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 Your ideas needed: co-op membership (currently 2,634 views) |
| Admin |
| Posted on: May 30th, 2004, 7:10pm |
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Now that we have so many people registering to view the message board, I'm wondering how all of you feel about the way we're handling membership. Or maybe I should say, the way we aren't handling it.
We currently let anyone who want to register immediately begin to read and post messages. The benefits are that this is a very easy way to handle it. The drawbacks are that we have no way of knowing who the people are who are registering. They may be homeschoolers interested in our group. They may be advertisers wanting to sell to you. They may (to get paranoid for a moment) be people up to no good trying to pick up your contact info. I do know that only a small percentage of our 128 members actually participate, but maybe they're still just thinking about it.
I can continue with open membership, the way it is now. Alternatively, I can keep registration open, but require each person who registers to reply to an email briefly describing themselves before they have access to the message board. Does this seem worth the trouble? I could also open up our boards to guests (ie non-registered members) for viewing, but not for posting messages.
I'm truly on the fence about this, so I'd appreciate your feedback. |
Elizabeth
Mom to Eric (8 ) and Ruby (4.5) |
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| asbass13 |
| Posted on: May 30th, 2004, 9:32pm |
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Elizabeth,
I think it may be a bit of a pain, but think memebership shoudl be accepted by the moderator before anyone can post or read messages, because, lets face it, in this day inage you can be none too careful especially when your kids are involved....just my $0.02 
I personally really like the activities I see planned her, but havent been able to attend any as there seems to be a frequent scheduling conflift for me and the 3 minchkins who live here
I think you are doing a great job as moderator/organizer and the peoplel who have chimed into help so far are doing an excellent job as well. Keep up the great work!!! |
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| hovlex |
| Posted on: May 30th, 2004, 10:23pm |
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I feel pretty much just the same as Andrea, and we have similar problems in attending some of the scheduled meetings. Hopefully that will change in the coming months, though. I do think that some type of filter would be good, especially if we are all trading personal info, phone numbers, and our kids' names, etc.
Thanks, Elizabeth, for doing such a great job!
Alexis |
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| ang |
| Posted on: May 31st, 2004, 3:44am |
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| I believe there should be some screening as well. At times I have been reluctant to put info because I don't know who would see it. Maybe new posts should not automatically get sent to all the members. If somebody is truly interested in the goings on they can just go to the message board themselves to check in. Is there a way to keep the e mail list private so that everyone's e mail cannot be seen? If somebody voluntarily puts it in an announcement it 's OK, but as it is now anyone can go through the list and get all our email addresses. Also, maybe the group should limit the starting age to about 3 yrs, so that kids are able to participate more and the parents will be involved. Of course children who have siblings younger than 3 would still be welcome, because the parents would still be participating with the older ones. I had seen where another mom said all our info being out there is just part of using the internet, but it shouldn't have to be that way. We either have to put our e mails or our phone numbers if we are going to be able to plan things. I don't have several email addresses that I use and don't have the time to keep track of many addresses. Elizabeth mentioned the majority of the group members aren't pitching in. That was a big problem in another group I was in. Only a handful of parents were helping in the group. It isn't the quantity, it's the quality. And it really effected the group. The majority of members had to just be taken off the list in the end, because it had gone on for such a long time. |
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| kivrinsmum |
| Posted on: May 31st, 2004, 3:59am |
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Just to offer a different point of view.....
I'm a mother to one child under the age of 2 (21 months). Although we plan to homeschool, I'm not sure what I do now can really be considered such. I subscribe to a few boards on homeschooling to gather information and opinions. I particularly appreciate this one because it helps me find local activities, and get a feel for the Albuquerque homeschooling community.
We haven't been able to be really involved in this group yet because many of the activities aren't age appropriate for Kivrin and she hasn't really reached an age where she plays socially with other children. However, this will change soon enough and in the meantime I like reading the board. I'm not sure I would have joined this early if membership had been a production. Maybe some of the other 128 women are like me, and are just waiting for their children to grow into this community.
Mary
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| ashemax |
| Posted on: May 31st, 2004, 1:46pm |
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I agree with the consensus that there should be a limit on viewing. I too am concerned with just anyone being able to view our information. I don't have any additional ideas about how to limit it though. I like your idea Elizabeth, of requiring some type of description before allowing access.
I wish I could be more constructive.
