NATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR WOMEN

Montgomery, Alabama Chapter

 

MEETING MINUTES for June 13, 2009

 

The meeting convened at 2:00 P.M. in the Juliette Hampton Morgan Library, 245 High Street, Montgomery - Second Floor Auditorium.

 

1)  Welcome from Chapter President Shirley Ann Rawls.

 

2)  April minutes approved by acclamation.

 

3)  Treasurer's Report given by Elaine Fuller.  Balance as of June 13 is $1316.80

 

4)  We had a good day at Springfest on the Riverwalk, where we sold $96 of stickers, buttons, and T-shirts.  Several new members joined and several others took brochures and membership applications.  Not to mention, it was fun!

 

5)  Diaper Bank Report given by Elaine Fuller.

Elaine has collected and delivered almost 2000 diapers since starting the chapter's Diaper Bank project in February.  Currently we are supplying these diapers to the Gift of Life maternal and child health program.  Maya's Belly Dancing Studio, whose dancers added so much to the festivities at our last meeting's Spring Fling, has offered to hold a diaper drive.

 

6)  WHAT'S GOING ON :-)

• Shirley will go as the Montgomery Chapter delegate to the National NOW convention in Indianapolis June 19-21.  This year’s conference will elect new officers for National NOW.

• The Chapter also gave Mississippi NOW 2 of our delegate seats.

• Shirley and Elaine will go to the International Spouses Orientation at Maxwell Air Force Base in August.

• Clinic Escort:  In light of Dr. Tiller's tragic death, ALL our brave escorts continue to support the clinic.  Amy Applegate is looking for more escorts to have 2 escorts per shifts.  Volunteers can send an email to mgmalnow@gmail.com. 

• SAVE THE DATE:  Alabama NOW Annual State Conference is Saturday, October 24, 2009, in Birmingham.

7) BRAINSTORMING for an event or campaign that brings attention to current, important issues and gives Montgomery NOW the visibility it needs in the community.

 

Code Blue Action Night – showing of Sicko?

[Editorial comment - I've seen it and loved it.  It's eye-opening, to say the least.]

	Comprehensive reproductive education – lobbying opportunities? Planned Parenthood has proposed legislation to improve sex education in schools.
	Reconnect with Alabama Birth Coalition (midwife advocacy)?
	Violence Against Women – reactivate work with sheltering and advocacy organizations? Women often will not leave violent situations for fear that their pets will be harmed.  Shelters generally do not take pets; therefore there is a need for temporary foster pet parents.  Veterinary student Rory Applegate says that there is such a program in Auburn.
	Elderly women – assisted living arrangements do not provide personal sanitation products such as incontinence pads.  Could the Diaper Bank be expanded to include adult diapers/pads?
	Support Eve's Circle (mentoring and educational support for girls and young women) – do they need tutors or trained counselors?
	Autism assistance for aging autistic population?

Members volunteered to look into these opportunities and report on feasibility.

 

8) UPCOMING EVENTS:

• Chapter meeting on August 8 will be devoted to deciding upon and implementing one of the projects suggested at this meeting.

• Okra Festival in Lowndes County August 29.

• SAVE THE DATE:  We are planning a D'oeuvres and Diapers Social, tentatively at 6 pm on Saturday, September 12 at the Kenneth Baker Equality Alabama Center.  Larry Grewelle has offered to provide wine.  Chapter members will be asked to bring a hors d'oeuvre and a package of diapers.  Time and date will be announced on the chapter Events page when the plans have been finalized.

9)  The members present at the meeting are strongly contemplating moving the chapter meetings back to 1:00 pm.  If you would like to attend meetings and you have any comments, pro or con, please e-mail Shirley at mgmalnow@gmail.com.