Board Retreat

Reflections on last semester

1. Things that worked
a. Diversity of events
b. CUCR connections
c. Social events
d. Post- CT retention
e. GS members
f. Campaign Trip format
g. Website
h. Board dynamic <3
i.
Groupme!!
2. Things that can be improved
a. Event overload
b. Have end of meeting/pitches be more organized
i.
Announce Dems events after LBC, other clubs can do pitches
after circles
c. Clarify board roles
i.
Who responds to what emails? (Media Director or VP)
d. Structure of meetings
i.
Dont have to do circles every week
ii.
Hold events during meetings
iii.
Specific topics for each meeting - easier to advertise, reach
new constituents
1. Poll body members for topics
iv.
Invite experts from other clubs, professors, real people
e. Talk about differences w/in Democratic Party
f. Plan for meetings 2 weeks in advance
g. More activism during meetings
h. Brevity
i.
Social and media committees
j.
Outreach to body
k. Let people know about event attendance well in advance
l.
Getting more exciting speakers
Board Responsibilities
1. Respond to emails promptly
2. Save things for board meetings unless super urgent
3. If you cannot attend an event, email Austin & event organizer
4. At least half the board should be able to attend every event
a. 3 or more members for co-sponsored events
Recruitment
1.
2.

Inclusion & diversity

a. Make a strong effort to reach out to other groups
Try to have mid-semester board half-retreat to gage progress

State of the Budget (from transitional board mtg in December)

1. Have spent- $1, 223.50
2. Have left - $5,223
a. Solid footing for next semester w/ lobby trip
Lobby Trip
1.
2.

April 16-18
Increasing to 30 people

Plans for the Semester

1.
2.

Voting Rights Act 50th Anniversary (March) - Melissa (Shosh, Isabel, Jess)
Environmental Stuff - Ben (Mike, Darius)
a. Community service group bonding
b. Political activism
c. Food sustainability
d. Meeting in February - educational
e. Action in March
f. Something for Earth Day
3. Valentines Day Condomgrams - Melissa & Shosh
a. Assemble during Feb 4 mtg
b. Speaker from NARAL
4. Clinic Defense
5. Albany lobby trip - Partha, Austin, Jess
a. Day of Action -specific issue (NYS Dream Act)
b. Other groups
c. Other money
6. Panels - Voting Rights Act
7. CPU Debates
8. Liberal Sparring
9. Single issue meetings
a. Feb 4 or 11- Valentines Day
b. Environmental
10. Dems Formal - Jess
11. Graduate Student Union teach-in
Glass House Rocks - Jess and Melissa
1. Send Melissa ideas for cutouts
First GBM
1.

FOOD

2.

#rushdems

a.
3.
4.

Roti roll, DIno BBQ, Pizza?

a. Isabel to make poster and cover photo

Announce Lobby trip
VOTE: Next meetings circles
a. Free speech in the context of France (Jordana)
b. Boko Haram (Ben)
c. US Politics Recap (Austin, Partha)
i.
YES: 11 (unanimous)

Cosponsorships
1. No Red Tape workshops
a. VOTE: Expressing interest and getting more information
i.
Yes: 11 (unanimous)
2. Ivy League Dems
a. Jord will reply