Amy  |
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| LisaSilva |
| Posted on: May 31st, 2004, 3:12pm |
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Well I too follow the crowd with I would like some type of information required before just anyone can post. The problem that I forsee is that even that might not be accurate. Anyone can say anything and we wouldn't know for sure if that information was accurate or not. I don't know how "screening" if you want to call it can be done based on the way this is set up. I fear that it would be much more work for you Elizabeth.
I have come to love being a part of this group and look for knew postings throughout th day on either new events or ideas, I would hate to lose that should it change.
So now that I have completely confused everyone with both of my verying opinions, I want to add that I can help with whatever is needed. A suggestion, maybe a get accquainted meeting once a month would work, new members would be required to show up at say a park day, or a mom's night out(?) and then fill out some sort of paperwork. I have had to do this with the other 2 of the 3 groups that I am in. It asks things like children, ages of children, grades, curriculum used, address, it lists a statement of purpose, parents employment and even has a permission form for those that get dropped off for events. There is even a place for medical information. Now I know that there is a lot of little ones in the group, and parents aren't generally dropping off their kids, this is just an outline of what we could do. Something to think about.
Elizabeth, I feel very fortunate to have found this group. As I have said previously, I really appreciate it and will help you in whatever way I can. Thank you for all your hard work and for keeping this group going. I look forward to many years with you. |
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| kivrinsmum |
| Posted on: May 31st, 2004, 5:20pm |
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To continue in the devil's advocate mode....
I'm not sure that I understand the concern about information sharing. I don't really see where there is all that much information available. Sure, your email address is out there, but don't most of you post that all over the internet? I personally have separate email addresses for different activities, just to limit potential hassle if the information is misused. I consider it a necessary, but acceptable risk to do business (and have friends) on the web.
If you are afraid that things you post are public, well I'm not sure I understand that either. I assume everything I post on the internet is public. If I want the information to be private I handle the communication in a different way.
I think that the real issue here should be whether or not you want this group to be exclusive. There are advantages and disadvantages to that. I, at this point, like access to an open group, because we can benefit from information, but not necessarily from many of the activities(as of yet). I suspect that there are a number of parents like me. As the months go past and Kivrin is able to function more and more socially (and can appreciate a tour or a performance) I suspect I will become more involved. At that point I will be able to contribute more actively, and will be comfortable doing so since I was able to belong on the perifery for so long. The addition of parents in my position are one benefit of an open group. Another is the increased pool of knowledge and ideas.
Possible benefits of an closed group include knowing a significant ammount about people who will interact with our children. I'd have to know quite a bit about someone who I would allow to interact with Kivrin when she is not in my view.
Besides, if you close the group (have application procedures, and involvement quotas) you have a group of personally accountable members. You also have a very unique group.....Extremely socially motivated homeschoolers.
Just my opinion.
Mary
PS--I would be happy to help in some administrative capacity. It's hard for us to plan ahead more than a few days for out of the home activities because Kivrin can be difficult to schedule. However, if there is something that needs organizing, record that need to be kept, people that need to be called, ect....I'll be happy to help out. |
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| LisaSilva |
| Posted on: May 31st, 2004, 11:40pm |
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To offer more insight... I feel the concern comes when just as we are discussing this, Shannon has so graciously offered to let us all come to her play group, and then offers directions as well. So if there was some one of the wrong character out there, not only does he/she know when there is a play group going on, he/she knows where and how to get there.
As with all of our activities. It's listed when we are there and thus gives out details that would make it easy for someone "lurking" to watch the group. As much as this is not a subject that we all like to think about, it is still there and can't be ignored. We must be careful.
For those that do not have children in this group, or no interest in joining other than to list something they want to sell, I do not feel that they should be able to have access. What if what they are listing is unacceptable. A mediator if you will, to weed out the unwanted might help. There is always the need for protection for everyones sake, and again it can't be stressed enough that we don't know who it is behind the keyboard. Some faces we see quite often, some we've never met, and we just don't know.
It need not be a closed group, just a cautious one. In my opinion, and you know what they say about opinions....
Lisa |
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| TaraOGohr |
| Posted on: June 1st, 2004, 1:44am |
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I think this is a wonderful discussion that is going around. I have to say that I am like Mary, in that I have a young child -- 22 months -- and I enjoy remaining on the periphery for the purposes of getting to know the homeschool scene in Albuquerque, to see if it's something that is right for both of us, and to see what's going on.
