(This post is primarily for new board members but everyone feel free to read in case there's something new for your here as well)

I wanted to reach out to you to to start easing you in to board activities and the multiple facets and opportunities for your unique participation. I'll try to keep it succinct, but please know if you have any questions at any time, you can reach out to me.

As an aside,  just a note: as a general rule, I like to refer to the Alliance as "the Alliance"--rather than "DPA." I know it's a temptation to shorten it to the three letters like most other organizations, but that's one reason I prefer  "the Alliance." It keeps the focus on the concept of alliance and is less generic than the three letters whose meaning can be easily forgotten or overlooked.

Meanwhile:

1) Committees: I've shared a bit about each of these during our interviews and we're really at the beginning stages of each, having had just one launch meeting and not much follow up. I really hope one or two individuals from the board will be willing and able to volunteer to drive each of these so we can maintain some momentum. I realize you may need more time before you commit to any one (or more), but for now, please let me know which one(s) you would like to possibly be part of and I'll add you to the distribution list. Please know you can move to a different one at any time as well. Nothing is set in stone here. 

Finally, if you know you'd like to potentially lead or co-lead one, please don't hesitate to let me know now. It's not too soon! :)  There are summaries of our kick-off meetings in on the Board group page at the following link  if you want to refresh your memory. (Each discussion is recent and is clearly labeled) http://www.depthpsychologyalliance.com/group/alliance-admin-board/forum

As you recall, they are as follows:  

Outreach/Cross-pollination (ways to connect with other orgs and make the Alliance a "hub" for bringing disparate depth psych elements together, moving toward a virtual "open house/trade show" for late Fall)

Visitor Frequency and Content (how to get members to come back more often and to offer a quality experience of the web site and community)

Conferences and Publications (speaks for itself, but we'll need to work fast if we want to host our first live conference or symposium next year; also need some help on the current eZine if anyone has time)

Community Education (We have a list of people willing to participate but need to start vetting them and coming up with a turn key package to get them up and running)

2) New member welcomes: Most of the board members have taken on the responsibility to welcome new members with a personal (but somewhat standard) greeting to orient them and make them feel seen as they join the community.  It also gives members some contact with a boardmember right away. The process includes includes checking in on the Members page 2-3 times a week and leaving a message for all new members for your assigned letters of the alphabet (usually 3-4 letters). If you really can't or don't want to do this, please let me know separately. Otherwise, I will assign your letters in the next day or two and you can jump in.