Growth, Change and Communications
Ashby Village: The Next 10 Years
by Andra Lichtenstein, President, Board of Directors
As we grow from a small organization where we all knew everybody, there will be stronger and weaker connections within our community. Trust becomes all-important. We want to grow in a way that ensures members feel a strong sense of community and are clear about how best to influence decisions that affect them.
As a volunteer-based organization, our members and volunteers are the fuel that keeps us running. Our membership is talented, accomplished and well connected; meaningful contributions and joyful experiences are our incentives. We need to continue to engage and encourage those who are seeking a greater sense of involvement and ownership who want to know:
• “How do we raise issues? Where do we direct questions and concerns?”
• “What are the pathways into leadership roles?”
• “Who makes what decisions - the Board, the Executive Director, the staff, the Program Leadership Team?”
Recent Steps Taken to Enhance Communication
• The PLT is hosting a Community Forum October 5th 1-4 pm. The format will be lively and interactive, a chance to raise questions and contribute ideas, to understand our governance structure and all the ways you can influence what matters most to you.
• The Newsletter has featured a series of articles about the different elements of our governance system, starting with a piece by the Board Chair and followed by an article on the Program Leadership team. More articles will follow.
• Board members are actively engaging members and volunteers at monthly Happy Hours and at Neighborhood Group meetings. Neighborhood Groups continue to evolve and have tremendous potential as connective tissue and two-way communication vehicles.
Board of Directors: More Transparency
• The minutes of Board meetings will be posted on the members-only section of the Ashby Village website
• The annual budget is available to anyone who requests to see it. Ask the Executive Director
• Starting July 2020, an annual Board Meeting (usually in July) will be open to members and volunteers, with the opportunity to ask questions and to make comments.
• Members and volunteers who would like to propose the names of potential new Board members can do so by contacting the Executive Director who will transmit them to the Board Nominating Committee.
We Want Your Feedback
• Starting this winter, the staff will conduct a biennial member survey, and the results will be published in Village Voices.
• Plans are in the works to update and revitalize the Ashby Village website as a way to share information and connect members.
• Articles in the newsletter will continue to shine a light on volunteer leaders and provide context for important decisions.
Add Your Voice
If you have questions, concerns or suggestions about programs, services, volunteers, or operations, please contact the Executive Director. He’ll direct them to the right group of folks.