[Theresa Davies]

A dilemma- many things to consider. My experience is that the meetings and presentations are marginally conducive to socializing as the focus is on the meeting or the presenter, not much time before or after the meeting to socialize, so to me, meetings on zoom make sense. Saves time, money, no hassle with setting up, driving.
I do find the social events very conducive to meeting new members, enjoying time catching up with friends, making plans, doing something together- kayaking, picnic, hanging out. I often miss the summer and fall events because I’m away. I suggest we have a few unstructured winter socials where we can discuss the next season. A opportunity to find out who wants to go where, when, to meet new members, and get to know who are like minded paddlers. By the time it’s spring, plans are already made. For example, I have a lounge in my Community Centre we could rent for informal monthly socials for members interested in getting to know other paddlers and connecting with friends.

 

 

 

[Former Member]

I like what Susan Jensen said. She outlines what is required to set up an in-person meeting. As Susan Johnson and I did a lot of these items in the past, I for one enjoyed the time well spent.

But things have changed. I also agree that maybe some form of hybrid meetings maybe the way to go. Maybe look at having only two in-person meetings a year, late fall and early spring. (after and before the kayaking season). Maybe meetings to be held on a Saturday or Sunday with a larger agenda (4 hours in the morning )? This would help with our younger working members, avoid the growing Vancouver traffic tangle plus time to mingle after. Then have monthly Zoom meetings with a shorter agenda but major speakers that can be on-line from anywhere in the world? Maybe the two summer Locarno picnic could contain an agenda as to talks on trips and/or safety as well as pot luck food? Food for thought, pun intended.

[Sue Johnson]

When we held our monthly meetings at the Sunrise Hall we were lucky to be able to rent storage space to house our audio-visual equipment and other supplies in the same location. When the decision was made to discontinue the Sunrise location, we moved our belongings to a North Vancouver storage unit. It would take a committee to find a location that provided both a meeting venue and storage all in one. Picking up the AV equipment from North Vancouver, transporting it to a designated Vancouver venue, then returning it would not be practicable on a monthly basis.

Kevin has expertly solicited the most interesting of presenters, some of which would have been impossible had it not been for Zoom. I feel it appropriate to stay on the Zoom path and have one-off get-togethers for, say, viewing kayak films together, picnics, evening paddles, workshops, all of which could be intermingled with food.

[Ken Bigelow]

I also see the value of in person meetings.

However as a few have mentioned above the need for volunteers who want the meetings to be in person need to step up and make it a reality.

The costs associated with in person meetings as well out of town travel is prohibitive compared to before the pandemic.

I would like to see the meetings continue on Zoom and we should champion this effort as the least damaging to our environment and climate by not traveling in person for every social.

We have a number of in person socials that do already happen every year. Lets push for a higher attendance on the in person socials / club events we already have.

[Simone Avram]

Simone Avram.

I completely prefer in person meetings.

In the past, meetings benefitted members by creating a platform for spontaneous planning of activities, building community, promoting activities, promoting and nurturing friendships and providing education.

By contrast, the only value of zoom meetings is education, in my opinion. I do not attend zoom meetings while I would certainly attend in person meetings.

[Kevin Amos]

If you want to volunteer to assist with meetings, update your profile for volunteering when you renew your membership or update your profile. There are 3 options:

Help at Monthly Club Meetings

Help setup at Monthly Meetings
Monthly Meeting Cleanup and Recycling

Currently there are 30 volunteers. If someone wants to get a list of volunteers contact Membership.

[Former Member]

Thinking of club goals and future direction, I feel that if a club is to have interpersonal cohesion, commitment (inspiring volunteerism), and growth, at least some face-to-face meetings are needed. Considering newcomers (growth) face to face meetings provide important opportunities for connection with more experienced club members. Perhaps face to face meetings could be set up during spring, summer and fall evenings.

[Peter Kearney]

Hi Susan,

All excellent points. If the bodies aren’t there to put an event on or to even attend an in-person event then why do it? Perhaps try for only 1 in-person with a speaker in 2024 and combine it with an already scheduled event?

[Susan Jensen]

What I can contribute to this conversation are some facts and numbers from the volunteer recruitment perspective. (This will be too long to read for many folks.)

Here’s what went into our in-person meetings before the pandemic. A dozen+ volunteers were involved to:

– Identify potential halls, scout for availability, view, compare, vote on, sign contract, and pay.

