Hi there,
Trish, many thanks for the minutes, it seems the meeting was
definitely successful in progressing ideas for VSO's 50th, perhaps
partly due to the new venue!

I've another idea to throw into the ring - one of the people I worked
with in Zambia on my placement (i.e. customers of VSO) is currently
living in London.  If I could persuade her to come up to York and
take part, would people see any value in her being part of the VSO
stall, so people could hear "from the horses mouth" the kind of
impact that VSO has on communities?  We'd need to pay her reasonable
expenses (e.g. train fare) but perhaps we could get a grant for
something like this?

On a similar vein, I'm still in touch with several people in Zambia -
perhaps they might be able to contribute with quotes and photographs -
  indeed perhaps there is a possiblilty of involving people from other
volunteer's placements too?

I'd be intersted to hear what people think.

Cheers,
Dan
p.s. hope to attend the next meeting!

--- In VSO_Local_Group_York@..., "trish.thornton"
<trish.thornton@...> wrote:
>
> Note of VSO York Local Group Meeting held at Peasholme House 6.00 –
> 7.30 pm Wednesday 19 March 2008
>
> Present: Alison, Andy, Lindsay, Pat, Steve and Trish
>
> 1. Alison and Pat reported on the VSO 50th anniversary events
> they attended in London and Edinburgh respectively. The Royal
> Festival Hall was filled with ex-volunteers dating back to 1959
while
> in Edinburgh there were around 400 to 500 people with the `oldest'
> volunteers from the early 60s. The events were broadly similar with
> plenary panels (in London George Aligiah, Peter Tatchell, Harriet
> Lamb of Fair Trade, chaired by Jonathan Dimbleby, and speeches from
> volunteers, people from VSO countries and in London Douglas
Alexander
> (Minister for Overseas Development) who promised VSO another three
> years' funding. There were also workshops (in London), VSO films
and
> geographical area rooms for reunions. Learning points are:
> • VSO has special arrangements in Scotland such as a deal with
> the NHS to allow secondment as VSO volunteers for NHS Scotland staff
> • VSO has arranged for state sector employees to have their
> pensions paid during placements
>
> 2.  Pat reported on the results of the questionnaire seeking views
on
> a York Local Group VSO 50th anniversary event.
> • Alison, Andy, Dan, Janet, Lindsay, Mary, Pat, Steve and Trish
> were all prepared to help, depending on personal circumstances.
> • The most popular option was to join in with another relevant
> event (providing VSO remains distinctive)
> • Five of the nine respondents saw the main purpose of the
> event to celebrate VSO's 50th anniversary / VSO York's 1st
> anniversary. While attracting new volunteers to VSO was singled out
> as the prime aim in only one written response, at the meeting there
> was support for combining attracting volunteers with celebration.
>
> 3.  The following events and options were discussed, based on
> information Steve got from the now retired person at York Global
> Education Centre (Margot Brown), and action was agreed.
>
> One World Week Last week October with meal on last Saturday
> TRISH to contact Joyce Pickard (or Sylvia Voice?)
>
> Peace Fair – annual in Rowntree Park  July
> ANDY to find out, eg via York Racial Equality Network
>
> World Development Information Day 24 October
> LINDSAY to explore
>
> National Volunteering Day 5 December
> LINDSAY to explore
>
> VSO regional recruitment events
> LINDSAY to find out if / when VSO is recruiting in York
>
> Gillygate Fair Trade shop monthly newsletter
> STEVE to get & enquire at the shop about relevant events
>
> Trade Justice Group
> STEVE to contact John Whitworth, Bishopthorpe Road
>
> Development film and discussion at City Screen
> ANDY to contact Olivia Gore at City Screen
>
> VSO materials PAT & TRISH to explore at RV weekend 4-6 April
>
> York Evening Press ALISON to make & keep contact with the reporter
> contacted by VSO
>
> Stall outside M&S
> TRISH has application form for free charity stall (up to four
allowed
> on any one day)
>
> York Soroptimists
> ALISON to explore any events
>
> Publicity at Clare Short's Ebor Lecture in Minster 21 May
> STEVE to discuss with Minster contacts
> Tickets eborlectures@..., 01904 876474
>
>
> Results of Actions to be posted on the message board by 9 APRIL
please
>
> 4.  Next meeting Wednesday 16 April
> • 6.00 – 7.15 pm at Peaseholme House, St Saviour's Place (tel
> 01904 624246)
> • 7.15 onwards informal at Black Swan opposite in Stonebow.
> Agenda to include:
> - next steps based on results of Action points
> - possible celebration of 1st anniversary of York Local Group
(first
> met 28 September 2007).
>
> Further meetings are likely to be held on Wednesdays same times and
> places.
> NB: Lindsay is away first two weeks in September.
>
> Note by Trish Thornton, 26 March 2008
>

Note of VSO York Local Group Meeting held at Peasholme House 6.00 –
7.30 pm Wednesday 19 March 2008

