2007 Minutes for the CNVC Board of Directors

Links to minutes of the 2007 CNVC Board of Directors Meetings Minutes are posted from newest to oldest
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Board Agenda & Minutes 12/12/07

December 12, starting at 19:00 GMT, teleconference 
1.605.772-3100; code 825078#

(20:30 GMT)Check in

(20:40) Administrative matters

• Announcements (All)
• Next meeting: January 16, 2008, teleconference
• Schedule of 2009 in-person Board meetings (Margo)
• Documents for meeting: Financial report (Margo)
• Acceptance of Nov 1-4 minutes
• Acceptance of today's agenda (should any other action items be added or order of items on agenda changed?)

Content

• (20:50) Margo financial report
• Review status of action items from Nov 1-4 meeting
  1. (21:00) Action Item: Translation policy and GCC is a priority. Margo to schedule meeting regarding these two items.
  2. (21:04) Action Item: Admin Team is happy to assure an announcement is made to the network ASAP concerning the certification process re-opening soon. 
  3. (21:08) Action Item: Robert - to be involved in development for assessors training and ongoing training for certified trainers.
  4. (21:12) Action Item: Ann Wiley will consider taking on recruiting new Board Members; related Action Item: Valentina - to send list of possible board members to Margo.
  5. (21:14) Action Item: Have LT coordinators meeting every month attended by AT and LT coordinators. (Admin Team)
  6. (21:18)Action Item: Have Expanded forum every 3 months attended by AT, LT coordinators, and a 2nd person nominated from each LT team (observers invited)(Admin Team)
  7. (21:22) Action Item: Admin Team to hire up to two in-house trainers on the education services team. Decision to be reviewed in one year.
  8. (21:26) Action Item: Admin Team to establish hiring committee to hire a grant writer paid on percentage of award basis. Review decision in one year.
  9. (21:30) Action Item: Admin Team to hire Administrative Coordinator for support of grassroots fundraising and other administrative tasks in 2008. Review decision in one year.
  10. (21:34) Action Item: Admin Team to establish hiring committee to hire a Media Coordinator.
  11. (21:38) Action Item: Board establishes an Evolution Committee, Review decision in one year.
  12. (21:42) Action Item: Admin Team (AT) to communicate the communication committee’s guidelines. What do we communicate – information (ask and/or tell), decisions (observations & needs met?), feedback requests How do we communicate it? Who do I communicate it to?
  13. (21:46) Action Item: Valentina - to send package of notes developed with Barbara Larson regarding synergy Ann.
• (21:54) Consider any needed adjustments in priorities, resources, or guidance to the Admin Team.

(22:15) Check out

(22:30) End meeting

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Board Agenda & Minutes 11/1-4/07

Thursday, November 1 (Executive session - not open to public)

• 1:00pm Executive Session, to include selection of facilitator(s) for all sessions.

Friday, November 2 (open session)

• 9:00am - Check-in (Observer Request):

Observers

Board

• 9:15am - Acceptance of September Board meeting minutes, announcements, plans to visit new office space later in day, agenda additions/changes.
• 9:25am - Leadership Team reports
  • Financial Report (Admin Team)
  • Report on Office (Admin Team)
  • Report on GCC (GCC team leaders)
  • Education Team report, including certification update (Educational Director)
  • Synergy Team report (Synergy team)
  • Report on IT infrastructure improvements (IT team)
  • Empathy groups (all)
• 1:00pm - Strategic Plan/Evolution Plan, 2008 Budget Review (Admin team)
• 4:00pm - Check-out

Observers

Board

• 4:10pm - Leave to visit new office space

Saturday, November 3 (start 9:00am) 

• (Morning) Clarification of LT role and discussion with a view to resume LT meetings (Stefan)
• (Morning) Communications Committee (Robert)
• (Afternoon) Board member recruiting and retention discussion with goal to develop and implement (Margo)
• (Afternoon) Election of board officers (all)
• (Afternoon) LPL investment papers to sign by Board of Directors (Margo)
• (Afternoon) Review and possible revision of decisions made during previous meetings

Sunday, November 3 (start 9:00am) 

• (Morning) Generative thinking (i.e., time to let visions and dreams roll)
  • EXAMPLES OF POSSIBLE GENERATIVE TOPICS
  • For consideration: Program for NVC Excellence in analogy to Maryland Program for Mediator Excellence (John B)
  • Marshal Rosenberg Peace Center
  • What does networking mean? Synergy with other organizations doing social change.

(Morning) Review of action items

(Morning) Celebrations

Day 1 - Thursday, 11/01/07 Closed Session

In Attendance:

Board Members: John Wiley (President) , Valentina Rosenberg (Treasurer), Margo Pair (Interim Secretary), Robert Gonzales , Jori Manske, Marshall Rosenberg

Board Member Absent: Stephan

Observers: John Buck (Meeting Facilitator), Jim Manske, Anne Wiley, M.J. Wheeler (note taker)

Discussion

• Robert requested clarity on intention of this closed session. After discussion it is determined the intention is to find mutual understanding, trust, and learning to avoid similar issues in the future.

• John Buck read letter from Valentina to Board regarding various issues.

• Discussion re: Pierre Piront possible legal issues, and filming of Marshall's works.

• Comment by Marshall: Contributing to pain

1) Connections critical to be made and are not being made.

2) Some people have more than one role, some as part of the organization and some that are not.

Rosenberg’s as individuals and also CNVC, Manske’s with their own business and CNVC. Needs clear connections to avoid conflict of interest. Past conflict in network. Important to work out details ahead of time to avoid conflict and encourage connections. Contact is critical issue. Wants organization to come to some decision regarding communicating to achieve organizational clarity.

• Margo: Appreciate comments. Emphasizes communication & contact is critical. Recognizes challenge for this organization in communication. Relevant stakeholders should all be involved in decision making process. How do they connect? Development of communication infrastructure is needed.

Action Item

Valentina shared information: The Law Office of Anne Mccoy, who is working directly with Marshall & Valentina Rosenberg regarding the Pierre issue, recommends continued communication between the Rosenberg’s and CNVC regarding the issue. The Law Office is unable to provide a legal opinion or risk assessment concerning CNVC exposure or advise whether or not to obtain separate counsel. Depending on the nature of interaction which has taken place between CNVC representative(s) and Pierre Pirpont CNVC may need to obtain an attorney separate from the Rosenberg’s to avoid a conflict of interest.

Decision

John Buck to facilitate remainder of Board Meeting.

Check Out

• MJ: Interesting. Satisfying

• John Wiley: Hoping for some healing. Move forward on logistical issues. How can we more effectively collaborate in the network?

• Anne: Feels honored to be here. Appreciates what happened interpersonally. Happy because it models what we want. Positive start

• Margo: Focusing on silence. Openness and non-judgment honored. Deeply held appreciation for openness and integrity of discussion.

• Robert: Tired. Pleased here together. Heaviness & pain surrounding interpersonal issues. Pleased at willingness to communicate. Hopeful. Curiosity: What is it that disconnects people? Peaceful.

• Valentina: Tired. Deeply touched with everyone’s presence. Celebrating taking responsibility for her own needs. Grateful for everyone being here.

• Marshall: Deep respect for how much work Valentina put into issues discussed today.

• Jori: Appreciating lightness and tenderness in the room. Sadness (?) Needs release of intensity of feelings. Mourning things done came back different from intentions. Established more clarity. Peace with feelings.

• Jim: Gratitude to Marshall. Grateful to John Buck for facilitation and feedback. Grateful for clarity of Valentina in gathering information presented today and goal of clarity, connection, healing. Grateful to Robert for focus. Disheartened that we’re having to deal with disconnect some interpersonal disconnects. Scared about lack of information.

Adjourn 5:45pm

Day 2 – Friday 11/02/07

Present: Marshall, Valentina, Robert, Margo, Stephan, Jori, John Wiley
Observers: John Buck (Facilitator), Jim Manske, Abbey Wells, M.J. Wheeler (note taker)

Review September 25, 2007 . Approved.

Discussions & Reports

Margo: Admin. Team Report

• Financial Statements reviewed.

Margo: Office Report

• Provided an overview of personnel & office functions
• Office is still operating out of a temporary space, with plans to be in new commercial facility by November 1st.

Leadership Team Reports

Jim: Global Community Circle (GCC) Report

• Review vision, mission, and aims
• Reviewed concerns and requests from groups in key locations
• Review activities and action from groups in key locations

Action Items

• Action item: Jori to investigate status of sect labeling review in French area
• Action item: Jori to contact Dominique Barter regarding contact info to Marshall for trip to Portugal

William (LT): IT Infrastructure Report

• Web site project update
• Functions to add for users: online newspaper, multi-lingual site, forum & email integration on web site
• Developing new look & feel for new site for more professional image

• Translation languages: Spanish, German, French, Portuguese, English, going in steps, will be translating the top dozen pages most accessed first then the rest as possible.
• Work w/GCC to establish relationships with circles to plug in w/web administrator.
• Tech side: tested, running smooth. Big issue with translation is performance. Cannot predict needs until up and running. May need to allocate budget for tech upgrades related to usability with translation. Critical with worldwide users for speed of loading
• Integration for forum and email to help drive web site forum content. Will help drive traffic to web site and by extension bookstore, etc
• William received feedback from current forums that they would be willing to utilize new forum
• Develop theme and look & feel of web site
• Looking at tagging information 5 or 6 different categorized, can be tagged by category, geographically, users
• Stephan: Re: online newspaper, consider initially restricting online newspaper content posting ability to only certified trainers in order to get that part of the site up and running sooner. Also, consider introducing new content and look & feel as it is ready, rather than waiting for the total web site to be completely finished. Need a good balance between going live ASAP and other considerations:
• 3 points:
  • Content & positioning updated
  • Look & feel
  • Focus on news function in efficient way

• Margo: Wish to acknowledge the background work which has taken place, thank you William and those on the ITC. We all still have concerns with current site being outdated both in image & content giving the wrong impression to web site visitors. Concerned about copyright and trademark issues being presented more prominently but in the spirit of NVC to give it the importance it needs. Needs someone with a NVC consciousness to assist in editing and writing content to support the work being done.