– Identify and research potential guest speakers for Program, solicit, schedule, coordinate including ferries, accommodation reimbursement, thank you card, etc.

– Advertise meeting on website, social media, and by email

– Purchase snacks and beverages

– Print nametags for new members (outdoor clubs have reusable nametags)

– Coordinate announcements of club business and safety topics to make sure appropriate people are in attendance to do it and nobody gets their toes stepped on

– Prepare Safety Talk some months

– Arrange last minute logistics (if a volunteer can’t attend, finding someone else)

Night of meeting:

5:00 pm: Volunteer(s) meet out-of-town guest speaker for dinner.

6:15: Volunteer(s) pick up the hall keys, unlock doors, turn on heat, set up chairs and tables

6:45: 6+ volunteers arrive to set up AV equipment, screen, make coffee and tea, set up library, set up snacks, set up welcome table with nametags

7:00: Members arrive, socialize, snack, use club library

7:30 -8:45: Announcements, and/or safety talk and guest speaker

8:45: Program ends and members stack chairs

8:45 – 9:00: Socializing with many leaving by 9pm and some lingering

9:30: cleanup by 4+ volunteers  – coffee urn, mugs, plates and cutlery washed (outdoor clubs don’t use disposables), AV equipment and screen taken down and stored, library put into crates and stored, floor swept, trash taken out

10:00 pm: volunteer(s) lock hall and return key

Driving costs and time vary depending on where in the Lower Mainland people are coming from. Of course some of these tasks are done even if we meet over Zoom. And sure in-person meetings could be simpler (but what exactly would we eliminate?)

I currently don’t see anyone, much less a dozen people, volunteering to do all of this every month or even every 3 months as has been suggested. For example, this year the Nomination Committee solicited another assistant to our Programs Officer and nobody would commit. We also don’t have Safety or Outreach officers for 2024.

Our Programs team has found excellent guest speakers for our virtual meetings but it’s clear that some folks are uncomfortable with Zoom or tired of screens.  So to address this, in addition to trips, workshops and courses, our volunteers planned many social events and are working on how to make them better. There were small pizza lunches in the winter plus:

May: Spring Fling dinner

June: New Member Welcome paddle and lunch

July: Locarno picnic

August: Locarno picnic

September: Fall Fling dinner

December: Christmas party

Between 5-45 participants attended each of these. We’ve been begging for people to turn out — so please start attending if you don’t already.  All of these events could be made even better. For example, we’d love it if members would volunteer to offer enhancements like presentations, equipment demos, games, gear swaps, or whatever they’d like to share.

About hybrid meetings, I don’t think they are a good option for an organization where members are spread out geographically and attendance is optional. Personally, I would be disappointed if I drove into Vancouver on a rainy night for a hybrid meeting and the only in-person attendees were the dozen volunteers who had to be there.

[Philip Kubik]

Due to the rather miserable weather forecast for Saturday Dec. 9, the SKABC trip to English Bay scheduled for that day has been rescheduled to Sunday, Dec. 10. If you wish to join the trip, please register as usual on the SKABC website. A reply to this message is neither necessary nor sufficient. The registration deadline has been extended to Friday, Dec. 10.

[John McIntyre]

I prefer in person meetings.  There is a greater opportunity to interact with others who attend, rather than on-line.  I do not think it needs to be either/or.  If it is a logistic option, other members and guests should be able to attend the same meeting on-line.

[Helen Roberts]

We prefer in-person meetings so that we can interact with others and exchange news/ideas.  Perhaps some meetings could be in person and others via Zoom?

[Bob Maher]

For the in-person meetings before Covid there were always enough people to set up and take down the chairs etc. Yes, there has to be some one to coordinate ZOOM or In-Person meetings. I did mention to George and Kevin H that I would assist Kevin to set up speakers for in person meetings.

Getting a Venue for the In-Person meetings is the important first step.

[Iveta Janot]

I prefer in person meeting, I spent enough time on computer at work.  As well it is much nicer to chat with others in person.  Perhaps every second or third month would be good.

[Maureen Benzon]

My opinion does not count because I am unable to make Monday nights, either in person or on zoom. However, if meetings were to be held on another night, I would attend in person meetings. Having zoom as an option is great for those who live further away.

[Author]

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