Our Goals for 2008

As approved 27 November 2007 by the Goals Committee

Events:

1. Host Star Gazing on 26 January, with expanded format and increased entry fee
2. Host 2 Film Forum events in 2008
3. Host Art on the Prairie 21 March
4. Support Saw Grass Festival on 5 April
5. Develop a "high-end" fundraising event for late in year

Programs:

1. Provide support to Ranger-led programs
2. In cooperation with Park Staff, develop two programs by outside service providers
3. Investigate "Summer Jobs USA" program and evaluate
4. upport Alligator Education Program

Outreach:

1. Assist in providing at least four presentations to groups in the community, and by expanding Newsletter, particularly email version
2. Provide information tables to activities, as requested
3. Attend at least six Chamber After Hours events during year
4. Continue meeting with legislative delegation, host at least one legislative visit
5. Update website

Projects:

1. Seek funding for visitor center exhibit fabrication phase
2. Facilitate and support D2 office relocation
3. Hold a long-range planning and visioning meeting on 9 January 2008 to develop concepts for the North Rim Visitor Center and Entrance
4. File initial application of nominating Camp Ranch HQ to National Register of Historic Places
5. Investigate enlarging the gift shop function, and make recommendations
6. Renew job descriptions for Officers and Directors
7. Develop a succession plan for Officers
8. Re-locate pan scraper and mount with interpretive information
9. Review the dues structure and make recommendations
10. Investigate volunteer service recognition plaques, and make recommendation
11. Activate the Corporate Membership program, and develop at least 2 new Corporate Members during year
12. Grow Endowment Fund to $10K by EOY
13. Help Park Staff research funding for resource management equipment
14. Investigate Alachua County fuel tax as source of funding for pavement repairs on the Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail
15. Investigate the Eastward extension of the GHT and make recommendation
16. Investigate connecting the Prairie Creek Boardwalk with ACT property and trails
17. Maintain membership above 400
18. Support volunteer resource management programs by sponsoring the Sweetwater Branch clean-up, and providing supplies and equipment for exotics removal and native plantings
19. Address the prioritized needs list provided by the Park Manager as far as possible
20. Hold a Planning Meeting near EOY to review accomplishments and establish goals
21. Participate in the Master Plan program for the Old Florida Heritage Highway Corridor
22. Activate the Grants Committee and recommend projects for grants

More About Friends:
Citizen Support Organization
Accomplishments
Goals
History
The Board of Directors
Advisory Committee
Our By-laws
Annual Financials
Questions? We can help - contact us.