NAMA: Practical aspects of our functioning & plans

The question may arise about how the North American Millets Alliance (NAMA) is supported materially. Here's a response, in the interests of transparency. First of all, NAMA is a volunteer initiative. Secondly, within its broad purpose to promote millets in North America as sustainable crops and nutritious foods there are supporting goals (such as education, information sharing, and networking) and projects (notably the Millets Webinar series in 2023). These are pursued on a non monetary cost basis, with small funding for necessary overhead coming in varying measure from the three founders. A larger project might involve in-kind collaboration by an institution, which would handle its own costs internally (this was the model of the collaboration on the Webinar series with the University of Missouri's FEAST Lab and Center for Regenerative Agriculture). Our plans include incorporation as a non-profit, which would allow us to have the financial structure to process grants (such as we intend to apply for), and possible donations (that could then be taken as tax deductions by those giving). There are no plans for any paid membership structure. Ultimately, we want to more effectively and creatively fulfil our stated purpose, and as part of that, to support and collaborate with other efforts that are working in the same or similar directions. The above is offered as a simple explanation, and parts or all of it may be incorporated in the next version of our FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) Best to all, Don Don Osborn, PhD (East Lansing, MI, US - +1 202-621-3911) North American Millets Alliance
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Don Osborn