There is a line item in the budget (and in the budget summary on page 33 of the December Spotlight) that I must bring to your attention. There is an allocation of $30,000 for a 30th anniversary party. Using the figure of 2,000 members (estimated membership), that means that $15 from each member’s dues will be used for this celebration.
At our last board meeting, I made a motion that the amount allocated for the 30th anniversary party be “cost neutral.” By this, I meant that we should not allocate an amount that is greater than the revenue we expect to take in (sale of tickets). The motion was defeated with three in favor and five against my motion. Lorraine Edelstein, Jim Venskus and I voted in favor of the motion.
It is highly unusual to pass a budget that is unbalanced and shows a deficit of $25,811.49. We do have enough money in our reserves to cover the allocation but to budget this kind of money during a recession, and after the benefit committee worked so hard to supplement the $40,000 allocated to grants, seems inappropriate.
Even the highly controversial 2009 bylaws state the following as our mission: The Saints shall support performing arts organizations, primarily not-for-profit, in Chicago and nearby communities through volunteer and charitable services.
A 30th Anniversary Committee is already in place and the budget was approved during the months I was banned from the Saints.
How do you feel about this kind of expenditure or budgeting?
It is very important that you send e-mails letting the board know what you think about this before money is spent. Please note that e-mails sent to the President are not automatically shared with the entire board of directors.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Monday, December 7, 2009
Budget Summary in Spotlight - Update
At the board meeting held on Saturday, December 5, 2009, I made a motion that the unedited budget, rather than a summary, be published in the Spotlight. As I wrote on December 1 (see below), members need to see the line items to fully understand how their dues are being spent.
The motion was defeated 4-3. Two members abstained.
The motion was defeated 4-3. Two members abstained.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Quick Thoughts About Saints' Annual Party
Today, about 130 Saints gathered to socialize at Galleria Marchetti and participate in the Saints' Annual Party and Fund Raiser. The co-chairs, Bob Korabik and Laurie Nagatomo deserve credit for doing a wonderful job.
Although there probably are many different ideas about how a fundraiser like this should be run, the space was appealing, parking was abundant (and could be found for free), the entertainment was fun, and there were over 150 donations from local performing arts groups, restaurants, etc. There also was a silent auction where many of our members both provided and bid on prizes that ranged from legal services, and sailboat cruises to beautiful and interesting books.
While one can think of things that might have been different, we learn each year from our successes and failures, and it was obvious that there had been much care and thought put into today's event.
It's too soon to know how much money was raised but this year, the drawing of raffle tickets and awarding of prizes was handled much better than the past two years. We all could see the tickets being drawn, put with an envelope (it sounded like the donors' and their prizes were filed in alphabetical order), hear the name of who won, and what they won, It took awhile but it was fun to see what fellow saints had won, and hear who the generous donors were.
Imagine how much more successful we could be next year if every single Saint purchases at least one raffle ticket for $5 and finds one donor. WOW. Let's keep that in mind at our next benefit, and make a point of thanking the Benefit Committee (Barbara Burdiak, Roberta Chapman, Helen Corman, Lorraine Edelstein, Ann Gunn, Neil and Leila Handelman, Krys Lordahl, Sandra Posner, Myles Rothstein, and the Co-chairs - Bob Korabik and Laurie Nagatoma for the hours they must have spent to make this day a success.
As soon as the totals are tallied, we hope that you will post a comment stating how much money was raised today.
Although there probably are many different ideas about how a fundraiser like this should be run, the space was appealing, parking was abundant (and could be found for free), the entertainment was fun, and there were over 150 donations from local performing arts groups, restaurants, etc. There also was a silent auction where many of our members both provided and bid on prizes that ranged from legal services, and sailboat cruises to beautiful and interesting books.
While one can think of things that might have been different, we learn each year from our successes and failures, and it was obvious that there had been much care and thought put into today's event.