Present: Alison, Andy, Lindsay, Pat, Steve and Trish

1. Alison and Pat reported on the VSO 50th anniversary events
they attended in London and Edinburgh respectively. The Royal
Festival Hall was filled with ex-volunteers dating back to 1959 while
in Edinburgh there were around 400 to 500 people with the `oldest'
volunteers from the early 60s. The events were broadly similar with
plenary panels (in London George Aligiah, Peter Tatchell, Harriet
Lamb of Fair Trade, chaired by Jonathan Dimbleby, and speeches from
volunteers, people from VSO countries and in London Douglas Alexander
(Minister for Overseas Development) who promised VSO another three
years' funding. There were also workshops (in London), VSO films and
geographical area rooms for reunions. Learning points are:
• VSO has special arrangements in Scotland such as a deal with
the NHS to allow secondment as VSO volunteers for NHS Scotland staff
• VSO has arranged for state sector employees to have their
pensions paid during placements

2.  Pat reported on the results of the questionnaire seeking views on
a York Local Group VSO 50th anniversary event.
• Alison, Andy, Dan, Janet, Lindsay, Mary, Pat, Steve and Trish
were all prepared to help, depending on personal circumstances.
• The most popular option was to join in with another relevant
event (providing VSO remains distinctive)
• Five of the nine respondents saw the main purpose of the
event to celebrate VSO's 50th anniversary / VSO York's 1st
anniversary. While attracting new volunteers to VSO was singled out
as the prime aim in only one written response, at the meeting there
was support for combining attracting volunteers with celebration.

3.  The following events and options were discussed, based on
information Steve got from the now retired person at York Global
Education Centre (Margot Brown), and action was agreed.

One World Week Last week October with meal on last Saturday
TRISH to contact Joyce Pickard (or Sylvia Voice?)

Peace Fair – annual in Rowntree Park  July
ANDY to find out, eg via York Racial Equality Network

World Development Information Day 24 October
LINDSAY to explore

National Volunteering Day 5 December
LINDSAY to explore

VSO regional recruitment events
LINDSAY to find out if / when VSO is recruiting in York

Gillygate Fair Trade shop monthly newsletter
STEVE to get & enquire at the shop about relevant events

Trade Justice Group
STEVE to contact John Whitworth, Bishopthorpe Road

Development film and discussion at City Screen
ANDY to contact Olivia Gore at City Screen

VSO materials PAT & TRISH to explore at RV weekend 4-6 April

York Evening Press ALISON to make & keep contact with the reporter
contacted by VSO

Stall outside M&S
TRISH has application form for free charity stall (up to four allowed
on any one day)

York Soroptimists
ALISON to explore any events

Publicity at Clare Short's Ebor Lecture in Minster 21 May
STEVE to discuss with Minster contacts
Tickets eborlectures@..., 01904 876474


Results of Actions to be posted on the message board by 9 APRIL please

4.  Next meeting Wednesday 16 April
• 6.00 – 7.15 pm at Peaseholme House, St Saviour's Place (tel
01904 624246)
• 7.15 onwards informal at Black Swan opposite in Stonebow.
Agenda to include:
- next steps based on results of Action points
- possible celebration of 1st anniversary of York Local Group (first
met 28 September 2007).

Further meetings are likely to be held on Wednesdays same times and
places.
NB: Lindsay is away first two weeks in September.

Note by Trish Thornton, 26 March 2008

Dear all

Thanks to Andy for the questionnaire and to those of you who responded (8 people).

Sorry for the delay in sending the results (something to do with a new bathroom and a visit to Scotland)

Ques 1: Alison, Andy,  Dan, Janet, Lindsay, Mary, Pat and Steve all said they were prepared to help depending on personal circumstances. All available on 'the day' (not Saturday for Steve)

Ques 2: The most popular choice was to join in with another relevant event (with the proviso that  we 'remain distinctive')

              Weekend days or midweek evening events also mentioned.

              September will be VSO York anniversary. World Development Information Day-24/10/08. National Volunteering Day-5/12/08

Ques 3: The purpose of the event: celebration (VSO's 50th anniversary/VSO York 1st anniversary)

                                                     awareness of VSO   (through first hand information and experiences) and its campaigns

                                                     awareness of VSO local group (opportunity to attract new members)

                                                     recruitment (not as prime purpose, but need for VSO materials)

Ques 4: If not attached to another event, weekends are most popular

Ques 5: Mid-month meetings - Wednesday seems Ok for all who responded.

Hope that helps

Pat

The book is called 'the contented little baby'

Top photos - I expect to see him in person next meeting!


