This will be a new regular column where you can find current organizational tasks that need your help! 

UMRA Membership Database research project 

Our current membership database was built in 2015 and is co-supported with assistance from the (then student) developer, Max, who has since then graduated, has been working for many years as a highly paid web developer (!!), and has a life. UMRA doesn't want to continue to keep Max tied to this aging database. For that reason, and other possible economies and niceties, we want to replace the current UMRA online membership/database and, at the same time, reassess the URVC volunteer database. 

The first step is to define requirements for the UMRA member database and event registration system; as well as the URVC volunteer database. Next we will begin comparing third party or configurable software/databases to find a best match for our combined software and financial requirements. 

We are looking for people to begin work on these first two tasks, requirements definition and research. If you are interested, please contact Cathy Lee Gierke [email protected].

Those who are interested may choose to stay on for future tasks such as implementation of the new application, user testing, and eventually ongoing usage and maintenance.

Co-producer for UMRA workshop and forum webinars

Working in collaboration with the UMRA Zoom producer and technical director, the co-producer is responsible for

• scheduling the pre-event technical rehearsal for each Zoom webinar (eight workshops and two forums, September–May); 
• writing and emailing the program running order to all panelists in advance of the technical rehearsal; 
• reviewing the opening/closing script written by the event host; 
• coaching “on camera” panelists during the technical rehearsal to adjust their cameras and/or microphones, if necessary, to make sure they can been clearly seen and heard during the webinar
• and communicating with the panelists before and during each webinar via email, phone, text, or chat, as needed.

If you enjoy working on a team and are comfortable giving direction to others to help ensure that events run smoothly, the UMRA Zoom team wants you. Join the fun! 

To learn more, email Julie Sweitzer, UMRA president-elect and Program Committee chair at [email protected].

Host Team openings

HOST TEAM LEAD serves as organizer for the Host Team

1. Serves as main contact for Host Team 
2. Creates agendas and chairs Host Team meetings, as needed 
3. Ensures Host Team functions smoothly 
4. Leads efforts to recruit Host Team members 
5. Manages Host Team budget

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VENUE LEAD – Serves for 6 Forum Luncheons: Sept, Oct, Nov, Mar, Apr, May (One-year commitment)

1. Selects and confirms menu with venue, including beverages 
2. Forwards menu to newsletter editor by 10th of month prior to Forum 
3. Confirms requests for room set-up with venue including reservation table, display tables, new member orientation tables, podium, microphone, reserved-table sign 
4. Answers questions and solves issues in dining room 
5. Encourages guests to takes their seats to begin plated service 
6. Confirms Forum dates with venue

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RESERVATIONIST - Serves for 6 Forum Luncheons: Sept, Oct, Nov, Mar, Apr, May (One-year commitment) Could be combined with Name Tag Producer.

1. Responds to & resolves questions from members regarding Forum reservations 
2. Uses the UMRA database to manage the Forum reservation process. 
3. Adds names of UMRA speakers & guests to the Forum reservation list 
4. Forwards reservation numbers with dietary requests (and names) to the venue lead. 
5. Forwards reservation rooster to Name Tag Producer. 
6. Provides reservation rooster for Welcome Table

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NAME TAG PRODUCER – Serves for 6 Forum Luncheons: Sept, Oct, Nov, Mar, Apr, May and 3 Special Social Events. (One-year commitment) Could be combined with Reservationist. 

1. Produces name tags for Forum Luncheons (6) 
2. Produces name tags using reservation rooster in UMRA database. (Currently using UMN Print Services to print name tags. Jeff Whiteside is contact) 
3. Adds ribbons and new member dots to name tags, as appropriate 
4. Brings name tags to Forums. 
5. Orders blank labels for name tags Avery 5395. 
6. Comfort using Excel is helpful.