For Immediate Release: Feb. 15, 2008
The Big Three Oil Boycott to End the War, against ExxonMobil, Shell and BP, will be taken to the street on Saturday, February 23 in Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas by the Dallas Peace Center and Consumers for Peace.org as part of a two-day international action with oil workers in Iraq and demonstrators in England, Indiana and Washington, DC.
“We are thrilled to act in Dallas, Texas home to ExxonMobil in solidarity with the Iraqi Federation of Oil Unions as they protest in Basra and elsewhere in Iraq against the occupation and the attempt by Big Oil to ram an oil law through the Iraqi parliament that will harm the Iraqi people,” said Hadi Jawad, of the Dallas Peace Center. “It is very moving to be part of an action that involves thousands of people who want to see Iraq liberated from the tyranny of military occupation and Big Oil.”
The Dallas/Fort Worth organizers will hold a press conference at 11 a.m. at Preston Road and Royal Lane in Dallas and then hold a rally at a ExxonMobil station at that location and at stations at Jim Miller Rd and I-30 in East Dallas. The protestors, some dressed as pirates, will offer passers by boycott cards giving guidance on alternatives to the three boycotted gasoline brands. The demonstrations are endorsed by Code Pink of Greater Dallas.
Demonstrations in England, organized by Hands Off Iraqi Oil, will be held in London, and 10 other locations, including Birmingham and Manchester. Demonstrators will also gather on the 23rd at ExxonMobil, Shell and BP stations in Highland, Indiana.
The Texas/Iraq/London/Indiana actions will follow by one day a noon march on the Washington, DC office of ExxonMobil sponsored by Oil Change International, U.S. Labor Against the War, No War No Warming, Code Pink, Voters for Peace, AfterDowningStreet and Grassroots America.
“Oil companies are getting 20-30% more for their oil because of decreased Iraqi oil production and the volatility in world oil markets because of the war,” said Mr. Jawad. ‘It is unconscionable that they be allowed to laugh all the way to the bank as the blood of thousands colors the desert sands of Iraq.”
“ExxonMobil, Shell and BP have immense power to stop the war,” said Nick Mottern, of Consumers for Peace, “ Their war profits, that we estimate at $80 billion, must be given to those who have suffered most from the war: the families of Iraqi, American and other coalition war dead and wounded. We call on the Big Three to do the right thing.”
Contact: Hadi Jawad, Dallas Peace Center (214) 392-2939
Nick Mottern, ConsumersforPeace.org (914) 806-6179
The Dallas Peace Center is proud to present its expanded Summer Dinner Lecture Series, featuring three women peacemakers (for more information on each speaker, click on her picture):
All of the Dinners start at 6:00, with dinner served at 7:00
All of the Dinners will be at FunAsia in Richardson
1210 E.Beltline Rd., Richardson, TX 75081, 972-889-8000
(I am unable to attend, please use my donation to make tickets available to others)
Student pricing is also available. Please call the Dallas Peace Center at 214.824.7793 for more information.
Be sure to reserve your table as soon as possible. Tickets will sell fast, and you don’t want to miss these practiced patrons of peace!
Call 214.823.7793 or email tickets@DallasPeaceCenter.org to purchase your tickets today
1210 E.Beltline Rd. Richardson, TX 75081 972-889-8000 | |
| From 75 Central: Take Beltline exit from 75-Central expressway. Go 1.93 miles east and FunAsiA is on your right From 635 LBJ (Take Plano Rd. Exit, Go North all the way to Beltline. It is on the Southwest corner of Beltline Rd. and Plano Rd. after Conn's Appliances) | |
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Minutes of the Dallas Peace Center Board of Directors
Dallas Peace Center Board of Directors Meeting Minutes Jan. 20, 2005
Members present: Nadine Bell, Stephen Brown, Sidney Burkins, Delia Castillo, Len Ellis, Mary Ellen Irving, Bill McElvaney, Bill Matthews, Mike Millican, Bobbie Nehman, Danna Pyke, Nelda Reid, Kimberly Truitt, Ron Wilhelm
Members absent: Farrukh Hamid, Holsey Hickman (ex officio), Charles Hunter, Hai Ly, Iyas Maleh, Sam Nance (ex officio), Liz Wolff
Staff present: Lon Burnam
Visitors: Cheri Hadley of the Committee for Peace and Justice in the Sudan, Henry Irving
I. Centering: Bill Matthews opened the meeting at 7:10 p.m. Bill offered centering comments focused on righteousness, justice, and peace according to God’s laws.