Andy


--- In VSO_Local_Group_York@..., Dan Cashdan
<thecashdaddy@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Chaps,
> Sorry I didn't make the meeting, but as some of you are aware, I
have a good excuse (our new son, Japhet).  (btw If anyone would like
to see some pictures they can be found at
> http://www.flickr.com/gp/70463787@N00/q3k204).  Btw Andy, could you
please remind me of the name of "the bible" you were referring to?!
>

Hi

Bit cheeky to use this forum for this purpose, but just in case
anyone needs new accommodation soon (or knows someone who will), I
have a very nice cottage available from mid-April. It was converted 3
years ago from an 18th century granary. The work was done to a high
standard, and it's very well-insulated and warm.

It has 3 bedrooms (2 upstairs + bathroom, 3rd bedroom or study
downstairs) + big kitchen, sitting-room, utility-room with loo,
garden, and off-street parking. It's in Fangfoss (between Pocklington
and Stamford Bridge), in a quiet part of the village. The village has
a good pub and a park and a nice community.

The rent is £675 p.c.m. Any enquiries to Janet on 01759 368303.

By the way Dan, I had a look at Japhet's photo gallery - he looks
lovely - lots of hair, and obviously taking an intelligent interest
in his surroundings already!

Bye for now

Janet

--- In VSO_Local_Group_York@..., "andypilot1"
<andypilot1@...> wrote:
>
> Hi there,
I thought I better get my response in, for what's it worth, before
the deadline!

> Commitment
> Question 1
> Would you like to be involved? If so, with organising or on the
day?
> (assuming suitability). There's no pressure and you can state
minimal
> or consultation only or whatever you like.

In general, I would like to be involved but it's difficult with a
baby whom I'm breastfeeding on demand.  I think it will be a case of
appearing on the day and helping out, if needed, for a short time.

>
> >
> Question 2
> Big (hall, event etc) or small (fit in with an existing event eg
> World Development Day)?

I think it would be best to piggy-back on an existing event in order
to capture as wide an audience as possible especially if individuals
do not know who VSO are.
>
> > Question 3
> What would you like the aim to be? Eg celebration, recruitment(for
> what?), awareness/publicity(of what?),

Whatever is chosen awareness will automatically take place but, since
VSO is celebrating 50 years of sending volunteers overseas, I think
the aim should be on celebration with information available for those
interested in knowing more about VSO, eg, leaflets, website address
details, VSO York contact details/dates of meetings and location.
>
> > Question 4
>  Would you recommend a Saturday, Sunday, early evening (midweek) or
> other event time? If possible explain why. I know this is a
difficult
> question since we haven't yet decided on what we are going to do
> (although I like Alison's `photos through the years' idea).

This would depend on my response to Q2.  If given the choice, I think
Saturday would be a good day to capture a range of individuals, eg,
those working in York might not be as pressed for time as during the
week if they popped in during their lunchtime breaks.
> >
> Question 5
> It's likely that we would introduce some mid month meetings in
town.
> What would suit you?
> >
> So far, I haven't been able to make any meetings because of baby!

> Anything else?
Good luck to everyone whatever is decided to be done - sorry I can't
be more proactive at the moment.

Mary Leighton
>

Hi Chaps,
Sorry I didn't make the meeting, but as some of you are aware, I have a good
excuse (our new son, Japhet).  (btw If anyone would like to see some pictures
they can be found at
http://www.flickr.com/gp/70463787@N00/q3k204).  Btw Andy, could you please
remind me of the name of "the bible" you were referring to?!

Anyway, to answer the questionairre (great idea, by the way) before the
deadline, I certainly don't want to indicate a lack of interest!!

Commitment
Question 1
Would you like to be involved? If so, with organising or on the day?
(assuming suitability). There's no pressure and you can state minimal
or consultation only or whatever you like.
>>>  Yes I would like to be involved.  Ideally both organising and on the day.

Question 2
Big (hall, event etc) or small (fit in with an existing event eg
World Development Day)?
>>> Teaming up with an existing event seems an ideal way of making the most of
an existing audience.  We would need to think carefully as to how we can remain
distinctive from others at the event.

What
Question 3
What would you like the aim to be? Eg celebration, recruitment(for
what?), awareness/publicity(of what?),
>>> Perxsonally I would prefer to leave the celebrating for us lot, down the
pub.  I suppose the main aim would be awareness of what VSO does, and attracting
volunteers (both overseas volunteers, and volunteers for the VSO local group,
and as a spin off, potential fundraising).

When
Question 4
Would you recommend a Saturday, Sunday, early evening (midweek) or
other event time? If possible explain why. I know this is a difficult
question since we haven't yet decided on what we are going to do
(although I like Alison's `photos through the years' idea).
>>> For me this is dependent on what the event is.  For a city centre
"exhibition" the best time is a weekend daytime as there's tons of people
around; for a more elaborate "event" such as film screening, talk or music
night, then a midweek evening might be best as it's easier/cheaper to get a
venue, and potential attendees are less likely to be "booked up".

Question 5
Its likely that we would introduce some mid month meetings in town.
What would suit you?
>>>Mondays or Fridays would be the day that I could most easily make early in
the evening.  I could potentially make Tue, Wed or Thurs but not until 7pm or
8pm.

