[Nfb-kzoo] Next Meeting, and February's Minutes

Sat Apr 7 20:36:58 UTC 2012

Hi Kalamazoo chapter,
We will be meeting this coming Monday, April 9 at the Disability Network in downtown Kalamazoo.  We will have a time for eating dinner between 6:00 and 6:30 PM, and the meeting will start at 6:30.  The meal this time will be pepperoni pizza and pop.  If you want in on the meal, RSVP and plan to bring $5 to contribute toward the cost.  Tyler and I will handle the arrangements for food and drinks this meeting.  Please think about whether you will be willing to be in charge of food for the next meeting on May 14.

I am both attaching and pasting below the minutes from our February meeting.  The minutes from our March meeting will follow shortly.

See you Monday.

Leanne

Kalamazoo Chapter of the NFB of Michigan

Minutes for Chapter Meeting

February 16, 2012

Role call: Gabe Guzman, Matt McCubbin, Tyler Merren, Amanda Sterly, Tim Paulding, and Leanne Merren

President’s Report: Tyler stressed communication if people are not attending the meeting.  Attendance has been very low at the past few meetings, and as we were using a restaurant as a meeting location, it was important to cancel the reservation if we were not giving the restaurant enough business.  Also, it costs money for transportation and for babysitting for some members and it is best to cancel meetings if not enough people can be present.  Also, it is difficult for members to feel motivated to continue working for the organization if attendance is low.  Tyler is asking everyone to step up their efforts.

Treasurer’s report: Current account balance is $217.98.  Matt also has $66 in cash from 60/40 raffle held at State Convention. Total would be $283.98.

New Business: Chapter Meetings

Everyone agrees that the chapter should continue. Tim suggested that some of the responsibility be taken off of Tyler.  Members really need to sign up with the list serve for better communication.  There was talk in the past of having a Google group instead of using the NFB list serve.  Matt says to keep our list on the nfb list serve since people can find us there if they are searching for a Kalamazoo chapter.  Nfb.net list used to be delayed but not any more.  Matt also suggested having a drop box folder for the chapter.  Making a Hey Tell group would help with communication.  Tim mentioned another chapter had volunteers who would call other chapter members to remind them about things prior to the next meeting.  Amanda and Gabe were given instructions during the phone conference on how to join the list.

Tyler gave three important points for the chapter as we move forward: setting focus points, improving communication, and following through.

Meeting time and location: the question was asked whether we prefer phone conferences or meetings.  Points were made that the restaurant is more fun; meetings are more productive than phone conferences. Gabe suggested switching places.  Maybe do a conference on some months and meetings on others.  The group pointed out that people might be confused if we change places and times.  Place should be kept consistent.  Amanda has class on Thursday and Merrens said Thursday is hard for them too.  Monday seems to work for everyone.  Monday March 12 would be next meeting, and meetings will be held every second Monday of the month.  Leanne pointed out future dates: March 12, April 9, May 14 and June 11.  Tim also said he would check into holding the meetings at the community building at the Disability Network.  It’s close to down town and there is a kitchen available if we need it.  The group can decide whether food will be provided by group members, ordered in for all or not included in the meetings.  The South Burdick bus arrives at the Disability Network at ten till six in the evening.  The group decided on 6:00 PM as a good meeting time

Washington D.C. Report: Matt gave report - 3 delegates from Michigan attended; people had to attend meetings solo; he described the trip as an event that the national office coordinates each year.  Over 500 nfb delegates go to capital hill to discuss 3 specific issues.  Every state was represented this year.  The topics for this year were fair wages for workers with disabilities (HR3086) (Matt shared that over 63 organizations in Michigan pay sub-minimum wage, and that ACB and other organizations are on board for fighting this); home appliance accessibility act (determine best way to implement non-visual standards for appliances which will also benefit the elderly)  and giving business owners the right to get federal contracts (minority groups could get contracts but people with disabilities are not on the list).

He said it was one of his favorite dc trips so far.

Meeting adjourned.

Respectfully submitted by Leanne Merren.
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