II. Minutes of the December meeting were presented. Mary Ellen moved acceptance of minutes. Nelda seconded the motion. Motion passed on voice vote.
III. Treasurer’s Report: Nelda presented an oral and written report.
Dallas Peacemaker Dinner net income = $20,660.
Total December expenses = $10,303.06.
Total December revenue = $15,634.82.
Overall cash flow for December = $5,331.76
and for 2004 = $9,325.76.
Nelda attributed much of the success of the dinner to the hard work of the DPC staff, Valley, Trish, Phyllis, and Jamillah. The board again thanked Nelda, Vickie Millican, and the staff for their work on the dinner. Bill McElvaney moved acceptance of report. Bobbie seconded the motion. Motion passed by voice vote.
IV. Team Reports:
A. Children and Youth: Lon presented a written report from Julia Schloss and Vickie Millican
B. Communications: Mary Ellen presented an oral report about future Media Watch projects. She asked whether the DPC is interested in co-sponsoring a speaking engagement in February by Amy Goodman of Democracy Now. The DPC will have no financial obligation but would publicize the event. Bill McElvaney moved that the DPC co-sponsor the event featuring Amy Goodman. Stephen seconded the motion. Mary Ellen agreed to provide the board with updated information as it becomes available. Motion passed by voice vote.
Nelda suggested the Media Watch committee monitor and recognize the mainstream media, particularly the Dallas Morning News, for items committee members consider to be positive objective reporting. Nelda moved the board authorize the Communications Committee to write letters to mainstream media to recognize positive coverage of peace and justice issues as defined by committee members or board members. Mary Ellen seconded the motion. Mary Ellen explained the process for communication to the board would be to identify a news article that the committee considered to be positive and communicate to the board. She said that she would use a process of consensus among board members for any letter sent in the DPC board’s name. Motion passed by voice vote.
Mike discussed a June course in Arlington titled “Creating a Culture of Peace.” Len reported on a recent panel he organized on non-violence for MLK Day on KERA radio.
Mary Ellen reported the website committee will work with Garrison Reid to rebuild the DPC website.
Delia agreed to work with Liz on the Infrastructure Committee to identify a chair person for the Website Committee.
C. Dismantling racism: Delia presented a written and oral report. She encouraged the board members to provide the committee with feedback regarding the committee’s future plans.
D. Fundraising: Sidney provided a written and oral report. He asked each team coordinator to provide to the Fundraising Committee updated information on future projects.
E. Infrastructure: Henry Irving provided a written and oral report. Board members are encouraged to attend the volunteer training session, organized by Jan Sanders, on Saturday, January 22nd from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
F. Swords into Plowshares
1) Ending the occupation of Iraq: Lon reported that the committee is organizing a “Women in Black” silent vigil at Ferris Plaza, across from the Dallas Morning News, from 12:00-12:45 p.m. beginning Thursday, Jan. 27th.
2) Fair trade: Ron announced the Dallas Interfaith Coalition for Economic Justice (DICEJ) participated in the Día de los Inmigrantes press conference and celebration at Oak Cliff United Methodist Church on Saturday, Dec. 18th to honor those immigrants who have lost their lives crossing into the U. S. and those who died in the twin towers on Sept. 11th. DICEJ will send a delegation to the Texas Fair Trade Coalition’s March 12th conference in Austin to educate people about the Central American Free Trade Agreement. DICEJ is working with Voces Unidas para Inmigrantes to plan a celebration of the ministry of Mons. Oscar Romero of El Salvador in March. Ron encouraged board members to contact him for DICEJ speakers to make presentations regarding CAFTA to churches or other organizations.