I'm not sure that if there were more "screenings" I would participate. What would that do in the long run???... Extreme best: I would forge ahead anyway. Extreme worst: I would think there isn't much support in the community and would send him to private school.
Right now I'm trying to guage my options, and this is a great forum for that.
I appreciate everybody's postings and especially the work of the administrator and calendar coordinator. Thank you for allowing us to benefit from your hard work!
Tara
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Reply: 9 - 19 |
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| ang |
| Posted on: June 1st, 2004, 4:21am |
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A family that I know belongs to the Cottonwood Homeschoolers. A few months ago they were discussing with me how the group only allows a certain number of families and each family is expected to plan/host a certain number of things a year. At the time I remember thinking that it seemed so strict, and I wasn't sure if that was a good idea, but experiencing what I have with my last group and now with this discussion, I think it is a good idea. If we are wary about who may be reading our info it is not good for the group. I believe somebody already suggested having a person as a contact that would be able to answer questions for those who are interested in homeschooling. I would be willing.
That would show support without people feeling like they have to join the group, and without leaving the group open to a large amount of members, many of whom we may not ever meet. Just reading posts on the message board isn't really going to tell us anything about the real day to day aspects of homeschooling. It's nice to have ideas of things to do, but that could be gotten from anywhere. Unless we know, and see each other and get a chance to really discuss things on a regular basis (as well as our children getting to know each other) it really doesn't provide the consistancy that we probably all are looking for. |
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Reply: 10 - 19 |
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| Admin |
| Posted on: June 1st, 2004, 3:47pm |
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| I'm reading all your posts and thinking on some ideas too. When I get a chance I'll post a longer note. In the meantime, I wanted to encourage everyone who may be reading this (active member or not) who hasn't yet posted an opinion to weigh in. |
Elizabeth
Mom to Eric (8 ) and Ruby (4.5) |
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| dallin2001 |
| Posted on: June 1st, 2004, 10:53pm |
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As I have scrolled down through all the comments, I have agreed with much of it and disagreed with some of it.
Yes, it is true that if you post things on the internet, there is no fool proof way to keep it private. However, it is a reality that predators of children use the internet to locate targets, and there are steps we can and should take to reduce the risk to our own children.
As for granting access, when I was the administrator of the online banking program for a small community bank, we required that account holders complete an online request before the could be allowed to access their account online. Once they submitted the request, they had to wait for the request to be processed and for a password to be mailed to a PHYSICAL ADDRESS...this was even for existing customers. When I was in charge of opening new accounts, we could not accept a P.O. Box for a non-existing customer. Many of those who committ fraud use P.O. Boxes to prevent being traced. If someone provided an apartment number, we had to look the apartment complex up in the phone book to verify that it was actually and apartment and not a box at someplace like Mail Boxes, Etc. (In our case, if an apartment number were provided, the applicant would also need to provide the name of the complex. We could certainly excercise this much caution in an effort to protect our own children.
If the site could be set up to require that access be granted, I would be willing to be in charge of mailing a letter welcoming new members, encouraging them to be active participants in the co-op and providing them with their password. (That is if it is possible for Elizabeth to send me a weekly email with an attachment providing me with the information I'd need, including the applicants' names, addresses and assigned passwords.) They could select their ID in the application process; that way we prevent the use of passwords delivered to the wrong hands. The new member could be instructed to use the ID they selected in the application process. By requiring this application process and by requiring a PHYSICAL ADDRESS, we would discourage those who are looking for the wrong reasons.
I like the idea that Ang mentions of having someone responsible for replying to questions that interested parties may have. This allows their questions to be answered while not allowing those who we know nothing about to have full access to information on the dates, times and places our children will be gathered. The home page could provide an email address, such as abqhomeschoolcoop@yahoo.com, to send any questions. The home page could also provide an overview of the types things we do, without mentioning any specific dates, times or locations.
I also like the idea that someone suggested of requiring that people show their faces occasionally. I don't see anything wrong with asking people to show up to at least one event quarterly. Even if your children are young, you can still particpate in park days and craft days; you can still go to the zoo or to the aquarium and botanical gardens. When something is required of individuals to be part of a given group, the group tends to be a better, more productive group. I have no problem with requiring that each member or their family contribute to the group in some way each quarter, whether it be hosting a park or craft day or organizing a tour or other event. Some have commented that thay may not be part of the co-op if anything were required of them. I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings, but if you aren't willing to participate and contribute, what do we have to lose by making that a requirement of membership?
