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Off Topic Forums => Forums Gatherings => Topic started by: phildinftlaudy on October 24, 2010, 01:43:27 pm

Title: AMG 2011 Grants Committee Formation
Post by: phildinftlaudy on October 24, 2010, 01:43:27 pm
Hello Everyone:

As we are doing the voting for the site and month for AMG 2011, it is time to form the 2011 AMG Grants Committee.  If you are interested in participating on the Committee, please send me a PM.   To give you an idea of what the purpose and functions of the Committee are, here is some information:

The AMG Grants Committee (the “GC”) was formed in 2005 as a means of pooling donations from generous members and other sources to help out some members who wanted to attend the AMG but were financially constrained.  

PURPOSE

The Grants Committee aims to grant assistance to as many members in need wishing to attend the gathering as the available funds would allow.  The GC shall manage all AMG grant operations and ensure there is adequate controls and transparency regarding the donation and grant operations process.

The Grants Committee shall support the following specific tasks:
•   Soliciting donations
•   Grant allocation
•   Periodic reporting to the wider forum members

The Grants Committee shall consist of at least three and at most five members.

The AMG Grant Committee is the ONLY time members are allowed to use these Forums for fundraising.

All donations are kept confidential.  The names of members assisted with grant funds/donations are also kept confidential.

There are typically two types of donations: 1) cash donations to the Committee which are then directed to assist individuals in need (through procurement/sharing of hotel rooms, travel fare, etc) and 2) members who will sponsor another member (i.e. share or pay directly for another member's room, travel, etc.).

Everything is done with the greatest amount of transparency (with the exception of keeping confidential the names of donors and members requesting/receiving assistance).  Regular reports are posted in the forum regarding funds received and funds disbursed.

A great many individuals have been helped during past AMGs through the assistance of other members.  Funds raised for various AMGs have ranged from $2,000 - to over $5,000 (not including direct sponsorships of individual members).  The assistance provided by the grants can make the difference in whether a member is able to attend the AMG or not.

If you have any other questions feel free to ask - If you want to be involved, please PM me.  After the Committee is established - a separate thread will announce this and provide info for those members who want to donate or who may wish to request assistance.

Thanks in advance everyone for your participation.

-Phil


Title: Re: AMG 2011 Grants Committee Formation
Post by: phildinftlaudy on October 26, 2010, 07:34:11 pm
The Grants Committee for AMG 2011 has been formed --- watch the AM Gatherings Topic Area for more information that will be posted regarding how to give, how to put in requests for assistance, and more....
Title: Re: AMG 2011 Grants Committee Formation
Post by: David_CA on October 27, 2010, 12:48:09 pm
I'm wondering if we should use the AMG Coordinator account for 'official' AMG stuff and the Grants Committee account for grants.  It would seem to make it more legit... especially when receiving donations.
Title: Re: AMG 2011 Grants Committee Formation
Post by: phildinftlaudy on October 27, 2010, 02:00:14 pm
I'm wondering if we should use the AMG Coordinator account for 'official' AMG stuff and the Grants Committee account for grants.  It would seem to make it more legit... especially when receiving donations.
Hi David:

Actually, both are going to be activated very shortly.  You should see future threads related to AMG specifically coming from the AMG Coordinator screenname and threads related to Grant Committee coming from that official screenname.

Title: Re: AMG 2011 Grants Committee Formation
Post by: Grants Committee on November 02, 2010, 08:08:17 pm
The official "Grants Committee" screenname has been activated.

Watch for future information regarding AMG Grants subject areas (i.e. Donations Information, Fundraising Information, Requests for Assistance, and Status Reports) to come from this screenname.

-AMG Grants Committee
Title: Re: AMG 2011 Grants Committee Formation
Post by: Cliff on November 03, 2010, 04:21:37 am
The Grants Committee for AMG 2011 has been formed --- watch the AM Gatherings Topic Area for more information that will be posted regarding how to give, how to put in requests for assistance, and more....
I would recommend publicly announcing the GC membership.
Title: Re: AMG 2011 Grants Committee Formation
Post by: Grants Committee on November 12, 2010, 09:15:15 pm
We will be posting the names of the committee members very shortly - within the next day or two.

Thanks!

