As we discussed in previous posts (original post and our first update), 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.
This week, we’d like to share some of the steps we’ve taken to Hear from members.
What we’ve accomplished
- Member town hall: We held a town hall on September 19, where — instead of board members setting the agenda — the conversation focused on what members brought to the table. The plan is for the board to continue to hold these town halls mid-year, so members can ask questions, raise concerns, and share their ideas face-to-face with the board.
- Member survey: We recently sent an updated membership survey to 2019 and 2020 107IST members to better understand who we are as an organization. Results will be shared with membership and with the board, workgroups, and committees.
- Board meet-ups: Board members have given stakeholders the opportunity to meet up online and engage in dialogue with individual board members. To date, there have been board meet-ups with Joshua, Dawn, Zach, and Gab; Sheba is next on the schedule in November.
Ongoing
- Grievance process: We’re still working on establishing a process to hear from members about past grievances, ensuring that there is a safe space and process for members who wish to address past issues. This may involve contracting with outside experts for assistance, and we are engaging in research on that front.
- Neutral ombudsman or listening committee: In addition to addressing past grievances, we are working to determine how best to have ongoing means for members to bring concerns to the board.
- Volunteer recognition: We have had volunteer-recognition systems in the past; we are researching ways to establish and implement a volunteer recognition program.
Still to come
- Mingle events in the warehouse: This will be revisited once we can gather in larger groups post-COVID restrictions.
- Social events or gatherings to help foster a social club environment: We will revisit this once we can gather in larger groups post-COVID restrictions.