• John Wiley: Appreciation to William regarding all his work.

Anne: Synergy Team

• Anne’s Experience: Organized ideas received from members. Needs some kind of organizational plan. Suggests preparation of informational presentations for higher level and lower level pieces. Also how do we connect different entities work together. Needs more organizational structure before able to proceed with project. Need to know what we are presenting before we can proceed.

• Marshall: Image is to connect our network with other networks with a similar mission.

Action item
Action item: Valentina to send package of notes developed with Barbara Larson regarding synergy Ann.

Education Team Report

• Certification: The timeframe for certification renewal will be extended for an extra 2 months this year due to changes in certification process.

• Certification will be open soon.

• Rita and Marshall have worked together developing instructions and guidelines including social change considerations for assessors to reflect changes in certification program. Once completed an announcement re-opening certification will be made.

• Re: Germany, Isolde will work as assessor with a team using same criteria that all assessors use. New criteria will be translated and forwarded on to Isolde. Isolde would like to certify 20 people who are ready. Feels excited and ready to go.

• Rita is a major part of training for existing trainers.

• Margo: There have been several meetings with Rita identifying areas where trainers and assessors could use support.

Action Item:
Action Item: Admin Team will assure an announcement is made to the network ASAP concerning the certification process re-opening soon.

• Valentina: Currently amending materials to define and expand on the term social change to make it clear what activities constitute social change. Verification of social change activities will be through review of information in annual trainers report. Include guidance for assessors in this process.

Existing trainers should review new criteria and see if what they've already done will fit new criteria include it in renewal report for this year. If not, they can describe plans for such activities in the coming year.

• Robert: Would like to be involved in development for assessors training and ongoing training for certified trainers.

• Valentina: CNVC will be giving priority to 1st time participants in IIT training before allowing previous participants to attend. We are currently developing in-house procedures to support the intention.

Action Item:

• Action item: Jori will update Valentina on suspended trainer status from prior year.

• Margo: Grateful for the ongoing support of current assessors. Also we need new assessors. Open up certification again to include social change requirement. In notification, clarify why certification was put on hold – CNVC’s concern about validity.

Board Member Recruiting and Retention

Decision:'Our need for the following type qualifications and expertise in prospective Board Members.

• Finances (budgeting, investing)
• Legal environment – International
• Experience running international non-profits – provide synergy with other boards
• Fund raising
• Social Change
• Media and Public Relations
• Connections with international NGOs
• Marketing
• Technology
• Artist/writer

Action Items

• Action Item: Approach Ann Wiley regarding taking on recruiting new Board Members (Ann take into consideration.)
• Action Item: Valentina to send list of possible board members to Margo

Strategic Plan

John Buck: Review Strategic Initiative matrix and projected budget 2008.
Recommend moving forward for 2008 on:

• Continue current income-generating activities
• Certification
• In-house trainers
• Fundraising
• Media
• Regional Offices/local organization (GCC)

In-house training:

• Valentina: She and Marshall are working to hire in-house trainers sooner than mid-2008, probably producing income beginning March 2008
• Stephan: Instead of an on staff in-house trainers and incurring an ongoing expense possibly define a short-list of existing trainers to take on those trainings that Marshall will not do and pay the trainer a fee.
• Marshall: Wants a clear-cut division between outside and inside trainers.
• John Buck: Value to having in-house trainer is building staff for ongoing operations.
• Valentina: Also note already have booking requests for in-house trainers for 2009
• John Buck: There may be an issue bringing on staff an existing in-house trainer who already has a practice.
• Margo: The Admin.Team with assistance from Barbara Larson has developed a draft contact to hire trainers that are a good fit for the type of request we have received.

Decision

Board supports the concept of adding in-house trainers to the education services team for two trainers. Decision to be reviewed in one year.

Fundraising:

• Jori: Grant writers often fund their own positions and take a percentage of the award.

• Robert: TechSoup recently put out a training for fundraising for non-profits

• Stephen: Build up grant fundraising expertise and then share it across the network. Grassroots can be handled through circle with local Admin support.

Decision

• Hire a grant writer paid on percentage of award basis. Review decision in one year.

Decision

• Hire Administrative Coordinator for support of grassroots fundraising and other administrative tasks in 2008. Review decision in one year.

Day 3 – Saturday 11/03/07

Present: Marshall, Valentina, Robert, Margo, Stephan, Jori, John Wiley Observers: John Buck (Facilitator), Jim Manske, Abbey Wells, M.J. Wheeler (note taker), Anne Wiley, Danielle

Discussion

Letter from MBR

In response to a Board request Marshall has written a letter for an evolution plan and evolution plan committee: November 3, 2007. The goal of this Board topic and Marshall's letter below, is to clarify our goal of planning for any changes that might occur in Marshall's role and is not any change being planned. So this will help us to prepare the groundwork in case a change ever is needed.

Dear Board Members and CNVC Community,

I am writing in response to the suggestion that we prepare for how the role I have been playing in our organization will be succeeded when I will no longer be with the organization. 

First, I hope that it is clear to all that I have been addressing the question of my evolution from the time I became aware of the power of the process we call Nonviolent Communication. I wanted to be sure that its availability was not dependent on me. Mainly for this reason I created our organization and have been preparing trainers. I believe these efforts have been successful and I can see that the organization can presently survive and sustain itself extremely well without me.

At the same time, I would like us to look at how whatever I am adding of value at present that has not yet been built into the organization be built into it. I can see that one element of this would be for me to have key people spending more time with me when I am on strategically important trips or engaged in other strategically important work. Of course, an important issue is who these people might be. I am thrilled that one of these people is my wife, Valentina Rosenberg. Not only has she been traveling with me and understanding the complexity and problems of our network, but the way I see her living her life in harmony with the consciousness that Nonviolent Communication was created to serve, leaves me feeling very confident in her being part of the team to sustain the process.

I suggest the following. I suggest a committee be formed with the purpose of insuring that whatever I have been offering the organization be left within the organization when I leave. Notice I haven’t put this in terms of who will succeed me. I can imagine that the position I have been fulfilling might no longer be necessary or could be done by breaking it up into parts that different people could play, etc. To repeat I am suggesting that the committee’s task would be to assure that I am leaving the organization with that which would be of value to the organization.

The membership of this committee would be very important to me and I would like to select them. My choice would be the following: Valentina Rosenberg, John Kinyon, Barbara Larson, Robert Gonzales, Margo Pair, Klaus Karstadt, Katherine Singer, Andy Basu, and Lucy Leu. I can imagine this committee meeting with me periodically, perhaps twice a year for the next three years.

I would appreciate your feedback to my suggestion for a committee to determine evolution issues. If you are in harmony with the suggestion, I would also appreciate your feedback about my suggested membership on the committee.

Warmly,

Marshall Rosenberg

Decision

In response to the Board’s request, the Board establishes an Evolution Committee. Per the attached letter, prepared by Marshall Rosenberg for the purpose of insuring the qualities Marshall provides the organization be left within the organization when he leaves. The Evolution Committee will make suggestions and recommendations to the Board. The Evolution Committee and will provide a report after each meeting to the Board. Proposed committee members would be Marshall Rosenberg, Valentina Rosenberg, John Kinyon, Barbara Larson, Margo Pair, Klaus Karstadt, Katherine Singer, Andy Basu, Lucy Leu, and Robert Gonzales. Committee members proposed term will be three years. Details of operations and funding of the committee to be determined at a future time.

Leadership Team (LT) role clarification and discussion

• Stephan: Was initiated to create connection at the core and allow for intelligent management but is not happening. Explore as a strategy for connection and inclusion. Continue with notion of LT or not?

• Margo: Wanting communication and mutual creativity

• Valentina: Wants to find a way for LT meetings to be productive.

• Robert: 3 questions: Continue with LT or not? Reestablish team meetings. How to make them productive?

• Jori: Proposal – Meet but not to do the admin stuff but to report and talk about what is alive in the projects we’re doing and get feedback and coordination.

Specify who meets. Routine exchanges heads of committees. Circle meetings w/reps from committees.

• John Wiley: Philosophical choice: Eliminate Admin Team (AT) and go with LT only? King vs. circle?

• Margo: Define and discuss how circle’s work within each individual circle.

• Robert: How are decisions made in circles and how are those decisions to communicate?

• Jim: Like to find a way to report briefly and clearly.

• Jori: How to measure the feedback and be very clear about what needs feedback. Also welcome open door for feedback.

• Stephan: Key distinction around accountability and function. Accountability: small group of full time people who are accountable about overall progress and success. Concerned its now too distributed. Define frequency of communication.

• John Wiley: Collaborative structure could really address issues. But can it be done? If we can get it to work it would serve our mission.

• John B: “King” has plus & minus. Advantage is a center point for communicate. Negative ignore people and not taking into account needs. Need to have the AT position so that someone has an overall view of what is happening.