Anything else?
>>>Great work getting this far, it feels like we're already making progress!

There, that wasn't too difficult was it?

Please post your response under the title 'Reply to Checkpoint no.1'
Pat has volunteered to summarise.
Although you have until 10/3 to respond, please don't wait till then.
Do it now or you'll not get around to it. I'm afraid we will have to
interpret non-response as no interest.

Copious thanks for reading.

I am going to post my response now, so you can have a look if you'd
like.

Andy

Best Regards,
Dan




       __________________________________________________________
Sent from Yahoo! Mail.
The World's Favourite Email http://uk.docs.yahoo.com/nowyoucan.html

Dear all

Thought I'd better reply so I have something to summarise!

Extra information - I went to the 50th anniversary event in Edinburgh on Saturday.

First session like Question Time about development issues - various Scots (including  newspaper editor who was once a volunteer and  VSOcountry director from Bangladesh)

Then divided  geographically into two rooms so could meet people from own areas

Best session hosted by TV personality - introduced  short films  on current volunteering, Global Exchange, national volunteering, followed by relevant  live interviews with volunteers and managers.

Closed with cake and wine.

Main thrust seemed to be to encourage people who volunteered in their youth to re-volunteer in line with new programmes based on strategic positions and to inform about recent developments.

> Question 1
> Would you like to be involved? If so, with organising or on the day?
> (assuming suitability). There's no pressure and you can state minimal
> or consultation only or whatever you like.

I would like to be involved - practical action in York less easy than other involvement, but I'd be able to help on the day.
> Question 2
> Big (hall, event etc) or small (fit in with an existing event eg
> World Development Day)?

I think piggy-backing the date of  another event is a good idea, but it then depends on what is happening on that  date as to how independent we are. Also noted that both the dates are Friday - probably not a good day for evening events
> What
> Question 3
> What would you like the aim to be? Eg celebration, recruitment(for
> what?), awareness/publicity(of what?),
>

Celebration and public awareness  of VSO and our group on this occasion, with materials and/or contacts available if anyone does show an interest
> When
> Question 4
> Would you recommend a Saturday, Sunday, early evening (midweek) or
> other event time? If possible explain why. I know this is a difficult
> question since we haven't yet decided on what we are going to do
> (although I like Alison's `photos through the years' idea).

See Q2 - it may be that some groups will pick up on the two dates on the following Saturday eg recruiting stalls.

If independent I'd like either  weekend daytime/outdoor  or evening /small hall

 
> Question 5
> Its likely that we would introduce some mid month meetings in town.
> What would suit you?

Tuesday or Wednesday best at the moment, but this could change.

Regards

Pat

World Development Information Day is 24 October and National Volunteer
Day is 5 December so both of these would fit in with our schedule for
the 50th.

Steve, if you are in communication with Margot at the Global Ed Centre
soon, and you could find out if they are planning anything we could get
involved with that would be great. Thanks!

--- In VSO_Local_Group_York@..., "andypilot1"
<andypilot1@...> wrote:
>
> All
>
> Well it certainly appears that the old grey matter is getting
stirred
> up.
> At our last meeting (Feb 26th) We discussed the need to try to move
> the discussion forward from the 'ideas on the bulletin board' stage.
>
> As a result, we came up with the following questionnaire.
> Bucket loads of begging that you answer them. It shouldn't take you
> more than a few minutes blah blah –
>
> So here's the premise: We would like to do something for VSOs 50th.
>
> Commitment
> Question 1
> Would you like to be involved? If so, with organising or on the
day?
> (assuming suitability). There's no pressure and you can state
minimal
> or consultation only or whatever you like.

Yes, involved on whatever scale is needed / I have anything valuable
to contribute.

> Question 2
> Big (hall, event etc) or small (fit in with an existing event eg
> World Development Day)?

Latter will depend on if dates tally ie. not next month! Have not yet
checked this out - watch this space! Big hall event would depend on
how much support we get from VSO HO ie. to fill hall.
>
> What
> Question 3
> What would you like the aim to be? Eg celebration, recruitment(for
> what?), awareness/publicity(of what?),

Celebration of VSO 50th and VSO York 1st (in September we'll be one
year old), awareness of volunteering in general and VSO which could
lead to possible recruitment.
>
> When
> Question 4
>  Would you recommend a Saturday, Sunday, early evening (midweek) or
> other event time? If possible explain why. I know this is a
difficult
> question since we haven't yet decided on what we are going to do
> (although I like Alison's `photos through the years' idea).

September as this is our first anniversary and gives us time to
prepare (6 months) and Saturday to get those who live further away
involved.

> Question 5
> Its likely that we would introduce some mid month meetings in town.
> What would suit you?

Any day except Thursday and 5.30 to 7pm start time.
>
> Anything else?

