Ideas to Boost IPS Membership

[Jerry@TreeZoo]

The IPS has been declining in membership for several years. The reasons, I think, are varied. The economy stinks, the internet gives everybody all the palm knowledge they want so no need to contribute money here, younger crowds are more interested in family and careers than palms etc.

We all know there is a problem, who has ideas for a solution?

I will post my suggestions later, hoping someone will speak first with a better idea than I have in mind.

[_Keith]

Already posted mine more than once. Good luck.

[Dypsisdean]

I would think expanding the rather small niche we occupy would be easy and cost next to nothing. How does the International Palm and Cycad Society sound for starters?

[Jerry@TreeZoo]

Keith, I did not mean to take away anything you posted earlier. You might want to bump it or link it here.

Part of what I was doing was to make the other communications thread more clear and a single issue thread.

[Kim]

Well... the IPS now has a monthly email newsletter which goes out to all members and lapsed members -- more than 1,000 lapsed members in our database. The idea is for the IPS to connect more frequently with its membership, reach out to them in ways the IPS has not done before. Anyone with creative input or content, please contact me! I realize nobody is going to suddenly pay $45 for membership because of an email, but continued contact with interesting information and links to yet more palm information may eventually create interest and attract some back into the fold. It's new, it's a way to connect to membership, tap them on the shoulder once a month, and it's progress. We should have been doing this for years.

[_Keith]

Keith, I did not mean to take away anything you posted earlier. You might want to bump it or link it here.

Part of what I was doing was to make the other communications thread more clear and a single issue thread.

Jerry, sorry, it was not about that at all. I just get frustrated at times with the IPS. There have enough threads dealing with the things I and others are concerned with so they need not be rehashed in this potentially positive thread. Thanks for starting.

Well... the IPS now has a monthly email newsletter which goes out to all members and lapsed members -- more than 1,000 lapsed members in our database. The idea is for the IPS to connect more frequently with its membership, reach out to them in ways the IPS has not done before. Anyone with creative input or content, please contact me! I realize nobody is going to suddenly pay $45 for membership because of an email, but continued contact with interesting information and links to yet more palm information may eventually create interest and attract some back into the fold. It's new, it's a way to connect to membership, tap them on the shoulder once a month, and it's progress. We should have been doing this for years.

I would email each of the lapsed members with a complimentary copy of the new e-publication and tell them we miss them. Talk about any other improvements to such as Palmtalk updates, etc. Then give them a call to action, such as renew before the end of the year for a discount, maybe 20% off, only good till midnight on the 31st. Also, suggest it as a Christmas gift. But, keep the whole communication to a short paragraph at most. You are trying to trigger an impulse renewal.

[Dr. George]

First of all, you have to be committed to membership growth - that means willingness to spend resources to grow membership.

Membership growth is dependent upon 1) retaining current members and 2) obtaining new members, and that is dependent upon understanding the wants and needs of your target market, and having programs and services that meet those wants and needs.

You can guess, but you don't really know/understand why people leave or why people don't join unless you ask them. Polling a statistically significant number of former members as to why they did not renew their membership, polling a statistically significant number of your target market that have not joined (Palm Talkers never been IPS member, local society members not joined IPS), and polling a statistically significant number of long term members (say 5+ years) would help to understand the wants and needs of your target market and give some direction as to where it would be beneficial (or not beneficial) to direct what types of efforts.

gmp

[_Keith]

First of all, you have to be committed to membership growth - that means willingness to spend resources to grow membership.

Membership growth is dependent upon 1) retaining current members and 2) obtaining new members, and that is dependent upon understanding the wants and needs of your target market, and having programs and services that meet those wants and needs.

You can guess, but you don't really know/understand why people leave or why people don't join unless you ask them. Polling a statistically significant number of former members as to why they did not renew their membership, polling a statistically significant number of your target market that have not joined (Palm Talkers never been IPS member, local society members not joined IPS), and polling a statistically significant number of long term members (say 5+ years) would help to understand the wants and needs of your target market and give some direction as to where it would be beneficial (or not beneficial) to direct what types of efforts.

gmp

Excellent points Dr. George.

