MINUTES OF CHAPTER MEETING

Partners of the Americas

Colorado – Minas Gerais

Date: December 2, 2007

Location: Gershwin residence, Denver, Colorado

Present: Francis Wardle (Pres), Steven Waechter (VP) & Jan Brummond, Bryan & Carolyn Cooke (Sec), Roger & Betty Brown (Treas), Mike & Rhoda Rogers, Lin Allen, Mary Gershwin, Linda K. Nedved; Wyoming Partners Dorly Piske & Dwight Hicks.

Guests: Juana Rose Cavero, David & Ebbie Sanchez, Heather Lelchook, Eileen Evans.

Meeting called to order by President Francis Wardle. Introductions. Minutes of September 9, 2007 approved.

Report on Leadership Training & Travel Grant: Steve Waechter reported that at leadership training he learned that Partners has lost $10 million in grants, mostly because USAID has shifted focus to Africa. 2008 will be very important for international office, with downsizing and reduction in administrative costs. Travel grants will continue. Chapters will need to do more of our own funding.

Steve also reported that he presented concerts and workshops in Diamantina, Sabara, Belo Horizonte, and at convention in Ouro Preto.

Report on Partners International Conference: Steve, Francis, Roger & Betty attended.

Barbara Bloch from the Washington office thanked them for arriving early to help with preparations. Steve did a workshop on legacy giving. Betty & Roger reported on the successful welcome bags and items available at the marketplace and silent auction. Francis reported that the “oldies” won the Youth vs. Age soccer game. Roger & Betty also visited the Iracambe project as the first “eco-tourists”, and the Salon do Encontro which is an established program to assist street children and other disadvantaged people.

Francis congratulated Betty on her receipt of the International Partners Volunteer of the Year award.

Report on the computer project: Roger said that in May-June we will have access to school district 6 surplus computers--enough to fill a 40 foot container. Distribution will be made through the Federal University of Minas Gerais in 9 rural counties. Middle school students here will help with packing and fundraising. Eileen volunteered to help.

Treasurer’s report: Betty reported a balance of $5322.47 as of 11-30-07.

Elections: The following officers and board members were nominated and elected:

President: Steve Waechter

Vice President: Betty Brown

Treasurer: Rhoda Rogers

Secretary: Carolyn Cooke

New Board Members: Lin Allen, Francis Wardle, Eileen Evans

(Continuing board members are Jan Brummond & Rhoda Rogers)

Very important: All Partners members should keep track of volunteer hours, including time in preparation & attendance at meetings, etc. Volunteer hours are influential when money is being allocated in Washington.

New Business: Dorly Reported on Wyoming’s Tetra-Brazil Soccer Academy. Colorado Partners can add soccer camps—it’s a very good fundraiser.

Steve announced the Arte Miuda children’s choir from Diamantina will be coming to Colorado in September.

Meeting adjourned to social time and entertainment by Steve.

Carolyn Cooke

Secretary