Yes, thank you for doing this!!
>
> There, that wasn't too difficult was it?
>
> Please post your response under the title 'Reply to Checkpoint no.1'
> Pat has volunteered to summarise.
> Although you have until 10/3 to respond, please don't wait till
then.
> Do it now or you'll not get around to it. I'm afraid we will have
to
> interpret non-response as no interest.
>
> Copious thanks for reading.
>
> I am going to post my response now, so you can have a look if you'd
> like.
>
> Andy
>

========================================
Message Received: Mar 01 2008, 08:30 PM
From: "andypilot1"
To: VSO_Local_Group_York@...
Cc:
Subject: [VSO_Local_Group_York] VSO 50th - Checkpoint Ni.1

All

Well it certainly appears that the old grey matter is getting stirred
up.
At our last meeting (Feb 26th) We discussed the need to try to move
the discussion forward from the 'ideas on the bulletin board' stage.

As a result, we came up with the following questionnaire.
Bucket loads of begging that you answer them. It shouldn't take you
more than a few minutes blah blah Β–

So here's the premise: We would like to do something for VSOs 50th.

Commitment
Question 1
Would you like to be involved? If so, with organising or on the day?
(assuming suitability). There's no pressure and you can state minimal
or consultation only or whatever you like.

I would like to be involved with organising and on the day but depends to some extent on the day we choose.
Question 2
Big (hall, event etc) or small (fit in with an existing event eg
World Development Day)?

It would be a good idea to link to another event if possible
What
Question 3
What would you like the aim to be? Eg celebration, recruitment(for
what?), awareness/publicity(of what?),

I think it is a celebration of VSO which focuses on VSO volunteer experiences rather than recruitment. Some general publicity for VSO but mainly I think people will be interested to see and hear about first hand experiences.
When
Question 4
Would you recommend a Saturday, Sunday, early evening (midweek) or
other event time? If possible explain why. I know this is a difficult
question since we haven't yet decided on what we are going to do
(although I like Alison's `photos through the years' idea).

For me it would need to be a weekend ideally, either Sat or Sun
Question 5
Its likely that we would introduce some mid month meetings in town.
What would suit you?

I work full time and often am travelling around N Yorks so it is hard to be specific about mid week meetings except I cant do Tuesdays. Would like to be able to get to meet the group though somewhere near the railway station would be good so I dont have to worry about parking.

Lindsay
Anything else?

There, that wasn't too difficult was it?

Please post your response under the title 'Reply to Checkpoint no.1'
Pat has volunteered to summarise.
Although you have until 10/3 to respond, please don't wait till then.
Do it now or you'll not get around to it. I'm afraid we will have to
interpret non-response as no interest.

Copious thanks for reading.

I am going to post my response now, so you can have a look if you'd
like.

Andy

Commitment
> Question 1
> Would you like to be involved? If so, with organising or on the
day?
> Yes - probably with organising and certainly on the day (depending
on when it is of course).

> Question 2
> Big (hall, event etc) or small (fit in with an existing event eg
> World Development Day)?
Er, probably medium-sized. Depends on how many people we have to help.
>
> What
> Question 3
> What would you like the aim to be? Eg celebration, recruitment(for
> what?), awareness/publicity(of what?),
Celebration + recruitment + awareness of 'real life' in developing
countries.
>
> When
> Question 4
>  Would you recommend a Saturday, Sunday, early evening (midweek) or
> other event time?
A weekend day would be best for getting more publicity, especially
Saturday.


> Question 5
> Its likely that we would introduce some mid month meetings in town.
> What would suit you?
Any day should be fine, though it will depend on my teaching schedule.
>
Well I feel that's all been a bit inconclusive ... really sorry I
haven't been able to get to the last 2 meetings.

I like the idea of a photo-based exhibition, and think it would also
be nice to show the links between what VSOs did while in their
posting and how it's affected their lives since they got back. I
expect for most of us it's been a life-changing experience,
particularly if we went at a fairly young age. If we're going to aim
partly for recruitment, we'd want to use some marketing techniques,
e.g. putting over messages which appeal to what people want for
themselves (probably subliminally) rather than suggesting how their
presence overseas might help others.

Best wishes,

Janet

indsay

Well done for persevering.
Now that Ive increased site security, i hope you are still able to
log in. If not e-mail me at andypilot1@....

i'm pretty sure that i'm around on the 15th - we can speak nearer the
date 07786356705.