AMG Grants Committee
Title: Re: AMG 2011 Grants Committee Formation
Post by: Miss Philicia on November 12, 2010, 10:38:06 pm
It's a cabal I tell ya! 
Title: Re: AMG 2011 Grants Committee Formation
Post by: phildinftlaudy on November 12, 2010, 10:39:18 pm
It's a cabal I tell ya! 
That's what I heard too.... ;D
Title: Re: AMG 2011 Grants Committee Formation
Post by: Grants Committee on November 15, 2010, 04:36:10 pm
Hello Everyone:

In talking with various members that have been involved with past AMGs, there was a time a few years ago when the members of the Grants Committee were named while the committee was functioning.  However, over the last 2 years, the names of individual committee members have not been named in the Forums until after the committee had completed its role.

The reasons for not naming the committee members in the Forums while the committee has been doing its duties:
1) To decrease any apprehension a member may have about seeking assistance based on the composition of the committee
2) To decrease any communication with individual members from other members either seeking donations or asking (lobbying) a committee member to provide assistance to one member over another, etc.

I would like to get the thoughts of members regarding this matter - as it is your committee.  Keep in mind that for those members who choose to make donations, they will be provided with the member(s) name to send the donation to and will receive acknowledgment of their donation from the committee via PM.

The Committee will also post all donation info and disbursements (less the names of the donors or grant recipients).

Also, in the past, the Committee members have been named in the Forums after their duties were completed.

Please provide your thoughts, experiences regarding the naming of committee members on the Forums prior to completion of their functions on the committee.

Thanks
-AMG Grants Committee
Title: Re: AMG 2011 Grants Committee Formation
Post by: carousel on November 15, 2010, 05:04:15 pm
If I was applying to the committee, I would prefer to know the names, as I would be disclosing personal information.

At the very least, it would be helpful to say who would the treasurer is, as I presume any money donated is likely to go into somebody's personal account.  And it would be helpful if that person was a long standing member that people had confidence in.  That is probably the case already, but if people don't know, they may hesitate in giving, which would be a shame.

I always think transparency is more helpful. 
Title: Re: AMG 2011 Grants Committee Formation
Post by: odyssey on November 15, 2010, 07:28:27 pm
I think it would be better to keep the Committee member names private until after the process is complete so those seeking grants don't go petitioning individual Committee members or other such behaviors. Also, I think the anonymity is nice when applying for a grant or donating.
Title: Re: AMG 2011 Grants Committee Formation
Post by: Assurbanipal on November 15, 2010, 09:34:11 pm
Hello Everyone:

In talking with various members that have been involved with past AMGs, there was a time a few years ago when the members of the Grants Committee were named while the committee was functioning.  However, over the last 2 years, the names of individual committee members have not been named in the Forums until after the committee had completed its role.


  ??? The above is inaccurate.  The last posts of the Grants Committee screenname show quite a few messages dated in 2008 including several with the names of the members signed under it.  These include ones where they were asking for money for the 2009 AMG.  When the comitee was in the middle of a dispute with a member (which that member posted in the middle of the forums), they left the names off.  The 2010 AMG didn't have a big fundraising apparatus and did not actively solicit funds under the Grants Committee name.  Thus, during the last full cycle where the Grants Committee was active, the names of the committee members were published.  Often.
 
Further to Carousel's point, I suspect most donors would also want to know who is allocating the monies.  Donros are also disclosing personal info (e.g. name, checking account numbers) as well $$.

Finally, it is reassuring to see continuity in the members of the Grants Committee, so that grantees and grantors have confidence that the established policies are being followed consistently over time, or at least changed for a reason rather than through lack of familiarity.


Frankly this post is quite troubling.  It demonstrates a lack of familiarity with the written record of the Grants Committee that seems totally haphazard.  Have you actually read the prior posts of the Grants Committee screename?  Do you have any former members of the Grants Committee who continue to serve?
Title: Re: AMG 2011 Grants Committee Formation
Post by: bocker3 on November 15, 2010, 10:17:17 pm
I think the committee should be named.  My feeling is that, whenever monies are involved, transparency is of most importance.  I think there are some rules or by-laws established that helps insure no one person has "control" of the monies without someone else being involved.  Unfortunately, I suck at searching on this site........