• Marshall: would be scared about going in the direction of no leadership

• Robert: Leadership, Damaging labels (king), What is missing is communication. Enlightened leadership has a big heart and gives a high value to communication and consideration of needs of everyone. Is the structure a channel for life?

• Stephan: Like us to stay away from the abstract, unhelpful. Talk about our needs and stakeholders needs. Any strategy should link back to that.

Discussion tabled until after Communication Committee presents.

Communications Committee Report

• Robert: Original strategy to create a specific role, internal communications coordinator. Ombudsman. Role to support greater communication flow. Greater problem identified as not having clarity about all of the circles and communications flow. Need to create a structure to enhance communication flow.

• One strategy: Orientation package as part of clear communication for anyone involved in any circle or any new board member.

• Jori: The committee saw a primary need as strategic collaborative plan with functioning circular system.

• Margo: Encompassing simplicity, ease and ability to duplicate.

• Marshall: We need to be able to measure where we are not communicating.

• John Wiley: Look at it systemically in a distributive collaborative model, rather than have one person only responsible make it collaborative within the circle. Need documented strategy and guidelines.

• Marshall: Coordinator’s role would be to facilitate that.

• John Wiley: Not investing enough in expanding and clarifying roles and documenting that information.

Identified Needs:

• Effectiveness
• Clarity
• Sense of collaboration
• Accountability

Decision

All meetings must document in their minutes the following questions which have been asked at the end of the meeting.

1.What do we communicate – information (ask and/or tell), decisions (observations & needs met?), feedback requests

2.How do we communicate it?

3.Who do I communicate it to?

Admin Team (AT) to communicate this decision to all coordinators live conversation.
Communications Committee to evaluate this decision in 2 months and report to the Board

Continuation of Leadership Team (LT) discussion:

• John B: Two types of meetings:

• Staff meetings (AT & heads of circles) and coordinating/collaborating meetings to communicate policy, make decisions, etc.

• Circle meetings that step back to look at how we are operating, make policy recommendations on how to work together better.

• John Wiley: Look at no AT as decision maker/central contact point but rather LT and possibly facilitator role?

• Questions: Are we going to have an LT staff meeting? Are we going to have an LT circle meeting?

• Coordinator’s Forum meets at least once a month, coordinator’s of circles must attend, others may be invited

• Occasional (Town Hall) meetings in lieu of forum to include both coordinator’s and upward links.

• “Expanded LT Meeting” instead of “Town Hall”.

Decision

1.Have LT forum every month attended by AT and LT coordinators. 

2.Have Expanded LT forum every 3 months attended by AT, LT coordinators, and a 2nd person nominated from each LT team.

Margo to set forum schedule and communicate schedule to circles and teams. 
Review this decision in 6 months.

Election of Board Officers - President, Vice-President, Secretary

Terms for one year

Decision

President – Robert Gonzales

Decision

Vice-President – John Wiley

Decision

Secretary - Margo Pair

Decision

Board approves hiring of a full charge bookkeeper, salary plus benefits.

Misc. Discussion Topics

Margo: Clarification of budget item for expenses to Board members to attend board meetings. Policy establishes annual funds in support of in-person Board meeting is still in effect.

Discussion

Update CNVC Policy regarding frequency and means of Board Meetings.

Decision

Paragraph 1.F.3. of CNVC Board Policy is amended to say: ”The CNVC Board will meet at least every three months, ideally every month, by teleconference or other means as deemed appropriate. CNVC encourages in-person Board Meetings to support connection and quality of decision-making, frequency and duration of such meetings to be determined by the Board as considered appropriate in a given year.

Discussion

Margo: Review and revision of bylaws and policies of CNVC Board is needed. Were last updated in 2003. Also, an updated ethics and conflict of interest policy should be adopted by the Board would be helpful to this organization and the network. Transparency makes sure Board has all information to make recommendations and informed decisions as needed.

Decision

Margo to form a committee to review and recommend updates and revisions to the CNVC bylaws and Board policies. To be presented at next in-person Board meeting. Effort to include Ethics Policy and Conflict of Interest Policy.

Action item: Distribute proposed amended bylaws and policies of CNVC to each Board member for review and comment at next in-person meeting.

Discussion

Margo: Board policy requiring CNVC to keep a minimum of six months operating expense saved as assets liquid. Currently we are easily conforming to those policies.

Concerned with need to reinvest matured CDs. Also need to update name on account as well as designate who can give instructions regarding investments.

Action Item: Remove Gary Baran from existing accounts and reinvest funds as deemed appropriate by Treasurer. Establish accounts by Board position rather than an individual name.

Discussion

Action Item: Margo to form a committee (Board members and others) to assist in the development of New Board Member Recruitment and Orientation package.

Check-out

Margo: Thrilled, encouraged by the way things flowed today
Marshall: Relief. 
Valentina: Hopeful. Relief. Gratitude
Robert: Relief. Relaxation into alignment between all of us. Celebrating clarity. Scared about time commitment. Excitement. Hope. Inspiration. 
Jim: Tired. Pleasantly surprised. Encouraged. 
Jori: Exhausted. 
Stephan: Thrilled by progress we've made. 
Danielle: Excited
M.J.: Excited.
John B: Tired. Worried about time restrictions for rest of meeting.
John & Anne Wiley sang the song "It's You I Like" © 1971 Fred M. Rogers

Day 4 - Sunday 11/04/07

Present: Marshall, Valentina, Robert, Margo, Stephan, Jori, John Wiley
Observers: John Buck (Facilitator), Jim Manske, Abbey Wells, M.J. Wheeler (note taker), Anne Wiley, William, Danielle

• Scheduled Board meetings during 2008 are
• February 22nd to 24th
• November 14th to 16th

Action Item: Margo add “Schedule of 2009 Board meetings to agenda of next Board teleconference meeting.

Discussions

Robert read draft letter he proposes to send to communicate message to CNVC community to offer quick summary of highlights from meeting. Address communication structure and continuing evolutionary process.

Action Item: Robert to email draft letter to Board Members for review and discussion.

Discussion

• Review, discuss, and modify 2008 draft budget.

• Figures are estimated based on this year figures along with known or estimated changes for next year.

• Marshall is looking forward to CNVC identifying enhancements to income stream which might include ways to increase donations through CNVC events in local communities with GCC. Income estimates unknown at this time.

Decision

• Board consents to draft budget.

Discussion

Reviewed material on the Maryland Program for Mediator Excellence (MPME) presented by John Buck to give Board an example of “generative thinking” – that is, exploring new ideas and perspectives. CNVC might want to adopt an approach similar to the MPME for promoting excellence among NVC practioners, whether or not certified. John recommended more time for generative thinking in future Board meetings.

Discussion

• Need for a Media Coordinator

• Robert, define strategies to develop media priorities

• Valentina and Deanna have summarize media successes with opportunities that are already being considered in the future with Valentina and Marshall.

• John Wiley, we need to define, research, and begin search for media coordinator immediately.
• Margo, estimate budget item to support position until additional research is done.

Decision

Agreed to hiring a Media Coordinator to the 2008 budget.

Check out

Stephan, thrilled, energy regarding possibilities, excitement. 
John Wiley, peaceful, calm, serene.
John B, sadness, enjoyed assisting with process,
Abbey, eager to contribute, overwhelmed
M.J., thankful, 
Anne, happy, growth and inspiration 
Marshall, grateful to John B., 
Valentina, happy, delighted with progress, grateful,
Robert, excitement, fear and concern, mobilized where to focus passionate energy and needs for connection to family, sense of trust lets fear relax, gratitude, feeling you get right before you jump on a roller coaster
Jim, gratitude, uneasiness about what’s left unfinished, 
Jori, gratitude, anxiety 
Danielle, glad
William, good, enjoyed connections, happy to be a part of this
Margo, clear, excited,

Action Item Summery

• Action Item: Margo will coordinate review of these minutes.When they are posted on the wiki, there will be an announcement on trainers and friends lists.

• Action Item: Jori will share with Margo the means she’s developed for easy tracking of completion of action items

• Action Item: John B will submit to Vice president and Secretary a list of decisions to review and items from the flip charts that could be on future Board agendas.

• Action Item: Margo will breakdown budget items by month and prepare monthly Progress Against Budget reports for each Board meeting.

• Action Item: Jori will forward to Robert a suggested statement regarding welcoming ideas from network to Board & AT for possible inclusion in his letter.

• Action Item: Translation policy and GCC is a priority. Margo to schedule meeting regarding these two items

• Action Item: Jori - to investigate status of sect labeling review in French area

• Action Item: Jori - to contact Dominique Barter regarding contact info to Marshall for trip to Portugal

• Action Item: Valentina - to send package of notes developed with Barbara Larson regarding synergy Ann.

• Action Item: Admin Team is happy to assure an announcement is made to the network ASAP concerning the certification process re-opening soon

• Action Item: Robert - to be involved in development for assessors training and ongoing training for certified trainers.

• Action Item: Jori -will update Valentina on suspended trainer status from prior year.

• Action Item: Ann Wiley will consider taking on recruiting new Board Members

• Action Item: Valentina - to send list of possible board members to Margo.

• Action Item: Admin. Team to hire or contract with up to two in-house trainers on the education services team, approved within.

• Action Item: Admin Team to establish hiring committee to hire a grant writer paid on percentage of award basis, approved within budget. Review decision in one year.

