OCT. 25, 2008 PALO ALTO, CA.
By NASW Secretary Peggy Girshman
The membership meeting was convened on Oct. 25, 2008, as part of the NASW workshop, in Palo Alto, Calif. Approximately 80 people attended. President Robert Lee Hotz called the meeting to order at 8:50 a.m. and reminded everyone that the information being discussed — and more — is available on the NASW website. He praised complete transparency in communication and requested that members recommend to officers and the board additional ways to achieve this goal.
Treasurer Nancy Shute presented the budget (published in the fall newsletter and online) and reported that, thanks to the excellent stewardship of Diane McGurgan and Tinsley Davis, NASW is on a "steady course." Courtesy of funds from the Authors Coalition (AC), expanded services are being offered to members including travel fellowships to the annual meeting and the AAAS meeting. As part of the on-going transition to a new executive director, bank accounts are being moved from West Virginia to California.
Q: In the recent financial troubles, did we lose anything?
A: Only from one account; relatively small slice. But, we're likely to take a hit in our future share of AC funds, due to the rising value of the U.S. dollar and cutbacks around the world.
Q: How much have we received from the Authors Coalition?
A: We anticipated getting $60,000, but actually received $120,000. The "conundrum" is how to spend it in a timely fashion, in keeping with AC guidelines.
Lee introduced Beryl Benderly, board member and the "Goddess" of AC funds, who modestly responded to the extended applause and compliments by saying "the concept of free money was a no-brainer" adding that the AC process is "mysterious and unpredictable" and that we can't use it to commit to ongoing expenses (no recurring expenses, no salaries), it must be used to directly benefit writers.
Cybrarian Russ Clemings discussed website infrastructure changes, which include moving to a new server, which costs less and gives more control and flexibility to initiate things ourselves — i.e., starting a wiki. Regarding new content, an extensive self-publishing section, courtesy of Dennis Meredith, has been posted. Russ noted that the Palo Alto conference was being "twittered," thanks to the organization of volunteers and student fellows by Nancy Shute.
Vice president and workshop organizer Mariette DiChristina reported that we set a record for workshop volunteers this year: 27 people "powered by the engine of our own creativity." She acknowledged the impressive work of Tinsley in making the workshops happen and urged people to fill out the post-workshop surveys, available online this year. The workshops included 32 speakers, 240 members, 50 students, eight student volunteers.
Mariette then discussed the need to make a minor but important change in the NASW constitution. Moving the annual meeting to October means the new board, taking office in January, won't meet until 10 months later. She proposed holding elections in the summer so that the board could meet soon after. Language of the proposed amendment reads:
The executive board will set the timing of the biennial NASW elections within six months of the annual meeting, with timely notification of the members thereafter.
[After the meeting concluded, the proposal received more than the requisite number of signatures needed to be put to a member vote, within the next few months.]
Bob Finn, chair of the Science in Society Awards committee, reported almost 200 entries in three categories. He praised the 15 volunteer judges and put out the call for volunteers for next year. He noted that "we're talking about making some changes to categories."
Jeff Grabmeier reported on the education committee and praised co-chair Rob Irion. The major part of the committee's work takes place at AAAS and this year set records with 39 mentor/mentee pairs as well as 16 recruiters and 59 students at the internship fair. Jeff noted that the past three years AAAS funded 10 students to attend the meeting and that NASW will continue the funding for the next few years, courtesy of AC funds. He also said that website materials for science-writing teachers will soon be updated.
Nancy Shute talked about another use of the AC funds: day-long multi-media training workshops for members in several locations around the country. Nancy, Peggy Girshman, Tammy Powledge, Adam Rogers, and Tom Paulson comprise the committee setting these up for a spring 2009 launch. Member ideas are welcome.
All board candidates had been invited to attend the annual meeting. Candidates in the audience stood up and introduced themselves. Lee announced that NASW is moving away from paper ballots and will elect the board via the web.
As part of a new arrangement, NASW and CASW will have representatives attend each other's annual business/board meetings. New Horizons Program Director Paul Raeburn noted that CASW and NASW have been more engaged in planning the meetings together an effort that streamlined signup, registration, and name tags at this year's meetings. Next year's meetings will be in Austin Texas. The year 2009 marks the 50th anniversary of CASW and the 75th anniversary of NASW.
Lee Hotz spoke on behalf of Deb Blum, NASW's international liaison, who was in Morocco attending the Arab Science Journalists Association meeting.
New Business
Rick Borchelt urged NASW members to suggest nominees for election as fellows of the AAAS, an honor bestowed upon "for meritorious efforts to advance science or its applications." Most scientists consider election as an AAAS fellow a matter of considerable prestige. Lee noted that fellowship status "gives you a lot of 'pop' in the scientific community" and helps scientists understand that science writers are on equal footing with them.
Incoming president Mariette honored Lee Hotz, whose service as NASW president spanned more than three years because he first stepped into the role during predecessor Laura van Dam's illness and untimely death. Lee told fellow officers, the board, and those gathered, "Thank you for the opportunity you've given me to work with all of you." There was a standing ovation.
Lee announced that Diane McGurgan Service Award this year was awarded to Richard Robinson, chair of freelance committee.
The meeting adjourned at 9:45 a.m.
