Hello Ark Fans!
Thank you to those who turned up to the 1st volunteer meeting held on the 14th October - lots of creative ideas and contributions! Emily has kindly written up the meeting notes of which are below.
For those of you who expressed an interest in attending the meeting but were unable to make it I hope you find this information useful. If you would like to discuss anything further then do contact Emily. Maybe there is something you can pick up?
Keep an eye out for future volunteer meetings and dates for the focus groups meetings on fund raising and education.
Feel free to post your feedback!! We'd love to hear from you :-)
Love and light
The ARK Team xx
********************************************************************
Present:Doug Buckingham (DB), Emily Wilson (EW), Afua Addei (AA), Bernadette McGregor (BM), Courtney Davis (CD), Lily Lau (LL), Susan Grant (SG)
1. Welcome
DB welcomed all to the meeting and thanked everyone for coming
2. Overview of the ARK in Malawi and the ARK UK
DB gave an overview of the ARK Foundation for Malawi in Malawi, a community based organisation being run by 28 year old Christopher Chapema and some volunteers.EW gave an update on the ARK Foundation of Malawi (UK) which has recently become an official constituted charity in the UK. The ARK UK has three Trustees. Hazel Newton is the Chair, DB is the Treasurer and EW is the Secretary. The ARK UK is looking for a minimum of at least two new Trustees. If anyone is interested then please contact DB or EW.EW is in the process of applying to HMRC so the ARK UK becomes recognised as a charity for tax purposes. She emphasised the ARK’s goal of receiving £5,000 before the end of the financial year on 31 March 2011 in order that the ARK can register with the charity commission
3. Volunteer tasks
3.1 Attendees ran through the list of options and the following actions and ideas were discussed:
ARK UK –Monthly or ongoing maintenance
3.2 Social Media, website and newsletter
DB explained that LL has helpfully set up the ARK’s facebook page and is continuing to put regular updates up. LL is to discuss with contacts the possibility of other social media outlets, the design of a new website and the design of a newsletter template (Action LL). EW agreed to send the link to the Windmill Project website to LL (Action EW). It was agreed that the first newsletter would be written by DB and EW (Action DB + EW) but the ARK would welcome a volunteer to take on this responsibility.
3.3 Logo, Membership, Stationary
CD has made an excellent first draft of the ARK logo. CD agreed to work further on the logo as well as the design of a certificate for ARK members, stationary and borders for ARK literature (Action CD). It was agreed that CD’s designs would form the basis of the design for the new website.
3.4 Cheap source of printing/framing larger photos DB explained that when we have events it would be an especially good idea to be able to have photos of some of the work we have done and people we are working with.BM agreed to check pricing from the print shop in Holborn (Action BM)CD agreed to confirm pricing with his framer in Dorset (Action CD)EW agreed to check with her flatmate about an online service he uses (Action EW)DB would inform the group of the printing prices for Vista Print (Action DB)
4. ARK UK – New Ideas
4.1 Fundraising/Sponsorship
The group agreed that the first large fundraising event should take place in March. SG had the wonderful idea of holding a cabaret show and charging people a small entrance fee. It was agreed that the ARK could sell T-shirts, bags and pin badges with the ARK logo on. It was also suggested that guests of the cabaret show receive a goodie bag to include deals from local businesses. (Action Volunteer)
4.2 Local businesses
It would be helpful for a volunteer to research local businesses who may wish to participate. There were a few suggestions of businesses to be approached such as Evolution, Aura Soma, Reiki Federation UK. CD suggested that large organisations be approached such as UPS, BA and Virgin. A letter will be sent followed by a phone call to the PR Officer. (Action volunteer).
4.3 Snowden Sponsorsed walk
It was agreed that the ARK would hold a sponsored walk to Snowdon in the spring. LL agreed to ask Mudchute Farm whether we could borrow their minibus for the day (Action LL).
4.4Donations
BM agreed to investigate the possibility of her counselling process group to make donations to the ARK (Action BM).
4.5 Malawian themed evening
It was discussed that the second large fundraising event in the second half of 2011 could be a Malawian themed evening with Malawian music and food. The ARK will have made links with the Malawian High Commission and local Malawian network groups and musicians.
4.6 Malawian Products
In terms of products in Malawi that we could sell in the UK, CD suggested that they could do screen printing. DB agreed to ask the ARK in Malawi whether they have access to facilities for this (Action DB). AA suggested that the carpenters could make jewellery such as wooden pendants and bracelets. (Action DB)
4.7 Therapy day/carol singing/stalls/air miles etc
Other great fundraising ideas were discussed such as a Therapy Day, possibly at Spittlefields Market; Carol singing in Covent Garden; having a stall at Regent’s Park Green Fair – SG agreed to look into this (Action SG); the donation of air miles – DB to speak with BA (Action DB); collection boxes; the donation of Tesco club points.