Mike


 Frankly this post is quite troubling.  It demonstrates a lack of familiarity with the written record of the Grants Committee that seems totally haphazard.  Have you actually read the prior posts of the Grants Committee screename?  Do you have any former members of the Grants Committee who continue to serve?

I find this above quote to be a bit over the top.  It stinks of accusations.  You have been quite judgemental of late, what's up.  Why the sudden interest in AMG?  Also -- does it make a bit of difference if the Committee is all new?  I agree with you on the need for openness, but this paragraph was unnecessary and could have been handled in a better way.  Especially given that we are dealing with VOLUNTEERS here and he was asking for others thoughts on the matter.  He was not declaring a policy.  Lighten up already.
Title: Re: AMG 2011 Grants Committee Formation
Post by: David_CA on November 16, 2010, 10:02:52 am
If I recall correctly, I served on Grants Committee twice, and I don't remember names being disclosed during the actual collection or distribution of grants.  I may be mistaken; if so, it was a non-issue either way.  Some forum members mentioned to me that they were interested in attending, and I passed their name on to the Grants Committee; I never made a point to them that I helped or that I was on the GC and had any 'pull'.  Also, if I saw a member post that they were interested in going but had financial issues that prevented it, I'd PM them and suggest that they send a message to the GC expressing their interest.  It was nice, in a way, because it kept down any sort of accusations of favoritism, etc.  It was a quiet, efficient, and drama-free system.

Donations were sent to one person, disclosed to the entire GC, and forwarded to the treasurer.  When tickets were purchased, they were purchased by somebody other than the treasurer, and a reimbursement was sent to the individual who purchased the ticket for the other member... a sort of checks and balance.  Again, it was uneventful and efficient.  I certainly hope for the same this time.

David
Title: Re: AMG 2011 Grants Committee Formation
Post by: weasel on November 16, 2010, 11:09:26 am


    The "  grants Committee  "    has been on the up and up !

   No reason to think otherwise !


                                                        Carl
Title: Re: AMG 2011 Grants Committee Formation
Post by: RAB on November 16, 2010, 03:43:52 pm
Personally I think the committee members should be known.  If I were a potential donor I certainly wouldn't give freely w/o knowing the who.

And I think Assur is correct that your comment about the last two years, the members weren't known until after the process, is inaccurate.  (But I haven't gone back to look at 2008 posts and there wasn't a GC last year.)

David's comment about how efficient/effective/and drama free the GC has functioned previously is a good reason to keep those same transparancies in place in my opinion.

Just my two cents.

RAB   ;D

Title: Re: AMG 2011 Grants Committee Formation
Post by: Cliff on November 16, 2010, 04:56:14 pm
The reasons for not naming the committee members in the Forums while the committee has been doing its duties:
1) To decrease any apprehension a member may have about seeking assistance based on the composition of the committee

2) To decrease any communication with individual members from other members either seeking donations or asking (lobbying) a committee member to provide assistance to one member over another, etc.

I would like to get the thoughts of members regarding this matter - as it is your committee.
My thoughts on the above:

1) Does the Committee think there will be significant apprehension from members regarding seeking assistance based on the GC membership?  If so, I believe careful selection of the members will help minimise that concern.

2) Having served on the Committee several times, I don't recall ever being contacted personally.  If the guidelines are clear on how member should request support, then the risk of members going outside those procedures should be minimal.  Should a GC member receive a request personally, they can forward the request to the GC account and/or request that the person requesting support do so themselves.

I see very little benefit and much downside/risk to not publishing the membership.  It is a matter of trust.  Transparency is a great way of instilling trust. 

My two cents.
Title: Re: AMG 2011 Grants Committee Formation
Post by: Grants Committee on November 16, 2010, 07:41:00 pm
Hello Everyone:

Thank you for your feedback and continued guidance.  As you may already know, AMG 2011 will be held in Seattle in August 2011.  To help assist members who otherwise may not be able to attend, the AMG Grants Committee solicits donations.

Below are the names of the AMG 2011 Grants Committee:

Jody (Jody)                                   Member since: 5/2006
Pozniceguy (Nick)                         Member since: 5/2006
WillyWump (Will)                          Member since: 4/2008
phildinftlaudy (Phil)                        Member since: 1/2010

Please do not PM any of the above members individually regarding any AMG Grants Committee matters - send PMs to Grants Committee.  Thank you in advance for your understanding.

