Board of Directors Report - October 2023

Report of the Fall 2023 On Earth Peace Board of Directors Meeting: Oct. 12-14, 2023

The On Earth Peace Board of Directors met on zoom for their 2023 Fall Meeting. On foremost of our minds when we gathered was the violence taking place in Palestine and Israel. Our hearts were with those we know navigating the war in Gaza as well as with all those who had lost their lives. Even as our meeting came to a close, we continued to pray for strength and safety as well as for mercy, justice, and peace. 

Over the course of our two and half days of meetings, the Board heard reports from committees, liaisons, and came to consensus on two significant proposals. We took time on Thursday evening to join the Paint Night taught by board member Jessie Houff! We had a good time learning a simple and beautiful paint technique as well as reflecting on the impact OEP has had on us. 

The first of the two proposals which came before us concerned a shift in the meeting schedule of the Board of Directors away from its twice a year model into a more regular meeting model. The OEP Board will now meet six times a year for shorter amounts of time beginning in February of 2024. The second of these proposals was in regard to the 2024 budget. We were pleased to be able to pass a balanced budget and look forward to continued fundraising efforts in the new year. 

2024 will mark the 50th anniversary of On Earth Peace and plans are already in the works for some exciting events and opportunities for celebration and connection. In anticipation of this anniversary, we heard a report on OEP's current branding and spoke about what a board sponsored fundraiser might entail. 

Our Board also took time to process three resignations and reflect on the opportunity presented to us to reground in our anti-racism/anti-oppression values. We also followed through on creating a plan to have our entire board trained in Kingian Nonviolence. 

We are looking forward to celebrating OEP’s 50th anniversary with all our constituents next year! 

Warmly, 

Tamera Shaw and Jennifer K. Scarr, Co-Chairs