4.8 It was agreed that a fundraising event focus group meeting would be held in the near future. DB and EW will arrange this (Action DB, EW).
5 Donations of material goods and Shipping
5.1 Computers
It was agreed that the ARK would need 5 computers to ship over to Malawi along with a printer and some ink cartridges. DB agreed to start collecting them (Action DB). If any volunteers come across any unused computers then contact DB. CD and BM mentioned that a friend of theirs fixes computers.
5.3 Books
BM agreed to ring Southwark College where she used to work to ask if they had any old ESOL books that they could donate (Action BM).
6. ARK Malawi
6.1 New Services - tuck shop
DB reported that the new service to get up and running in Malawi would be a tuck shop to be run from the ARK Foundation’s office for both locals and tourists coming off the ferry from Lake Malawi. DB confirmed that the ARK UK already had the capital pledged to help initiate this project in Malawi.
6.2 Film production
DB agreed to contact an independent film-maker friend of his who could potentially make a film of the ARK in Malawi to show to people in the UK what is being done.
6.3 New projects
6.3.1 Music & Dance workshops
AA suggested that the ARK in Malawi could run music and dance workshops. (Action – research – volunteer)
6.3.2 Recycling / environmental awareness
Environmental issues were discussed such as the use of wind turbines and solar panels and solar cookers in Malawi. It was suggested that the ARK UK may be able to find some disused wind turbines. DB is to contact a friend in the US (Action DB). The Moving Windmills project in Malawi was mentioned as a good example to contact - http://movingwindmills.org/. CD mentioned the Centre for Alternative Technologies in Wales who may be able to help. The idea of contacting universities to see if anyone was interested in doing a dissertation project in Malawi in this area.
6.3.3 Education – schools link in UK and summer programme in Malawi
It was agreed that some research in Malawi is needed. DB and EW will write some questions to be sent to the ARK in Malawi to be addressed and circulate it to interested volunteers for their input (Action DB, EW).
It was agreed that an Education focus group meeting would be set up by DB and EW in the near future for anyone interested in this area (Action DB, EW). It was suggested that Nadia, Lynne, Nora and Sylvia may be interested who are all teachers. SG mentioned the possibility of integrating more creative arts such as storytelling and drama into the education of the young in Malawi. DB mentioned that Caroline may also be interested in this.
7. Round up/ Action point
EW gave a round up of the meeting and went through the action points above. In addition EW will write up and circulate the minutes and update the work plan to give key milestones for agreed actions.
The meeting closed at 9.30pm
Thank you to those who turned up to the 1st volunteer meeting held on the 14th October - lots of creative ideas and contributions! Emily has kindly written up the meeting notes of which are below.
For those of you who expressed an interest in attending the meeting but were unable to make it I hope you find this information useful. If you would like to discuss anything further then do contact Emily. Maybe there is something you can pick up?
Keep an eye out for future volunteer meetings and dates for the focus groups meetings on fund raising and education.
Feel free to post your feedback!! We'd love to hear from you :-)
Love and light
The ARK Team xx
********************************************************************
Present:Doug Buckingham (DB), Emily Wilson (EW), Afua Addei (AA), Bernadette McGregor (BM), Courtney Davis (CD), Lily Lau (LL), Susan Grant (SG)
1. Welcome
DB welcomed all to the meeting and thanked everyone for coming
2. Overview of the ARK in Malawi and the ARK UK
DB gave an overview of the ARK Foundation for Malawi in Malawi, a community based organisation being run by 28 year old Christopher Chapema and some volunteers.EW gave an update on the ARK Foundation of Malawi (UK) which has recently become an official constituted charity in the UK. The ARK UK has three Trustees. Hazel Newton is the Chair, DB is the Treasurer and EW is the Secretary. The ARK UK is looking for a minimum of at least two new Trustees. If anyone is interested then please contact DB or EW.EW is in the process of applying to HMRC so the ARK UK becomes recognised as a charity for tax purposes. She emphasised the ARK’s goal of receiving £5,000 before the end of the financial year on 31 March 2011 in order that the ARK can register with the charity commission
3. Volunteer tasks
3.1 Attendees ran through the list of options and the following actions and ideas were discussed:
ARK UK –Monthly or ongoing maintenance
3.2 Social Media, website and newsletter
DB explained that LL has helpfully set up the ARK’s facebook page and is continuing to put regular updates up. LL is to discuss with contacts the possibility of other social media outlets, the design of a new website and the design of a newsletter template (Action LL). EW agreed to send the link to the Windmill Project website to LL (Action EW). It was agreed that the first newsletter would be written by DB and EW (Action DB + EW) but the ARK would welcome a volunteer to take on this responsibility.
3.3 Logo, Membership, Stationary
CD has made an excellent first draft of the ARK logo. CD agreed to work further on the logo as well as the design of a certificate for ARK members, stationary and borders for ARK literature (Action CD). It was agreed that CD’s designs would form the basis of the design for the new website.
