[All] Minutes of Sept 2018 GREN Meeting

[Susan Bryant]

GREN Minutes Sept. 13, 2018

Christian Science Church, Kitchener



Purpose of the meeting: to say farewell to Theo and have social time, choose a new treasurer, discuss the future of GREN. GREN dues are due--$20.00!



Why GREN? Discussed whether we keep going, and in what direction

  *   Helpful for us to have GREN in our CVs as we each work on our own issues.
  *   We're the history. We are elders who know what’s happened. Much needed by the younger folks.
  *   The fact that we didn’t have a meeting last year is good news---suggests our local politicians and gov't are doing pretty well! We've accomplished something and there was no big need to push.
  *   GREN could we affiliate with a younger group to spread our wisdom--and we don't need to do all the legwork.
  *   There will always be a need and we do have energy. We can pick fewer things to focus on.
  *   A strength of GREN is we reach outside of the Region, working with other groups, communicating and not duplicating efforts.
  *   GREN is a community of friends supporting one another.
  *   We have experience to share--how to approach council, how to be effective. An activism bent is not strong in other, younger groups. They don’t come to council where things get decided. They need those lessons. Some don't have a sense of organizing beyond your own community. For example, John is working on such an Ed project in Great Lakes community---to pull together the history so people can see how so much has been accomplished by communities working together.
  *   Our email list important even with those who don’t attend meetings. Gets the word out.
  *   Asked why Guelph is so far ahead as an enviro community. Noted that the city has always had an "alternative" community and a strong OPIRG. And a “hub” where people meet to network (café at 10 Carden St.). Kevin noted that a green hub is being created by Sustainable Waterloo, The Accelerator Centre, WLU and UW in the Evolve1 building In the David Johnston Research Park. It’s the greenest building in Canada.

 The consensus was that GREN plays a needed role and should continue.

Administration of GREN – We need to discuss our roles---secretaries, etc.

  *   Need a new treasurer and someone to run the website, as Theo is moving back to Romania.
  *   Greg volunteered to be treasurer. Bob B. made the motion that Greg M. take over as  new GREN treasurer and the motion passed.
  *   Theo's friend, a student at UW, has agreed to take over running the website for us. John will be listed on the website as the GREN contact person. Kevin will be the registrar for our domain.
  *   Theo suggested we find a new bank, as the current one started charging fees. Don suggests Education Credit Union who still prints own cheques.
  *   Theo reported we have $1744.61. Each cheque needs to be signed by 2 of the 3 with signing privileges. Agreed that John, Kevin, and now Susan Bryant will have signing privileges.

 Discussed whether we want other changes to structure of GREN. Do we want a meeting convener to organize meetings? (John currently convenes, choosing dates by consulting paid members.) We'll discuss further at next meeting.



Social Time and Farewell to Theo--

  *   The meeting adjourned and we celebrated Theo, who has been part of GREN since day one—that is, 10 years.
  *   Theo told us about his environmental work in Romania and Central Europe before coming to Canada. The Communist regime created and left terrible pollution and Theo headed an organization in central Europe to address it.
  *   We had refreshments and Greg brought a gift for Theo on behalf of GREN. We will miss you, Theo. Thank you for all your contributions.

 Upcoming Events—

  *   October 10 – Waterloo Citizens Forum: Does Waterloo have enough parks and green space? 7-9 at Church of the Holy Saviour, 33 Allen St. E, Waterloo.
  *
  *   October 16 - Partnering with Nature to Heal the Biosphere: Kitchener Public Library, 6:30-9. This is an event that had been planned for last year with GREN as a co-sponsor. But it was delayed when the initiator of the event, Michael Purves-Smith, died. We are working with Shannon Purves-Smith to have this event happen in his memory.  GREN members, Susan and Darrol Bryant, Susan Koswan and John have been working with Shannon organizing this event.
 Minutes by Susan Bryant


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