Oneonta World of Learning Open House February 2nd

Oneonta World of Learning (OWL) is an emerging children’s museum. OWL is chartered as a museum with the New York State of Regents and has recently obtained 501c3 status. OWL’s ultimate goal is to have a physical space, open to the public 7 days a week. As we build to that goal, we have committed to partnering with other local organizations and using other public spaces to bring regular events to children and their families.

OWL will offer an Open House on Wednesday, February 2nd at 7:30 pm at the Main View Gallery on Main Street in Oneonta
OWL invites people to come learn more about their nonprofit and activities, as well as how they can get more involved. People can also contact them at worldflearning@live.com or call 431-8543 for additional info.

OWL also would like to invite anyone interested in joining the organization's board.

Questions perspective board members may ask…

1. What is the mission? Our Mission is to become a community resource providing a place for interactive learning through play for children and their grownups.

2. What is the culture of the board? We are a passionate and committed board comprised mostly of educators who struggle with the business aspects of creating a museum. We are creating this museum from the ground up.

3. Why are you interested in having me as a member? We are looking to expand our board with skills and talents that compliment our needs.

4. How often does the board meet? Board meetings are the 2nd Wednesday of every month at 7:30. Meetings tend to be 2 hours plus as we are a working board. In addition to running the operation, we are creating documents and policies required to establish a museum, and part of each meeting is devoted to this.

5. Does the museum have a strategic plan? Yes. It is scheduled for an update in March during a board retreat TBA.

6. Do board members receive written material ahead of time? Yes

7. How is the budget developed and who develops it? This is a joint effort between the development and finance committees. This is an area in need of improvement and guidance.

8. Is it a fundraising board? Whereas fundraising has not been a requirement of board members up to this point, now that we have our not for profit status it is our responsibility as a board to ensure that we have the financial capability to achieve our mission. We have 100% contribution by our board members.

9. Are board members expected to serve on committees? Yes. All members are expected to serve on 1 committee and it is suggested that you severe on more as you are able. The committees meet monthly but not all committees are active at this time.

10. Do you have directors and officers liability insurance? This is pending and we expect to be fully covered by March 2011.

11. Who are the key staff? OWL is an all volunteer organization and we are a working board. We have no staff members at this time.

The OWL board has always been financially responsible because we know that we are liable for our decisions. We believe that we are now comfortable in our position to move forward.