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Minutes of September Meeting GREATER OKLAHOMA CITY CHAPTER UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (UNA-USA/OKC)

MEETING OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS 5:30 pm, Monday, September 10, 2007 Minutes Prepared by: Bill Bryant In Attendance: Lowell Adams, Bill Bryant, Bob Cox, Bill Dudley, Fred Dunbar, Larry Eberhardt, Jacqueline Lee (Intern), Zach Messitte, Ruth Males, Nancy Musselman, Harley Venters. Absent with Regrets: Jalal Daneshfar, Bob Elliott, Eric Heinze, Marie Hooper, Firouz Mollaian, Jerry Stephens, Ken Tillett.

(1) Opening of Meeting. We convened in our usual meeting space at the Disciples Center, 301 NW 36th Street, OKC. Some of our members were running late. In consideration of the time, Bob Cox declared a quorum and called the meeting to order at about 5:35pm. A welcome was offered to Fred Dunbar. Self-introductions were made. (2) Business Reports. A. Review of Minutes of August 13th Meeting. The draft minutes of the August meeting were reviewed. Ruth Males moved to approve the minutes as presented; seconded by Nancy Musselman. VOTE: All Aye; motion carried. B. Financial Report. Both Firouz Mollaian and Marie Hooper were absent. Therefore, there was no Treasurer's Report. Even so, Dr. Cox noted that our latest bank statement reflects a balance of $3,887.22 which is unchanged from the report we received in August. Lowell Adams was recognized, and he addressed an item of business related to proposed expenditure of funds for the Human Rights Video Library. He distributed copies of a 1page description of the project. He noted that the project calls for the purchase of 3 copies of a 10-part video series. The cost of the three sets combined is $684. Other costs related to the project will be covered by an expected grant from the Oklahoma Humanities Council. Larry Eberhardt moved to authorize the treasurer to write a check for the purpose described by Lowell (with the understanding that the check will be mailed after the Humanities grant has been awarded). Bill Dudley offered a second. VOTE: All Aye; motion carried.

At this point in the meeting, Zach Messitte and Jacky Lee arrived. Both were welcomed to the meeting. Dr. Messitte described his current position with the University of Oklahoma and his past employment with the United Nations (where his duties included writing speeches for Kofi Annan). He expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to serve on the board of directors for our chapter. (3) Committee Reports. Several chapter activities were reviewed during this part of the meeting. A. Educational Programs. Upcoming Events include-September 21st International Day of Peace at the Gold Dome center; October 13th Global Oklahoma at Rose State College; October 20th Our UN Day Luncheon at Oklahoma City University; and October 24th UN Day at the University of Oklahoma.

With respect to the UN Day Luncheon, Ruth Males reported a summary of our plans. She asked permission to set the price of tickets at $20 (Regular) and $10 (Student). As usual, we will offer free scholarship tickets to students who cant afford ten bucks. There was no objection to this plan, which is in line with past practice. Dr. Cox commented that our chapter received a generous donation earlier in the year, and it was earmarked for scholarship tickets including tickets for our UN Day Luncheon. He predicted that we might have as many as 20 students in attendance. Ruth proceeded to describe the menu for the dinner. The cost will be about $12 a plate. We will also need to incur a small cost for table decorations. In addition, Ruth suggested that we consider purchasing flag poles and stands so that we can display the UN flag at the luncheon. With regard to the flags, Bill Dudley offered to find out if we can borrow the necessary poles and stands possibly from the OCU Theatre Department. We would like to find a faith leader to deliver an invocation. It was noted that Bob Elliott and Firouz Mollaian have graciously filled this role in past years. Other suggestions were solicited. Harley Venters offered to ask Rev. Robin Meyers if he would be willing to ask a blessing and/or to introduce a moment of silent meditation. Ruth will begin working on the Luncheon brochure / invitation later this week as soon as she receives information about our keynote speaker. Lowell volunteered to prepare a news release announcing the Luncheon. The event will take place at 12 Noon at the Brenda and Tom McDaniel Ballroom at the University

Center (OCU) on Saturday, October 21st. For our participation in the Global Oklahoma festival on October 13th, Lowell offered to double-check with Jalal Daneshfar to make sure were properly registered to participate. Well need volunteers to staff our table, greet visitors, talk about our chapters activities, etc. Lowell will solicit volunteers via email. Well need a rotation of volunteers to cover an 8- to 9-hour time period. Regarding the celebration of UN Day at the University of Oklahoma, Zach said the program is being planned by students. Tentatively, it will include a panel discussion. The students will also be asked to take leadership on a Trick or Treat for Unicef campaign on campus. More on these activities at a future date. Bill Bryant reported on plans for the International Day of Peace. The celebration will take place: Friday, September 21st 5pm The Gold Dome Building NW 23rd & Classen Oklahoma City The program will feature entertainment (dance groups and musicians, including a childrens choir) and several guest speakers. School children from metro area schools will be honored for their contributions to peace. More details are on our website at www.una-okc.org. B. Advocacy. Bill Bryant reported briefly on a vote in the United States Senate. On September 6th, the Senate approved a bill to fund several items under the State Department and international relations, including funding for UN peacekeeping operations. It was noted that our senators from Oklahoma (Coburn and Inhofe) were on the wrong side of the vote. (We werent greatly surprised). C. D. Membership. There was no report. Adopt-A-Minefield. No report.

E. Nominations Committee. Bill Dudley was recognized, and he noted that we have two nominees who are willing and able to serve on our board of directors. They are Joann Bell and Darla Jackson. Ruth described Joann Bells qualifications. She is best known as the executive director of ACLU Oklahoma. Earlier this year, she participated in a program at the UN Headquarters in New York City. Darla Jacksons qualifications were described by Dr. Dudley. Ms. Jackson is a law instructor, an experienced attorney and a researcher in the law library at OCU.

Harley moved to approve both nominees; seconded by Nancy. VOTE: All Aye; motion carried. F. G. (4) High School Essay Contest. No report. Public Relations. There was no report.

Chapter Coordination. There were no student representatives in attendance at the meeting. Dr. Cox mentioned that he will be meeting with OU students tomorrow. His goal is to identify a student representative to serve on our board. Old Business: There was no unfinished business to address. New Business. There were two items of new business, in the form of announcements. A. International Day of Peace. Bill Bryant described an opportunity for our chapter to fully participate in the International Day of Peace celebration by sponsoring an information table at the Gold Dome. There is no additional cost for this privilege. Were invited to set up a table and display information about chapter programs and activities. Bill Dudley volunteered to deliver a card table to the Gold Dome building for this purpose. Well need handouts to give away membership brochures, flyers announcing our UN Day Luncheon, etc. Bill Bryant offered to make some copies of the membership brochure. Lowell volunteered to prepare something to publicize the UN Day Luncheon. Maybe well have some news about the High School Essay Contest, too. B. Multi-Cultural Awareness Day. Jacky Lee announced that her sorority is participating in a multi-cultural awareness event at OU. At our October meeting, she will present a report on the results of her summer internship experience.

(5) (6)

(7) Adjournment. In accordance with established custom, the next meeting of the Board of Directors will be: Monday, October 8, 2007 5:30 pm Disciples' Center 301 NW 36th Street Oklahoma City, OK Any special agenda items should be sent to Bob Cox (email: rhcox@ou.edu) in advance of the meeting. Without objection, the meeting adjourned about 6:40pm.

Prepared by Bill Bryant September 10, 2007

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