• Action Item: Admin Team to hire Administrative Coordinator for support of grassroots fundraising and other administrative tasks in 2008, approved within budget. Review decision in one year.

• Action Item: Board establishes an Evolution Committee, as noted in Marshall's letter to the board, November 3, 2007.

• Action Item: Admin Team (AT) to communicate the communication committee’s guidelines.
  • What do we communicate – information (ask and/or tell), decisions (observations & needs met?), feedback requests
  • How do we communicate it?
  • Who do I communicate it to?
• Action Item: Have LT forum every month attended by AT and LT coordinators.

• Action Item: Have Expanded LT forum every 3 months attended by AT, LT coordinators, and a 2nd person nominated from each LT team

• Action Item: Margo - to set forum schedule and communicate schedule to circles and teams. Review this decision in 6 months.

• Action Item: Margo - to form a committee to review and recommend updates and revisions to the CNVC bylaws and Board policies. To be presented at next in-person Board meeting. Effort to include Ethics Policy and Conflict of Interest Policy.

• Action Item: Margo - Distribute proposed amended bylaws and policies of CNVC to each Board member for review and comment at next in-person meeting.

• Action Item: Margo - Remove Gary Baran from existing accounts and reinvest funds as deemed appropriate by Treasurer. Establish accounts by Board position rather than an individual name.

• Action Item: Margo - to form a committee (Board members and others) to assist in the development of New Board Member Recruitment and Orientation package

• Action Item: Margo - add “Schedule of 2009 Board meetings to agenda of next Board teleconference meeting.

• Action Item: Robert - will draft letter he proposes to send to CNVC community offering highlights from meeting. Address communication structure and continuing evolutionary process. Email draft to Board members for review and discussion.

• Action Item: Valentina – will work with Deanna to summarize media successes and opportunities that are already being considered.

• Action Item: Admin Team to establish hiring committee to hire a Media Coordinator.

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Links to minutes of the 2007 CNVC Board of Directors Meetings
January	April	July	There was no October meeting
February	May	August	November
March	June	September	December

Board Minutes – 09/25/2007 Meeting

(Teleconference) August 15,2007 10:00am PST

In Attendance:

• Board Members: John Wiley (President), Stefan Wisbauer (Vice President),Valentina Rosenberg (Treasurer), Margo Pair (Interim Secretary), Marshall Rosenberg, Robert Gonzales, Jori Manske
• Observers: John Buck (Meeting Facilitator), Jim Manske (GCC), Gail Taylor, Abbey Wells (note taker)

Logistics

• Group check-in
• Consent by Board to last meeting minutes: August 15, 2007
• Next Board meeting: November 1st – 4th, 2007 in Albuquerque
• Agenda amendments:
• Robert requested additional information concerning email notice referencing to possible lawsuit.

Consent by Board to Agenda with amendments.

Announcement:

Margo on behalf of CNVC staff extended a warm invitation to Board members to visit the new CNVC office. Our new commercial location to be available November 1, 2007, the office will be in the process of moving and setting up operations the first week of November.

Agenda:

Discussion 
Board President Term

• John Wiley’s term as President expired April 2007. There is a need to find an interim President.

Decision: John Wiley is reinstated as acting President until the November 2007 board meeting.

Needs: Fulfill legal requirements, ease and efficiency

Discussion
Board recruitment, new member search Needs: Diversity, support, availability of replacement Officers Various board members submitted names of potential candidates and reviewed names recommendations made within the past year.

Action Items:

• Board members are encouraged to continue submitting names of potential candidates.
• Margo requested assistance in developing an information package to provided potential board candidates with the goals and objectives of the organization, and relevant information for serving as a CNVC Board member.
• Margo request assistance identifying particular skills and experience we would like candidates to bring to the organization.

• Discussion:

Valentina wrote an email informing the board of a lawsuit initiated by Pierre. She is currently putting together a file of correspondence between Pierre and CNVC, which will be made available to the Board members.

Request:Robert expressed interest in further information in the matter. 

Action Items:

• Valentina asked Robert to provide a list of questions specifically addressing his concerns. This will help Valentina organize the information to be assist in bringing clarity and understanding around the issue.
• Valentina will provide the information

Needs: Clarity, understanding, transparency

Discussion:
In preparation for the face-to-face November board meeting, the following was discussed and decided:

Action Items:

• Ad Hoc Communication Committee was formed to identify and define the role of an Internal Communications Coordinator. Robert, John W Jori and Margo will participate on the committee.
• Ad Hoc Strategic Planning Committee was formed. John Buck agreed to develop a draft to Jori and Valentina who will work with him on the committee.

Suggested topic for upcoming meeting:

• Clarify the role of the Leadership Team and how to create greater connection.
• How are we meeting our Vision, Mission and Aim?
• Media

Decision:
Meeting will be open to Leadership Team and other interested parties, unless determined otherwise, by the Board. Margo will coordinate staff participation.
Discussion:
John W. requested for Marshall to send out an updated report on Certification. Valentina reported, she, Marshall, Rita, Dee and Margo will be having a conference call within the next week. After clarification on a number of issues, an updated report will follow.

Valentina expressed a commitment for having the information translated into German and French. There was an expressed interest to also have it available in Spanish.

Action Item:
Valentina will be working with Jori in identifying reliable resources available in fulfilling this commitment.

Checkout:

• Margo: Please with amount of information shared and decisions made, request agenda topic – How to keep Board members more fully engaged.

• Jori: Happy about meeting, glad to hear that Administration team is working well together.

• Valentina: “Warmth in my heart, gratitude for the caring and compassion about lawsuit and support of Board given both her and Marshall. Delighted with flow of meeting. Met need for connection, felt enriched about connection with John While.

• Marshall: Pleased with meeting. “Look into next meeting - Who is not being involved when they want to be involved with all that is going on.”

• John Buck: Appreciated the team work that went into the election process.

• John Wiley: Resonated with all. Feels a great deal of appreciation and warmth for everyone involved in the call and for the organization. John appreciated the silence and would like to create more time on agenda for it.

• Robert: Appreciated John’s facilitation, it contributes to the effectiveness, care and intention for the NVC consciousness in the meeting as an organization. Looking forward to face to face meeting.

• Stefan: satisfied with meeting enjoyed the spirit of openness and clarity.

• Gail: Felt tenderness for the Board and the CNVC commitment to the consciousness.

• Jim: Appreciated what he got today and has a deep hunger for even deeper connection.

• Abbey: Grateful for the opportunity to contribute and looking forward to many more opportunities to do so.

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Board Minutes – 08/15/2007 Meeting

(Teleconference) August 15,2007 10:00am PST

In Attendance:

• Board Members: John Wiley (President), Valentina Rosenberg (Treasurer), Robert Gonzales, Marshall Rosenberg, Jori Manske, Stefan Wisbauer (Vice President), Margo Pair (Interim Secretary).
• Observers: Danielle Beenders (LT), John Buck (Meeting Facilitator), Dee Soule (note-taker), Doug Johnson, Ted and Glenda Mattinson.

Logistics

• Group check-in.
• Consent by Board to last meeting minutes (July,11 2007)
• Next Board meeting: September 25, 2007 at 3:00pm EST, 1:00pm MST, 12:00pm PST.
• Agenda Amendments:
  • 1.Valentina requested a moment of silence for Anne Wiley’s healing and recovery, to be added before consent agenda (1 min.)
  • 2.Robert requested a report/update on the Certification process from Marshall, to be addressed after agenda item ‘Adding board members’ (10 min.)
  • 3.John W. requested a report/update on the CNVC web site, to be addressed after agenda item ‘Certification Process’ (5 min.)

Consent by Board to Agenda with amendments.

Documents

Duties of the CNVC Directors

• HTML Format

CNVC Decision Table

• HTML Format

Consent Agenda

Decision: Margo promoted to “Administrative Director” with pay increase (retroactive pay date to July 26, 2007).
Needs: effectiveness, clarity, integrity, support

Regular Agenda

Discussions

Discussion
Report on budget (Margo)

Margo prepared a profit/loss report from Quickbooks to share CNVC’s financial standing comparatively between Jan-Jun ’06 and Jan-Jun ’07. Overall, CNVC is up 22.8% including a 24% increase in material sales. She will be sending future financial reports to all members of the Board, and invites feedback from members about the format she uses to provide the information.

• Decision: The next face-to-face Board Conference will be in ABQ 1:00pm Thursday, Nov.1 to 4pm Sunday, Nov.4.

• Needs: Planning, clarity, effectiveness.

Action Items:

• • Action item: Margo will prepare a general proposed budget on currently established priorities, and circulate to all members at least 1 week before the September meeting.
  • Action item: An agenda item on the agenda for the September meeting will be “discussion on planning for face-to-face Conference in ABQ”

Discussion

Organizational review committee report (Robert)

Needs: information, discussion, clarity

• Robert presented a report from the Ad Hoc committee who met on July 26th. The report includes 3 Proposals for organizational structure, and two tables (one for decisions and one for roles)---------CNVC Decision Table Duties of CNVC Board of Directors
• After reading the 3 proposals, the Board then engaged in a reaction round. Questions for clarity were addressed and answered. Some members of the Board expressed concerns about consenting to the proposed items until further discussion/clarity.
• Others and felt enthusiastic around the idea of someone filling a role that would oversee the flow of communication proposed in 2a.
• Jori recommended that the Board evaluate where we are now and what kind of information is important to relay and to whom. She also requested to meet with John W. and Robert (and anyone else interested) to brainstorm ideas about the Ad Hoc’s committee on communication
• Robert felt confused by some concern John W. expressed in regards to the differing structures between the Board and the LT, and requested an off-line conversation with John W. (and anyone interested).

