Several of the Chapters have already formed their Steering Committees in order to implement their Navajo Thaw Chapter Recovery Plans. Other Chapters are still in the process of forming such committees and would like additional guidance. This is that guidance.

Purpose of the Navajo Thaw Steering Committees

In general, Steering Committees have two functions: 1) to participate in Plan Week in order to develop the Chapter Recovery Plan, and 2) to assist the Chapter with plan implementation.

Who should be on the Committee?

In general, this is totally up to each Chapter. Some Chapters choose to use existing committees such as:

• Chapter Officials
• Community Land Use Planning Committees (CLUPs)
• Existing Ad Hoc (special purpose) committees
• The people who showed up for Plan Week

In short, the Steering Committee needs to be comprised of “whatever works” for each Chapter.

Steering Committee Member Credentials

There is only one “credential” for a Steering Committee member: “people who care and will show up.”

Steering Committee members do not need to be lawyers and accountants and businesspersons and people with PhDs. They simply need to be people that are committed to the future of their Chapter, and willing to work on projects and issues to be of support. Everyone is encouraged to bring their special skills to the benefit of their Chapter and the Navajo Thaw Region.

How often should Steering Committees meet?

We asked this question during Plan Week. Almost everyone said: “monthly.” And this is our recommendation as well. Steering Committees should meet monthly. Activities should take place between the meetings so that such meetings are productive. Sometimes Steering Committees may want to have special subcommittees for certain projects.

Is there funding for Steering Committee member activity?

Not yet. We would really like to create a fund to reimburse such activity. We know that this is important.

Should we expect someone from the Navajo Thaw Support Team to show up to our meetings?

Yes. We encourage you to inform our team of scheduled meetings. Even better, we encourage a regular schedule for Steering Committee members that we can put on our calendar. It is our desire to show up to meetings.

What about the Coronavirus?

We realize that, for the time being, there will not be any in-person meetings. Much of the activity will have to be done by phone, teleconference, email and text message. This is unfortunate but we will get through this with you. We are not letting this slow us down…but we know that health and human safety comes first. Please, take care of yourself.