A Message from the MNWT

Update about COVID-19 and the affect on MNWT calendar of events scheduled through the end of the 2019-2020 year:
A small team of MNWT leaders met via a zoom meeting on March 17, 2020 to discuss topics that are being affected by the COVID-19 emergency. As most of you are aware, the state and federal governments have declared a state of emergency and established strong restrictions for group gatherings. This directly affects Women of Today chapter, district, and state level meetings and events. Following are some decisions and recommendations that we are implementing at this time. These may be subject to change, depending on further actions taken by state and federal authorities.
Area Meetings ~
These meetings will be held online only, and District Directors will be forwarding resources to their boards and chapters, including the meeting link for their area. No meetings are being held in person. Executive Director Katie Castro and Chairman of the Board Brenda Sather will coordinate this process with the DDs. AVP Illeana Miller will be in contact with the DDs and assist with questions and concerns that may arise. There will be no cost to members to participate in the area meetings; however, an internet connection or phone connection would be needed to join the meeting.
Meeting Schedule: Area 2 – Friday, March 27th, 7 PM start
Area 1 – Saturday, March 28th, 10 AM start
Area 3 – Friday, April 3rd, 7 PM start
Area 4 – Saturday, April 4th, 10 AM start
District Meetings ~ (between now and April 30)
MN Women of Today is recommending that districts do hold a 3rd trimester meeting in an online format such as Zoom or Go To Meeting. The spring meetings are normally when new district officers are elected and it is encouraged to include that in your meeting agenda. AVP Illeana Miller will be coordinating this process with the district directors to ensure they are able to host an online meeting. Executive Director Katie Castro will assist with setting up meetings, as needed.
Chapter Meetings/Events
MNWT is not offering specific recommendations to chapters; however, you are welcome to contact Executive Director Katie Castro if you are looking for assistance in setting up an online meeting for your group. Email csc@mnwt.org or phone 952.406.8578.
LOTS (Local Officer Training Session) ~ Saturday, May 2, 2020
Chapters and new officers should save this date for specialized training for individual officer positions. MNWT staff is working on the logistics to provide a webinar-type online presentation that would incorporate the training that officers would normally receive in person. Again, it has been decided to only hold online training; those participating would need to join with an internet or phone connection; in this instance an online connection would be preferred so that you can follow along if possible. More information will be presented during the Area meetings and details will be sent out to chapters when ready.
Annual Convention ~ May 14-17, 2020
Plans for Annual Convention have not been changed at this time. MNWT is holding ongoing discussions and closely monitoring the situation with the convention hosting chapter and the hotel and will take into consideration further announcements from state and federal authorities.
Other
The MN Department of Health (MDH) announced several days ago that the coronavirus has reached the stage of “community spread” meaning that the virus is not just associated with those who have traveled out of the country. We do encourage members who experience symptoms of the virus to engage with their health providers and self-report to persons that they have been in contact with. Please check the websites of the MDH and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for more information.
All updates released by Minnesota Women of Today will come from Executive Director Katie Castro. Updates will be sent via the state email system to chapters and executive council members as well as posted on the MNWT website and main Facebook page. Chapters are encouraged to share this information with their members.