To meet the needs of our members and fufill our commitment to community outreach, we depend on specialized committees that can focus on specific projects throughout the year. Just as our board members volunteer their time to the MMS, committee members accompish their work by volunteering. If one interests you, consider joining their efforts. You will surely have something valuable to offer, and will enjoy the experience.
Foray Committee
The MMS Foray Committee plans forays on behalf of our members while ensuring respectful treatment of local ecosystems. We schedule forays and apply for permits when they take place on State Park land. We will create a welcoming, inclusive, educational environment for people of all backgrounds to deepen their mycological knowledge.
Events Committee
This committee comprises volunteer members of the MMS who will work together to plan and coordinate events for the benefit of our members and our community. These events include (but are not limited to) things like the annual MMS Awards Banquet, the Annual MMS Photo Contest, the Silent Auction & Raffle Fundraiser, and the State Fair Display.
Meetings & Speakers
Our monthly member meetings are an essential part of how we serve our members. We provide speakers, seminars, and workshops both in Zoom format and in-person. The Meetings and Speakers Committee coordinates with Events Committee, the Education Committee and the Scholarships Committee to set up the annual speaker schedule and locate appropriate in-person locations when necessary.
Scholarships Committee
The MMS provides scholarships, including academic scholarships to graduate students studying fungi. We also provide an annual Marek Scholarship to a member who has never attended a NAMA foray to help pay for their foray fees and lodging. The Scholarships Committee oversees the decision procedure for choosing the scholarship recipient and coordinates payments.
Education Committee
The Education committee plays a crucial role in carrying out our mission to help educate the community about fungi and its role in our lives. Some of the things that we do include tabling events at DaVinci Fest, the Bell Museum, and even stores like Patagonia. At these events we bring dried and fresh fungi. We talk to people and answer their questions about the mushrooms they have wondered about as well as the ones we have on the table.
Communications & IT
The CommIT committee works to maintain, update, and develop website content; and periodically redesign our website. Committee members create and schedule email communications to members and create and manage email distribution groups. The committee also provides technical support and assistance for our Facebook page and electronic devices or software that are used by the organization to support its work.
Funga Committee
The Funga Committee is crucial to the scientific advancement of Mycology in Minnesota. They work hand in hand with the University of Minnesota’s Bell Museum on the Fungal Diversity Survey. They have monthly meetings to educate members on scientific identification. Then, to ensure accuracy, they utilize specimen vouchering and DNA testing of the specimens.
Equity, Inclusion, & Diversity
The MMS believes it is essential that all people feel welcome, included, and valued, regardless of ethnicity, race, culture; sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression; age; differences in ability; immigration status, nationality, national origin; education; socio-economic status; family structure; military/veteran status; and religious/non-religious beliefs.
Governance Committee
The Governance Committee advises on policy to ensure the MMS Board acts in accordance with the Articles and Bylaws. It oversees candidate vetting and board elections.
Finance & Membership
This committee is composed of the Treasurer, a membership coordinator and a Chairperson, which can be either of these people, with the purpose of budgeting the funds of the MMS, filing annual tax forms, and tracking its membership.
Are You Interested In One of These Great MMS Committees?
Contact the committie chairperson who can help you with more information about what thier committee is doing and how you can participate!