3.4 Cheap source of printing/framing larger photos DB explained that when we have events it would be an especially good idea to be able to have photos of some of the work we have done and people we are working with.BM agreed to check pricing from the print shop in Holborn (Action BM)CD agreed to confirm pricing with his framer in Dorset (Action CD)EW agreed to check with her flatmate about an online service he uses (Action EW)DB would inform the group of the printing prices for Vista Print (Action DB)
4. ARK UK – New Ideas
4.1 Fundraising/Sponsorship
The group agreed that the first large fundraising event should take place in March. SG had the wonderful idea of holding a cabaret show and charging people a small entrance fee. It was agreed that the ARK could sell T-shirts, bags and pin badges with the ARK logo on. It was also suggested that guests of the cabaret show receive a goodie bag to include deals from local businesses. (Action Volunteer)
4.2 Local businesses
It would be helpful for a volunteer to research local businesses who may wish to participate. There were a few suggestions of businesses to be approached such as Evolution, Aura Soma, Reiki Federation UK. CD suggested that large organisations be approached such as UPS, BA and Virgin. A letter will be sent followed by a phone call to the PR Officer. (Action volunteer).
4.3 Snowden Sponsorsed walk
It was agreed that the ARK would hold a sponsored walk to Snowdon in the spring. LL agreed to ask Mudchute Farm whether we could borrow their minibus for the day (Action LL).
4.4Donations
BM agreed to investigate the possibility of her counselling process group to make donations to the ARK (Action BM).
4.5 Malawian themed evening
It was discussed that the second large fundraising event in the second half of 2011 could be a Malawian themed evening with Malawian music and food. The ARK will have made links with the Malawian High Commission and local Malawian network groups and musicians.
4.6 Malawian Products
In terms of products in Malawi that we could sell in the UK, CD suggested that they could do screen printing. DB agreed to ask the ARK in Malawi whether they have access to facilities for this (Action DB). AA suggested that the carpenters could make jewellery such as wooden pendants and bracelets. (Action DB)
4.7 Therapy day/carol singing/stalls/air miles etc
Other great fundraising ideas were discussed such as a Therapy Day, possibly at Spittlefields Market; Carol singing in Covent Garden; having a stall at Regent’s Park Green Fair – SG agreed to look into this (Action SG); the donation of air miles – DB to speak with BA (Action DB); collection boxes; the donation of Tesco club points.
4.8 It was agreed that a fundraising event focus group meeting would be held in the near future. DB and EW will arrange this (Action DB, EW).
5 Donations of material goods and Shipping
5.1 Computers
It was agreed that the ARK would need 5 computers to ship over to Malawi along with a printer and some ink cartridges. DB agreed to start collecting them (Action DB). If any volunteers come across any unused computers then contact DB. CD and BM mentioned that a friend of theirs fixes computers.
5.3 Books
BM agreed to ring Southwark College where she used to work to ask if they had any old ESOL books that they could donate (Action BM).
6. ARK Malawi
6.1 New Services - tuck shop
DB reported that the new service to get up and running in Malawi would be a tuck shop to be run from the ARK Foundation’s office for both locals and tourists coming off the ferry from Lake Malawi. DB confirmed that the ARK UK already had the capital pledged to help initiate this project in Malawi.
6.2 Film production
DB agreed to contact an independent film-maker friend of his who could potentially make a film of the ARK in Malawi to show to people in the UK what is being done.
6.3 New projects
6.3.1 Music & Dance workshops
AA suggested that the ARK in Malawi could run music and dance workshops. (Action – research – volunteer)
6.3.2 Recycling / environmental awareness
Environmental issues were discussed such as the use of wind turbines and solar panels and solar cookers in Malawi. It was suggested that the ARK UK may be able to find some disused wind turbines. DB is to contact a friend in the US (Action DB). The Moving Windmills project in Malawi was mentioned as a good example to contact - http://movingwindmills.org/. CD mentioned the Centre for Alternative Technologies in Wales who may be able to help. The idea of contacting universities to see if anyone was interested in doing a dissertation project in Malawi in this area.
6.3.3 Education – schools link in UK and summer programme in Malawi
It was agreed that some research in Malawi is needed. DB and EW will write some questions to be sent to the ARK in Malawi to be addressed and circulate it to interested volunteers for their input (Action DB, EW).
It was agreed that an Education focus group meeting would be set up by DB and EW in the near future for anyone interested in this area (Action DB, EW). It was suggested that Nadia, Lynne, Nora and Sylvia may be interested who are all teachers. SG mentioned the possibility of integrating more creative arts such as storytelling and drama into the education of the young in Malawi. DB mentioned that Caroline may also be interested in this.
7. Round up/ Action point
EW gave a round up of the meeting and went through the action points above. In addition EW will write up and circulate the minutes and update the work plan to give key milestones for agreed actions.
The meeting closed at 9.30pm
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