Delegate Meeting Minutes
Feb 19, 2008, Knights of Columbus, Bridgewater

Peggy Stevens, Vice Chair of Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts called the meeting to order.

1. Governance Structure and Timing of Delegate Elections: Peggy Stevens commented about how the governance structure was developed. It was decided by the Council Realignment Committee (CRC) that the Board of Directors and Nominating & Development Committee should not comprise more than 1/4 of the voting membership. A new regional delegate job description was approved by the CRC, and 4 new governance regions were developed based on geography, girl membership and the overlapping of the boundaries of legacy councils. Also, she noted that these four regions are for governance purposes only and do not have anything to do with operations.

Peggy stated that there was a time constraint to get the regional delegates elected. According to our bylaws, we must have them elected no later than 90 days prior to the Annual Meeting. Because of the time constraint, it was decided that staff use the new job description and develop a slate of delegates for each region based on applications, nominations and inquiries. The slate is based on diversity of geography and a variety of perspectives from the entire eastern Massachusetts Girl Scout jurisdiction. There were some questions:

Q: Do we need to have a quorum at this meeting?
A: The bylaws do not state a quorum so therefore, we are using the “caucus” approach where those people who are present are able to vote.

Q: How do delegates represent their area?
A: Delegates do not represent a service unit as they may have done in the past. Delegates need to be knowledgeable about what is happening in their region. They should be aware of what is happening within the council as well. We will be working on our communication process and welcome any comments.

Q: How long do delegates serve?
A: According to the bylaws, right now delegates will serve until the Annual Meeting on May 15, 2008. The Board of Directors is currently looking to extend the terms of delegates so we do not have to go through this process so soon again.

2. Election: The slate of candidates was reviewed aloud, including a short biography for each nominee. Peggy called for nominations from the floor – there were none.

Susan Sandler motioned and Donna McClellan seconded to approve the slate of delegates for Region 1 South as presented. This was unanimously approved by all members present.

3. Ruth N. Bramson, CEO of Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts addressed the meeting and welcomed the group in attendance. She spoke about her background and experience, and her great excitement for the new Council. She also spoke briefly about her GSUSA training and the “journey” programs that they will be rolling out. Ruth stated that she is available for volunteers and if they have any questions or concerns should be happy to address them. Her email is rbramson@girlscoutseasternmass.org.

The meeting was adjourned.

Alternates
Donna McLellan, Weymouth
Beth Myers, Cohasset
Barbara Finnerty, Yarmouth
Debra Mullen, Brockton
Marcia Hoyle Walkama, Brockton
Valerie Hemmila, Barnstable
Stacey Soucy, Rochester
Helen Anderson, Martha's Vineyard
Gail Spring, Quincy

Nominee Sketches