As more of us receive COVID-19 vaccinations, we are starting to look forward to a time when we may be able to return to in-person platforms and programs at WES. However, this spring we are moving ahead cautiously, with care and concern for the most vulnerable, both inside of WES and in our larger community, and continuing to meet virtually. Below is more information about events coming up this spring at WES.
Sunday, May 2, 1 – 3 pm: Reopening Town Hall
WES’s Reopening Team (Trang Duong, Kate Lang, Hannah Urrey, and Jeff Weinfeld) have been working with Lyn and Tom to develop a plan for our operations in the second half of 2021. The plan is grounded in our ethical values and our commitment to not exclude or endanger the most vulnerable members of our community. We do not want to make anyone choose between their community and the safety of themselves or their loved ones. Our return to in-person operations will be gradual and will be informed by scientific data as well as our values. Even when we start offering in-person platforms in the Main Hall, we will continue to offer an online option at the same time for those who prefer to continue to participate remotely. Please join us at the town hall to learn about the reopening plan and bring your questions.
Tuesday, May 4, 7:30 – 9 pm: Board-Membership Linkage
The Board will be hosting a meeting in which trustees can hear from members about what is most important regarding privacy, safety, and security. The topic will focus on the values that should underpin policies pertaining to the use of the security and safety of WES members and visitors who are in our building, and any renters who use it. Some questions have been raised about who can view camera recordings, where will they be stored, and the relationship between WES and law enforcement.The Board has already invited many members who have a variety of perspectives on the topic. However, if you haven’t been invited, have strong opinions about the values we should be expressing, and would like to be invited, please contact us at emailtoboard@ethicalsociety.org and we will include you if possible.
Saturday, May 22, 10 am – 12 noon: Timeline Collaboration
The Transition Team is planning an event for all interested members on the morning of Saturday, May 22, to construct a timeline of WES’s history. This event is a collaborative project where we’ll meet by Zoom to reflect on what resonates with members and what puzzles members about WES’s history, and we’ll begin to articulate what this history means to members today. We hope you will join us to share your thoughts on WES’s history.
Sunday, June 6, 12 noon – 2 pm: Spring Membership Meeting
We will hold our regular Spring Membership Meeting via Zoom on Sunday, June 6, following the platform service. In advance of the meeting, we will be electing three new trustees for the Board, and voting to confirm the composition of the Leader Search Committee. At the meeting, we will vote on the budget for 2021 – 22, and on whether we want to revise our Statement of Purpose. We will also hear reports from the Interim Senior Leader, Board, and relevant committees or teams. If you would like to request an agenda item for the Spring Membership Meeting, please send an email to moderator@ethicalsociety.org no later than May 16, 2021.
Please consider running for one of the three open seats on the Board! Serving on the Board is a gratifying way to give back to WES and to take care of the health of our shared community. You can nominate yourself by sending an email to lldc@ethicalsociety.org, indicating your desire to run; and having ten (or more) other WES members send individual emails to lldc@ethicalsociety.org saying “I second the self-nomination of ________ to run for the Board in the June 2021 election.” The self-nomination and supporting emails must be sent to the LLDC no later than May 16,
2021. 2020-2021 Board of Trustees:
Josh Blinder, Abi Daken, Trang Duong, Kate Lang, Lauren Strange, Vincent Tyler, Rajesh Vidyasagar