Action Items:

• Action item: John Buck will be in dialogue with Valentina (and anyone else interested) about the report/proposals presented by the Ad Hoc Committee. After further discussion, the proposals will be addressed/considered again by email before the next Board meeting.
• Action item: Send John Buck any proposals for committees in the next 10 days, for consideration of implementation.

Discussion

Update of search for new Board members (Margo/John B.)

Needs: Diversity, support, availability of replacement Officers

• Margo didn't receive any recommendations/nominations from Board members since the last Board meeting.

• • Action item: Margo will send all Board members 2 reminders to submit names for possible future Board members before the next meeting in September.

Discussion

Update on Certification process

• Marshall and Valentina have met with Rita and Margo to discuss the process for certification. Another meeting is scheduled sometime next week with Rita, Margo, Marshall and Valentina.
• Valentina feels clarity has been reached about Marshall’s concept of social change, and about Rita’s role/contributions in the Certification process.
• The office has been providing, and plans to continue providing monthly updates for the network on the web site, friendsofnvc, candidates and trainers lists.
• Valentina expressed needs for inclusion and equality, and suggested having these announcements translated into German and French as well.
• Marshall added that he is examining how to measure whether candidates are prepared to work with a local NVC circle, and whether their social change aspect of work is in harmony with that circle and CNVC.
• Jori added this is also being examined in the GCC.

Discussion

Update on the CNVC Web site

• John W. announced that the IT team hopes to have the new web site up and running within a week. He also requested that all Board members visit the fully functioning test site, and provide feedback about it’s layout and function to William by email.
• The CNVC “test” web site for feedback is http://cnvc-feedback.advantagelabs.com/

Discussion

Tracking Proposals/Decisions

• Jori has updated the document that tracks agreements/action items established in Board Meetings. She has made it available for viewing as a Google document, and requests that all Board members to view it and make comments/requests, etc.
• Jori is willing to continue maintaining the decision-tracker with joy.
• The document may be viewed as a Google doc at http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=p8BE8cER7iPHns91ae3xoBA&hl=en_US&pli=1.

Checkout:

• Stefan: appreciates John’s facilitation, enjoying the new web site and excited to see it’s potential put to use.
• Marshall: appreciates John’s facilitation.
• Valentina: appreciates John’s time and effort. Grateful for patience regarding ad-hoc proposals. Celebrating connection and Margo’s title change. Enjoying a sense of progress each day.
• Margo: Appreciates level of connection. Acknowledges daily activities of all involved, and appreciates the Board’s assistance in keeping CNVC's overall vision/mission present.
• Robert: Pleased, enjoyed connection and John’s facilitation. Sense of accomplishment and forward movement. Excited about interim web site.
• Jori: Smiling. Appreciating connections. Sense of community working together. Appreciates Margo’s work/contributions and John’s ability to lead a meeting. Request for contact information/agenda to be distributed at least one week before future Board Meetings. Looks forward to discussion about committee for communication.
• John W: Feels strong sense of warmth and connection. Celebrating web site., and accomplishments. Excited to have Margo on the team. Heard a shift regarding certification, feels hopeful for process to be improved and implemented soon.
• John B: encourages everyone to joi the meeting minutes before scheduled start time. Will talk to William for info on posting info on the new web site.
• Danielle: Excited about forward movement. Appreciates being able to be present, curious about next face-to-face being open to observers.

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Links to minutes of the 2007 CNVC Board of Directors Meetings
January	April	July	There was no October meeting
February	May	August	November
March	June	September	December

Board Minutes – 07/11/2007 Meeting

(Teleconference) July 11, 2007 7:00am PST

In Attendance:

• Board Members: John Wiley (President), Valentina Rosenberg (Treasurer), Robert Gonzales, Marshall Rosenberg, Jori Manske, Stefan Wisbauer (Vice President), Margo Pair (Interim Secretary).
• Observers: Danielle Beenders (LT), John Buck (Facilitator), Dee Soule (note- taker), William Poehner (LT), Jim Manske (LT/GCC), Katherine Singer and Glenda Mattinson.

Logistics

• Consent by Board to John Buck facilitating the meeting.
• Group check-in.
• Consent by Board to last meeting minutes (Jun. 13, 2007)
• Consent to proposed agenda
• Consent to recording the teleconference.
• Announcements:

• Next Board meeting (teleconference) will take place Wednesday August 15, 2007 at 10:00am PST.

Consent Agenda

• Decision: Margo Pair is elected to the Board with a term of one year.

Needs: Clarity, effectiveness, diversity.

Regular Agenda

Discussion

What input does the Board have around having an agreed draft for a budget for 2007 and 2008 by the next Board Meeting (to be organized by Margo)?

Needs: Clarity, accountability, planning

• The group agreed that a clearly defined budget would be helpful and necessary for the organization, and expressed relief/gratitude that someone is willing to organize this development.
• Request was made for mini-strategic plans (goals, timelines, aim, resources, etc.) to be included in the formation of this budget.

Action Item:

Margo will make a call out to LT teams for budget input (on current strategic initiatives and resources), and provide a report for the Board in the next meeting.

Decision:

Margo will serve the Board as Secretary for an interim period of 4 months (with the intent to add more Board Members and to re-visit descriptions of roles in the near future).

Needs: Clarity, effectiveness, diversity.

Secretary Responsibilities include:

• Ensure that meeting minutes are kept and distributed to the entire organization.
• Track member attendance and terms of the Board and Officers.
• Give all notices required by the by-laws.
• Maintain custody of the corporate records and the seal of the corporation.
• Maintain familiarity with legal documents (articles, by-laws, IRS letters, etc) to note applicability during meetings.
• Maintain a written record of current Board Policies.
• Keep a register of the post office and email addresses of each member.

Discussion:

Organizational Review Committee Report

Needs: Information, discussion, clarity.

• The Ad Hoc committee’s original aim was to document “what is” in terms of current policies and procedures. New ideas about how they would like CNVC to function have formed.
• A committee meeting was scheduled for July 26, 2007 at 9:00am PST (for 2 hours) to discuss organizational review and how the committee wants to adjust the way things are done (What are the next steps are for the committee?). This committee meeting will also address John Wiley’s proposal for a specific Organizational structure.

Action Item:

John Buck will create and distribute a table for decisions according to the type of decision that was made (ex: HR decisions, managerial decisions, etc.)

Discussion:

How would we like to see Board Members added in the future? (added to agenda during discussion about Secretary election)

Needs: Clarity

• In the past, Board Members would make a list of suggested people to be added to the Board. A person would contact these people to find out what skills they had to get clarity about how he/she might contribute to the Board. Then, nominations would be brought to the group for elections.
• Board Members could be added sociocratically, according to the formation of regional and other kinds of circles.
• The group would like nominees to be invited to Board meetings.
• The Board would like new Board Members to represent different regional areas in time zones that are compatible for Board meetings. Wanting more diversity in agenda and culture. Ability to attend face-to-face meetings.
• Short-term: the Board would like to find someone with skills and willingness to serve as Board Secretary.

Action Item:

All Board Members will send nominations for future Board Members (people with diversity in culture and agenda, time zone compatibility, ability to attend face-to-face meetings, with skills/willingness to take on roles like Secretary) to Margo within one week, to be circulated for consent (to approach them about becoming a Board Member).

Checkout:

• John W: appreciated John Buck’s facilitation. Feels heart-connection and enjoyed the shift in what he perceived to be clarity and forward movement. Excited and hopeful.
• Jori: Likes the idea of highlighting action items, enjoyed the facilitation and opportunity for connection. Has sense of moving forward.
• Valentina: Appreciated facilitation, warmth in heart, addressing feelings/needs. Looks forward to the next two meetings. Wants to connect with Margo about how we can share progress that is being made with the entire network. Content and hopeful.
• Marshall: enjoyed facilitation style. Sense of accomplishment.
• Stefan: Eager to pursue topic regarding John Wiley’s announcement. Eager for info from Germany with Marshall and Valentina. Frustrated about slowness/efficiency of process.
• Margo: enjoyed experience, appreciates everyone’s participation. Has deep sense of direction and accomplishment. Appreciative for facilitation.
• John B: enjoyed the meeting, would really like everyone to show up on time for efficiency.
• Katherine: feels connected, happy Margo is present and on the Board.
• Glenda: enjoyed the meeting, getting good sense of the clarity the Board wants. Noticed different perceptions of what role the Secretary, thinks consent on the role/responsibilities first might help with efficiency of election process.
• Danielle: enjoyed the facilitation, concerned about workload for Margo. Wants another person to serve as Secretary as soon as possible.
• William: pass
• Jim: Learned a lot from John’s facilitation, enjoyed that he included the entire group for feedback, and using clarity to find consent/objection. Excited about 2 projects currently in the works with the GCC. Made a request for all present to make contribution of at least $10 to GCC to maintain non-profit status.

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Minutes - 6/13/07 Board Meeting

(Teleconference) June 13, 2007 9:30am PST

In Attendance:

Board Members: John Wiley (President), Stefan Wisbauer (Vice President/Secretary), Jori Manske, Robert Gonzales, Marshall Rosenberg and Valentina Rosenberg (Treasurer).

Observers: Jim Manske (LT), Margo Pair (LT/Office Administrator), Danielle Beenders (LT), William Poehner (LT), John Buck (co-facilitator), Gregg Kendrick, Rita Herzog, Dee Soule (note-taker).

