Dateline: 09-08-2009

Organizational Changes and Open Meeting

On August 3rd, 2009, The Board of the MN Society for Interest in Science Fiction & Fantasy decided by a unanimous vote to change the structure of our organization. The two halves of The Society - CONvergence and the collection of clubs and events known as MISFITS - will soon be two autonomous organizations operating under a partnership agreement rather than two halves of a single organization. MISFITS will retain The Society branding and organization, while CONvergence will be spun off and will organize as its own 501(c)3 non-profit entity.

How will this effect CONvergence and the various MISFITS Clubs and Events? The effect is intended to be negligible. This change will primarily effect behind-the-scenes organization - meetings, funding, and the selection of leadership of the organizations. The two organizations will continue to work together, including teaming up for events. MISFITS fundraisers will continue, including their auctions hosted at CONvergence, and any new fundraising initiatives they plan to hold. The Board has also committed to a relationship of revenue sharing at current levels by CONvergence through at least 2012.

These changes have not yet been implemented, but a commitment has been made to revise bylaws and make plans as necessary for this change to go into effect by January 1, 2010. We are creating FAQs about our plans, and will be updating and adding to those FAQs as the details are hammered out.

This exciting change represents a major step in the evolution of our organization as we find new ways to grow our organization and partner with other groups.

Open Meetings

Two Open Meetings are being organized to discuss these plans, and to have a conversation about how MISFITS and CONvergence are growing and changing. The first is scheduled for 7:00pm Tuesday September 15 at the Sheraton Bloomington Hotel in Plaza 1. The second is tentatively scheduled for October 15, but a location has not yet been determined. We will make an announcement regarding the date, time and location for the second meeting as soon as they are finalized.

If you would like more information or would like to discuss these changes, you are encouraged to speak to any member of The Society Board of Directors, or contact us info@convergence-con.org or info@misfit.org.

MISFITS Directors
Clubs and Community Relations: Peter Verrant
Communications/Administration: Andy Murphy
Events: David Benhart
Finance: Ann Roubik
Web and Print Publications: Jodie Gustafson

CONvergence Directors
Communications: Windy Bowlsby
Guests/Community Relations: Lex Larson
Events: Michael Lee
Facilities: Ishmael Williams
Finance: Thomas Keeley
Membership and Revenue: Jon Olsen
Publications: Christopher Jones