As a way of addressing concerns over communication issues with the public, the Humane Society of Indianapolis will hold a Meet the Board of Directors night at its North Michigan Road location on Jan. 13 from 7-9 p.m. The informal event will give people an opportunity to meet the current board of directors and ask questions about HSI. A professional moderator will be present to lead the discussion.

HSI’s board has had a reputation in the community for being guarded. But according to HSI spokesman Jeff Terp, this is the perception of a few people. “This meeting is just one more step in a constant communication process,” Terp said.

Stacey Coleman attended the 2004 HSI board meeting to voice concerns in a public forum, only to find that the public was allowed a total of 10 minutes to speak. Coleman then launched a series of phone calls and e-mails to board members, prompting board President Brent Bolick to meet with her.

Coleman said Bolick and the rest of the board were hesitant to face public criticism, but insisted they wanted to be more open. Since her meeting with Bolick, Coleman has met with other board members, and with members of the Community Relations Committee. Terp said this event grew out of discussions between Coleman and Linda Brundage, co-chair of the committee.

“The sense that I am getting is that they are more open, but that remains to be seen,” said Coleman, who wants to open a dialog between HSI and the community.

Information about the event can be found on the Web at www.indyhumane.org or by calling Terp at 317-273-0080.