PRESENT:

Nicholas French
Betzy Sise
Rhea Rhodes
Cynthia Silverman
Charles Swenson
Siana Goodwin
Susan Melchior
Neal Powers
Richard Stenstadvold

I. Opening and Acknowledgements

The meeting opened with acknowledgements for everyone. We were especially fortunate to have Richard and Neal as the Executive Committee and Susan as “Admissions” present with us to take part in the transition time of welcoming three new members and one returning member to the Admissions Committee.

II. Name of Committee:

Charles made a motion to change the name of the committee from Selection Committee to Admissions Committee. It was felt that this was a clearer name for the actual process. All were in favor and the motion was passed unanimously.

III. Relations of Admissions Committee to the EEC, Education Committee and the Rest of the Institute:

This is still unclear as the new Education Committee is in the process of clarifying its purpose and function. In the interim, the Admissions Committee will be directly responsible to the EEC and to Neal. New policy will be directed there for final approval. The group agreed that this was more for a matter of congruence and clarity than authority.

IV. Election of New Moderator:

The group decided first to elect the new Moderator as Betzy’s term on Admissions is over after the June meeting. This way Betzy could immediately begin working with the new person. Betzy then reviewed the duties of the Moderator which involve communications, coordination, overseeing follow-through and implementation and keeping continuity in the process. The specific duties of the Moderator are written up in the job description written for the Board which is on file with Admissions Committee information in Richard’s office. Cynthia Silverman expressed her interest and enthusiasm in taking on the job. The group unanimously supported her with a yes vote and so Cyndy Silverman is the new Moderator of Admissions Committee.

V. Continuity Person:

Charles, Siana, Jeff and Rhea all expressed interest in serving as the third continuity person. Nicholas, as teacher, will be one and Cyndy as Moderator will be another. Those two with Betzy will decide on the best person for the third continuity person after the June meeting.

VI: Group Process with the Candidates:

Next the discussion turned to a brainstorming of ideas as to how to make the afternoon group meeting with the candidates more efficient and meaningful. What has worked in the past is the massage and feedback exchange. So we agreed to teach this. The challenge is to put the candidate at least some what at ease in order that we can find out a bit about who they are. Many ideas were brought up including the following:

Have a short wine and cheese party. Small group chairing with one Admissions member in each group. Admissions members sharing themselves with the group. Establish particular questions designed to bring the candidate out.

After much discussion we agreed to try the following format for this time.

A. Introduction and welcome and a bit about the admissions process. What we are asking of them.

B. Each Admissions member sharing briefly about how he or she became a Rolfer.

C. Pair up and exchange a brief 10-minute mini-massage.

D. Give feedback based on the following three questions:

(1) What specifically did you feel under your hands about that person’s structure ?
(2) What was your experience of touching ?
(3) What was your experience of being touched ?

VII. Facilitation of the Process of Admissions

Some ideas were generated as to how to open up more time for the group process with candidates and how to facilitate review of folders. The following suggestions were offered:

A. Use Sunday evening for social contacts – wine and cheese party.

B. Use Sunday afternoon for business meeting.

C. Have the office send a copy of the application letter and letters of reference and photos from the file to each Admissions member for review prior to Selection in order to shorten the folder reading time.

D. Extend the length of the Admissions process and have a candidate pay for this as the Movement people do.

VIII. Conclusion:

There was definitely excitement and new ideas generated in the meeting though we did not even begin to move through the proposed agenda. It was suggested that another full meeting be held in the near future to handle the remaining agenda items which the group felt were important, especially at this time of transition. Cyndy will work with Betzy to arrange another time and let the group know when this will be. Enclosed is a copy of the proposed agenda with ideas to discuss, so members may consider these before the next meeting.

With love,

Betzy SiseMinutes