It's too soon to know how much money was raised but this year, the drawing of raffle tickets and awarding of prizes was handled much better than the past two years. We all could see the tickets being drawn, put with an envelope (it sounded like the donors' and their prizes were filed in alphabetical order), hear the name of who won, and what they won, It took awhile but it was fun to see what fellow saints had won, and hear who the generous donors were.
Imagine how much more successful we could be next year if every single Saint purchases at least one raffle ticket for $5 and finds one donor. WOW. Let's keep that in mind at our next benefit, and make a point of thanking the Benefit Committee (Barbara Burdiak, Roberta Chapman, Helen Corman, Lorraine Edelstein, Ann Gunn, Neil and Leila Handelman, Krys Lordahl, Sandra Posner, Myles Rothstein, and the Co-chairs - Bob Korabik and Laurie Nagatoma for the hours they must have spent to make this day a success.
As soon as the totals are tallied, we hope that you will post a comment stating how much money was raised today.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Budget Summary Posted in Spotlight
In the December Spotlight, you will see a budget summary on page 33. While it is a step in the right direction, it does not provide the details which are necessary to fully understand how our dues and donations are spent. From this summary, members cannot see the line items and how much is allocated for each one of them.
For example, if the line items were there, you would be able to see how much it costs to print, layout, and mail the newsletter. You would also learn that "office expenses" includes six separate line items. You would be able to see what portion of membership expenses is allocated for badges. And you would know how much we pay for rent.
The board agreed to publish the budget, and not a summary of the budget. It is a "beginning" though. Even though the information is limited, it will help you to raise the questions that need to be asked.
I strongly advise you to ask questions of the Saints board now, before additional expenses are incurred. And please, make sure that you send your questions and comments to the entire board of directors. All board members are fiduciaries, not just the Treasurer or the other officers. You have paid dues and in some cases, made donations, and the board is accountable to all of you.
The next board meeting is on Saturday, December 5, 2009. Contact the president, BJ Nelson, if you wish to attend as an observer.
For example, if the line items were there, you would be able to see how much it costs to print, layout, and mail the newsletter. You would also learn that "office expenses" includes six separate line items. You would be able to see what portion of membership expenses is allocated for badges. And you would know how much we pay for rent.
The board agreed to publish the budget, and not a summary of the budget. It is a "beginning" though. Even though the information is limited, it will help you to raise the questions that need to be asked.
I strongly advise you to ask questions of the Saints board now, before additional expenses are incurred. And please, make sure that you send your questions and comments to the entire board of directors. All board members are fiduciaries, not just the Treasurer or the other officers. You have paid dues and in some cases, made donations, and the board is accountable to all of you.
The next board meeting is on Saturday, December 5, 2009. Contact the president, BJ Nelson, if you wish to attend as an observer.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Read October Minutes - Come to Party - Buy Raffle Tickets - Send E-mails to Board
If you log into the Saints' website, click on "documents" on the menu at the top and select “membership documents,” you will see a list of three items. The last item is the published minutes of the October 12, 2009 board meeting. [Right now, there is a typo that states that they are minutes from an October 9 board meeting.] The October minutes were approved at the board meeting on November 8, 2009 and posted shortly afterward. This is because of a motion that was passed at the October board meeting.
Posting of minutes will continue on a monthly basis, and I want to encourage you to read them, write e-mails to the board if you have questions, and consider attending future board meetings as an observer. You may click on the blue link to go directly to the Saints' website and check out these minutes. The best way to send e-mails to the board is to select "committees" on the menu at the top of the site, select "board of directors" and type an e-mail. Then click "send e-mail to members" and your e-mail will be sent to the entire board.
You will now be able to see how each board member voted, and in future posts, you will also see which board member made each motion. All of these things, which are generally standard, are relatively new for this board. Allowing a membership that pays dues to know what is going on with their organization has been the subject of heated debate, and even resulted in my membership being revoked.
There still is some dissatisfaction with the quality of the minutes. They currently only state motions, and how people voted, but it is a giant step forward. At least now you can ask questions and find out why people voted as they did. In addition, observers are welcome to comment on this blog and spread the word about what is happening.
