MEETING MINUTES for March 13, 2010

Meeting convened at 1:30 P.M. at the Juliette Hampton Morgan Library, 245 High Street

 

1)  Minutes from December – available online

 

2)  Updates and upcoming events:

 

	Clinic Escort – a new volunteer has been trained
	Diaper Bank – we bid a fond farewell to its initiator and coordinator, Elaine Fuller, who is moving to Pittsburgh. This outreach continues under Shirley Ann Rawls' direction.
	Hate Crime Vigil 2010 – went well. Video available on YouTube. The keynote speaker was snowed in, so the address was given by Ox Freeman , founder and President of Alabama Gender Alliance.
	March 24 – Equality Alabama lobby day for Hate Crimes Bill.
	March 26 – Fundraiser for EA at the Capri – see chapter home page.
	May/Jun Montgomery AIDS Outreach Springfest? Not yet on website. We usually have a booth. Stay tuned.
	Chapter Focus: Equal Pay/ Violence Against Women – members voted for these in 2009. Involved in activities regarding violence against women. Looking for ideas re Equal Pay.
	Planning beginning for September/October- Alabama NOW State Conference – probably at the Ken Baker Center – working on theme, speakers, events

 

2)  National NOW Board Meeting – Webinar – 26-28 February:

	First time NOW used this technology- saved$$ ($150 vs. $10,000)
	Opportunity for all NOW members to attend via web and/or phone
	Budget and membership concerns were major discussions
	Looking for ideas to help boost membership
	Chapter rebates – some chapter have not cashed checks in 2 years, creating cash flow problems when the checks are presented
	AL NOW President Shirley Ann Rawls will chair the Virtual Committee

3)  Mid-South NOW Conference – March 5-7, Jackson, MS

	New Regional Director:  Christine Mullinax of Arkansas
	New National Board Members:  Jenni Smith, President of MS NOW, and our own Shirley Ann Rawls, President of Alabama NOW

 

4)  Guest Speaker:  Dana Worsham, Minister of Community Relations,
New Hope Metropolitan Community Church, Montgomery

A native of Atlanta, GA and Veteran of the U. S. Marine Corps, Dana moved to Montgomery from Mobile in November.  Dana gave a very inspirational message!  A good discussion followed.  Thanks, Dana!

Next Meeting: April 10, 2010  Guest Speaker: Karen Carr, Re-Entry Program Coordinator, Aid to Inmate Mothers (AIM)