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

Mon Apr 9 17:49:33 UTC 2012

Thanks as always for your work, JJ!  Sorry you can't make the meetings. 
It's always so hard to find a night that works for all involved, especially 
with such a busy crowd.  Busy is good though. :)

-----Original Message----- 
From: J.J. Meddaugh
Sent: Monday, April 09, 2012 1:17 PM
To: NFB of Kalamazoo Michigan List
Subject: Re: [Nfb-kzoo] Next Meeting, and February's Minutes

Tyler et al
Unfortunately Monday night poses a conflict for me, so am unable to attend
the meetings. If there is someone that is interested/willing in taking over
the remainder of my board term to help with voting on business, I am willing
to resign so that can happen. I am also willing to vote via proxy but
realize it may be preferable to have someone in person.

I am still interested in being involved, however. I have escalated the Metro
Transit concerns up the ladder toward the city commission and should have
more to report on this in the next week or two.

Talk soon.

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Tyler & Leanne Merren" <tmerren at charter.net>
To: <Nfb-kzoo at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Saturday, April 07, 2012 4:36 PM
Subject: [Nfb-kzoo] Next Meeting, and February's Minutes

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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