59th Annual UN DPI/NGO
Conference (6-8 September 2006)
Minutes of the Executive Committee
Meeting:
1.0 Pre-Meeting Comments
1.1 Michaela Walsh discussed several items, including problems that were beginning to arise. There were some problems regarding the Midday Workshop Committee that were discussed.
1.2 She also emphasized a more positive approach toward strengthening NGO participation and voices toward collaboration and partnerships.
1.3 She discussed fundraising and our strategic approach toward formally securing funds.
2.0 Adoption of the Agenda
2.1 Agenda was adopted without discussion.
3.0 Adoption of the Minutes
3.1 There was a comment that the minutes were too detailed.
3.2 There was a comment that detailed minutes were better than general minutes.
3.3 Minutes were adopted.
4.0 Discussion of the Draft Conference Schedule
4.1 A new draft of the Conference Schedule was passed out. Michaela emphasized her belief that money should be addressed up front, per the first panel session of the Conference. There was a comment that Christopher Burnham, USG, Department of Management, spoke on this eloquently at last Thursday Communications Workshop.
4.2 Each Conference event was discussed in order, and the language of descriptions played with, and the would-be appropriate content discussed.
5.0 Speaker Names List Discussion
5.1 An updated
list of all recommended speakers was passed around. Michaela noted that we have
too few names from
5.2 Michaela emphasized the importance of the next few weeks, in getting out speaker invitations.
6.0 Subcommittee Reports
6.1 Events and Fundraising
6.1.1 The committee was working on a tote-bag promotion. It was agreed that the bag would not become a place to put corporate sponsored give-aways.
6.1.2 The committee discussed contingency plans regarding the tent.
6.2 Internet
6.2.1 The committee has been working on the Midday Workshop form, which was almost finished, and would be ready by the week of April 24.
6.2.2 Vanessa announced that the website would be up by next week.
6.3 Multigenerational
6.3.1 The committee has been proactive in facilitating greater participation in the Conference around the world.
6.3.2
“What Moves You”, Gala and Shamina’s exhibit, sponsored
by Paolo and Nita at
6.4
6.4.1 The committee had finalized a letter regarding the Midday Workshops and worked with the Internet Committee to finalize the online form. They also created an online automatic database for their programme.
6.4.2 The committee laid out its strategy and its duties for the Conference including individual responsibilities and a calendar.
6.4.3
The committee expressed difficulty accommodating as
many people as are interested (without conflict of interest) in reviewing
6.4.4 The committee said it plans to look for interns and volunteers to work during the Conference. Michaela suggested that the Midday Workshop and IT subcommittees should work with the Resource Center Support Committee on finding interns and volunteers, and which schools to contact in this regard. It was noted that the UN Volunteers could be contacted
6.4.5 Leslie clarified the issue of presenters and participants, not to be confused with the “speakers”, (and their association with sponsors,) for the Midday Workshops. So as not to create confusion, presenters and participants were for the Midday Workshop while speakers were for the plenary sessions and roundtables.
6.4.6 There was a discussion on where the workshops might be held.
It was decided that the member of
the Midday Workshop depended on the nummber of the Conference rooms to be made
available in the UN Complex. No workshops would be held in the
6.5 Other Comments
6.5.1 Michaela suggested that we do something to get to know the new security personnel. Leslie suggested a type of “sensitivity training” regarding the NGO community. Sol was to look into the feasibility of this proposal.
6.6 Resource Centre Support Committee
6.6.1 Paolo discussed inviting volunteers for registration itself at the Conference. Michaela suggested finding volunteers for the youth table.
6.7 Networking
6.7.1 Fannie said the committee had developed a letter, calling for best practices in networking. She also discussed the usage of weblogs “blogs” in networking.
6.7.2 Fannie clarified that the tent would be used as a networking venue, and that there would be two sessions on how to network.
6.7.3 Fannie clarified that there would not be a film festival, although there would hopefully be screenings of videos.
6.8 Media
6.8.1 The committee drafted a letter to NGO colleagues, a sample press release, and a sample news media advisory, which were passed out. The committee expressed interest to develop these letters into a variety of samples for various intents and purposes, and to place them up on the web. The committee encouraged others to post their own press releases etc. on the blog.
6.9 Michaela asked everyone to review the speakers list and edit it where appropriate.