Changes to Regional Structure: A Proposal

Proposal to Change Regional Organizing
This change to the structure will be implemented for 2 years at the end of which we will evaluate the structure. Organizing by Cluster will hopefully result in deeper relationships within Cluster, growing membership within the Cluster, and deepen the membership experience. Each Cluster is responsible for growing the radius around their cluster.

Proposed Clusters
These were grouped by an urban center and cities/towns within a 3-hour drive of urban center.

The following would be the proposed new Clusters:
A. South GA and Tallahassee
B. Charleston, Spartanburg, Greenville, Columbia, Wilmington – NC and SC
C. Charlotte, Durham/Raleigh, Wilmington, Chapel Hill - NC
D. Asheville NC, Johnson City, Chattanooga, Knoxville, Hot Springs, Swannanoa, Berea KY
E. Louisville, Whitesburg, Lexington - KY
F. San Antonio and Austin - TX
G. Miami, West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Lake Worth - FL
H. New Orleans, Raymond MS
I. Atlanta, Decatur, Pine Lake, Marietta, Stone Mountain, Ellenwood, Albany, Snellville, Rome, Sautee Nacoochee. - GA
J. Baltimore, Washington D.C., Mt. Rainer MD
K. Richmond, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Blacksburg, Staunton - VA
L. Memphis, Nashville, Chattanooga, and Arkansas – TN and AR
M. Satellites may organize on an as needed basis around clusters they define.
 
During the Annual Meeting you will meet in your cluster and identify what your needs as a group are and the ROOTS staff and Executive Committee will work with you as a Cluster to aid you in doing your work.

Concerns and Considerations
What if I don’t like where my city is grouped?
     You can move to join another group, especially if you are the only person in your city.

What if I don’t like the name Cluster?
    You are invited to rename it. Your Cluster can get creative and make a name for your group.

How are we going to communicate?
    As a group you will decide how you want to communicate. You are encouraged to use the website as a tool.

But what about a Representative?!?
    As a Cluster you can decide how you want to organize. You may want to identify an individual who will help organize and coordinate events in your Cluster.  You may decide that you need a few people or that you already communicate with each other all the time. It is up to the group to determine how you will communicate and organize with each other.