Andy

--- In VSO_Local_Group_York@..., "lindsaymay82"
<lindsay@...> wrote:
>
> I have been trying to join this group for weeks - unsuccessfully! I
> hope this now gets somewhere.....
> I have been unable to get to any of the York meetings largely
because
> of work commitments - but Tuesdays are bad for me anyway because
its
> Yoga. Also I live in Whitby so travel is an issue.
>  I am interested in getting involved with VSO birtday event in York
and
> have photos and artefacts of my brief placement in Mongolia which I
> could share for an exhibition. Am willing to staff an information
event
> as well. Is there any chance of a meeting being arranged for a
weekend?
> Am coming to York on Sat 15 march for an OU seminar so could meet
> others in the afternoon.
> Look forward to hearing back.
> best ishes
> Lindsay May
>

This is done.
Membership now has to be approved (any member can approve)

Andy


--- In VSO_Local_Group_York@..., "andypilot1"
<andypilot1@...> wrote:

This site is open to anone to join, post messages even delete the
group. ie. there is currently no security at all.
I think at some stage, we will have to change the membership to 'by
approval' because we're out on the web and anyone can decide to join
and instantly delete us.
I belive that any member can approve.
Assuming theres no opposition, i'll do this on 1/3/8.


Andy

--- End forwarded message ---

Commitment
Question 1
Would you like to be involved? If so, with organising or on the day?
(assuming suitability). There's no pressure and you can state minimal
or consultation only or whatever you like.

Yes to both organising and the actual event.
I'm into facilitating the meetings. I'm not really into running the
actual day  - but other than that, I don't mind what I do.

Question 2
Big (hall, event etc) or small (fit in with an existing event eg
World Development Day)?

I'd rather do a good job in with another event rather than a bad job
by ourselves. We're such a new group with so little knowledge of
reliability and commitment. I'm really against these things where
they fall into the lap of 2 or 3 people cos no one else could quite
make it. And I don't want to let anyone down because I'm aware that I
also have many other commitments (I was supposed to have done this on
Thursday!). So I'm for joining another event. It wipes away many
concerns like publicity, venue - we just concentrate on display.


What
Question 3
What would you like the aim to be? Eg celebration, recruitment(for
what?), awareness/publicity(of what?),

Primarily - awareness of our local group, what we know about VSO and
that we're open to everyone.

When
Question 4
  Would you recommend a Saturday, Sunday, early evening (midweek) or
other event time? If possible explain why. I know this is a difficult
question since we haven't yet decided on what we are going to do
(although I like Alison's `photos through the years' idea).

If we do fit in with another event, it will be whenever that event
is. Otherwise, I see pros and cons to all times. My commitments do
not preclude any specific time, whereas I don't think that will be
the same for others.

Question 5
It's likely that we would introduce some mid month meetings in town.
What would suit you?

Mid-week (not Monday) 6pm


Anything else?

All

Well it certainly appears that the old grey matter is getting stirred
up.
At our last meeting (Feb 26th) We discussed the need to try to move
the discussion forward from the 'ideas on the bulletin board' stage.

As a result, we came up with the following questionnaire.
Bucket loads of begging that you answer them. It shouldn't take you
more than a few minutes blah blah –

So here's the premise: We would like to do something for VSOs 50th.

Commitment
Question 1
Would you like to be involved? If so, with organising or on the day?
(assuming suitability). There's no pressure and you can state minimal
or consultation only or whatever you like.
Question 2
Big (hall, event etc) or small (fit in with an existing event eg
World Development Day)?

What
Question 3
What would you like the aim to be? Eg celebration, recruitment(for
what?), awareness/publicity(of what?),

When
Question 4
  Would you recommend a Saturday, Sunday, early evening (midweek) or
other event time? If possible explain why. I know this is a difficult
question since we haven't yet decided on what we are going to do
(although I like Alison's `photos through the years' idea).
Question 5
Its likely that we would introduce some mid month meetings in town.
What would suit you?

Anything else?

There, that wasn't too difficult was it?

Please post your response under the title 'Reply to Checkpoint no.1'
Pat has volunteered to summarise.
Although you have until 10/3 to respond, please don't wait till then.
Do it now or you'll not get around to it. I'm afraid we will have to
interpret non-response as no interest.

Copious thanks for reading.

I am going to post my response now, so you can have a look if you'd
like.

Andy

I have been trying to join this group for weeks - unsuccessfully! I
hope this now gets somewhere.....
I have been unable to get to any of the York meetings largely because
of work commitments - but Tuesdays are bad for me anyway because its
Yoga. Also I live in Whitby so travel is an issue.
  I am interested in getting involved with VSO birtday event in York and
have photos and artefacts of my brief placement in Mongolia which I
could share for an exhibition. Am willing to staff an information event
as well. Is there any chance of a meeting being arranged for a weekend?
Am coming to York on Sat 15 march for an OU seminar so could meet
others in the afternoon.
Look forward to hearing back.
best ishes
Lindsay May

Hi everyone,

Many thanks to Andy for making the idea of on-line discussion a
reality!  It's great to see the contributions that have been made
already, and I'm sure this will give us a greater ability to focus on
action/activity between meetings.

Being a keen photographer, I'd be very happy to help contribute to any
photographic display.  I think I heard someone mention the idea of
spelling out "VSO" or "VSO: 1958-2008" with a photo montage?  I like
that idea.  It could be the centrepiece of a display of larger format
prints.