Also, in the next few days, a thread will be posted providing details of how to make a donation.  The post will detail the process for check, money order or PayPal donations, as well as Member Sponsorship.  We will also detail the donation accountability process being used to provide reassurance that your donation is being received and disbursed appropriately.

Another thread will detail the process for requesting assistance for those members who may need some assistance with expenses associated with attending AMG 2011.

Once again, thanks to all of the members who have and continue to provide their support, guidance and feedback.

-AMG 2011 Grants Committee
Title: Re: AMG 2011 Grants Committee Formation
Post by: Ann on November 17, 2010, 10:46:22 am
Just thought I'd mention that Jody and Nick have been members of these forums for much longer than the above dates indicate. We changed the forum software from FuseTalk to SMF in May of 2006 and that's why it appears that they have been members since then.

I don't remember when Nick joined, but Jody and I have both been members since even before we had the FuseTalk software. I joined in the spring of 2001 and Jody was already a member. The forums were created in 2000 so it's quite possible that Jody has been a member since then.
Title: Re: AMG 2011 Grants Committee Formation
Post by: David_CA on November 17, 2010, 12:41:41 pm
Just thought I'd mention that Jody and Nick have been members of these forums for much longer than the above dates indicate. We changed the forum software from FuseTalk to SMF in May of 2006 and that's why it appears that they have been members since then.

I don't remember when Nick joined, but Jody and I have both been members since even before we had the FuseTalk software. I joined in the spring of 2001 and Jody was already a member. The forums were created in 2000 so it's quite possible that Jody has been a member since then.

It sounds like Jody is a LTS of this forum... no small feat in itself!   ;)

On a serious note, it sounds like things are going well, and that we're on the way to a successful AMG.
Title: Re: AMG 2011 Grants Committee Formation
Post by: Ann on November 17, 2010, 02:08:39 pm
It sounds like Jody is a LTS of this forum... no small feat in itself!   ;)

On a serious note, it sounds like things are going well, and that we're on the way to a successful AMG.

As far as I'm aware, the only other currently active members who have been here longer than me and Jody are Tim Horn and Andy Velez. Peter Staley founded the AIDSmeds website and forums, but he's no longer active.

I agree that things seem to be going well and are in capable hands. I feel that with Jody on the Grants Committee, everything is in very trustworthy hands as well. I'd trust Jody with my life. I'd trust him with my daughter's life as well and as any parent knows, that's saying something. :)
Title: Re: AMG 2011 Grants Committee Formation
Post by: anniebc on November 17, 2010, 06:00:23 pm
I agree that things seem to be going well and are in capable hands. I feel that with Jody on the Grants Committee, everything is in very trustworthy hands as well. I'd trust Jody with my life. I'd trust him with my daughter's life as well and as any parent knows, that's saying something. :)

Just wanted to agree with Ann, I don't think you guys have anything to worry about, I too would trust Jody with my life, his lovely Mother pretty much told me that in Boston.. ;)

We have never had problems in the past, I think the board members of this years Grants Committee are a good lot and I see this working out well for everyone.

Hugs
Jan :-*
Title: Re: AMG 2011 Grants Committee Formation
Post by: ElZorro on November 17, 2010, 06:11:04 pm
Just wanted to agree with Ann, I don't think you guys have anything to worry about, I too would trust Jody with my life, his lovely Mother pretty much told me that in Boston.. ;)

We have never had problems in the past, I think the board members of this years Grants Committee are a good lot and I see this working out well for everyone.

Hugs
Jan :-*

None of the forum members know me, nor am I a member of the "clique" or "cabal" or whatever it is  ;) That having been said, I had an opportunity to meet Phil in person a couple weeks back when he was in town and I can tell you that he's a very affable and capable person. I don't think you have anything to be concerned with respect to his participation on the AMG committee, Also, I personally think he's done a bang up job up to this point. Kudos to you Phil!
Title: Re: AMG 2011 Grants Committee Formation
Post by: RAB on November 17, 2010, 06:23:48 pm
I just wanted to add my positive comment to this group too.

