JLM’s mid-year financial position. Finance
Management Board considered budget adjustments at the January meeting.
The mid-year BOD retreat will take place February 21. Incoming and
outgoing board members will participate.
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