Coordinator of Interest Groups and Seminars

(Adapted from 1998 Guide.) 

The Coordinator of Interest Groups and Seminars provides leadership and handles logistics for the annual gathering’s Interest Group and Seminar programs. 

Appointment: The Coordinator is appointed for a three year term beginning at the rise of an annual session.  Current practice is to have two people in shared service.  The Coordinator is a member of the Executive Committee and ex officio to the Continuing Committee. 

Responsibilities of the Coordinator of Interest Groups and Seminars include:

1.  Identifying leaders and topics of interest in consultation with Monthly and Preparative Meetings and Worship Groups through their Continuing Committee representatives.

2.  Working with the Ghost Ranch staff person in charge of planning the Ghost Ranch short courses held at the same time.  The Coordinator, for assistance in the early days, also works with the Coordinator of Operations, Registrar, coordinators of the Yearly Meeting’s Youth Programs and the Ghost Ranch staff person in charge of the youth activities.

3.  To provide program materials for distribution with the annual gathering information packet.

4.  To inform the Coordinator of Operations of the logistical needs of the Interest Groups.

5.  To publicize appropriately the Interest Groups at the annual gathering.

6.  To assist with arrangements and publicity for ad hoc interest groups which originate during the annual gathering.

7.  To report to the Yearly Meeting as needed.

8.  To coordinate with the Book Sales Support Coordinator to encourage the stocking of reading materials related to topics of Interest Groups and Seminars. 

Executive and Continuing Committees:  The Executive Committee meets in late summer to evaluate the various aspects of the most recent annual gathering and begin planning for next year's annual gathering.  The Coordinator of Interest Groups and Seminars may be asked to submit a written evaluative report in advance of this Executive Committee meeting.  In its winter meeting a few months later, the Continuing Committee completes the planning for the next annual gathering.  The Coordinator attends this meeting to report on plans for the upcoming gathering and to receive instructions from the Committee.  The Yearly Meeting pays upon request the travel expenses to these meetings. 

Financial Arrangements:  Incidental operating expenditures for clerical supplies, communications, etc., may be submitted to the Treasurer for reimbursement.  The Treasurer should be consulted before incurring unusual expenses. 

Notes and Concerns:

1.  This description has not been updated to sufficiently describe current practice regarding arranging Seminars for early days.