Present: Tracy Artley, Alec Cooley, Mark Darling, Jack Debell, Dana Donatucci, Rob Gogan, Deb Hanson, Ed Newman, Becky Valentich, Christine Von Kolnitz Cooley
Absent: Judi Dunn Gray, Judi Gard, Mary Jensen
1. Announcements:
It was noted that CURC and the NRC could write letters on Judi Dunn Gray’s behalf, but that she has not yet requested it.
2. Work Plan Update
Ed inquired if Mary had submitted a work plan. The steering committee was supposed to send ideas to Mary. The compiled results were not sent out. Alec stated that the submission process for the work plan has been changed for this year. The NRC Board wants to shrink the plans down and receive a 2-3 paragraph executive brief on each section. It should also be organized into short- and long-term goals for RecycleMania. Discussion ensued on goals for RecycleMania, including a 600 school recruitment goal for next year. Ed stated that he does not think a participation goal should be set for next year while Alec stressed the importance of a goal. Christine suggested getting all of the Presidents’ Climate Commitment schools to participate.
3. Congress Planning
Jack transferred his files to Barb; these files included a list of attendees, both people and the school they represent, and planning documents. He noted that he is still compiling the notes from the Minnesota, Atlanta and Boulder conferences. The next conference call on the congress planning is scheduled for February 27. Jack inquired if they should use the title ‘Working Toward Zero Waste’ “loudly and proudly.” He also inquired about CURC’s ability to adopt a zero waste statement. He noted that Al Matyasovsky from PennStateUniversity is available as a speaker. Jack then reviewed the tentative agenda for the CURC retreat:
- A shorter tour (70-75 people) of Carnegie Mellon, including the recycling education center, a green building and a green roof.
- Mid-morning: Kevin Lyons discussing purchasing.
- Lunch
- Al Matyasovsky from PennState
- 1:15 hours for roundtable discussions
Jack had questions for Alec regarding budget and timing. Alec will coordinate with Kate and Rebecca so that CURC gets the resources it needs. Karyn Kaplan is working on getting additional speakers.
4. RecycleMania
Ed noted that RecycleMania started 2 Sundays ago. The listserve has been very active and there haven’t been any bad slipups. Participation again doubled. Ed stated that given the competition has 400 schools, they should be offered some CURC benefits. Christine suggested that someone write this up. Ed stated he did this and included it in the work plan.
Alec stated that while there has been a lot of banter on the RecycleMania listserve, there has been little sharing of ideas. Ed reported what he has been doing on his campus and that videos will be on MySpace and Facebook soon. Alec encouraged the group to share what they are doing on the RecycleMania listserve. He also noted that the competition might have time on national television as a part of the NCAA tournament.
5. Resource Guide
Dana had a student sort the links into categories. Deb suggested having someone assigned to it to check the websites, add websites, etc. Dana stated that when items come across RECYC-L, someone should make sure that the link is included in the Resource Guide. Jack noted that sites he sent in were not included in the guide. The discussion then turned to promotion. It was stated that the guide should not be given away for free. It was also proposed that, if the guide is not housed under the “Members Only” portion of the website, a link to joining the NRC be included on it. Deb stated that the guide should also be on the RecycleMania website. Alec suggested having a whole page on the RecycleMania website about CURC and links to it. Deb inquired about setting the website up so that members could access everything but others could only see the headings. Jack inquired about whether or not it was ethical to charge people to access a link to a public website. Alec stated that the value of the guide is that all of the links are in one place and suggested that all headings be available to anyone, plus the content of 3 or 4 of those headings to show people what they would get for their money. Discussion ensued on the level of access to grant people. Jack recognized the work of Deb, Judi and Dana on this project. Alec offered intern support to keep the guide current.
6. CURC Steering Committee Retreat
Alec suggested the group come up with a list of topics for the retreat.
7. Adjourn
The call adjourned at 1:13 pm EST.