LFA Board Minutes - 2002-06-11
From LFAwiki
Livingston Family Association Board Meeting
Date/Time: June 11, 2002
Location: home of Ross Livingston
Attending: Ted Livingston, Ross Livingston
Absent: Everyone else
In spite of the poor attendance of board members, Ted and Ross discussed a number of issues as follows:
Contents |
Family History topics
While visiting Scotland last year, Ross went to the Henderson castle with Bill Livingstone. While taking pictures, they were approached by the gardener who inquired what they were doing. Upon discussing the Livingston connection to the estate, the gardener indicated that there may be records of interest to the family in the old castle library. Bill took the man’s name and address to follow up. Ross needs to get back with Bill to see if any contact has been made. While a long shot, there is some remote chance that records in the library could provide valuable connections to previous generations which are otherwise unavailable because of fire damage to old parish records.
Ted discussed research he has previously done potentially connecting the Livingstons of Fife to the ancient Picts.
Ted also talked about research he had started that may lead to identifying some inaccuracies in some early Livingston family history that the family has assumed valid for a long time. Further research is required.
Reunion
Since the reunion will be held at Zion Ponderosa resort, which will provide meeting facilities, the family meal, and activities, we determined that the only item requiring planning is the family meeting, scheduled in conjunction with a family meal on Friday, July 12 at 12:00 noon. Items for consideration for the family meeting include:
- Board elections. Ted proposed forming an elections committee to seek out willing board members to nominate for future vacant seats on the board. Not only will this avoid situations where unwilling (or unable) people are put on the board, but it will allow people to make decisions about whether or not to serve in advance, rather than when they are on the hot seat. Ted volunteered to fill this position for the upcoming family meeting, and will be talking to several potential candidates. If any board members have suggestions for nominees they should contact Ted.
- Updates to the LFA by-laws to support specific board member positions
We determined that the meeting agenda could be finalized with broader board participation via email.
Other topics of potential interest for the reunion (but outside of the business meeting) might include:
- Mailing list updates. Ross would like to have a copy of the family mailing list, and to solicit input from family members on names and addresses of unidentified people
- Web site update. Ross hopes to have a solid prototype of a Livingston family website to demonstrate.
Newsletter
We discussed whether or not an additional newsletter or postcard needed to be sent to announce the family reunion. We determined that plenty of notices have been sent, and that everyone should have the information they need to make a decision about attending the reunion.
Web Site
Ross demonstrated a couple LFA website prototypes he has been working on.
Family Mailing List
Ross demonstrated the current form of the family mailing list. The list currently has some features that make it much more useful. For example the list can quickly show all members of a particular family who are on the list. One can find cousins, siblings, etc. by using some simple filters. Currently 91% of the 482 families on the list have been identified, leaving 40 unidentified. Certainly other board members (Enid!) will be able to identify many of those.
Family Association Future
Ted and Ross discussed their thoughts on the direction the family association should head in the future. Both feel there needs to be more emphasis on family history. We feel the board needs to take the lead in initiating and completing meaningful projects that further family members’ understanding of our family heritage.
An important step in moving the family forward will be to clarify the purpose of the family association. If people know what we’re about, they’re more likely to be able to contribute to moving us there.
Another important step we can take is to have specific board roles. By simply having board members, nobody really knows what is expected of them. On the other hand, if someone had responsibility for a specific piece of family business, they would be more likely to fulfill that responsibility. Potential areas for board assignments could include:
- Reunions - plan reunions
- Family history - collect photos & other records
- Publication (newsletters, web, CDs, books, etc.)
- Mailing list - maintain current list (US mail & email)
- Descendent updates - our last snapshot is from 1980!
- Genealogy - someone to act as the clearinghouse
- Historian - keep track of what the association is doing
- Secretary/Treasurer
- Chair - coordinate all efforts
These are only suggestions. We should find a copy of the family by-laws to see if more structure is already called for.
Postscript
After the board meeting, Ross found a partial copy of the association bylaws. Indeed they already specify that board members be assigned to specific responsibilities! We should find a complete copy of the bylaws and make our decision on how to proceed based on what is already there. Does anyone have a complete copy?
Closing
Meeting adjourned.