• Consent by Board to record the teleconference.
• Group check-in.
• Consent by Board to scheduled agenda.
• Announcements.

Next Board meeting will take place Wednesday July 11, 2007 at 7:00am (PST).

Consent Agenda

• Decision: Future Board meetings will have a non-B/LT, non-office staff volunteer who will serve as a non-participating recording secretary (taking notes and composing the Board meeting minutes). This person and term is to be chosen by Margo and/or Administration team.

Needs: Accuracy, punctuality and connection for B/LT and network.

• Decision: Valentina is elected Treasurer for a one-year term, extending her interim election at the May 8, 2007 special meeting.

Needs: Effectiveness, continuity, clarity and ease for staff

Regular Agenda

Discussion

Discussion (questions/comments) of LT and Board functions and roles from initial committee meeting.

Needs: Clarity, updating documentation, defining roles of Board Officers and LT members.

• A report regarding organizational review is taking place by the special ad hoc Board committee which will be distributed to the members of each team for feedback and updating.
• Request for all LT members to attend future Board meetings for clarity, connection and understanding (once clarity is reached about their roles in the next Board Meeting).
• There was a suggestion for the LT to meet more than once per month in informal meetings where information and updates are shared within the group. These informal meetings would not be used for decision/policy-making, and do not necessarily need to include all members of the LT.
• Request for an outline or clear list of responsibilities of the LT, and suggestion that the LT meet at least once per week.

Discussion

Discussion of Margo’s request for strategic guidance, current direction and near-term issues: “What does the Board want the Administration team to accomplish in the next 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, etc.?”

Needs: Clarity on mission, vision, aims.

• Financial targets, initiatives, guidelines, etc.
• A plan for the physical structure of the CNVC office space
• An updated set of priorities, goals, resources, etc.

Example: Media, GCC, Resource efforts, etc.

• Definition of roles and a plan for decision-making.

Example: certification.

• To have written ideas, dreams and hopes about where we want to take the organization before the next face-to-face meeting in October.
• To ensure connection with the LT and Board; and to see that the office staff is taken care of.
• Strategic planning: Create clear procedures for communication of internal governance of CNVC, with the intention to be transparent about decisions to the entire network.
• Margo hopes the Board will:

• Define the roles of individual positions within the Board.
• Find out what we need in order to get the LT operating again, and to decide what they are assigned to do.
• Agree on guidelines for how decisions are made.

Example: what activities will CNVC support, with what resources?

• Gain a mutual understanding about what methods will be used to keep each other informed and connected.

• What guidelines would the Board like for the Administration team to work by?
• What are some suggestions for the administration team about how to address our concerns in the next few months?
• Clearly define the role of the administration team and its members.
• Establish a system of communication for decision-making to include:

1. Observations.
2. The needs met by the decision.
3. An invitation for feedback about the decision (from those directly involved or affected by that decision).

• Establish a system of communicating where decisions are made transparent to the network.
• Define who the Board will typically be in communication with in order to meet a need for transparency.
• Keep the Board informed about the Admin. Team’s activities, and to get clarity with the Board about what the Board’s expectations are of them.
• Ensure good connections with the LT and Board.
• The administration team will provide updates for the Board about decisions.
• The ongoing committee with John Buck will define roles, which will lead to creating a foundation for decision-making.

Proposal

Jori is elected Board Vice President OR Secretary for a term of one year, effective immediately.

Needs: effectiveness; a strategy for how we can get away from persons on the Board taking on multiple responsibilities (Stefan is currently the Vice President and Secretary).

Consent was NOT reached, therefore an election for the Vice President/Secretary roles will be held in the next Board meeting, in the form of sociocratic elections.

Checkout

• Robert Gonzales: hopeful we’re moving in a direction that will support us in the long run.
• John Wiley: hopeful and energized, a little disappointed consent was not reached about the V.P./Secretary roles, but appreciates the honesty he heard in the conversation.
• Jori: disappointed the group did not find a solution for the Secretary/V.P. roles, also feels excited to hear about what’s going on in Europe; excited questions are being discussed and resources are being pooled together for clarity and strategies for topics that have been on hold.
• Marshall: confused about the decision-making and thought there would be some discussion about the objections to the proposal regarding the roles of Secretary/V.P. He had hoped to be able to discuss alternate solutions. John Wiley follow up: didn't see that there was sufficient time for a longer discussion in this meeting; had hoped that agreement on the proposal for V.P. or Secretary would serve as a temporary solution, but looks forward to seeing it on the agenda for the next meeting. He also invited anyone who was interested to participate in email discussions about it.
• John Buck suggested that the process may have been more efficient and effective if the facilitator (John Wiley) collected nominations before making the proposals; enjoyed the energy in the meeting; wants to encourage everyone to show up early for scheduled meetings so that it can start on time.
• Valentina: appreciates John Buck’s clarification; sees support is needed, feels a strong connection with members of the Board; appreciated the integrity, honesty and aliveness with everyone who participated; feels inspired being a part of the group, and feels hopeful about everyone’s intentions.
• Stefan: confident we’re heading in the right direction, once roles are defined; wants to encourage “scary honesty” conversations between members of the Board.
• Gregg: grateful for the openness he observed; concerned about differing opinions on how the organization functions and defining roles; curious to know how long the process will take.
• Rita was not present for checkout.
• Jim: complete.
• Danielle: grateful, sad no consent was met about officer’s positions.
• William: worried about not finding a solution for what he sees as vital roles in the Board. He saw a difference between taking notes and actually tracking decisions, and he’s happy it will be addressed in the next scheduled meeting.
• Margo: appreciates the stronger sense of “we” that is developing. Her request is for a plan around Board members elections/nominations as an action item in next meeting.

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Links to minutes of the 2007 CNVC Board of Directors Meetings
January	April	July	There was no October meeting
February	May	August	November
March	June	September	December

Board Minutes - 5/23/07

• Present: John Wiley (President) , Jori Manske, Marshall Rosenberg, Valentina Rosenberg, Stefan Wisbauer (Secretary, Vice-President), Robert Gonzales.
• not present: Katherine Singer (Treasurer emeritus).
• Observers: From LT: Jim Manske (GCC), William Poehner (ITC), Danielle Beenders (staff) and Anne Wiley (Synergy); Others: Margo Pair (CNVC office manager), Jiva Manske (newsletter editor), and Turiya Gearhart (staff at Atlanta IIT).

Next two meetings

• June 13, 2007 10:30AM NM time for 2 hours
• July 11, 2007 8:00AM NM time for 2 hours

Consent agenda

• Decision: Margo Pair is elected to the LT for a term of one year.

Needs: clarity, ease, connection, inclusion, effective functioning and safety.

• Decision: Board meetings will include a list of needs associated with each decision. This list will be generated, discussed and recorded before and during the meeting, before consent is sought on the Decision. Agenda items will also list associated needs when possible.

Needs: providing additional clarity for the Board and additional context for the NVC community.

Regular agenda

Decision: A committee including Robert, John, Valentina, Jori and Margo will address all the questions Robert, Margo and William brought up. Stefan would like to review the draft the committee writes before publication. John Buck will be asked to join the committee as well, and Valentina will check if he would like to receive financial support for that. Danielle will email Robert the email addresses for all members on this committee. Answers will be brought back to the LT and board before June 13.

Needs: clarity and effectiveness.

Robert's questions:

1. How does the LT and Board function? What are the roles and functions of each body and each person in those roles?

2. What is the functional relationship between the Board and the LT?

3. How are decisions made? Who in each body makes decisions?

4. Which decisions are "without consent" and which are open to sociocratic process?

5. What are the distinctions of transparency/availability of Board/LT functions and decisions to the network?

6. Availability of these definitions and descriptions to everyone in the network, in a form that is easily accessible and understandable.

Margo's questions:

Set up goals.

Get clarity on commercial property.

Who is responsible for what?

William's question:

Getting clarity on budgeting and spending authorization for ITC needs. Discussed strategy that he go to Margo, Valentina, Marshall and Jori.

Dialog based on agenda item "trust, objections and sociocracy versus NVC consciousness."

Check out

John Wiley: sad that there wasn't time for me to be heard. Anne Wiley: sad, hopeful. Robert Gonzales: disappointed, frustrated, hope for connection. Valentina Rosenberg: discouraged, need for harmony, equality, respect and connection. Marshall Rosenberg: sad that not all needs are met. Margo Pair: sad, incomplete, want all to be heard. William Poehner: sad, appreciated we are open to sharing honesty. Danielle Beenders: glad to have some movement, sad about the disconnection and agenda points that were not discussed. Stefan Wisbauer: touched by all, feel heard, frustrated it is hard to get heard, glad we can continue. Jim Manske: sad to have to leave with unmet needs, request to have it offline so the board can get to its agenda. Jori Manske: glad for care for Stefan's well being and John's also, glad for all that was brought forward. Willing to stay on call to record what John would like heard.

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Board Minutes - 04/13/2007

Present: John Wiley, Jori Manske, Marshall Rosenberg, Valentina Rosenberg, Stefan Wisbauer.
Observers: Jim Manske, William Poehner, Danielle Beenders, Margo Pair.

Consent agenda

Decision

John Wiley will be on the board until April 2008, Jori Manske until October 2008, Valentina Rosenberg until February 2009, Marshall Rosenberg until February 2009. Katherine Singer is Emeritus.

