New York Mills, MN

The Horizon’s Team met with DonnaRae Jacobson on Thursday, December 13 to finalize the “Horizon’s Team Work Plan for New York Mills”.  There were several Horizons Team members in attendance–Denise Peltier, Todd Cameron, Bill Warner, Connie Warner, Victoria McWane-Creek, Kevin Cederstrom, Pat Fredley, and Julie Adams. 

The meeting focused on the the main aspects of the Work Plan, namely the structure, the decision-making process, the communication systems, how to monitor and evaluate, and the sustainability of the Horizons Team.  DonnaRae will be sending the Team members the final copy of the Work Plan as soon as she puts the finishing touches on it.  This part of the process neeeded to be finished by December 31 in order to meet the Northwest Area Foundation’s grant requirements.  Good job Horizons Team!!

The next meeting of the Horizons Team will be on Friday, January 11, 2008, 12:00 noon, at the New York Mills Public Library Meeting Room.  Horizons Team members are asked to bring their own lunch. 

Volunteerism team met on Tuesday to discuss purpose and strategies.

We drafted the following Volunteer Squad Purpose: To encourage and recognize community service and volunteerism by engaging citizens of all ages to unite to create the community described in the New York Mills Vision.

Possible strategies include

1. Be a resource to current organized community organizations. Create a list of service organizations, their purpose/mission, major events and contact information for new and exisiting community members

2. Community Mentoring program match adult community volunteers to youth to support goals, growth and education aspirations of youth.

3. Organize Community Days of Service opportunities that allow ordinary citizens to participate in activities with members of service organizations to focus community efforts on particular anti-poverty themes 2-4 times a year.

4. Develop a way or an event to recognize community involvement.

The Horizon’s Team will be meeting on Thursday, December 13, 12:30 pm, at the Eagles Cafe.  The Horizon’s Team consists of the local organizer, community bloggers, and future squad leaders.  This team will finalize the Work Plan.  Updates to come . . .