[LJG]

Well... the IPS now has a monthly email newsletter which goes out to all members and lapsed members -- more than 1,000 lapsed members in our database. The idea is for the IPS to connect more frequently with its membership, reach out to them in ways the IPS has not done before. Anyone with creative input or content, please contact me! I realize nobody is going to suddenly pay $45 for membership because of an email, but continued contact with interesting information and links to yet more palm information may eventually create interest and attract some back into the fold. It's new, it's a way to connect to membership, tap them on the shoulder once a month, and it's progress. We should have been doing this for years.

The newsletter was long over due. That is great Liz had all the old emails too of past members. Kim, do you know if the software you are using is smart enough to remove dead email addresses or old ones?

Also, one major issue why the newsletter won't bring in much new or old members - the IPS has no call to actions. No major push why to join. Most non-profits suck at this so we are not alone. Some excel. Here is what I am talking about -

http://action.sierraclub.org/site/PageServer#.UrR8tn-9KSM

When you go to our site it has board news and stuff on books. No one will act reading that. People now days need a cause to motivate them more than past generations. As an example (nothing discussed) the IPS can take a leadership role in making our main call to action to educate and stop the spread oil palms. We have some amazing botanist that could right up a great article and we could chop it up and us it across many platforms. I am sure we can come up with other causes that are palm related and effect us all. These need to be front and center.

---------------

More to Jerry's question at hand -

Another idea is to seeks volunteers from around the world from our member base and ask them to go local zoos, botanical gardens, etc and ask if discounts can be given to our members. Much like AAA or AARP gets at places. I think if the IPS were to create some great marketing materials to sell the idea, our volunteers could get these places to discount something. There is software that allows our users to print their own membership cards to show. I think this is a good value added option for members if we get enough places to add to the list.

I think we need to look at cross pollinating with other groups. Many of our goals cross paths. Identify them and figure out how best to work together - even if it is just for some free publicity.

There are many more things we can come up with I am sure. But as has been stated by others before, there is never a shortage of ideas just a shortage of those that will implement. So the next step is how to increase volunteerism within our organization.

[Jerry@TreeZoo]

What benefit does someone get from being a member vs not being a member? It seems all the information anyone wants is available online with no cost. $45 seems to be the number where it does not hurt too much and you could be guilted into being altruistic to fund a society.

I would lower the cost of admission.

Stop distributing the hard copy of Palms to all members and charge the people that want it something close to its true cost. Otherwise, print it online for members only with more pictures and other content.

Reduce nonmembers picture posting and search abilities on the forum while increasing members abilities.

Create some type of "Global" presence. with TV and electronic media spots. Get garden centers to rebate $1.00 from every plant sale to the "IPS Save the Habitat Fund" or have some point of purchase mechanism for the purchaser to kick in an extra buck. They do that at the grocery store for every single purchase.

I have not paid dues in years. Way back when, the "Lifetime" dues was $500. I paid that and have not paid in another cent since 1999. That was a bargain, in my opinion. All lifetime dues goes into the permanent foundation account, I understand, not the operating account. I don't know how many pay this way or how it affects the IPS bottom line.

BTW, I am still in the stone age with my old flip phone, but that IPS smart phone app looks great.

[waykoolplantz]

I dont think we should give quarter to those Cycad folks

The IPS will continue to contract as long as they do not understand their own value and use fresh ideas to bring newcomers into the fold

Palmtalk is about all thats saved it

[Dr. George]

go local zoos, botanical gardens, etc and ask if discounts can be given to our members. Much like AAA or AARP gets at places. ...There is software that allows our users to print their own membership cards to show. I think this is a good value added option for members if we get enough places to add to the list.

Very interesting idea - what would IPS use as an inducement to discount? Maybe free promotional space on PT and/or the IPS webiste and/or newsletter?

