Meeting of August 6, 2007 Attending: Rick Gasaway, Jackie Palmer, Bethany Paul - St. Franics Xavier, Georgia Copeland, Katrina Bruce (and Brad & Ava)- Shawnee Mission UU, Barbara Shephard, Patty Schumans – SMUUCH, Chuck Gillam, Christine Caseres, Janice Grant, Osa Moody, Barbara Chaplin, Mid Lawrence, Rita Norton, Joshua Allen - First Christian Church – Leawood, Bill Braunlich - Heartland All Species Project, Bill Bergerson 

Gathering/Introduction/Meditation: Meeting was called to order at approximately 7pm. Christine Caseres began the meeting with a visualization exercise to imagine a sustainable world and those present shared views on obtaining those goals.

Correction to Minutes:

Minor typos were corrected per Bill. No other corrections. 

Treasure Report: 

There were no expenditures or receipts since the prior meeting. SSC closed the books for its financial year as of July 31, 2007, with a balance of $143.07. 

Proposed Budget 8/1/2007 – 7/31/2008:

$51 Hosting Web Site

$40 Reporting Fees to State of Kansas

$19 Go Daddy for web address reservation

’$350 Copying

$440 Donations and Tabling

Total proposed budget: $900 

The $900 budget was approved with the understanding that if adequate funds were not raised, less money would be spent on copying and tabling events. 

Fundraising – Contribution Levels:

Levels discussed those present:$25, $50, $100, $250, and $500 Georgia researched adjectives to call the different levels.  She suggested the following:

Sustaining
Re-users
Preservation (or preservers)
Conservation (or conserving)
Community Builder
Growing
Building
Alternative

Those present felt most comfortable with contributions being optional with individuals encouraging their own churches to give in addition to personal giving.  The idea of having a form available on the web site and adding requests for donations to the general information brochure was discussed.   Input from the group will be considered and a new proposal will be made at the next meeting. 

Fundraising Event (Trivia Tournament):

Chuck discussed SSC hosting a Trivia Tournament similar to the event hosted by Concerned Citizens of Platte County.  CCPC raised about $1,600 at their last event.  It is a fun event for the whole family.  All were interested, but concerns were raised about the time needed to organize the event.  It was also suggested to see if this event could become part of another event.  It was decided to consider a spring or summer event and determine if there are volunteers able to organize. The discussion was tabled until closer to that time. 

SSC Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Grants:

Christine suggested that SSC explore as a future goal raising money and providing grants to churches. Rita suggested that maybe instead of holding the money, SSC could work with corporations to provide grants and SSC could be involved in the process of selecting churches to receive the grants. 

Endorsement of National Renewable Portfolio Standard in Missouri:

The National Renewable Portfolio standards are state policies mandating a state to generate a percent of its electricity from renewable sources.  If you support this, you are encouraged to endorse Missouri becoming involved in this program.  Please go to www.RenewMO.org and click on “Get Involved” and click on “Endorse.” 

Political Actions:

Chuck shared that he felt one of the most important ways to change the world is to change our leaders. All were encouraged as private citizens to contact their representatives to share their personal views.  Our representatives want to hear from us.  As a non-profit we are not political, but we do encourage our members to be active politically.

 Net Metering:

Christine suggested that a letter be written expressing the group’s views on Net Metering and its importance to the faith communities in encouraging use of renewable energy be drafted.  All those who felt supportive of the letter could sign it. Chuck shared that KCP&L offered to have net metering if it was acceptable to the state.

 “Energy Savings & Sustainability for Congregations & Schools:

Rita Norton reported that there is no update at this time. 

Green Audits:

The efforts of SSC churches are being shared, and this is allowing other churches to move forward.

 Web Site:

Bill says SSC web site is unnecessarily complicated.  Maybe we could recruit someone to work on the web site.  The problem is that the web site was started by one person and then maintained by others.  The URL for the group is www.sustainablesanctuary.org. 

SSC Yahoo Groups:

Bill shared that a decision was made last meeting to migrate to Yahoo Groups. The advantage is that Yahoo Groups will maintain the SSC distribution list on-line. An invitation was sent to everyone who is on the distribution list, but only 16 have signed up.  Another invitation will be sent with a more simple sign-up option. Also, some may not be receiving the invitations due to aggressive screening by the e-mail management system.  Rita shared that the procedure needs to be shared again. Bill will invite active participants again and add those who do not add on their own. 

Announcements:

St. Andrew Church has invited all to a retreat on August 25^th. 

Next Meeting:

September 10, 7pm, Village Presbyterian Church