All Hands on Deck!
We need many hands to both plan and carry out a Bioneers 2012 gathering.  But this is not all work – like our theme implies, our teams are interconnected and together they provide the structure for the 2012 Great Lakes Bioneers Chicago event.  Our work together is relational, educational and….fun, and hope you will join us!

Core Planning Team
This is the team that coordinates the work of the others.  It is comprised of leaders from each team, in order to ensure all voices are heard and that each part is healthy and functioning according to its agreed-to purpose. Some of the Core Team’s responsibilities include:

• Set themes and keynote speakers. Mentor the programing sub-committee to be sure themes are followed.

• Provide finely crafted job descriptions and timelines for each Sub-Committee and mentor Sub-Committee members.

• Ensure the continuity of conference planning and process.

• Set target audiences for conference inclusion/recruitment.

• Choose collaboration, sponsorship or working relationship with other organizations (what we put our name on).

• Understand and approve the budget, which is set and administered by the Executive Sub-Committee. Core signs off on big ticket items and sets priorities but doesn’t manage expenses.

Logistics & Registration
The Logistics Team plans for and regulates registration, all traffic related to the event, and communicates with the venue sponsor regarding site planning.

Programming and Arts Planning

Conference Content and Schedule - The primary function of the Programming Team is to: identify dynamic and useful workshop leaders; decide which of these best represents the Bioneer spirit and themes/foci decided upon; contact and secure these individuals by June 1 of each year; provide non-workshop Conference opportunities; provide a welcoming atmosphere and avenue into the conference for families.

Integrating the Arts and Bioneers - The mission of the Arts Integration Team is to nourish our community by making the arts an integral parts of the Great Lakes Bioneers Chicago Conference.

Fundraising
The purpose of the Fundraising Team is to secure Business Sponsors and Donors for the 2012 gathering and financial support for ongoing activities and events. These donors are acknowledged by appearing in ads or lists in the Onsite Conference Program and Registration Booklet, and may be invited to a donor event. The Fundraising Sub-Committee may also develop and implement other fundraising strategies.

Outreach – Finding Our Audience
The mission of the Outreach Team is to decide on target audiences to prioritize outreach to (these audiences will be populations that we already have some traction with, but can project dramatic increase in participation with the extra effort); to develop a plan to reach these target audiences including materials and events; and to oversee and direct the materialization of the plan (including by requesting materials from the Publicity Sub- Committee).

Publicity/Marketing
Responsible for creating consistent and engaging materials that support outreach efforts. The Outreach Team charges the Publicity/Marketing Sub-Committee with creating specific outreach materials. The Publicity/Marketing Team creates the bank of resources: press releases, PSA’s, letterhead, pictures, website, Registration Brochure, Onsite Conference Program, slips, plenary brochure, save-the-date postcards, ads, posters.

Volunteer Coordination – Working Together
The mission of the Volunteer Team is to encourage volunteers to volunteer and the sub-committees to utilize volunteer energies. They will help galvanize and excite volunteer participation throughout the year and during the conference; organize communications between leaders and volunteers; and appreciate volunteer efforts.

Food – Feeding the Body and the Community
The Food Team will  provide seasonal, local and/or organic meals to core committee members at regular meetings and sessions, participants at special events and lunch ticket holders at the conference; Promote local farms, farmers market and cooperative grocers and distributors, and present an affordable and joyous dining experience.