The membership card issue would have to be in place, but sounds like you may have a low cost solution for that.

Probably a committee activity or professional agency as you will need someone interfacing with the institution who can negotiate/sign a contract or agreement of understanding between IPS and the institution.

Maybe someone could approach one or more of these institutions that participate in discounting programs for organizations and find out how these are initiated, what they usually involve and what the institution's expectations are for participation.

gmp

[_Keith]

No offense meant to anyone so I will try to be careful in how I word this, but if IPS considers Palms, discovery, habitat protection, having a rare Dypsis this or a whatever that, etc. to be what they have to sell, then this is it. This is pretty much the limit of audience and participation. Not only that, IPS does not have enough money to even begin to be truly effective at those things. Those are just the facts. But there is a way to get more money.

You see, one of the early pioneers of PalmTalk knew exactly what the "sell" was and that is why he chose the name and contents for his book. Palms are a part of the "The Tropical Look." This is where the masses are, and that is how to attract them. In no way does that mean diminishing the focus on palms, but it does mean opening up to the other plants and plant families that make up the tropical look. You want to know what areas besides palms to include, just look at Robert's Table of Contents. There are only so many palm collectors in the world, a number which by some accounts is aging and dwindling, but the number of people seeking "The Tropical Look" is nearly endless.

That is the sell.

[Dypsisdean]

No offense meant to anyone so I will try to be careful in how I word this, but if IPS considers Palms, discovery, habitat protection, having a rare Dypsis this or a whatever that, etc. to be what they have to sell, then this is it. This is pretty much the limit of audience and participation. Not only that, IPS does not have enough money to even begin to be truly effective at those things. Those are just the facts. But there is a way to get more money.

You see, one of the early pioneers of PalmTalk knew exactly what the "sell" was and that is why he chose the name and contents for his book. Palms are a part of the "The Tropical Look." This is where the masses are, and that is how to attract them. In no way does that mean diminishing the focus on palms, but it does mean opening up to the other plants and plant families that make up the tropical look. You want to know what areas besides palms to include, just look at Robert's Table of Contents. There are only so many palm collectors in the world, a number which by some accounts is aging and dwindling, but the number of people seeking "The Tropical Look" is nearly endless.

That is the sell.

Exactly Keith - that is why I suggested Cycads - knowing that to jump from palms to a "Tropical Look" at one fell swoop would never happen, or be remotely considered. But one step at a time, starting with the most obvious and simplest "addition," could start the process and not be so much of a shock to the conservative mentality that is the IPS.

But as I have explained to you before, all of these suggestions and more have been floated for years. We are not at a loss for suggestions. We need suggestions on how to get the IPS to act on suggestions. But having said that, some of them are being acted on as we speak - however slowly. But slowly is better than not at all. If only we will live long enough.

[LJG]

Keith, do you not find it ironic that the very thing you suggest to help the IPS simply destroys it? Here is the IPS Mission Statement -
"The International Palm Society, Inc. is operated solely and exclusively for scientific and/or educational purposes related to the study of palms, their propagation, culture, conservation, care, and development."

You are proposing we remove ourselves from this? Why not start a "tropical plant look society" then instead? This is the IPS. We deal in palms. If we want to be part of cycads, we can join the cycad society. Flowering trees? The tropical flowering tree society. Bromeliads are tropical. Hey there is a bromeliad society already. And why do you think people growing palms are an aging crowd while young people are looking for a tropical plant society?

What Dean suggest has been done by many local chapters. Much easier at that level. How would a biennial work for palms and cycads at the international level? Cycad people would want it held in South Africa every year.

[_Keith]

Keith, here is the IPS Mission Statement -

"The International Palm Society, Inc. is operated solely and exclusively for scientific and/or educational purposes related to the study of palms, their propagation, culture, conservation, care, and development."

You are proposing we remove ourselves from this? Why not start a "tropical plant look society" then instead? This is the IPS. We deal in palms. If we want to be part of cycads, we can join the cycad society. Flowering trees? The tropical flowering tree society. Bromeliads are tropical. Hey there is a bromeliad society already. And why do you think people growing palms are an aging crowd while young people are looking for a tropical plant society?

