You start with the chairs of eleven committees, add the Executive Director, have the membership elect three officers, involve the Chair from the previous year, invite the CFS Director, have the Chancellor appoint a Campus Rep, and you've got the Center Steering Council (CSC).
Officially, the CSC sets the guidelines and direction for the operation of the North Carolina Center for Creative Retirement (NCCCR). We do this with the approval of the Executive Director and in collaboration with the staff. Simply put, the CSC provides a forum to discuss and advise on the important issues and decisions affecting the Center. While the CSC approves projects, the real work is done by the committees and staff.
Here are examples of some special accomplishments of our committees in the last 12 months:
- College for Seniors: 191 volunteer teachers conducted 294 classes, filling over 2000 seats.
- Facilities: Supervised installation of two "smart" podiums, and is in the process of ordering two more.
- Finance: Began evaluating the Center's ability to adapt to potential revenue changes related to the economy.
- Health & Wellness: Conducted Healthy Living Day for the second year.
- Life Transitions: Updated the Paths and CREW programs.
- Marketing: Made 17 presentations to community organizations outlining the benefits of membership in NCCCR.
- Membership: Planned and conducted nine events serving over 1000 members and guests.
- Planning: Researched and developed a new strategic planning process.
- Research: Conducted 21 research studies, including the Annual Member Survey.
As we look ahead, there are a number of opportunities beckoning. We have become a member of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes and will be planning and communicating the many ways this change will enhance the work of the Center. The Center's relationship with UNC Asheville offers the chance for many cooperative ventures. We will be reactivating our Civic Engagement Committee to improve our presence in the community. Our first priority, however, is to ensure we continue to provide our members with the programs and services they have come to expect.
Our current and future successes rely one important fact. Everything that is accomplished is due to the talents and dedication of our volunteers and staff. Over 400 of our members regularly volunteer to help the Center provide the programs that serve our 1600+ members. Their efforts have enabled NCCCR to be recognized nationally as a leader in our field. We are proud of this reputation, but our real satisfaction comes from hearing that we are meeting our members' expectations.
If you have questions or suggestions, feel free to talk to any member of the CSC. We're the folks with the blue name tags, and we would be happy to chat with you about what we do, and how you can participate.