This group has great potential to benefit all who particpate. If we all take ownership of the group, by making contributions and particpating as we are able to, we will all reap the rewards.
-Kari
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| kivrinsmum |
| Posted on: June 2nd, 2004, 3:35am |
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---Kari---
I feel the need to clarify something. You posted---
Quoted from dallin2001, posted June 1st, 2004, 10:53pm at here Some have commented that thay may not be part of the co-op if anything were required of them. I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings, but if you aren't willing to participate and contribute, what do we have to lose by making that a requirement of membership? |
I don't think that Tara (hope I'm not putting words in your mouth), or I said that we would not participate or contribute if it were a requirement. However, I've been reading the message board for months. As a parent of a very young child I probably wouldn't have signed up for this forum or access to the calendar at this point if there were strict guidelines. I most likely would have waited until she was a little older and more social, and I had gained more information about homeschooling from a more open source. By then, many things change. My entire purpose was to present an alternate point of view to the one already expressed. By adding hoops you may loose people who are (1) not quite ready to be active (2) shy (3) nervous about sharing their information with an unknown group. ect. Since this group is still relatively young (as I understand) this could be an issue.
I understand the desire to protect children. I'm extremely careful with my own child. By all means do whatever you feel necessary or helpful. I just wanted to you to be aware of a down side that might not have been considered. Whether or not it is really a downside depends on the focus and goals of the group.
And, don't worry about hurting my feelings. That hasn't happened on-line yet. 
And, we do have plans to attend a couple upcoming activities. We live in the East Mountains, and don't go into town as much in cold months as we do in the summer (when the pool opens). I look forward to meeting you. I enjoy people who aren't afraid to speak their minds.
Mary |
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| Admin |
| Posted on: June 2nd, 2004, 4:08am |
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First of all, I have to say what a pleasure it is to read such well written posts. Whatever else it's done, this group has certainly attracted some intelligent people! And thanks for your kind words about my efforts. It's always nice to be appreciated.
I've seen the arguments about internet privacy, particularly as it regards kids, rehashed on so many boards over the years, I don't even want to go there! Instead, let me tell you what I propose we do. If you disagree with any or all of it, please say so. Don't be afraid that I'll throw up my hands in disgust and stomp off.
When I started this board, it was intended to facilitate communication between members of the homeschool co-op and perhaps help attract new members. It wasn't intended to be the general support board for the Albuquerque homeschooling community that it is now becoming. I'm happy that so many people benefit from the board, and it's true that more users make it more useful as a support forum. However, the more it is used, the more it costs to run, and it's not like I'm making money from it -- quite the reverse. Despite the cost, however, I can't bring myself to dismantle something so useful!
What I propose is a two-tiered membership: let's call them co-op members and guests. Co-op members may continue to read and post to the message boards and calendar. Guests may also read and post, but only to a subset of the message boards; for example, to everything but the calendar, the co-op newsletter and co-op announcements boards. If members will restrict themselves to posting personal information only to the more private co-op only boards, guests can continue to benefit from the general boards.
As board administrator, I can remove the registration option on the boards. Guests wouldn't need to register to view the general boards. Members would be able to log in only after being assigned a user name and password by a membership co-ordinator. To encourage guests to become members, I can make sample calendars of events so they can see what they're missing. I can also set up a FAQ that describes benefits/duties of membership.
Regarding the approval process for new members, there are so many options. I'm concerned that paperwork would make life unnecessarily difficult for someone. I do think that all members should provide some basic amount of information (name, address, phone, email, kids names/DOB, spouse name) to be kept in a private file somewhere. Beyond that, I'd say that if someone wants to join, she be invited to the first co-op event that fits her schedule (except for tours, when there's very little chance to talk with each other). Once any current member has met a prospective member and her kids, I think that's adequate vetting. If instead we want to have a new member "social" or a mom's night out, I could go with that if someone else wants to sponsor it. If we decide before June 10th, I can get it into the New Mexico Kids calendar and onto our web site.
The privileges of membership are participating in our activities and having full access to the message board. The primary duty of membership, now completely voluntary, is helping to plan new activities. It sounds like many of you would like to make that a more explicit requirement of membership. Let's talk more about that, because it's important to let members know up front if something is required rather than voluntary. Do we want to say that each member must sponsor (and attend) at least one event per quarter? Do you feel there should be other requirements besides that and the basic personal information they must provide?
