Members Present: Len Ellis (chair), (Asma Salam’s proxy), Diane Baker, Sidney Burkins Jr.), Mehry Cornett, Rob Evans, Lyn Walters, Roger Kallenberg, (Valley Reed’s proxy), Reza Badiee, Elaine Emmert, (J. Kendall Johnson’s proxy)
Staff Present: Lon Burnam, Daniel Williams
Visitor Present: Betty Jane Ferguson, Lindsey McLennan
I. Opening: Len opened the meeting with a moment of silence for the victims of the natural disasters in China and Burma 7:15 p.m.
II. Minutes: The April 2008 minutes were reviewed. Lynn moved to accept the minutes, Diane was second and the motion was confirmed by voice vote.
III. Treasurer’s Report: Report submitted. The ending balance for April was $10,626. However, this balance still is a net loss of $506. The loss is smaller than in past years but with a smaller cushion in savings will not be sustainable in the upcoming months. Target expenses are between 10 and 12 thousand a month. The Director has been spending an increasing amount of his time on fund raising in the absence of a fund raising chair. In an effort to alleviate this situation, all Board members have been charged with presenting at least one name for consideration for fund raising chair. Diane moved to accept the report. Sidney was second and the motion passed by voice vote.
A concern was raised about the size of the financial report that is printed and contained in the monthly minutes. It was suggested to continue with the report as currently provided and including it in the monthly Board packets, but only printing the first three pages in the printed packet. The three pages to be included are: Narrative Report; Summary Budget; and Fundraising and Expenditures. Roger made the motion to that effect, Len seconded the motion and it was approved by voice vote.
IV. Update on Potential Office Move - Roger
V. Team Reports (Consent Agenda)
A. Communications (written report submitted)
1. Dallas Peace Times Distribution
2. Clarification of sponsorship and promotion of eventsB. Dismantling Racism
1. ICE Inhumanity Committee – Detention of Imam Safdar Razi – the attorney believes that Safdar Razi will be executed if he is returned because of his work with the inner-faith community following the 9/11 attacks.
2. ICE Inhumanity Committee – Detention of Hussin Rohaizad – Hussin Rohaizad was deported, leaving his children behindC. Fundraising (no chair)
1. Summer Dinner Lecture Series (Written Report Submitted). Three speakers have been confirmed for the lecture series that will take place on June 5, July 23 and August 6. Each dinner has a chair, but help is needed to sell tickets/tables. Board members were given names of people to call and remind/encourage to come to the dinners.
2. Foundation Meetings: Meetings with foundations are moving forward. Bill and Lon are visiting with some non-traditional foundations that control how funds are invested.
3. Summer Intern – Lindsey McLennan. Lindsey was introduced to the Board.
4. Other Funding – cards were passed around to all Board members along with a phone script so that grassroots supporters could be called with a request for donations. This will allow DPC staff time to dedicate to other issues.
It was suggested that DPC hold a garage sale. Various locations were suggested. Elaine will request permission from Dallas Friends Meeting to use the Meeting House as a possible location. (she did and Friends agreed to the use of the grounds only and only if the sale is in August)D. Infrastructure and Long Term Planning: No report
1. Board Training – The invitation to Board members to attend the Center for Nonprofit Management seminar on Board assisted fundraising was passed out to Board members.
E. Peace Education (written report submitted) Still under discussion is the organization of a monthly celebration of a Hero of Peacemaking that was born in the month. Other suggestions are welcome
F. Swords into Plowshares (no report)
1. Ann Wright Book Signing and Presentation April 24
2. Exxon Enough! – A call is out for clergy to support the action against Exxon.
3. Sudan (Success Story)
4. Death Penalty Abolition Committee – Coalition membership
VI. Events Update
A. Exxon Enough! – News Conference and Environmental Justice Hearing Tuesday May 27, 11:00 a.m. at Munger Place UMC and Wednesday May 28, 2008 at 8:00 a.m. Meyerson Symphony Hall, 2301 Flora Street, Dallas
B. Summer Dinner lecture Series with Rita Marie Johnson – Wednesday, June 4, 2008 at 6:00 p.m., FunAsia 1210 Beltline Rd., Richardson
C. Jeremy Scahill Book Signing (Blackwater) – Monday, June 23, 2008 evening – Half Priced Books, 5803 E. Northwest Highway, Dallas
D. Pastors for Peace Cuba Caravan Reception – Friday, June 27, 2008, Munger Place United Methodist Church 5200 Bryan St.
E. Sarah Hickman Concert – Sunday, July 20, 2008, evening, Cathedral of Hope, 5910 Cedar Springs Rd, Dallas
F. Summer dinner Lecture Series with Col. Ann Wright – Wednesday, July 23, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. FunAsia 1210 Beltline Rd., Richardson
G. Summer Dinner Lecture Series with Dr. Erika Frank – Wednesday, August 6, 2008 at 6:00 p.m., at FunAsia, 1210 Beltline Rd., Richardson
H. Art Spirit Block Party - Saturday, September 20, 2008VII. Other Business
A. Copier/Printer Replacement
DPC office copier is in very bad shape and needs to be replaced. There has been a donation of $2,000 and authorization for use of funding was requested. Roger made a motion to approve the use of funds for a new copier, Lyn approved it and the motion passed by voice vote. Mehry mentioned that she may have a copier that would suffice. It is a professional grade copier and would bring it to the office.
B. CAIR Banquet
VIII. Adjournment – Roger moved to adjourn at 9:15 p.m. Diane second. The motion was approved by voice vote.
Submitted by Elaine Emmert
Secretary
June 10, 2008
