Minutes:
Board and General Meetings
MINUTES OF CHAPTER BOARD MEETING
Partners of the Americas
Colorado – Minas Gerais
Date: September 7, 2008
Location: Francis Wardle residence, Denver, Colorado
Present: Steve Waechter (President), Betty Brown (Vice-President), Rhoda Rogers (Treasurer), Jan Brummond, Francis Wardle, Linda Allen
[Minutes taken by Linda Kay Nedved, non-participating guest]
2:13p Meeting called to order by President Steve Waechter. Introductions.
Minutes of June 8, 2008 meeting were reviewed by the Board. Rhoda moved to approve minutes, Linda seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously.
Steve displayed the chapterÕs charter certificate. Francis discussed the process and the level of success for this accomplishment.
Steve raised the topic of ecotourism for discussion. He reviewed a document circulated by member Linda Nedved & relayed that this topic would be discussed during the general chapter meeting. The Board held a general discussion of the need for a mission statement to reflect the perspective of the group. Francis offered to draft an initial mission statement; Linda will assist with the drafting. Steve affirmed the need that the process of creating a mission statement be collaborative.
Francis drafted the approved grant proposal for chapter brochures and cards. Betty reported on the expenditures - $1642 was proposed, but only $1371 was approved. However, the brochures will be much less expensive to print than originally estimated. The brochure will be shared with the MG chapter for input, and it will be interpreted into Portuguese. Also, instead of our having stationery commercially printed, Betty offered to produce a form for individual use.
Steve reported that Baldenedo Napoleon and 2 others will be visiting CSU October 12-18, 2008. The travel costs will be paid by BaldenedoÕs company as POA denied their travel grant request. Wednesday, October 15, 2008, the group needs alternate housing; they will be staying at President Steve and JanÕs Sod Buster Inn. Although it is not POA sponsored, this is a CO-MG chapter project. The hope to reopen connections with CSU was discussed.
Rhoda discussed her travel grant to DC with an 8-day travel to MG.
Steve discussed Carolina CorderoÕs visit here during November, 2008.
Rosana BahstesÕ inquiry to visit to research disabled access issues was discussed.
Steve reported that Dani LambiÕs project concerning teenage pregnancy issues was not supported by POA, and she has therefore moved on to other possible projects and funding sources.
Steve also reported that Arte Miuda was interested in a proposed exchange but their funding fell thru as well.
Steve reported on a student exchange proposal from POA. Betty moved to give Steve permission to explore and express interest in the proposal, Jan seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously.
Steve reported that Carolyn Cooke has offered to withdraw as Secretary of the Chapter. Rhoda moved to table her offer until the next meeting, as it is the Annual Chapter meeting when elections are held. The motion was generally supported by the group.
Eileen Evans didnÕt apply or pay her dues. She will not be writing grants for the group.
Francis reported that 2 U.S. and 2 International Board seats are open for nomination.
3:09p Francis moved, Rhoda seconded motion to adjourn Board meeting. Board meeting adjourned to hold Chapter quarterly business meeting.
MINUTES OF CHAPTER MEETING
Partners of the Americas
Colorado – Minas Gerais
Date: September 7, 2008
Location: Francis Wardle residence, Denver, Colorado
Present: Steve Waechter (President), Betty Brown (Vice-President), Rhoda Rogers (Treasurer), Jan Brummond, Francis Wardle, Linda Allen, Fred Kail, Ron Farina
[Minutes taken by Linda Kay Nedved][NOTE: MINUTES WILL NOT BE CIRCULATED VIA E-MAIL, BUT WILL RATHER BE POSTED ON THE CHAPTERÕS WEBSITE.]
3:17p Meeting called to order by President Steve Waechter. Introductions.
Minutes of June 8, 2008 meeting were reviewed. Betty moved to approve minutes, Jan seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously.
Treasurer Rhoda Rogers reviewed her report. The current balance is $5,050.75 with anticipated bills to be paid as discussed and approved and revenue of any membership dues. Rhoda inquired as to the purpose of the funds. Steve and Francis responded that no specific purpose is given as to the funds in the treasury. Historically, they assist with national convention registration fees and are for payment of the national dues. Francis moved to approve the treasurers report, Jan Brummond seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously.
Francis reported on the national boardÕs progress and the issue of financial viability of the organization. The funding is mainly through federal sources with most from USAID. Given the administrative cost limits on many federal grants, the administrative costs of the national office are difficult. They are researching their options for reductions in their costs and the rent. Francis also reported on the status of a Brazilian lawsuit based in the local office there. It has been settled, but it leaves grave concerns of the national officeÕs administrative operations in other countries. General discussion with questions/answers followed.
Steve reported on the rechartering process status. The submission is complete and Steve displayed the certificate.
Betty reported on the status of the ecotourism committee and possible fundraisers. Betty, Roger, Linda Allen, Dale, and Mary continue to be members of this committee. The MG chapter has a similar committee to research northbound trips for fundraising as well. A discussion was held on the possible types of exchanges, the basis of the concept (mainly fundraising), and possible ideas. Jan offered to serve on the committee.
Betty reported on the approval of our grant application for communications materials, such as pamphlets and business cards.
Steve reported that he has a DVD on Iracambi for sharing with the group.
Steve discussed the EPAMIG/CSU exchange with Baldenedo, which is a non-POA agricultural exchange. They will host a 10/15/08 dinner at the Sod Buster, Greeley, since the visitors will be staying with them that evening.
Steve discussed the possible visit by Rosana Bastos on an exchange revolving on issues of disabilities.
Steve reported the national office did not fund Dani LembiÕs Sem Fronteiras project.
Further discussion was held on BaldenedoÕs upcoming exchange and Steve and JanÕs hosting. It was generally agreed that $100.00 from the treasury would be allocated to cover the dinner and homestay; Steve and Jan do not need to provide an expense report due to the nature of their hosting. Rather, their request for reimbursement will be honored.
The membership (and board membership) of Eilleen Evans was tabled until the December, 2008 elections. She has not submitted nor paid for membership to the Chapter.
Next meeting: December 7, 2008 – location TBA
4:46p Meeting adjourned to social time and celebration of BrazilÕs ÔbirthdayÕ.