As we have discussed in several past posts, the board has committed to improvement in five areas of focus this year. We have promised to:

• Improve accessibility.
• Hear from members.
• Communicate more.
• Increase accountability.
• Evaluate the organization’s structure and activities.

We’d like to share some of the steps we’ve taken in these areas with our members and with the general public.

This week, we’d like to focus on Hear from members.

This Saturday, March 6, is the 107IST annual general meeting for members. We wanted to take this opportunity to highlight what the AGM is, why we have them, and why you should join us.

What is an AGM?

The annual general meeting, or AGM, is pretty much what we make it. As stated in our bylaws, the 107 Independent Supporters Trust holds an annual meeting in the offseason of the Portland Timbers and the Portland Thorns. It is generally a place for members to hear reports about the work of the organization over the past year, discuss future plans, and for you to give us input.

What can we expect?

In the past, board members have reported out activities in various areas of work, from game day operations to community outreach to away days and more. Because 2020 was a year like no other for all of us, some of the activities we typically talk about clearly will have different sorts of reports. (What do you say about game day operations during a pandemic, for instance?)

On the other hand, because this is a remote event, members who may have not otherwise been able attend before now have the opportunity, which is pretty exciting.

We’ll still be reporting to the general membership about where we have been, where we are, and where we are going. You can expect time to hear from board members and committee leads, and you can also expect time to talk to and listen to fellow 107IST members.

What will we talk about?

To some extent, that’s up to you! While the board has some ideas, we’d really like to hear from you! Let us know what you’d like to talk about at the AGM by contacting Kristen Gehrke. Be sure to sign up to attend so you get the link in your inbox before the meeting. We’re looking forward to seeing all of you!