APRIL 2016 - District 5 Meeting Minutes
Dear KAC District 5 Members,
Here's a summary of April's District 5 meeting.
Minutes April 8, 2016
At the KAC District 5 meeting April 8, Roy Beckemeyer gave a report of the State Board Meeting. Memberships (and incoming fees) have been less over the past couple of years. The State Board considered ways to ease the financial situation. Also, contest entries have apparently been fewer also. There have been numerous complaints about the “Submittable” site as being difficult to use, or giving unfair advantage to some who are more computer-savy than others. As we discussed this at the Dist. 5 meeting, both Roy and Griz stated that they are willing to help those who do not have computer access or who are having difficulty with the Submittable site. In order to ease the State KAC financial status, there is consideration for asking the Districts to voluntarily defer receipt of their 25% of the membership fees for 2016. Also, the State Board is considering adding an assistant financial person in order to get dues reminders out well before the due date.
Roy reminded us that State Contests run April through June. We were advised to check the 2016 Yearbook, which members should have already received, for rules, deadlines, etc. This information can also be found on the KAC website. Roy suggested that we go to the KAC Facebook page and the share to our individual Facebook page, inviting and encouraging others to write, and to join us. Whenever possible, please encourage children to write and to enter contests. Connie White has bookmarks for kids which give the contests, etc., to remind kids to “Stop Hiding In Your Locker” and write.
It has occasionally been difficult finding judges for contests, perhaps in part because KAC members are not eligible to be judges. (Although contest judges for all the 2016 writing contest categories are in place.) It was recommended that this issue be brought up during the Business meeting at the Convention in the fall. The consensus in this Dist. 5 meeting is that members should be allowed to be judges.
Ronda Miller was to have been our speaker, but was unable to come, so Diane Wahto gave a program on journaling. The group discussed various ways that they journal, such as a daily diary, while others journal “hit-and-miss” about concerns, life events, etc. Several spoke of how journaling has had a positive effect in their lives in being a help as they worked through stresses, or in revealing to them later how they had been strengthened through crisis situations. We then spent 10-15 minutes on a “journaling” exercise, and had a share around. Everyone agreed that it was a very encouraging and fun experience
Connie White, Secretary
Here's a summary of April's District 5 meeting.
Minutes April 8, 2016
At the KAC District 5 meeting April 8, Roy Beckemeyer gave a report of the State Board Meeting. Memberships (and incoming fees) have been less over the past couple of years. The State Board considered ways to ease the financial situation. Also, contest entries have apparently been fewer also. There have been numerous complaints about the “Submittable” site as being difficult to use, or giving unfair advantage to some who are more computer-savy than others. As we discussed this at the Dist. 5 meeting, both Roy and Griz stated that they are willing to help those who do not have computer access or who are having difficulty with the Submittable site. In order to ease the State KAC financial status, there is consideration for asking the Districts to voluntarily defer receipt of their 25% of the membership fees for 2016. Also, the State Board is considering adding an assistant financial person in order to get dues reminders out well before the due date.
Roy reminded us that State Contests run April through June. We were advised to check the 2016 Yearbook, which members should have already received, for rules, deadlines, etc. This information can also be found on the KAC website. Roy suggested that we go to the KAC Facebook page and the share to our individual Facebook page, inviting and encouraging others to write, and to join us. Whenever possible, please encourage children to write and to enter contests. Connie White has bookmarks for kids which give the contests, etc., to remind kids to “Stop Hiding In Your Locker” and write.
It has occasionally been difficult finding judges for contests, perhaps in part because KAC members are not eligible to be judges. (Although contest judges for all the 2016 writing contest categories are in place.) It was recommended that this issue be brought up during the Business meeting at the Convention in the fall. The consensus in this Dist. 5 meeting is that members should be allowed to be judges.
Ronda Miller was to have been our speaker, but was unable to come, so Diane Wahto gave a program on journaling. The group discussed various ways that they journal, such as a daily diary, while others journal “hit-and-miss” about concerns, life events, etc. Several spoke of how journaling has had a positive effect in their lives in being a help as they worked through stresses, or in revealing to them later how they had been strengthened through crisis situations. We then spent 10-15 minutes on a “journaling” exercise, and had a share around. Everyone agreed that it was a very encouraging and fun experience
Connie White, Secretary
