Friends of the Vermont State House

Retreat Agenda

9:00 to 2:00 on October 18 in the Lounge at the State House

All members of the Friends will receive and should study the mission statement, board list, committee list, and language in Act 156 in advance of this retreat and be prepared to share perspectives on the questions in this agenda.

9:00     Welcome

    Review the Agenda

Introductions

9:30    History and Accomplishments of the Friends

Mary and David will overview followed by brief general discussion.

9:45    Mission

Review current mission statement:  Is it adequate, cogent and comprehensive?  Are there changes needed?  Are there unmet goals or needs in the State House that should also be made explicit?

Next Steps

10:45 A Vision for the Future

Visioning Exercise: Share short sentences as “points of vision” for the future of the State House and for the role of the Friends.  (20 minutes)

Discussion:

What are the needs of the State House today and for the next 20 years?

What are your ideas for public and working spaces, technology, arts, events, grounds and infrastructure improvements?

What role should the Friends play in advocacy for the future of the State House?

What is the Role of the Friends in Relation to the Curator’s Office and the new State House Advisory Committee?

Next Steps

12:00    LUNCH (provided)

12:45    Raising and Budgeting Funds

Where and how do we raise money? Are all these means still useful and pertinent?  Are there other fundraising ideas we should pursue?

Where and how do we spend money? Are our expenditures making a difference?  Are we making the right investments? Are there other ways we would like to contribute?

Action Steps

1:10    Committees of the Friends

Review current committees and membership:  Do these committees adequately respond to the mission and goals of the Friends? Are they all currently needed?  Is there an unmet need that should be addressed by a     new working group?

Action Steps

1:30    Board Membership

Does the board effectively represent its mission and the people of Vermont? Are actions needed to strengthen the board for the future?

Action Steps

1:50     Summation of Ideas and Potential Action Steps

2:00    Adjourn

Notes:

Janet Miller, Sergeant At Arms, will be invited to participate.

Gail will provide support and take notes for summation and follow up.

Board Members will be mailed a packet in advance including Agenda, Mission and Operations Sheet, May 26 Report on Interpretive Plan, Standing Committees of the Board, Budget Summary, Act 156