What Dean suggest has been done by many local chapters. Much easier at that level. How would a biennial work for palms and cycads at the international level? Cycad people would want it held in South Africa every year.

Len,

First, I would say that missions can and should change as groups, societies, and cultures evolve, BUT, in my post above I was not saying that at all. I am saying that by expanding the scope of PalmTalk to include what attracts the masses to palms in the first place, one might find more membership, more marketing opportunities, and more funding for that mission. And if along the way, the mission expands as well, as least to me, that is all the better.

Keith

[LJG]

Keith, here is the IPS Mission Statement -

"The International Palm Society, Inc. is operated solely and exclusively for scientific and/or educational purposes related to the study of palms, their propagation, culture, conservation, care, and development."

You are proposing we remove ourselves from this? Why not start a "tropical plant look society" then instead? This is the IPS. We deal in palms. If we want to be part of cycads, we can join the cycad society. Flowering trees? The tropical flowering tree society. Bromeliads are tropical. Hey there is a bromeliad society already. And why do you think people growing palms are an aging crowd while young people are looking for a tropical plant society?

What Dean suggest has been done by many local chapters. Much easier at that level. How would a biennial work for palms and cycads at the international level? Cycad people would want it held in South Africa every year.

Len,

First, I would say that missions can and should change as groups, societies, and cultures evolve, BUT, in my post above I was not saying that at all. I am saying that by expanding the scope of PalmTalk to include what attracts the masses to palms in the first place, one might find more membership, more marketing opportunities, and more funding for that mission. And if along the way, the mission expands as well, as least to me, that is all the better.

Keith

When I read the thread title and your post I assumed you meant the entire IPS, not just palmtalk. I believe opening up our social media platforms to more plant options might be beneficial to attract more eyes but not sure it would create membership without clear call to actions as pointed out before.

[Jeff Searle]

I would think expanding the rather small niche we occupy would be easy and cost next to nothing. How does the International Palm and Cycad Society sound for starters?

International Palm and Cycad Society? Are you serious?

[Dypsisdean]

I would think expanding the rather small niche we occupy would be easy and cost next to nothing. How does the International Palm and Cycad Society sound for starters?

International Palm and Cycad Society? Are you serious?

What exactly are you trying to say?

Let's see - you are surrounded by the Palm Beach Palm and Cycad Society, the PACSOF (Palm and Cycad Societies of Florida), and the CFPASC (Central Florida Palm and Cycad Society)

And this from your own South Florida Palm Society website - THE SFPS currently holds 2 annual Palm and Cycad sales each year. - and goes on to exclaim that your sale is Billed as the “World’s Largest Sale of Palms and Cycads” and "Each event kicks off with a SFPS membership party and palm/cycad show on Friday evening."

And my suggestion rates an "Are you serious?" - like it's way off base???

[_Keith]

No offense meant to anyone so I will try to be careful in how I word this, but if IPS considers Palms, discovery, habitat protection, having a rare Dypsis this or a whatever that, etc. to be what they have to sell, then this is it. This is pretty much the limit of audience and participation. Not only that, IPS does not have enough money to even begin to be truly effective at those things. Those are just the facts. But there is a way to get more money.

You see, one of the early pioneers of PalmTalk knew exactly what the "sell" was and that is why he chose the name and contents for his book. Palms are a part of the "The Tropical Look." This is where the masses are, and that is how to attract them. In no way does that mean diminishing the focus on palms, but it does mean opening up to the other plants and plant families that make up the tropical look. You want to know what areas besides palms to include, just look at Robert's Table of Contents. There are only so many palm collectors in the world, a number which by some accounts is aging and dwindling, but the number of people seeking "The Tropical Look" is nearly endless.

That is the sell.

