This has been an interesting discussion. And it is an old one. I was active in the PLUG Steering Committee for about nine years, I think. We had similar discussions several times in those years and several times since.
In my opinion little has changed in all this time to address any thoughts about expansion, improvement of membership numbers, membership quality or participation. And little has changed about how the group operates, governs, decides direction, etc. Makes sense:
"If you keep on doing what you've always done, you'll keep on getting what you've always got." -- W. L. Bateman
IF PLUG is happy with being a small group that meets a few times a month and has decent email lists, the current structure and governance supports that. It has supported that for many years. And choosing to be that sort of a group is a valid choice. Carry on.
I don't know that Lisa's ideas are the "right" direction that The Group might want to go. I am, however, of the strong opinion that IF PLUG wants to remain relevant and IF PLUG wants to grow and do bigger, exciting things, PLUG needs to change such that those different things can be supported and created. I suggested a Business Model Canvas as just one way to converse about the reasons for a possible change and to guide a direction to such goals.
Having said all that I will say a few more things.
- PLUG is one of THE BEST behaved and helpful groups I have ever had the privilege of participating with. This remains true over the past several years that I have lurked and experienced even more groups and organizations than before I became mostly a lurker.
- That PLUG is still active and providing great information and service is a testament to the efforts and values of it's members and leaders.
- PLUG, as it currently exists, is something great to have in Phoenix. If it doesn't grow, change, expand or whatever, it is still awesome.
Alan