MCMGA Board Minutes for Sept 28, 2021 at 6:30p
/This meeting was recorded Zoom online meeting
Attendees: Weston Miller (OSU Ext Metro MG Program), Claudia Groth, Susan Marcus, Elaine O’Keefe, Tom Ralley, Christine Semeniuk, Corinne Thomas-Kersting, Jack Lazareck, Linda Goldser, Lorna Schilling, Marcia McIntyre, Mary Abplanalp, Rich Becker, Susanne Cavicchi, Nancy Fine
Presentation by Weston Miller on MG Training in 2022
There were technical issues, so it was shared without slides. Board President, Claudia, had connection issues.
Training
● Training is mostly online modules from Gail Langellotto. 8 wks. of topics. Also 15 min presentations and Q+A on Zoom with Weston, presenters.
● Equity and Inclusion classes will be required. This includes customer service training.
● 2022 Class: 60pp. Mixed class for Multnomah and Washington Counties is 30pp. Clackamas County class is 30pp.
● This class format aims to improve content quality and MG experience.
Outdoor workshops
● Workshops are planned for the Learning Gardens Lab - MCMGA, PCC Rock Creek - WCMGA Education Garden. They will be limited to 25 participants max. Group size is determined by individual locations and Chapter, Program agreements.
● MG Program is planning an outdoor venue for orientation to volunteer activities. What’s available? Online help desk, Demo Garden for Multnomah County.
3 Tuition options
● Tuition is reduced from $495 to: $200 (reduced fee), $250 (standard) $300 (pay-it-forward). Tuition still doesn’t cover the cost of programming.
● No scholarship process.
● No new books.
Activities
● Form to apply. Besides details, It will question - is it serving or reaching out to new or underserved communities?
Ex: Higher on list - Fix-it-fair. Lower on list - regular activities that don’t reach new audiences.
Discussion
● Question about program vs. partner designation. To be decided between Gail, Weston, Marcia (Statewide and Metro MG Program).
● Question about donating a seat or slot for BIPOC students, historically marginalized groups? Weston - There will be limited slots. Best way to fill slots is probably using relationships to recruit people with partner organizations. (Ex: Black Futures Farm, OFB-Oregon Food Bank, VA-Veteran Affairs)
● Weston: If a Chapter or individuals want to make donations to the Agricultural Research Foundation Account, this qualifies for the pay-it-forward model. It’s tax deductible.
Additional considerations from Weston
● Weston is submitting a funding and support proposal to OSU:
Request for stable funding from OSU- $51,000. Chapters need to raise $20,000 per year to support the effort. (Washington and Multnomah split cost.)
● Multnomah Chapter needs to support $10,000.
● Meeting next week with the Interim OSU Ext Director. Weston will assert this is OSU Extension’s highest profile program in the Metro area.
● Funding is only secured until June 30th 2022.
● Metro funding is not available for MG Program.
● OSU Ext needs to cover 2 positions + Weston’s position.
● Weston acknowledges the request for BIPOC support.
● Also messaging from the program to the public. 1500pp filled out an interest form for the MG program in 2020.
● LeAnn Locher is leading promotions. She’s sending interested persons to the appropriate educational service that OSU provides. (Ex: Gail’s Home Horticulture Certificate Course).
● Seeking ideal candidates - Garden educators to serve the public.
MCMGA Board Meeting continues
Claudia rejoined the meeting due to technical issues.
Announcements
Please use the following name format when filing documents and reports in the Chapter Drive: Title Year/month/day Ex: MCMGA Board Minutes 2021.09.28
Secretary - Nancy Fine
Minutes were distributed prior to the meeting.
Jack made a motion to pass the minutes. It was seconded. Minutes unanimously passed.
Treasurer - Susan Marcus
Budget Discussion for 2022
● OSU Ext Donation - Regarding the scholarship application, the intention is to direct outreach for underrepresented people in community organizations and similar groups.
Board President proposes OSU Program Donation Support $7500 (not to the OSU Foundation)
Discussion about offering this support now or waiting until funding runs out. Weston will take Chapters’ support now to OSU management for the next funding cycle.
● Merchandise sales, New Logo