Exactly Keith - that is why I suggested Cycads - knowing that to jump from palms to a "Tropical Look" at one fell swoop would never happen, or be remotely considered. But one step at a time, starting with the most obvious and simplest "addition," could start the process and not be so much of a shock to the conservative mentality that is the IPS.

But as I have explained to you before, all of these suggestions and more have been floated for years. We are not at a loss for suggestions. We need suggestions on how to get the IPS to act on suggestions. But having said that, some of them are being acted on as we speak - however slowly. But slowly is better than not at all. If only we will live long enough.

Dean, I think this is a very logical step outward.

[waykoolplantz]

No offense meant to anyone so I will try to be careful in how I word this, but if IPS considers Palms, discovery, habitat protection, having a rare Dypsis this or a whatever that, etc. to be what they have to sell, then this is it. This is pretty much the limit of audience and participation. Not only that, IPS does not have enough money to even begin to be truly effective at those things. Those are just the facts. But there is a way to get more money.

You see, one of the early pioneers of PalmTalk knew exactly what the "sell" was and that is why he chose the name and contents for his book. Palms are a part of the "The Tropical Look." This is where the masses are, and that is how to attract them. In no way does that mean diminishing the focus on palms, but it does mean opening up to the other plants and plant families that make up the tropical look. You want to know what areas besides palms to include, just look at Robert's Table of Contents. There are only so many palm collectors in the world, a number which by some accounts is aging and dwindling, but the number of people seeking "The Tropical Look" is nearly endless.

That is the sell.

I couldn't disagree more. From my personal experience you will find a palm person adding cycads...but not a cycad person migrating to palms. I'm sure Cycad societies too are looking for new blood...unifying and withering together is not the solution.

Years ago I suggested we coordinate with tropical resorts to document and show the various palms on their properties...the guests could realize they could bring some of the tropics back home. There is a captive audience seeking tropical relief...doubt you could find a more receptive group. This could include distribution of local seed with a flyer on germination & care.

[waykoolplantz]

Btw..the only new blood the Cycad folks get is from the fool that touched one

[waykoolplantz]

To get new members and encourage our future we must follow the same path we follow in our gardens.

Plant seeds.

One way I see is to follow the progress of 'our' children...as seen in Andrews recent post.

Maybe a new PalmTalk category "My how we've grown" that could be updated with family fotos that show Palm & family over time.

Maybe you make a yearly trip to a public garden....take a pic in front of the same palm & post updates

Ron of Wellington posted a pic of his beautiful daughter with his Tahina....and when they visited she posed with mine.

I'm not looking to Facebook-ize our forum but we could show palms as interwoven with our lives

[Cindy Adair]

But as I have explained to you before, all of these suggestions and more have been floated for years. We are not at a loss for suggestions. We need suggestions on how to get the IPS to act on suggestions. But having said that, some of them are being acted on as we speak - however slowly. But slowly is better than not at all. If only we will live long enough.

As Dean mentioned above, even in my relatively short time with the IPS I have heard numerous good ideas, many of them on Palmtalk.

Prior to the Peru meeting, I was sent a copy of a committee report that grouped ideas based on an estimated cost/benefit analysis. Thus they started with free options and went from there. I hope that report can be released to Palmtalk in this members only area in the near future along with comments from the interim meeting.

As of last night, I didn't see the meeting notes from Peru, but am sure that in the new year they will appear. I'm still working on reading all the years of meeting notes in the wealth of information there! By the way, I would consider reading the past meeting notes to be another prerequisite to nomination in the future that makes sense.

I personally spoke with someone high up in the American Orchid Society this Fall who said they would be very likely to go with reciprocal ads online and in print with their lovely website/magazine. I haven't proceeded because currently our website and publication don't really include such items and I thought it better to wait until I know more.

I would be happy to try to list all the many ideas that are posted here for the appropriate committee's use or just send a link in an email to give them another reason to visit this site.... From the large amount of work they have done to prepare the report I referenced I would say they are enthusiastic. I have no idea what's currently in the works but hope the meeting notes will clarify the areas of focus.