While I've not met Phil (but I hope to in Seattle), I have Jody, Nick, and Will.  With Phil's  effective efforts to keep the AMG moving forward, and with my personal experience and knowledge of Jody, Nick, and Will I think this is a perfect team.  Both Jody and Nick have served on previous GCs and can offer their experience, Will and Phil will bring new ideas and energies.  A win win I think.

Good Luck Guys and Thank You for all of your upcoming work.

RAB   ;D
Title: Re: AMG 2011 Grants Committee Formation
Post by: phildinftlaudy on November 17, 2010, 07:54:26 pm
Thanks everyone for your kind words about this year's Grants Committee.  I am very excited to work with Jody, Nick, and Will.  They have all been great.  We are all very committed to having an extremely successful AMG and to assisting as many people as possible with being there.

Also, I apologize for getting the "Member Since" dates incorrect on Nick and Jody.  I had a feeling they had been members longer then 2006.

As always, the Grants Committee's job is to serve the members of these forums interested in making AMG a success.  We are open to your feedback, suggestions, guidance and support.

I'm looking forward to meeting a lot of members in Seattle. (Oh, and Zorro - it was also great meeting you - FYI to everyone - Zorro is not only a great guy - but a very good-looking one as well  ;D)

So, let's rock and roll all the way from now til Seattle!

Thanks again!
Title: Re: AMG 2011 Grants Committee Formation
Post by: ElZorro on November 17, 2010, 07:58:53 pm
FYI to everyone - Zorro is not only a great guy - but a very good-looking one as well  ;D)

You must have met someone else! I take back everything I said about you  ;)
Title: Re: AMG 2011 Grants Committee Formation
Post by: Ann on November 17, 2010, 08:22:17 pm
Also, I apologize for getting the "Member Since" dates incorrect on Nick and Jody.  I had a feeling they had been members longer then 2006.

No need to apologise. We all know you're a n00b who doesn't know any better a recent member who wouldn't know details like that. It's ok. ;D
Title: Re: AMG 2011 Grants Committee Formation
Post by: phildinftlaudy on November 17, 2010, 08:35:14 pm
No need to apologise. We all know you're a n00b who doesn't know any better a recent member who wouldn't know details like that. It's ok. ;D
Love ya Ann!  ;D
Title: Re: AMG 2011 Grants Committee Formation
Post by: Jody on November 18, 2010, 10:57:48 pm
Thanks to all you fine folks for your really kind words, I am humbled (no small feat mind you) ;)

Actually I am really someone who I believe has become a better person from my experiences here over this past decade, and that is in very large part due to all I have learned here from the very smart and most generous folks that give their valuable time to participate in making this a place to learn, share, laugh and yes, sometimes cry.  And a special shoutout to Ann and Jan for their work here over these years, they've given so much time and are integral to this site.  Ann's logon time here alone must be in years already!  And thanks Phil for your hard work already on 2011.  And who can ever forget to mention Dennis!

But the AMG's have been great for me and I know I speak for so many others in saying it has been for them as well and I hope I can help some people go to beautiful Seattle (I've seen Frasier  :))who might not otherwise have been able to do so.  Invariably not everyone can go and several factors play into these never easy choices but I hope everyone is just happy for those who do get to go to AMG '11.
    
I know it's a difficult, tenuous economy to be sure, but every dollar helps (Oy, I'm now Jerry Lewis)...I'm making a funny face now...But I do hope there will be a great response, people who have gone in the past have had a great lifetime experience that when they were first diagnosed probably never thought they had a chance of ever doing.

Be well and thanks in advance for helping the Grants committee 2011 toward our Seattle AMG.

Jody :)
Title: Re: AMG 2011 Grants Committee Formation
Post by: Grants Committee on November 19, 2010, 08:18:34 pm
Hello Everyone:

Tomorrow a thread titled "AMG 2011 Donations, Requests, and Sponsorship" will be posted by AMG Grants Committee.  This thread will detail how to make a donation, how to make a request for assistance, and ways to sponsor a specific member.

Thank you in advance for your support.  Continued thanks for the guidance of members with previous AMG experience and all members who have offered their suggestions and feedback.

-AMG Grants Committee
   "Working to make AMG 2011 an experience to remember for as many members as possible."