I also like the idea of getting support from VSO london, having staff
available to meet people, and explain what VSO is all about.

The key objectives of any event to me would be to:-
1. Attract potential new volunteers
2. Build awareness of VSO's work and potentially local supporters -
these could potentially join our group
3. Fundraising - I'm not suggesting that we should be hard-selling
donations but it would be good if there could be some way of doing
this on the day (through collection tins, direct debit mandates)

As for events, here's a few ideas:-
1. City Screen - ask if we can do a charity show of a film involving a
country that VSO works (such as Hotel Rwanda) followed by a discussion
2. Fibbers/City Screen/The Junction - ask if we can do a charity band
night or battle of the bands, ideally world music, some work would be
needed to research musical/venue options
3. Stall in Parliament Street, potentially as part of a "market day"
Each of the above could include a photographic exhibition of some sort.

Perhaps these ideas are a bit ambitious, but would be happy to hear
what you think!

By the way, the baby's not arrived yet, but I'll look forward to
bringing it to a meeting sometime soon.

All the best,
Dan

--- In VSO_Local_Group_York@..., "andypilot1"
<andypilot1@...> wrote:
>
> I wrote out this whole message during which time, my internet
> connection had dropped and when i sent it, I lost the lot.
> So this is take 2.
>
> Thanks Janet for kicking this ne off - i like what youre saying. This
> is what I see:
> 1 Funding - 1 group to get with VSO to see whats available
> 2 location - 1 group to look into halls
> 3 1 group to think about possible events.
> i think the above 3 are linked but i dont see that any should wait for
> another.
> i'll get with alison and VSO to see whats on offer. Anyone can feel
> welcome to start thinking about the other 2.
> Maybe at this stage, we should clearly mark out a 'function organising
> ethos'. I would like to propose the following:
> 1  this isnt life and death
> 2  Anyone who feels the load shouts loudly
> 3  The more communication the better
>
> Andy
>
>
> --- In VSO_Local_Group_York@..., "jntcochrane"
> <J.Cochrane@> wrote:
>
> Hi
>
> Good idea of Andy's to set this up - Tuesdays are temporarily difficult
> for me because of teaching commitments, but I want to stay connected.
>
> I think some kind of exhibition + activity would be a good idea, but to
> do it professionally might be quite expensive, so I wonder if we should
> apply for some kind of grant? I don't know if we'd fit the 'Awards for
> All' criteria - guess it depends what we decided to do.
>
> Best wishes,
>
> Janet
>
> --- End forwarded message ---
>

I'm really getting into this posting discussion business now - there's
no stopping me!!

Here's another thing to think about.......

Some /all of you may have heard about the celebrations in London,
Bristol and Edinburgh starting next month. I have bought a ticket for
the London one, on 15th March, and will be meeting a few volunteers I
was in Namibia with there. It would be great to go there with some
other representatives of our York group, just to show them what a great
group we are!!! No really, it looks good fun. As do the others - you
may prefer to go to Bristol or Edinburgh.

For more details, email me (I haven't worked out if you can attach or
copy and paste links to these messages yet).

Alison

Steven has quite rightly pointed out that meeting in a pub rather
distracts us from getting down to discussing any formal business or
sticking to an agenda!

He has very kindly offered us use of his workplace (in the centre of
town) although he cannot commit to every meeting, so I guess we would
not be able to make this a venue for each one. What we could do is have
set dates for more formal meetings with an agenda eg. the VSO 50th
anniversary, interspersed with more informal chats in the pub. Now that
we are possibly going to be forming "sub-committees" to plan our
extravaganza for the 50th, perhaps Steven's place could be used for
those meetings. They would, of course, depend on an agreed time for the
start and finish so that everyone attending was there at the same time.

At the moment we have left things very flexible to accommodate
everyone's different travel / work etc. commitments. This still works
well for the pub visits I think.

What do you think? Until otherwise agreed, we will continue to meet in
The Three Legged Mare from 5.30pm on the last Tuesday of the month.

Alison

Yes, well done to Andy for setting this up! And now after a few
aborted attempts I, too, have managed to get the hang of it. If I
can, anyone can!!

On the subject of the 50th, which is the main topic for discussion at
the moment, my original idea was to do something based on an idea by
VSO head ofice for their "photo album". That is to collect photos
from returned volunteers panning the decades (ie. the 60s to present
day). As we have such people in our group who have volunteered from
1966 (Dick) to just last year (Pat) with plenty of us in between to
cover the other decades, we could do the same. Choosing photos that
reflect the countries we've been to in a positive light ie. challenge
possible misconceptions (eg. all mud huts in Africa)and celebrate the
similarities we share across the continents (between us we have a
balance of Asia and Africa I think)as well as relecting the broad
range of areas VSO (and volunteering organisations in general) work
in would tick a lot of VSO boxes in terms of the message we, as
returned volunteers, put out there.