[Jeff Searle]

Dean,

First off...I like cycads, I grow a few and I have sold a few over the years. And yes, I have some in my garden. But my answer was to simply voice MY opinion, that is keeping the IPS that....the IPS.

Secondly.....and for you to quote your info. taken from a website here, ha ha your like a day old newspaper. The SFPS ( USE TO ) hold two sales a year, BUT there hasn't been a fall sale for 2 years now. And the Spring Sale for 2014 is in serious jeopardy of being held. In another words, the chance is slim to none from what I'm told. But who knows, we still have 2 plus months. And the World's largest Sale, I seriously doubt that, especially when you exclude all the cycad species. And a Friday evening party? Lol.

The Palm Beach Sale, even though is small ( amount of vendors and revenue way down ) is still going pretty strong and does hold a sale twice a year. Central Florida Chapter is not in my area and therefore irrelevant. PACSOF....a dead organization with no meetings, sales, gatherings, nothing, ZIP.

SORRY.....

[LJG]

But as I have explained to you before, all of these suggestions and more have been floated for years. We are not at a loss for suggestions. We need suggestions on how to get the IPS to act on suggestions. But having said that, some of them are being acted on as we speak - however slowly. But slowly is better than not at all. If only we will live long enough.

I personally spoke with someone high up in the American Orchid Society this Fall who said they would be very likely to go with reciprocal ads online and in print with their lovely website/magazine. I haven't proceeded because currently our website and publication don't really include such items and I thought it better to wait until I know more.

Cindy, thanks for pointing out the aos. This is a great example of a plant society adding value to membership. One of the ideas proposed above is actually being done by them:

"Free and discounted admission to more than 200 botanical gardens and arboreta"

When looking a little further it links you to here:

http://www.ahs.org/gardening-programs/rap

I wonder if a palmtalker that is in the aos could ask how they got this program going. Or someone contact AHS. I have too much on my plate with the design proposal and research to add this.

Another thing they offer is a $30 off coupon from participating Orchid sellers. In return the seller gets advertising, links on the aos, and perhaps new business.

[LJG]

Cindy, another thing the aos does very well is use conservation and research as key points - after all it is in their mission as it is in ours. The difference you would never know it from the IPS website. Aos spells it out. Here is one example:

https://www.aos.org/Default.aspx?id=49

They also have a history of what grant money did and what conservation projects they are working on. These are calls to action.

[DALION]

I think that one of the problems with the IPS is that the magazine is too technical. As a orchid collector or bromeliad collector looking at the IPS may seem like a botany journal. I find that I don't get much value from the magazine for that reason and that magazine is the face of the IPS... that is if you don't count Palmtalk which is invaluable. I am no one special so take my thoughts as you wish.

[_Keith]

No offense meant to anyone so I will try to be careful in how I word this, but if IPS considers Palms, discovery, habitat protection, having a rare Dypsis this or a whatever that, etc. to be what they have to sell, then this is it. This is pretty much the limit of audience and participation. Not only that, IPS does not have enough money to even begin to be truly effective at those things. Those are just the facts. But there is a way to get more money.

You see, one of the early pioneers of PalmTalk knew exactly what the "sell" was and that is why he chose the name and contents for his book. Palms are a part of the "The Tropical Look." This is where the masses are, and that is how to attract them. In no way does that mean diminishing the focus on palms, but it does mean opening up to the other plants and plant families that make up the tropical look. You want to know what areas besides palms to include, just look at Robert's Table of Contents. There are only so many palm collectors in the world, a number which by some accounts is aging and dwindling, but the number of people seeking "The Tropical Look" is nearly endless.

That is the sell.

Exactly Keith - that is why I suggested Cycads - knowing that to jump from palms to a "Tropical Look" at one fell swoop would never happen, or be remotely considered. But one step at a time, starting with the most obvious and simplest "addition," could start the process and not be so much of a shock to the conservative mentality that is the IPS.

