Minutes for Meeting - 1st February 2000

In attendance:the usual suspects and then some (19)
Apologies: 3

Welcome by M.
Protocols: . presented the protocols which have been in use for meetings to date. Everyone was invited to reflect on those listed and suggest any changes considered appropriate. A further assortment of general protocols was displayed to help prompt thought/discussion. This agenda segment was not finalised and will be continued at a later meeting. The one protocol that was revised now states: "Respect the role of the facilitator."

Propagation: Feedback was sought for our contribution to the propagation team regarding steps being undertaken on the Gold Coast. Marion and Mary led the meeting through the points that came out of the National Planning Meeting. Some of these points were incorporated into the Gold Coast action plan. An initiative to create a quality presentation package of a gift tape with brochures in one pocket folder and funded by the community was proposed and carried. This has also been added to the action plan.

As a result of discussion of the draft action plan and the propagation teams feedback, the action plan will now be adjusted and regarded as completed for 2000.

Calendar: Discussion as to whether there need to be more learning more events scheduled at the Life Education Centre was raised. During the last two months there has been one introductory and one learning more event at each of the two venues (total being 4 per month). Concern that people would not travel to the other venue was expressed. People are invited to offer their guests videos from the lending library if they consider the amount of time between appropriate events seems too long. As there is presently a focus on providing solid support for the developing aspirants, the same scheduling arrangement will continue during March, i.e. maintaining the accent on Preparing for Knowledge events. However as the months unfold, the calendar can be adjusted to suit the changing needs. The calendar is reviewed each month at meetings if necessary. M. and J. suggested sponsorship by a specific group of people for an extra event each week - perhaps specifically for PWK's or a learning more event. This idea can be further developed although human resources to fully support such events also need to be well researched and put in place.

Cynthia and Bill have offered to visit and conduct an "Amaroo Information Update" event. The meeting fully supported the idea. (Outcome: Bill and Cynthia will attend a special event for people with Knowledge and people preparing to receive Knowledge on Sunday, 12th March at 3.30 to 4.30 pm. The scheduled event at 5.30pm will also be held.) Instructors are available to visit. It was agreed to invite Derek or Chris during March. (Outcome: the travel plans have since changed for both Derek and Chris, however Chris will probably be available during late March. Further arrangements will be made as soon as possible.)

PR Briefing: Brian and Kaye are available to visit the Gold Coast to conduct a session on PR. Public Relations awareness is a focal point in the 2000 action plan especially as through low key advertising, people are attending events other than coming through personal invitation. A presentation has been arranged for Wednesday, 9th February at 6.30 pm at the Community Room, Bourbon Street, Pacific Fair (above Rockmans). People who are involved in video events and others interested in PR are encouraged to attend. (Outcome: Eighteen people attended this first PR training session that Brian conducted.)

The model being trialled nationally corresponds to operations on the Gold Coast. Effective communication is paramount to the model's success. The local service roles already match the model and the regular monthly meetings can successfully provide a platform for synchronisation of the three main components. Further monitoring of the situation will continue.

Video circuit in northern NSW: The Gold Coast has looked after a circuit covering four locations for several years. It is proposed that a change be made to this arrangement as we (i) need to focus as much energy as possible into local activity (ii) videos are unavailable to the GC for approximately three months and (iii) the number of new videos being received is now half of what was received prior to 2000. Suggestions included that Byron Bay take on looking after this circuit as the locations are Lismore, Barkers Vale, Kyogle and Stanthorpe; changing the circuit into two circuits and having Byron oversee one and Brisbane or the Gold Coast oversee the other. This item was not finalised and will be discussed further. Roy who administers the circuits will be kept informed of developments.

Home video event: C. has offered her house for a weekly event for PWK's. After discussion the meeting agreed that this will be put into place. Videos will be supplied from the screening library. The event will not be scheduled on the calendar of events. It will be conducted on Monday evenings which will not conflict with the event at Tugun due to the geographical placement on the Gold Coast.

Strategies for maintaining awareness of the need for financial support were raised. A. expressed personal uneasiness about ongoing use of the second sign at the contribution table. The meeting reminded her that the decision to use this sign is regarded as the responsibility of and has the support of the whole group. (Outcome: a similar sign was displayed and discussed with Kaye during the PR evening; the strategy received her full support.)

Recording of service changes: Material Resources: Due to personal circumstances, G. has handed over the care of MR to K. and A. Many sincere thanks G. to you and your team for all of the excellent care and professionalism. Thank you K. and . for responding quickly to the emergency and taking on the MR with fresh enthusiasm.

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, 8th March at 6.15 pm to 8 pm at the Community Room, Bourbon Street, Pacific Fair (above Rockmans).

Everyone is warmly invited to attend. Please pass any agenda items to Brod.

Please find attached a copy of the completed Gold Coast action plan for 2000.