A photo exhibition could also be used as the focus of an "open day"
for people in the local community interested in volunteering - VSO
Head Office will support and help organise this, I am sure (I went to
a similar one in Leeds last year). We can ask relevent VSO staff to
come and talk / assist as well and those of us who would like to
share our experiences on a more formal setting (ie. with photos etc.
to an audience and not just chatting in the pub!)could have that
opportunity too.

Perhaps Rachel knows if York St. John University would be a suitable
venue? Or Steven's workplace? (See other message re venue for our
regular meetings.)I could ask my boss, who's interested in offering
conferencing facilities at our workplace.

So the real question at this stage is, are people willing to share
photos and if so, what would be the best way to display them?

Any other ideas, of course, most welcome!

Alison

--- In VSO_Local_Group_York@..., "andypilot1"
<andypilot1@...> wrote:
>
> I wrote out this whole message during which time, my internet
> connection had dropped and when i sent it, I lost the lot.
> So this is take 2.
>
> Thanks Janet for kicking this ne off - i like what youre saying.
This
> is what I see:
> 1 Funding - 1 group to get with VSO to see whats available
> 2 location - 1 group to look into halls
> 3 1 group to think about possible events.
> i think the above 3 are linked but i dont see that any should wait
for
> another.
> i'll get with alison and VSO to see whats on offer. Anyone can feel
> welcome to start thinking about the other 2.
> Maybe at this stage, we should clearly mark out a 'function
organising
> ethos'. I would like to propose the following:
> 1  this isnt life and death
> 2  Anyone who feels the load shouts loudly
> 3  The more communication the better
>
> Andy
>
>
> --- In VSO_Local_Group_York@..., "jntcochrane"
> <J.Cochrane@> wrote:
>
> Hi
>
> Good idea of Andy's to set this up - Tuesdays are temporarily
difficult
> for me because of teaching commitments, but I want to stay
connected.
>
> I think some kind of exhibition + activity would be a good idea,
but to
> do it professionally might be quite expensive, so I wonder if we
should
> apply for some kind of grant? I don't know if we'd fit the 'Awards
for
> All' criteria - guess it depends what we decided to do.
>
> Best wishes,
>
> Janet
>
> --- End forwarded message ---
>

I hereby approve limiting membership to those we have already had
contact with and therefore are in some way legit ie. our current
list. As we add to that list, then we can add them to this.

We don't want any "weirdos" with nothing better to do hacking into
our discussions!!

Alison

--- In VSO_Local_Group_York@..., "andypilot1"
<andypilot1@...> wrote:
>
> This site is open to anone to join, post messages even delete the
> group. ie. there is currently no security at all.
> I think at some stage, we will have to change the membership to 'by
> approval' because we're out on the web and anyone can decide to
join
> and instantly delete us.
> I belive that any member can approve.
> Assuming theres no opposition, i'll do this on 1/3/8.
>
>
> Andy
>

I wrote out this whole message during which time, my internet
connection had dropped and when i sent it, I lost the lot.
So this is take 2.

Thanks Janet for kicking this ne off - i like what youre saying. This
is what I see:
1 Funding - 1 group to get with VSO to see whats available
2 location - 1 group to look into halls
3 1 group to think about possible events.
i think the above 3 are linked but i dont see that any should wait for
another.
i'll get with alison and VSO to see whats on offer. Anyone can feel
welcome to start thinking about the other 2.
Maybe at this stage, we should clearly mark out a 'function organising
ethos'. I would like to propose the following:
1  this isnt life and death
2  Anyone who feels the load shouts loudly
3  The more communication the better

Andy


--- In VSO_Local_Group_York@..., "jntcochrane"
<J.Cochrane@...> wrote:

Hi

Good idea of Andy's to set this up - Tuesdays are temporarily difficult
for me because of teaching commitments, but I want to stay connected.

I think some kind of exhibition + activity would be a good idea, but to
do it professionally might be quite expensive, so I wonder if we should
apply for some kind of grant? I don't know if we'd fit the 'Awards for
All' criteria - guess it depends what we decided to do.

Best wishes,

Janet

--- End forwarded message ---

Thanks Andy, and well done - we talked about doing this in Nepal, but
it didn't get going.

I was hoping to do a photo/artefacts exhibition and coffee morning in
our church hall for fund-raising and awareness raising re VSO 50th, so
I'd go along with Janet's idea. I would think the VSO fund could help
out with booking costs etc

Enjoyed meeting you all, see you next month

Pat

Hi

Good idea of Andy's to set this up - Tuesdays are temporarily difficult
for me because of teaching commitments, but I want to stay connected.

I think some kind of exhibition + activity would be a good idea, but to
do it professionally might be quite expensive, so I wonder if we should
apply for some kind of grant? I don't know if we'd fit the 'Awards for
All' criteria - guess it depends what we decided to do.

Best wishes,

Janet