Decision

The official CNVC address with all financial institutions with which we have accounts will change on May 1, 2007 to:

CNVC

P.O. Box 6384

Albuquerque NM 87197

USA

Decision

CNVC will open new bank accounts with Wells Fargo. (current bank Citibank doesn't have a branch in NM). Note: This was done 4/16/07.

Decision

No further action will be taken to complete the 2004 Audit. Consent 4/19/07

Background: This decision was taken to meet needs for ease, and for conservation of resources we can invest in directly serving the CNVC mission. The 2004 audit is not legally required, and we have a high level of confidence in our financial's for that period.

Tabled Item

A tracking discussion of past decisions was postponed until the next board meeting to allow board members to review a tracking spreadsheet and to allow for further updating of the tracking spreadsheet.

Introduction

New office manager, Margo Pair, introduced herself and received welcoming statements from the Board and LT members present.

Request of Board when reviewing these minutes

Please fill in anything around change on past decisions. My understanding is that no new decisions were made about them. -Danielle

Check out

• John Wiley: warm, happy, excited and pleased.
• Jori Manske: happy.
• Marshall Rosenberg: happy.
• Valentina Rosenberg: content, hopeful, grateful.
• Stefan Wisbauer: happy, request to LT to talk every week.
• Jim Manske: anticipation.
• William Poehner: excited to see you all this weekend.
• Danielle Beenders: excited to see you all this weekend.
• Margo Pair: welcomed, grateful.

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Board Minutes 03/14/2007

Board meeting March 14, 2007

Attending: Jori Manske, Marshall & Valentina Rosenberg and Robert Gonzales.
Absent: John Wiley, Katherine Singer and Stephen Wisbauer.
Observers: Jim Manske, William Poehner, Danielle Beenders, Danielle Soule (all 4; California, USA), Jamie Conglose (Colorado, USA) and Meta Hough (Oregon, US).

Next board meeting:
April 11, 2007.

The LT will meet again: March 30, 2007
Report by Jim Manske:

Timeline of Move:

• The current target date for opening an office in Albuquerque is Monday, May 7.

Concerns of Staff

• Time frame of move
  • Some staff members see this as a workable time frame. Others are less optimistic. We need to remain flexible as events unfold and continuously update feasibility.
• Severance?
  • Employees are encouraged to look for a job and take care of their needs if they are not moving with the office. We would enjoy them being with us as long as it works for them.
  • Some staff members are leaning toward relocating; some are leaning toward staying in LA. Those that are staying are considering their needs. They expect it to take 1-4 months to obtain comparable employment and would like CNVC's financial support during their transition. How much money does the board anticipate it could allocate for severance, including benefits. (Jim recommends that each staff member consider their specific needs and offer a proposal to the B/LT.)
• Relocation reimbursements
  • Some staff members are leaning toward relocating. They would like CNVC's support in covering all reasonable moving expenses. What allowance does the Board anticipate? (Jim recommends that each staff member consider their specific needs and offer a proposal to the B/LT.)
  • IRS allows reimbursement of some moving costs.
• Salary in NM
  • Staff members considering the move want assurance that their pay rate will remain the same, which will contribute to a higher standard of living. Is the Board willing to commit to this request?
  • LT response: Employees that move will keep the same pay (although no raises will be considered until their pay rate is comparable NM rates). New employees will be paid NM rates.
• Virtual Office Options
  • Some staff members would like to have the possibility of continuing their contributions to CNVC through "virtual strategies," that is by working from home and logging on the CNVC network server. Does the LT see this as possible and/or desirable?
  • LT response: Some jobs have already been done virtually and they can be considered for this. Financial functions and material sales will be in the office with some of the administrative. (need for community)
• Temporary HQ? Move twice? Suitability of location?
  • The Via Seville property in Albuquerque is a temporary location. Although local zoning laws allow a "low-key" operation focusing on telephone and mailing services, the growth of CNVC will require a different office set-up sooner or later. Some staff recommend "slowing down," and locating the permanent location before investing in the move. Concern about delivery trucks and parking in a residential area was also expressed. Does the LT or Board have feedback on this consideration?
  • We intend to get feedback from the network and consultants

• Although the network has been notified through email and the wiki, we have received very little feedback (About a dozen emails). I have also spoken with 2 professional consultants who donated their time to CNVC. Gratitude to Sharon Colby and Jamie Conglose for the support!
• Needs unmet: inclusion, ease and accessibility, international focus, clarity of organizational structure and purpose of the move
• Needs met: ease, protection of financial resources, NM NVC community excited and welcoming, likely to contribute to clarity and focus, efficient utilization of energy and time, connection, inclusion, contribute to long term sustainability of CNVC's mission

Costs of Move

Direct Financial Costs

• Moving Expenses
• Payroll/Overtime/Extra Help
• Contract Penalties
• Covad
  • I will continue to negotiate this contact with upper management. (added by William)
• Local Telephone Provider
  • I may have found a way to severely reduce this cost.(added by William)
• Indirect Costs

• Loss of business due to "down-time," e.g. bookstore packing inventory and set up.
• Cost to Efficiency due to additional work of moving and time/energy of hiring and new employee training

Decision: Robert Gonzales is welcomed as a board member for 2 years. Check out:
Jamie: excited about the commitment to move forward. The move is a very wise decision. Recommend having new staff trained, temporary housing [in LA] would be a good idea so all can get trained.
Danielle: grateful for the clarity.
Jim: grateful for the participation on the comments on the report it met needs for clarity and contribution. The next steps are scary, also exciting.
William: enjoy the clarity, look forward to more input.
Robert: glad to be here. Regret not being here earlier (due to time change). My request: how can I update myself on all the board stuff?
Jori: feel reassurance that we all are looking at it carefully. Acceptance that we do not know it all. I feel warm with appreciation for all that participated.
Marshall: I like how we are moving
Valentina: feel moved with the honesty that was expressed. I heard the stimulation it is affecting us all. Connecting us to our heart. Feel relief, closeness and oneness with you all. Very connected.

---

Board & LT Conference, February 24, 2007

Note that for the first part of this Conference in Albuquerque the Board and LT met jointly to facilitate ease of dialog about the many changes begun at the October Conference in North Carolina where we distinguished between the Board, LT, and GCC. Board and LT teleconference meetings have recently been combined due to the extensive overlap in agenda, but beginning sometime in 2007 we anticipate holding them separately.

DAY 1

• Present: Marshall, Valentina, Jori, Stefan, Katherine, John Wiley
• Observers: Danielle, William, Anne, John Buck, Jim Manske
• Morning: reports.

Discussion

• Stefan:

• In house trainers
• PR person: goals have us in 2 big newspaper, or magazines or something like that.
• General manager
• MBR&V connecting more with the LT. focus on social change projects.
• Check in with your team.
• Priorities: roles, get positions filled
• Responding to the requests coming in.

• MBR&V respond:

• Video conferencing studio is being set up in their home in May. (have William involved)
• Pod casts for on web site.
• MBR: let's locate groups we want to work with in social change. Identify teams in our network and they can work with the people in these projects. I want time to make that happen.
• General manager have some entrepreneurial enthusiasm. We are like a start up. Stefan connected with headhunters.
• Have video conferencing around the world.

Decision

Barbara Rinaldi to be the Executive Director. 
Note: This decision was subsequently rescinded.

Discussion regarding this decision (no longer relevant): Barbara Rinaldi will continue as consultant to Valentina. Spend 2 weeks with Jori in the office, asap. Jori work with her for 3 months. On month to month basis. Specific dates to do the "how goes it" with all 4 (MBR&V and Jori). request to take NVC training. Board and LT participate in the 3 month "how goes it" session.

Decision

Invitation to Robert Gonzales to be a member of the CNVC board for 2 years.

Note: efforts will be made to coordinate Robert's schedule with the Rosenberg's and other members, when setting meeting dates. One strategy discussed for future Conferences is to consider holding them in Albuquerque to facilitate ease for Robert and the Rosenberg's.

Decision

Stefan to be a board member for 1 more year. (till March 2008).

Note: discussion included the importance of continuity in membership as new members are recruited, and the need for more members and particularly for officers such as Treasurer. The character of the Board is anticipated to change, as leaders from related organizations are invited to join and bring their outside perspective.

Discussion

Suggestions for new Board members: Eduardo Montoya-Arriens, Jamie Conglose, Charles Koeting, Maria Arpa, John Buck, Danielle Beenders, Enrique Toro , Wayne Muller, William Ury, Richard Rohr, Michael Bechwick, Anne van Stappen, Gail Taylor, someone from Africa.

Decision

SEP-IRA set at 7% for 2006.

Comment: This decision had to do with choosing the rate for CNVC staff benefits, and included consideration of their needs and the current financial soundness of the organization.

Check-out

• John Wiley: tired, celebrating closeness of circle, curious and hopeful about coming days.
• Anne: celebrating all we got done.
• Jori: tired, full, intrigued, enjoying the resources coming in. curious about a lot of unknown.
• Jim: tired, happy enjoyed the day.
• Marshall: glad about what we did and how we did it.
• Valentina: celebration and tired.
• William: lot of decisions made, excited about tomorrow.
• Danielle: Tired.
• Katherine: glad MBR and V are getting the support they need from Barbara.
• John Buck: Happy about discipline in the going around. John went back on himself with some discomfort he felt. That accomplish more in NC then we thought. Clear leadership is helpful.

DAY 2

• Present: Marshall, Valentina, Jori, John Wiley, Katherine
• Observers: Danielle, William, Anne, John Buck, Jim Manske

• Healing.
• Sociocracy training and consulting by John Buck.

