By Lois Williams

Formed to look at the future within the Minnesota Senior Federation, the strategic planning committee has worked many hours. And while they’ve been holding meetings for less than a year, it seems like this committee has been working much longer with all the efforts of all involved.
Brainstorming at the first meeting focused on many concerns of membership. Future meetings addressed health care, taxes, and problems in qualifying and obtaining grants. Reviewing and revising the bylaws of the Minnesota Senior Federation, which where the original bylaws of the late 1970s, was also taken on by this committee.
Reid Zimmerman was hired as MnSF-Metro Region director for six months from January to July. He came to the board of directors meetings with many thoughts and ideas concerning our issues. Reid volunteered to spend time to help us address and solve problem areas.
Lee Graczyk resigned as director of the Minnesota Senior Federation as of July 1. Zimmerman was offered the director's position by the executive board. He accepted and will be the director of the Minnesota Senior Federation until Jan. 1.
Over the past several months there has been a lot of discussions on the many concerns, problems and issues facing the Minnesota Senior Federation. I, along with others, have had reservations as to if the solutions being offered would work and if they would be beneficial for all regions of the Minnesota Senior Federation. At the last board of directors meeting July 24, things finally seemed to be falling into place. One example is the corrections to bylaws were approved by unanimous vote and will now be voted on by the delegate assembly Aug. 28 for approval at the state convention in October. 
Many important issues will be discussed at the state convention in Little Falls Oct. 10.  I may sound like a broken record, but once again I would like to impress on all members of the Senior Federation how important your voice is in this grassroots organization. The executive board and the board of directors are a part of the Minnesota Senior Federation, but members have the largest part and voice. Members will set the future of the Minnesota Senior Federation. Your voice at the state convention is very important. You can make your reservation to attend by calling your local regional office or the state office at 877/645-0261.
If anyone has an interest in serving on the board of directors or know of anyone who does, please submit your or their name to the nomination committee. Regional presidents also have nomination forms. Those who have expertise in fields such as accounting, business, law, finances and legislative are encouraged to apply as these skills would be very beneficial to the Minnesota Senior Federation. 
Let's have a record turnout at this year's state convention.