But as I have explained to you before, all of these suggestions and more have been floated for years. We are not at a loss for suggestions. We need suggestions on how to get the IPS to act on suggestions. But having said that, some of them are being acted on as we speak - however slowly. But slowly is better than not at all. If only we will live long enough.

So, two simple things to do right now.

Change the name from "TROPICAL LOOKING PLANTS - Other Than Palms"

to COMPANION PLANTS for PALMS - TROPICAL LOOK

Add COMPANION PLANTS for PALMS - MEDITERRANEAN LOOK - Cycads, Succulents, and Cacti

This will in no way splinter the palm section of the board nor IPS.

I would move them out of "OFF Topic Forums" and add to the top section of the main page.

[Toby]

Many good ideas here, I would say most of which we have already discussed on the board at one time or another and most have never seen any action, largely because there was nobody with enough time or drive to work out a good plan and implement it.

Best, TOBY

[Cindy Adair]

Many good ideas here, I would say most of which we have already discussed on the board at one time or another and most have never seen any action, largely because there was nobody with enough time or drive to work out a good plan and implement it.

Best, TOBY

Is it possible to post the lengthy report by the PRAMM committee prior to the Peru meeting? I believe that report consolidated suggestions in a logical fashion. We might luck upon some hard working passionate volunteers on PT who just couldn't quite run for directorship this round.

Of course I am not a director so was not in Peru, but was sent a copy of the committee reports as part of a mass email prior to October. I know the minutes will be posted, but are not likely to contain more than a summary based on examples from previous meeting notes on the IPS website.

By the way, if anyone wants to read the past biennial and interim meeting notes before 2013, all IPS members have full access by logging in after clicking on the palm tree logo at the top of the PT website. If you don't remember your IPS number, it'll be emailed to you right away. If you have any trouble, ask me if you like.

[Toby]

I can't see any reason why the committee report should not be posted here, I think that was actually approved by the board at the Peru meeting. We could certainly use a bit of additional input that could be incorporated into the plan.

Best, TOBY

[_Keith]

I can't see any reason why the committee report should not be posted here, I think that was actually approved by the board at the Peru meeting. We could certainly use a bit of additional input that could be incorporated into the plan.

Best, TOBY

Toby, that is a great suggestion. In another thread, Len just set a great example of feedback to the membership. It would be great if someone on the BOD would repeat that here.

[Cindy Adair]

Should I wait until the meeting notes are officially posted to verify that permission?

As a non-board member, the last thing I want to do is cause non-productive controversy or bother the Board with questions that are not really time sensitive.

[Kim]

The PRAMM report ideas were organized by cost -- all very general estimates. It was essentially a brainstorm of ideas, several pages, if I remember correctly, and included everything imaginable. Missing were highlighted priorities drawn from the all-encompassing list, with verified cost estimates for the shorter list of priorities. The report was "approved" in the sense that it was presented, discussed briefly, and accepted as a "starting point" needing more work. It was not approved as a list of action items.

The most useful purpose for posting the entire report here (and I recommend getting permission first, as the various committee reports are not necessarily part of the final minutes, as Cindy noted) would be to recruit volunteers to make some of the ideas happen. Who knows, someone here on PT might be inspired by one item on this otherwise somewhat random list, and go all out to make it happen. IPS members have many talents and many skills, and if a person or two are inspired to create a meaningful effort at drawing new members -- fantastic.

It would not be useful to publish the report simply for critical review, in my opinion. Exactly as Toby stated, there has been no shortage of ideas. There has been a shortage of volunteers to put ideas into action.

[Toby]

I just wrote to Grant (chair of the PRAMM committee) and will report back as soon as I hear from him. Best, TOBY

[Cindy Adair]

Thank you so much Toby and Kim. My intention is clearly just to gather ideas in one thread in hope of inspiring volunteers. Negative critiques will only make future releases less likely.

[Cindy Adair]

Please feel free to post anywhere what you like about the IPS. For example see http://www.palmtalk.org/forum/index.php?/topic/40071-ips-endowment-grant-information/

There are many other reasons I'll pay my dues this year.