PEN Melbourne

Heres last weeks meeting wrap from our new Secretary, Kirsten Midura. Thanks Kirsten!

Last week (05/08), PEN had an extremely productive meeting, making changes to the committee and discussing the direction of the organisation. Kirsten Midura was formally elected to the position of PEN secretary, and discussions took place debating whether PEN should be transformed into a legal entity, as an incorporated body. Furthermore, PEN is considering entering into the education or consulting arena, following in the footsteps of the Green Steps program at Monash University.

PEN is now officially linked with the Climate Emergency Network, with PEN senior advisor Nick Lampel serving on the CEN committee. PEN is also fostering its relationship with the Climate Action Working Group (CAWG), which is attempting to include Melbourne's Labor candidate in its Climate Candidates Forum (16/08).

On the communications front, PEN is expanding its online media repertoire, adding a Google Apps feature which provides email addresses with an @pen.net.au domain. Next to come: an email account allowing members to RSVP to events and an RSS, to keep interested parties in the loop.

Last (but certainly not least), PEN has approximately $800 in its safekeeping, which has been carried over from the Solar Systems campaign. This money has been set aside for donation to an external organisation (preferably toward the advancement of solar technologies). A range of options were considered, including splitting it up into donations for various organisations, or donating the money to a single organisation for a single purpose. This matter will be considered further in the coming weeks. Suggestions are welcome.

As mentioned before, last week's meeting was very productive. Anyone interested in seeing the minutes or attending the next meeting, either contact Kirsten Midura (kmidura@pgrad.unimelb.edu.au) or join us at Lot 6 on 12/08 at 4:30 pm.