About Us

AIR Board meeting:  March 24, 2008
9aPT/11aCT/noonET via teleconference

Present: Sid Selvidge, David Freedman, Joan Rabinowitz, Jim Russell, Karen Lewellen, Jake Shapiro, Sue Schardt, Robynn Takayama    Absent: Barry Rueger, Matt Payne

Sid moved to approve the minutes with discussed alterations. The minutes were approved unanimously.

Treasurer Report:

Sid said the format was easier to understand. Joan reported that the organization’s income is currently on mark, but revenue from restricted funds make the organization look flusher than we actually are. Jim noted that we are under in earned income, but we’re also underspent.

Sue reported we are on mark with mentorship signups, but we haven’t started requiring AIR members to pay a fee of 30%.

Sue said the Harvestworks classes are lined up for the summer.

Executive Director Report:

Membership: Sue said member growth is healthy with a total of 645 members; 33 are complimentary.

Regional meetings: 7-8 folks convened by phone to share ideas and explore what support AIR might provide to regional groups. San Francisco, Washington, D.C., Boston, New York, and Seattle were represented. Joan participated in the call and said it was good to see how the locals can connect with the national.

Vote on Sanchez opinion letter:

Jim moved that we accept the Opinion of Counsel provided by attorney Ernie Sanchez and proceed with the proposal to CPB. David seconded.

Discussion ensued concerning liability, and the importance of ensuring the goals of any new project aligning with AIR's by-laws and mission.

The motion passed with an abstention from Karen.

Transitioning board members:

Sue said Barry plans to resign and to fill his position, we must first look at first-runner-up at last election where there was a runner-up, Amy Mayer.

The bylaws require a minimum of nine people on the board. Appointments can be made. The executive committee will discuss how to move forward.


Board activities and Board development:

Sid asked Sue to send the candidates for facilitating a strategic planning process in Boston.  Sid and David will work with Sue to interview candidates and make decisions about proceeding.

Open board meetings: Jim will look into a way for members to listen in to the meeting but not be able to speak. Karen suggested options, which she is going to forward on to Jim.  He’ll report back at the next meeting. A discussion of the protocol followed.

AIRDaily protocol discussion: (Prompted by the recent rates for tape synch thread)
Sue asked for protocol on how to respond to organizational requests from the listserv. A discussion followed about how the board and staff should respond, and whether the AIRDaily is an appropriate venue for AIR’s official business.  Sue said she is working to develop other channels of communication. Robynn will make sure the board is aware of discussions brought up by AIRdaily.

Sue will ask Erin to summarize the tape synch discussion and Sid will post it to the listserve.

Flash meetings: Sue suggested trying out Flash platform for board meetings. Karen expressed opinion that flash platforms may violate AIR bylaws and federal accessibility statutes.  

Action items:

•    Next full board meeting: April 24, 9 a.m. PST
•    SId and Jim will provide orientation for Amy Mayer in advance of the next board meeting.
•    Executive committee will discuss board development
•    Sid, Sue and David will interview candidates to facilitate the organization’s strategic planning process
•    Jim will report back on ways AIR members can listen in on board meetings