At our last general membership meeting, there was a question and answer session with seven of the nine board members in attendance and available to answer the questions. Unfortunately, Linda Berg (Treasurer) and Andy Lingras (Secretary), who are the board members to whom most of the questions were directed, were not in attendance. Hopefully, they will be at future question and answer sessions.
With the posting of the minutes, you will be able to make more informed choices when voting for candidates and deciding who you want to have representing you on the board. There are members working hard on revised bylaws, and a new grant committee that is just getting started. Involvement from the membership is greater than ever, and that is another step in the right direction.
There also has been a request from the Saints president for people to express their thoughts about the printed Spotlight and whether or not it should be continued. This will be a topic at a future board meeting, so you might want to ask to observe. Space is limited but you can always offer to bring a folding chair or ask that they find a larger space. Many of you have taken the time to respond, and have raised some of the peripheral issues that affect this decision. Some of these include looking further at the website, competitive bidding, layout, and more.
There is additional good news. There will be general membership meetings in January and February. Previously, there was going to be a five month hiatus. There will be a question and answer period at these meetings, so think about what you want to know more about.
Spread the word and check this blog frequently. Leave comments. It is unfortunate that we don’t have a forum on the official Saints website where we could communicate with each other and keep it for members only. There is such an option on our current site but as of now, the board has not voted to activate it. In fact, there are many features on our current website that we have not fully utilized. Hopefully, this will also change.
Once again, I want to encourage people to buy raffle tickets and support our grants program. In addition, you can relax and have a good time on Sunday, December 6, at the annual Saints Holiday Party. The party is an opportunity to socialize with other Saints members, talk freely about theater, share your ideas, bid at the auction and hopefully win prizes. You do not have to be at the event to win raffle prizes so don’t let a conflict keep you from buying lots of raffle tickets. Close to a hundred people have already signed up for the party and it sounds like it will be a fun time.
Posting of minutes will continue on a monthly basis, and I want to encourage you to read them, write e-mails to the board if you have questions, and consider attending future board meetings as an observer. You may click on the blue link to go directly to the Saints' website and check out these minutes. The best way to send e-mails to the board is to select "committees" on the menu at the top of the site, select "board of directors" and type an e-mail. Then click "send e-mail to members" and your e-mail will be sent to the entire board.
You will now be able to see how each board member voted, and in future posts, you will also see which board member made each motion. All of these things, which are generally standard, are relatively new for this board. Allowing a membership that pays dues to know what is going on with their organization has been the subject of heated debate, and even resulted in my membership being revoked.
There still is some dissatisfaction with the quality of the minutes. They currently only state motions, and how people voted, but it is a giant step forward. At least now you can ask questions and find out why people voted as they did. In addition, observers are welcome to comment on this blog and spread the word about what is happening.
At our last general membership meeting, there was a question and answer session with seven of the nine board members in attendance and available to answer the questions. Unfortunately, Linda Berg (Treasurer) and Andy Lingras (Secretary), who are the board members to whom most of the questions were directed, were not in attendance. Hopefully, they will be at future question and answer sessions.
With the posting of the minutes, you will be able to make more informed choices when voting for candidates and deciding who you want to have representing you on the board. There are members working hard on revised bylaws, and a new grant committee that is just getting started. Involvement from the membership is greater than ever, and that is another step in the right direction.
There also has been a request from the Saints president for people to express their thoughts about the printed Spotlight and whether or not it should be continued. This will be a topic at a future board meeting, so you might want to ask to observe. Space is limited but you can always offer to bring a folding chair or ask that they find a larger space. Many of you have taken the time to respond, and have raised some of the peripheral issues that affect this decision. Some of these include looking further at the website, competitive bidding, layout, and more.
There is additional good news. There will be general membership meetings in January and February. Previously, there was going to be a five month hiatus. There will be a question and answer period at these meetings, so think about what you want to know more about.
