Annual Board Meeting - Public Sunday, November 10, 2024
Chairperson Deb Soda called Meeting to order at 11:37am
Quorum is confirmed
Board Members in attendance: Deb Soda, Jean McGreggor, Shannon Calvert, Tammy Gable, Angela Lawson Mizell, Julie Cush Craven (via phone and video conference)
First order of business: Chair makes formal introductions of Board members and positions to members in attendance.
Officer Reports:
End of Year Status update and 2025 goals - Deb Soda- Chairperson
- Deb updates on the process of PAL is undergoing to get paperwork formalized for IRS church status.
- Deb talks about 2024 goals met to meet the spiritual needs of the majority of the community by celebrating the major Sabbats in the Wheel of the Year and how the community accomplished that as well as raising money via collected items, procuring a storage unit.
- Deb discusses goals for the future which include: obtaining a building for PAL use, grant writing for funding, solidifying the structure of PAL to ensure that it remains a viable, working organization that stays on mission and serves into the future.
Financial Update - Tammy Gable - Treasurer
- Tammy stresses the importance of fundraising to PAL.
- Approx. 2800.00 was raised from events including Samhain, Tea Party, Auction, Basket Raffles, and classes.
- Jean emphasizes that this money goes to fund the free events and activities offered through PAL including PDC, PIP, Wheel celebrations.
- Tammy talks about outgoing expenses including Insurance (which includes coverage for events, the Board, and emergency situations), Storage Unit that houses PAL Lending Library and supplies for events, Post Office Box, Zoom App
- Tammy discusses other budget items such as Blessing Tree (150.00 balance in fund for community), Sponsorships, Emergency funding availability, and the education fund for classes.
- Tammy stresses the importance of volunteers to the community.
- Deb reiterates that approvals of funds go through Treasurer.
- Jean poses a question to Tammy, asking how would a member of PAL be sure their donation is being spent in the manner they wished. Tammy responded that all funds that are earmarked for a particular program MUST go to the allotted space.
- Deb stresses the importance of small dollar donations to daily operations.
- Deb, Angela and Jean speak on instances where general funds were used to help community members in emergency situations and how that works on a practical level.
- A community member shares her story of receiving help from PAL when she was in a financial bind and her appreciation for the support.
- Tammy thanks member for sharing her story with the community.
- Another member states she is thankful to hear stories about the help but also appreciates the Boards efforts to be transparent and make sure PAL is protected.
- Deb notes that the diverse personalities of the Board enables it to be balanced in approach–that the board is there to protect members and their donations as required by their fiduciary duty as a Board member. Discussion ensues detailing some procedures and rules.
Projected and Proposed Budget for 2025 - Deb Soda- Chairperson
- Deb discusses the proposed/projected budget for 2025 including earmarks for Blessing Tree, Education classes, Sponsorships.
2025 fundraising Goals - Julie Cush Craven - Co-Treasurer/Fundraising
- Julie discusses Fundraising efforts for 2025 including a services raffle by donations from members, a Pagan cookbook, PAL branded merchandise, vender fair, community yard sale.
Review of Calender Proposal and 2025 Projects - Angela Mizell - Secretary
- Angela reviews the projected 2025 calendar and puts call out for volunteers and members to lead rituals.
- Angela discusses accomplishments of the projects we’ve worked on including the Divination Club’s Astrology Class. Deb and Angela briefly discuss the long term plans for that class to morph into Tarot and Palmistry at some point.
- Angela reveals proposed 2025 classes such as: Gardening, SLow stitching, Knot Magic. Requests all members interested in teaching/hosting/taking a class to reach out with their class ideas.
- Deb mentions the availability of the PAL Study Group FB group and Zoom as options for classes as well.
Yule Gathering Update- Jean McGreggor- Vice Chairperson
- Jean updates everyone on the status of the Yule gathering planned for December 14. Registration should open soon for that event.
Miscellaneous
- Deb mentions a member who has offered some of her land as a community garden. Member is submitting a proposal to the Board. Everyone is excited to see what comes of that possibility.
- Shannon and Deb discuss a logo redesign for members who are in the “broom closet”. Shannon proposes a logo contest of the membership.
- Deb opens floor to questions from the membership.
- Member asks clarifying question about Logo contest.
- Another member asks about Board election procedures and how members were selected.
- Deb gives a brief history of the origins of PAL and how the Board was initially selected (from the FB group Admins) and the unique position PAL exists within as both an entity and a FB group and how those two pieces work together and how that situation may change in the future.
- Discussion ensues about the pitfalls of previous groups and learning from their mistakes.
- Deb makes plans to meet with member regarding website set up.
- Shannon discusses need for volunteers to hold events. Members discuss events and some add their names to lists.
- Shannon discusses library opening and some of the challenges that have occurred.
- Deb closes the meeting by reiterating that Admins and Mods are available to contact when needed.
Meeting adjourned at 1:31 pm.
Alm 12/28