Board Report – July 2023
Board Report – July 2023
Prepared by Allison Venuto, Secretary, American Pilgrims on the Camino
The board of American Pilgrims on the Camino met July 20-22, 2023, in Arlington, MA. The board reviewed its Pilgrim Principles and the minutes from the prior meeting. The group participated in a teambuilding activity where members discussed the current and future combination of board members’ gifts, talents, and skills.
The external relations team set up opportunities for the board to meet with the Dutch Pilgrim Association to learn more about that organization and how to collaborate to support the Camino. The group also met with John Rafferty and Jose Luis of the Associação de Peregrinos Via Lusitana in Lisbon; Rafferty and Luis are leading a collaborative effort to explore the establishment of an albergue in Portugal.
After lunch on the first day, the group discussed updates from members who spent time in Santiago thus far this year. The discussion then moved to external relations, hospitalero, and Ribadiso Welcome Service team updates related to how we can potentially expand our Camino support in Europe. The chapters and membership teams updated the group on ways to engage our chapters and members more fully in supporting the Camino through membership and chapter participation. We will continue to develop ways to reach out in the future.
The board expressed its continued and immense gratitude for the communications team on its work with La Concha. The board received an update on the development of the Legacy Project that is in progress to video record the history of American Pilgrims on the Camino. One board member led a technology training session to help the board improve emails, and the board reviewed our positive financial position.
After a break for the evening, the board resumed the meeting Saturday morning, reviewing the past year’s accomplishments and a discussion of future areas of focus. The board adjourned after robust discussions and continues to appreciate the opportunity to serve “all who seek the spirit of the Camino.”
Your MEMBERSHIP in American Pilgrims on the Camino makes it possible for everyone to make the pilgrimage that is best for them. Thanks, as always, for your support and if you aren’t already a member, you can become one here.