PODs!

What is a POD?

BURA members have special interests and, as such, may benefit from opportunities to share their interests with each other, as well as engaging in activities that could develop and expand those interests.

So, in addition to providing our regular monthly educational and social programs, BURA has developed the Programs on Demand (PODs) program by facilitating the formation of member-organized and member-led special interest groups of like-minded people.

How can I join a POD or suggest a new POD?

Our POD Form lists the existing and active PODs as well as previously proposed PODs that have not reached a minimum of 5 members.

In addition to our established PODs, there are many possibilities for other interest groups. You can also use the POD Form to propose a new POD to our membership.

How does it work?

  1. If you have expressed an interest in an active POD, your form is forwarded to the organizer for their reply.
  2. If you have expressed an interest in a proposed POD, we will track the number of interested members until we reach 5. At that time we will forward the names and email addresses to the preliminary organizer to arrange for a meeting of all interested members.
  3. If you have proposed a new POD:
    • Proposals for new PODs are reviewed by the BURA executive before being posted on added to the list.
    • Once approved by the executive, the member proposing the new POD is designated as the “preliminary organizer”. As preliminary organizer, you will receive email notices when another member expresses interest in your proposed POD.
    • In forming a POD group, interested BURA members hold an initial organizational meeting to meet each other, suggest some activities, find a time for meetings, and choose a leader. Meetings may be in person and/or online. For example, a photography group might have a monthly theme (e.g., ice formations, historic buildings, connections) and meet twice a month – once for a field trip to take pictures and again online to share and discuss photos. Leaders can be chosen for a specified time (e.g., 6 months) or could rotate every meeting. Responsibilities, such as hosting zoom sessions or scheduling meetings, may also be shared with other POD members.
    • BURA will maintain a list of Active and Proposed PODs on the POD Form to allow for additional members to join or inquire about the POD.