Handouts available: Business meeting agenda, Chapter meeting minutes of May 22, 2005

3:30 pm Meeting called to order by President Francis Wardle. Attendance taken. Carolyn served as secretary for this meeting.

Francis reviewed minutes of 5-22-05 meeting. Discussion. Motion by Stephen to strike last sentence regarding Cid’s visit, Bryan second, motion passed. Motion by Roger to approve minutes as corrected, Bryan second, motion passed.

Frances circulated his report of travel grant to Brazil, including Uberlandia, Belo Horizonte, Brasilia; Joao Meira funeral mass, visits to schools & a favela. Frances was not reimbursed for travel to Brasilia because it was outside Minas Gerais. Bryan suggested that for future grants we apply in advance for joint projects, because there is a precedent in the past—Colorado/Wyoming and Minas/Goyas.

Stephen discussed Alice’s visit to Colorado October 28 through Nov 5. Luzia is also coming. Alice is a journalist interested in Communications using the Internet. They will visit NGOs, schools, Comcast, Starbucks. Lynn offered to take Alice to visit UNC Dept of Journalism & Mass Communications.

Bryan reported that Dr. Skinner won’t be available until at least October or November of 2006 for a potential visit to Brazil.

Discussion about more financial support for travel grants: payment for visitors, payment of expenses. There is a program called Project Assistant Grant for Future ($2500)

Discussion about revised procedure for approval of travel grants. Board members need more information during initiation and planning of grant requests, and also need more information about chapter dealings with Washington. Motion by Roger that all travel grant requests go to board by email, and majority approval will be required, Francis second, motion passed.

Discussion of Iracambi grant proposal. This is an NGO Atlantic Rainforest educational project. Minas Chapter has approved it. Emphasis will be on renewable resources, ecology, research on groundwater, cattle, fish farming, etc. Motion by Roger, Francis second, to approve. Motion passed.

Francis discussed possible grant money from Pixote Fund.

Discussion of support for Steve to attend Leadership Training. Motion by Francis, Roger second, to provide $300 for airfare. Motion passed.

Discussion of support for International Convention visitors. Motion by Bryan, Roger second, to pay registration fee for members attending International Convention. Motion passed.

No treasurer’s report. Motion by Roger to elect Betty Brown as treasurer in place of Jon Monson, Bryan second, motion passed.

Roger inquired about choir visits. Stephen indicated that support is needed on the Brazilian side. Recommends use of a professional agency that arranges musical group tours.

Discussion of Ouro Preto as possible venue for 2008 convention. Motion by Bryan to support Ouro Preto in a bid to host International Convention, Stephen second, motion passed.

Francis reported that Regina will be less active in the Minas Partners because of her work in trying to complete Joao Meira’s day hospital in Diamantina.

4:45 pm Meeting adjourned to fellowship and food.