Idealists-MetroDC Startup Meeting

category:Idealistcategory:Idealist.org MetroDC
Notes from the Meeting
==Why did we come together?==
It might be good to start from the big picture: We all want to help build a world where all people can live free and dignified lives, where any person who wants to help another can do so, and where no opportunities for action and collaboration are missed or wasted. And we want to get closer to these goals by helping connect people, ideas, and resources in any way we can. 
==What's the situation now? Where are we starting from?==
In terms of opportunities for action, connection, and collaboration, where are we now? How easy is it for people in the community (or school or workplace) to connect around shared interests or concerns? What resources are available to help people who want to get involved but don't know where to start? What do people in the room see as the most urgent problems in the community? 
==What are some steps we can take right now?==
Based on this initial assessment, what are some immediate steps we can take to make it easier for everyone in the community to connect around common issues and ideas? And at the same time, are there people in the room who share a specific interest and want to start working on a project together?
==Who else should be involved? How do we reach them?==
What are the best ways to reach more people who could be interested in this initiative? 
==What did we discuss?==
* What do folks want this group to be? Our function? Is it: networking? mentoring? 
* Should we break out into small groups tonight?
* Website?
* Ways to continue this forum in person -- not online?
* Much discussion about whether we want to work on specific issues, or to serve as a tool, a resource that helps people connect with each other to work on issues?
* A sense of community is important to everyone
* Rotation of issues, or "salon" focusing on specific issues
==Who attended our Feb. 5th inaugural Start-up?==
Who did we miss?! Alex Goldschmidt, Allison Fisher, Amy Hertz, Becky Wynne, Betsy Hoover, Chet Davis, Colleen Costello, Cory Turner, Deborah Arrand, Dennis Jaffe, Gary Jenkins, Gillian Cassell, Jay (last name?), Jaclyn Boyle, Jeff Shavelson, Jeff Tiell, Kimberly Crichton, Kristi Matthews, Lucinda Lefferts, Matt Goodridge, Michelle Williams, Racquel Smith, Rebecca Marcolini, Robin Mills, Saleem Hue Penny, Scott Vignola, Shivangi Ji (last name correct?), Sibyl Edwards, Soma Kedia, Tina Chen and Yvette Zaragoza
==Some practical goals for the next few weeks==
What steps can we take between now and the next meeting? What can different people do? 
===How do we stay in touch?===
===What is the best way to continue this conversation?===
===When and where will we next meet?===
When: Tuesday, February 20th at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Teaism at 400 8th Street NW (couldn't reach contact at alternative place) 
===What should our February 20th agenda and format be?===
===What did people think about the meeting?===
==Feedback==
If you have some time left, consider letting people say how they felt about the meeting.
Thank you all for coming!