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Message From Mike Shandroff
Date: 11/02/2005

After thinking in depth about running for the president position of the club, it has become very obvious just how much our past presidents have had to deal with to keep things running. Jeff plays it down, but there is a lot to keeping this train on track, so that we can all enjoy it as much as we do. In its present form, I've realized there is no way I'd have the time to run Pale Kai as it should be run. If there is someone out there who has the time and is planning on running, more power to you and you can count on me for support. But, as I have spoken to most people in the club about this issue over the past few weeks, everyone seems to be in the same boat: we want to support the club but cannot take on the official responsibilities of the job.

So, after studying our bylaws and SCORA's bylaws and structure, I'm going to propose some changes at the Tuesday meeting which could alter the way we run Pale Kai. The idea is that we spread out the responsibilities, which could lead to more participation and a more active club. I wanted to get this out to as many fellow paddlers as possible before the meeting. This way everyone has some time to think it over, and think about where you might like to lend a hand as a board member or working within a certain area with a board member.

A larger board for Pale Kai
President - run meetings, propose and implement policy, resolve board disputes, club contact person/ liason with other clubs, site coordinator/contact.

Vice President - step in for president when she/he is not able to attend, oversee all club safety efforts.

Secretary (Dara) - minutes at meetings, minutes record keeping, web-site, member's proposals of policy and bylaw changes to board.

Treasurer CFO (Tiffany) - banking, accounting, book-keeping, dues, reimbursements, taxes, insurance, etc.

Women's Coach (Jill) - coordinate womens crews and steerswomen, education/clinics.

Men's Coach - coordinate mens crews and steersmen, education/clinics.

Youth & Novice Coach (Jeff) - coordinate crews and steerspersons, education/clinics, funding.

Membership Coordinator - records of members, welcome packets for new members (Pale Kai & SCORA waivers, releases, safety handouts, Outrigging history & culture, instuctional info), recruiting & outreach.

Equipment Coordinator - Boat repair & maintenance, paddles, PFSs, ropes, rubbers, shims, bungees, race kits, etc., site clean-up, research and recommend canoe & accessory purchase and sales.

Transportation Coordinator - coordinate & train drivers, maintain contacts with rental agencies, develop policy on reimbersement/ perdiem for drivers, trailer inspection & coordinate trailer maintenance and repairs.

Information Coordinator - works with secretary & membership coordinator, send email and setup phone tree for inner-club memos, press releases, media coverage, photography and marketing.

SCORA Director (Denise), SCORA Alternate (Joanne) - attend all SCORA meetings, report back to board, coordinate race jerseys & club apparel.

Event Coordinator - fundraisers, community service programs, road clean-up days, club banners & EZ ups for races, ultimate goal is the return of the Pinepple Express as a SCORA race at Avila.

I've had a lot of input and positive reaction to the concept so far, and a few people have said they would step-up for different positions. I'm sure people will have more ideas to add, or see things we have missed. Please let me know what you think. If the club does decide to go this route at Tuesday's meeting, I'll be running for President. So take a few minutes to think it over, and please come to the yacht club on Tuesday at 6:30 pm. We need everyone there to participate and keep Pale Kai the fun, safe and competitive club that Lon, Jeff and all of you have made it.