It was discussed and agreed at the AGM that the Forget Me Not Family Society be dissolved by January 31, 2017, under the following conditions:

• The next newsletter [AC 77] will explain the rationale for this decision, which includes that the current Board of Directors will not run for election in 2017, the rising costs of keeping the doors open, the lack of new membership and the loss of current membership;
• The Society will put out a call for people to come forward in support of keeping the organization going, with a commitment to becoming a member of the Board of Directors in 2017 to be received no later than September 30, 2016;
• Should no one come forward to take over the executive positions, the creation of our newsletter, maintenance of our website, maintenance of our financials, then the current Society will cease to be an active organization on January 31, 2017.

Board Members Departing in 2017

For the past two years, three of our long-term Board members have been planning to retire and have now made a firm decision that they will not run after the end of this term: Marnie Tetz, President; Gail Davies, Secretary -Treasurer; Bernadette Rymer, Director and Editor. In light of this, the remaining board members have agreed it is time to wind things down.

Seriously, we have run out of steam. Although we care deeply about the Society and believe very strongly in the need for support and education in adoption issues, we cannot continue to provide the past degree of service any longer. We have been overwhelmed with work and issues in our personal lives.  Several of us are dealing with the illness and deaths of friends and family, our own health and aging issues, and wanting to spend time with family.  Membership has declined and we are not receiving enough funds to keep the Society going with the level of services we have provided for the last ten years.  Organizing workshops and putting out a newsletter four times a year costs money and takes a great deal of volunteer time. We are really sorry that we must cut these services.

Unless more members step up to serve on the Board of Directors, who will do the basic tasks of keeping a charitable society active,  even without workshops or newsletters? If you believe in the importance of the work we have been doing, please help. We can offer our support and guidance.