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Co-ordinator(s) to set up member accounts on the message board and email new members with instructions; to act as phone/email contact for prospective members; to ask for and retain the personal information that each member must give; to keep track of planned calendar events and verify that each member participates with the desired frequency; to moderate the boards to be sure personal info is posted only on the appropriate boards; to host a new member social/mom's night out.
OK, now let me know what you think... |
Elizabeth
Mom to Eric (8 ) and Ruby (4.5) |
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| dallin2001 |
| Posted on: June 2nd, 2004, 4:48am |
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Elizabeth,
I like your ideas.
As I said in my first posting on this thread, I do feel that members should be contributing. When you have invested time in something, you care more about its success. I don't think that assisting with one event per quarter is too much to ask of anyone. Goodness knows we all have full schedules, but if we want to benefit from the co-op, we need to be willing to contribute.
I also agree with your idea of having prospective members attend an event and meet at least one existing member before being granted membership. It's a simple precaution.
As for the assistance needed, I would be willing to fill one or more of those responsibilities. I think my choice would be to monitor who is attending events and hosting/organizing/assisting with events. However, I can't make it to each and every activity myself. I suppose that when I miss something, whoever organized it or hosted it can email me with the names of those who attended? I also wouldn't mind hosting a quarterly Mom's Night Out Potluck at our home. I could have my husband take the kids somewhere on those evenings, making possible for us to hear ourselves think and talk.
-Kari |
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| ang |
| Posted on: June 2nd, 2004, 3:55pm |
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I can also volunteer to help. Any of the jobs would be fine. Just let me know what you need. I have never done any of those kinds of things before, so please give any suggestions on how to handle it. Your ideas are very good Elizabeth. Also, (not to make things more complicated),
should each member pay a small amount per year to help out with the cost of the message board? I had been wondering myself for a while if you were paying for it on your own. Just a suggestion.
Angelica |
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| dallin2001 |
| Posted on: June 2nd, 2004, 8:26pm |
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I had been wondering about a small amount per year also, but I was afraid I would really rub people the wrong way by suggesting that. I'd be willing to pay an annual due though. This group so far (just since February) has made it possible for Dallin to do things I couldn't/wouldn't have arranged for on my own....viewing the behind the scene routine at the aquarium, climbing on the fire truck and the ambulance, seeing James and the Giant Peach, painting a plant pot and planting a flower with other children, etc. Coming up soon, Dallin will be in heaven at Lowe's. All of these oportunities are worth something. As I see it, Elizabeth donates enough in time alone each year; I feel a llittle guilty adding financial burdens as well.
I was also thinking about what I'd volunteered to do. If I am going to track who has been to events, I might as well track membership information as well, since I can create an Excel file to track all of it. I don't know that I want to be the contact person as far as answering questions and talking to prospective members...I'm really not that great at returning phone calls, as I often don't get the chance until very late at night. But, I could track membership names (with other required info)and activity in an excel file.
-Kari |
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| Admin |
| Posted on: June 2nd, 2004, 8:43pm |
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Oh no no no no no... There's one thing I want to avoid, and that's money issues. If we do money, it can complicate things enormously. We'd need to account for it, possibly need to elect treasurers and other "responsible" officers, possibly need a bank account for it, with all that possibly leading to tax consequences or needing to become a non-profit organization. Eeech.
I'm sorry if mentioning the cost of the web site sounded like I wanted to be reimbursed for it. I don't! As Kari pointed out, the web site helps create social/educational opportunities for my kids that make it worth the small cost of running it. My only concern is that the site doesn't get top-heavy with non-contributing members, because they increase the cost of the site without increasing our benefits from it. |
Elizabeth
Mom to Eric (8 ) and Ruby (4.5) |
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| ashemax |
| Posted on: June 4th, 2004, 7:42pm |
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Elizabeth, I love your ideas. Anything that will make your life easier and still allow all us homeschoolers this wonderful resource is at the top of my list. I would like to volunteer to be a contact person for any people that want to get information about the philosophy of our "group"; membership requirements, etc.
One of the things that I really enjoy about our group became very clear to me at the last park day...we all have an open-minded way of thinking about a lot of important issues (religion, education, socialization (both ours and our childrens)). I just can't thank every one of you for just being yourselves!
I said a little "thank you" to the universe for allowing me to meet such a wonderful group of women.
Thank you Elizabeth for starting this group and being such a wonderful moderator/leader!!
Amy  |
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