DAY 3

• Present: John Wiley, Marshall, Valentina, Jori, Katherine
• Observers: Danielle, William, Anne, John Buck, Jim

Discussion

• Consciousness. The essence of NVC is more than the 4 steps. How can we make it a more central part of the training? Our training could be more powerful. The consciousness is the center, and transforms our relationships with family, friends and self.
• Social change. We are doing a good job of connecting people with their families and themselves, but don't always help them to see the social change part. Their consciousness effects the economy and other social systems. How do we as a community want to contribute to social change? Beyond helping people to bring more consciousness to their close relationships with NVC, it's also important to inspire them at the same time to take it further and help to transform society in life-serving ways.
• Consciousness in the CNVC office is an important area where we're continuing improvement.
• Media is crucial for extending our contributions. For example, spreading NVC in different languages via video and making a 9-CD set with focus on social change.
• Connecting within the network is crucial. Projects happen without everyone's knowledge.
• How can we increase the connection and collaboration within the B/LT for our decisions?
• We are all driven by our CNVC mission. For most of us a big challenge has been in creating and maintaining loving connection with close colleagues. Although those needs are generally met, we have sometimes been tempted to retreat into ourselves as a protective mechanism when not feeling safe.
• All of us want to direct more attention to the social change elements of NVC.
• Social change example: project for Mexican women.
• Get group of trainers to focus on specific social change tasks.
• A full time Media person would focus on getting awareness of all CNVC work out around the world.
• GCC is link to projects, they have connection already.
• Working with a fundraiser would enable us to do many more things.
• A full-time institutional fundraiser might enable large-scale social change projects funded by UN, World Bank, Foundations or Corporations, etc.
• Get trainers for introductory talks instead of MBR.
• MBR do more specific trainings, like mediation or weekend for Certification Team. MBR in more advanced trainings.
• Newsletter. Send them out with book orders, and make sure organizers are printing them for IITs and workshops.
• "Newspaper" on our new web site, something like Google news, focused on the key aspects of social change where we would like to focus: Business/Economics, Restorative Justice, Education, Government, Personal Liberation.

"Picture Forming" on Office Relocation

John Buck facilitated this Sociocratic process as a focus for further integration of tools into our NVC meeting process, while also exploring the overall topic of whether to consider an office move.

1. Explain the item: Relocate office?

2. Questions, Exploration of issues.

(with summary of subsequent discussion)

• If CNVC left LA, would NVC leave LA (support for growing LA NVC community)?
• Where? SB, ABQ, AZ, LA, Costa Rica.
• When? Soon has advantages and disadvantages, as does moving at all.
• Expense? Difficult to assess, but probably many unforeseen costs and savings.
• Local/state laws. CA nonprofit laws and regulations are an unwelcome burden.
• Proximity of V&MBR to office (+/-) (convenience, ease, comfort, legal support, resources).
• Labor pool. ABQ has large NVC volunteer community and low cost qualified employees.
• Need giraffe consciousness community and volunteer pool. LA has less of both.
• How fill the positions we need.
• Other systems, considering impacts. Very complex and delicate.
• Impact on current staff. Mixed so far, more info needed from them.
• Stability & continuation of work being done (during transition). Challenging.
• How would move support our mission? Many considerations.
• Could be both organization center & community center.
• What is the symbolism in the move? ABQ still in U.S.
• Why move? Do we relocate with each new ED?
• Rosenberg's would be convenient to people working in office if in ABQ.
• Where could relocate that would help us to what we want to do?
• Virtuality? No physical office?
• Multiple Offices and virtual office(s)?
• Multi-lingual / multi-cultural (favors multiple &/or virtual offices).
• Support IIT. If in ABQ, IITs held there would be better supported.
• Buy versus lease property/building. Prefer to buy for long-term.

3. Proposal forming.

• Round to collect proposal ideas.
• Bridge the ideas:

Step 1

• Explore moving LT/Board Meetings and Office to ABQ.
• Assign a project manager to research:

• Place to buy in ABQ (with what funds, donors, sell how soon?).
• NVC in LA (strengthening before and until move).
• Care for current staff.
• Logistics (phones, server, existing literature).
• Adjust current personnel to address local labor laws (ABQ vs. LA).
• Communication with network about rationale and future plans involving them.
• Assign move project manager to make plan, including timing of plan and move.

Step 2

• Expand from ABQ.
• 24 hour phone cover.
• Phone number(s) around the world.
• Multiple languages.
• virtual offices, distributed resources to address regional/local needs.
• Bookstores (each language and region).
• Retail / commercial space in ABQ, then elsewhere.
• Rural community residential center in ABQ area, then elsewhere.

Potential name: Marshall Rosenberg Peace Study Institute.

• Regional offices (match language groups).

Decision

Jim Manske be the Move Research Manager. First step is to come up with the announcement for the network to be approved in this meeting before sent out to network. Rest of preliminary plan to be presented in 30 days.

Picture Forming: Communication between MBR&V and the LT

• M&V hire full time personal secretary asap (available 24 hrs).
• Valentina take lead role with support form Marshall.
• Marshall continue as director of education.
• Barbara Rinaldi (as consultant) to help Jori, Marshall and Valentina define work flow, helps define job of "E.D." person and helps with job search, helps with structure building and strategic planning.
• Hire office manager (temp) for LA.
• Hire office manager for ABQ and volunteers.
• Hire accountant for ABQ.
• John Wiley help with office until move from LA.
• Keep searching for a third person in the leadership (E.D.) team with M&V.
• Barbara and Jamie help M&V on strategic planning.
• Job description for M&V's assistant: capture & document information, 24/7 communication & support, someone able to maintain personal balance in such a challenging role.

DAY 4

• Present: John Wiley, Marshall, Valentina, Jori, Katherine
• Observers: John Buck, Danielle, William, Anne, Jim.
• Next phone Board meeting:

PT: March 14, 2007 at noon US PT - 1pm US MT

Conference Dial-in Number: (712) 580-0600

Participant Access Code: 432094#

• Consensus: We do not use the words sociocracy synergistically in our organization, we use "skills and tools for running meetings effectively, staying in power with."
• Picture forming/heart storming on ED role.

Decision

Decision of Day 1 to hire Barbara Rinaldi as E.D. rescinded. Barbara instead asked to serve as consultant to help Jori, Marshall and Valentina define work flow, help define job roles of "E.D." and help with job search, help with structure building and strategic planning.

Valentina's Needs

1. INTEGRITY,TRUTH, HONESTY, with each other and to practice our "Scary Honesty", with each other. 
2. To be called when someone at the office needs me. I will feel more DISTURBED if staff or others working with me, DO NOT CALL ME because, they are concerned THAT THEY WILL BE DISTURBING ME. THANKS, 
3. I Need a Personal Assistant, and I will continue to use Barbara Rinaldi as a Consultant. THANKS

• John Buck check-out: honored to have been able to contribute. Look forward to more connection.

Jori's Needs

• Meaning, purpose, transformative. Make a difference. Care.
• Growth and learning to bring us forward.
• Support, bring the resources so we can have time to harvest the growth, so we can move forward.
• Communication; Big need for feedback.
• Structure.
• Strategic help. Get ideas on how to hold it all.
• Want to make sure her need of us-ness with Jim gets met.

Check-out

• John Wiley: appreciation, love, willingness, excitement, hope, enthusiasm.
• Katherine: content, happy.
• Danielle: funny mode now. Excited and intrigued.
• Jori: mourning, thankful for the feedback mourning the lack of connection. Sweet in the moment deep send of a need met.
• William: hungry, thirsty.
• Valentina: blessed with all we have put together. With quality that meets my needs for purpose on the earth feeling, hope, excited, that this will manifest. Hopeful for our evolution.
• Anne: grateful, blessed and inspired.

LT MEETING

• Present: Marshall, Valentina, Anne, William, Jori, Jim, Danielle.
• Observers: Katherine, John

DAY 5

Board Meeting

Decision

Katherine Singer will be Board member Emeritus to fulfill the role of Treasurer until the board finds a new Treasurer.

LT Meeting

• Review of announcement letter

Decision

The search team to hire one person in ABQ as a office manager who is willing to be in LA temporarily asap. Decision to made by Marshall Valentina and consultant, and search team composed of: Anne Wiley, Valentina Rosenberg, Danielle Beenders and Jim Manske.

---

Board Agenda - January 10 Meeting

PT: Jan. 10, 2007 at noon US PT -1pm US MT - 8pm London (GMT),

Seoul: Jan.11 at 5am

Conference Dial-in Number: (712) 580-0600

Participant Access Code: 432094#

6 for MUTE caller controlled muting

Observer Request

We ask non-Board members to reserve any comments until the time we have set aside for feedback (up to 15 minutes toward the end of the meeting) from Observers who have honored us with their presence. We may also include other times for feedback, as our need for that arises and when there is sufficient time to listen to and address those comments.

Please press 6 to mute and un mute your line during the call.

Agenda

• 12:00PT Check-in (15 min.)
• 12:15PT Logistics & Announcements (John, 5 min.)
• 12:20PT Set February physical meeting [2/25-3/1 Albq.?] (all - 20 min.).
• 12:40PT Clarify definition of Board and LT (Valentina, Marshall, John Buck, 30 min.).
• Tabled for LT meeting - Jori & Jim compensation package review and decision (Jim 20, min.).
• 1:10PT Observer Check-out (10 min.)
• 1:20PT Board Check-out (5 min.)

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