By Reid A. Zimmerman
MnSF-Metro Region interim executive director

Eight regional conventions held in the past six weeks have all given approval to continue the reorganization/transformation process begun last fall. Many also voted to retain their current board leadership because of timing of the reorganization.

On Oct. 10, 2007, at the state MnSF convention in Little Falls, regional members and delegates will entertain resolutions to legally dissolve their regional entities and reform into a stronger and more effective statewide, grassroots organization. The new organization will then adopt a new set of bylaws, elect a board of directors and set the direction of the merged organization for the next decade.

Someone asked if this unification effort might destroy MnSF’s historic grassroots endeavors. My response was that it will actually enhance the ability of the Federation to do grassroots political organizing by allowing more members to actively engage in that work and keep governance and fiduciary responsibilities limited to a smaller governing group. While it takes hundreds, if not thousands, of persons across the state to influence legislative issues, an organization with a budget of $1.5 million can be governed and led by a dozen or so well connected individuals who understand nonprofit legal matters.

We can expect to see additional paybacks to the organization. Financial savings of $50,000-$70,000 each year in legal, insurance and corporate filings will provide money that can be applied to MnSF’s health information services or retirement and pension programs. And the additional savings in staff time and other redundant processes will provide other opportunities for growth and member benefits. There are already changes being made to employee relationships, personnel policies and payroll systems that will save dollars as early as this next month.

The effort continues this summer with the drafting of bylaws and financial policies and procedures that will enable regions to continue directing some of their own policy issues work on a regional basis. Development and formation of regional entities and the regional advisory council will be important to the public policy initiatives the organization tackles on the next legislative agenda. So, stay tuned.  More information will be forthcoming as the new entity takes more solid shape in the months ahead.