Spread the word and check this blog frequently. Leave comments. It is unfortunate that we don’t have a forum on the official Saints website where we could communicate with each other and keep it for members only. There is such an option on our current site but as of now, the board has not voted to activate it. In fact, there are many features on our current website that we have not fully utilized. Hopefully, this will also change.
Once again, I want to encourage people to buy raffle tickets and support our grants program. In addition, you can relax and have a good time on Sunday, December 6, at the annual Saints Holiday Party. The party is an opportunity to socialize with other Saints members, talk freely about theater, share your ideas, bid at the auction and hopefully win prizes. You do not have to be at the event to win raffle prizes so don’t let a conflict keep you from buying lots of raffle tickets. Close to a hundred people have already signed up for the party and it sounds like it will be a fun time.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Support the Saints Benefit
There is a lot of controversy going on within the Saints but we must not forget our commitment to serve the performing arts community. This year, performing arts organizations are finding it more challenging than ever to raise money and find grant sources. No matter where you stand in regard to recent controversies within the organization, the benefit deserves our full support.
The net revenue raised at this year's benefit will be added to the funds that have already been budgeted for grants this year. If you have another commitment and cannot attend the benefit, buy some raffle tickets, or bid on auction items. In addition, you can help by soliciting merchandise and gift certificates from local merchants and restaurants. Ask them to help you support our annual fundraising activities. If you provide additional items that can be raffled, more money will be raised, and there will be more prizes.
The Saints is about supporting the performing arts community through ushering and volunteer activities. In addition, we proudly award grants to deserving organizations. It is important that we stand together and make this the most successful benefit ever.
Don't forget how much the performing arts community has done for you, and all the great performances that you have attended over the past year. To sign up for the Saints benefit, read about last year's grants, or print out raffle tickets, go to the Saints' website by clicking on the blue link.
The net revenue raised at this year's benefit will be added to the funds that have already been budgeted for grants this year. If you have another commitment and cannot attend the benefit, buy some raffle tickets, or bid on auction items. In addition, you can help by soliciting merchandise and gift certificates from local merchants and restaurants. Ask them to help you support our annual fundraising activities. If you provide additional items that can be raffled, more money will be raised, and there will be more prizes.
The Saints is about supporting the performing arts community through ushering and volunteer activities. In addition, we proudly award grants to deserving organizations. It is important that we stand together and make this the most successful benefit ever.
Don't forget how much the performing arts community has done for you, and all the great performances that you have attended over the past year. To sign up for the Saints benefit, read about last year's grants, or print out raffle tickets, go to the Saints' website by clicking on the blue link.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Reminder: Board Meeting - 11/8/09
There will be a board meeting tomorrow at the Atheneum, Saints Office, at 12:30 pm. It is requested that observers send an e-mail to the President prior to attending. There has still been no agenda distributed to the board members.
This site will continue to be available for comments from observers, board members, or members who have questions or concerns.
Recently, a motion was passed that approved minutes will be posted for member viewing on the Saints website five business days after they are approved. This means that if the minutes are approved at the meeting tomorrow, you should be able to view the minutes of the October meeting on November 13.
Preliminary review of the October minutes indicates that only motions and "decisions" made by the board are included - extensive discussions or concerns are not even referenced. You may need to continue coming to this blog or attending board meetings to know what is truly going on.
We have made progress but we have a long way to go before information is as accessible and complete as it needs to be.
It is time to start thinking about the next election and finding qualified candidates who are willing to speak up.
Stay tuned...
This site will continue to be available for comments from observers, board members, or members who have questions or concerns.
Recently, a motion was passed that approved minutes will be posted for member viewing on the Saints website five business days after they are approved. This means that if the minutes are approved at the meeting tomorrow, you should be able to view the minutes of the October meeting on November 13.
Preliminary review of the October minutes indicates that only motions and "decisions" made by the board are included - extensive discussions or concerns are not even referenced. You may need to continue coming to this blog or attending board meetings to know what is truly going on.
We have made progress but we have a long way to go before information is as accessible and complete as it needs to be.
It is time to start thinking about the next election and finding qualified candidates who are willing to speak up.
Stay tuned...
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