EDC debates scope and process for Pembroke community organizations directory

At a recent meeting of the Pembroke Economic Development Committee, members moved forward on plans to create a community organizations directory for the town website. The committee reviewed a list compiled by Friends of the Library and discussed categories and verification procedures before posting.

"So I had put your list, Sharon, in the packet for everyone, the list of organizations," S1 said, explaining the source material and asking the group to confirm inclusions. Committee members raised repeated concerns about whether to include school-based groups and small volunteer outfits; S6 urged that the committee first define a clear scope and rules for inclusion so the list could be maintained and refreshed. "We should propose a scope and identify complexities," S6 said, offering to draft a proposal for the Select Board.

Members favored a categorized, searchable listing (retail, restaurants, clubs, town departments) rather than one undifferentiated list. The group discussed verification options — such as periodic checks, a short form for organizations to complete, and using legal status (e.g., 501(c)(3)) as one filter — and concluded a formal scope and boundary logic will be circulated to the Select Board for feedback.

The committee assigned follow-up tasks: compile a recommended category list, draft a short verification form and present the proposal to the Select Board. The decision to prepare a draft rather than post an unvetted list reflects members' concern about accuracy and long-term maintenance.