From my perspective, I see a difference between a stipend and a reimbursement for expenses. I was thinking a stipend is like being paid, although it is a minimal amount, it is more a token payment as a perk of service. And I was thinking reimbursement for expenses would be for specific WGA expenses, not for personal expenses in relation to the WGA. For example, while it may be expected for a board member to communicate online or electronically with other board members or the WGA members, it doesn’t mean the WGA picks up the cell phone bill or cost for Internet provision. If, as a member, I choose to go to an event, and choose to stay at a campsite or a hotel, I would not get reimbursed because my attendance isn’t mandatory. But if a board member is expected to be at an event that is more than one day or is far away, possibly needing time off work or certainly commute time, being reimbursed for a hotel/camping stay is not out of the question. The board member might be volunteering time to plan events or even buy supplies for them, but that person shouldn’t be expected to front the expense for site rentals, food, copies, etc. So I totally support reimbursement for expenses. I don’t have an opinion one way or the other on a stipend at this time.