3) Landmine removal: Stephen reported on future initiatives he plans.
4) Middle East: Bill McElvaney presented an oral and written report. He proposed that the organization, Partners for Peace/Jerusalem Women Speak, be the featured speakers for the Summer Lecture. Lon suggested that Bill contact Iyas to bring the group to Dallas for the Summer Lecture between June 23-27. Bill agreed to pursue Partners for Peace/Jerusalem Women Speak and present an update to the board at the February meeting.
5) Military service resistance: Lon reported the committee is making progress on t-shirt sales.
6) SOA Watch: No report.
7) Sudan Peace & Justice: Cheri Hadley presented a written report.
G. Announcements and Adjourn:
1) Bobbie presented “A Prayer for All Beings” as a gift to the DPC. The prayer is based on the documentary film The 18th Elephant 3-Monologues.
2) Nadine announced that Jan.29th the movie Indigo Children is being shown in area theaters.
3) Len announced that Jan. 30th through April 4th is the Season of Non-violence and asked whether the DPC wanted to plan any events during that period.
4) Bill adjourned the meeting with a Buddhist prayer at 9:35 p.m.
submitted by Ron Wilhelm, Secretary
Dallas Peace Center Board of Directors Meeting Minutes Feb 17, 2005
Members present: Nadine Bell, Sidney Burkins, Delia Castillo, Len Ellis, Farrukh Hamid, Mary Ellen Irving, Hai Ly, Bill McElvaney, Iyas Maleh, Bill Matthews, Mike Millican, Bobbie Nehman, Danna Pyke, Nelda Reid, Kimberly Truitt, Ron Wilhelm, Liz Wolff
Members absent: Stephen Brown, Holsey Hickman (ex officio), Charles Hunter, Sam Nance (ex officio)
Staff present: Lon Burnam, Trish Majors, Valley Reed
Visitor present: Henry Irving
I. Centering: Bill Matthews opened the meeting at 7:10 p.m. Bill offered centering comments based on Nagler’s book, Search for a Non-violent Future, and reminded us of the hidden seeds of peace within us. Members of the board introduced themselves.
II. Minutes of the January meeting were presented. Iyas moved acceptance of minutes. Mary Ellen seconded the motion. Motion passed on voice vote.
III. Treasurer’s Report: Nelda presented an oral and written report.
Total January expenses = $9,662.56.
Total January revenue = $4,722.80.
Overall cash flow for January = ($4,939.76).
The revised total profit for the Peacemaker Awards Dinner was $21, 252.00. Nadine moved acceptance of report. Liz seconded the motion. Motion passed by voice vote.
IV. Bill Matthews presented a proposed revision of the DPC brochure and asked board members to consider options for including information about current teams and committees. Bill asked members to send him suggestions for quotes via e-mail. The board discussed whether to include only religious quotes or only secular quotes or a combination. No board decision was reached.
V. Name badges: Bill Matthews distributed a draft resolution regarding name badges for all board members to be worn at DPC public events. Delia moved that the resolution be accepted. Hadi seconded the motion. Motion passed on voice vote. Each board member will contribute $10.00 to cover the cost of production.
VI. Team Reports:
A. Children and Youth: Valley presented an oral and written report that included a proposal for an Earth Day event, "One World Festival and Market" Sunday, April 24th from 12:00-10:00 p.m. at Lakewood Theater and Shopping Center. Attendance goal is 300 and fund-raising goal is $20,000. Bill McElvaney moved the proposal be approved with encouragement. Len seconded the motion. Motion passed by voice vote.
TAFFY Project will coordinate a violent toy trade-in campaign in private schools participating in the "Disarming Violent Toys with Recycling Art Contest." Board members asked Valley to prepare a corporate donor packet so they could contact businesses who products focus on children.
B. Communications: Mary Ellen and Michael presented an oral and written report. Highlights: List of questions to ask ourselves regarding our communications with others on difficult issues. The team still needs a leader for the web-site committee.
Trish reported that subscriptions to DPC are down. She has begun to send subscription queries to 300 people a month on the DPC mailing list. Volunteers are needed to make follow-up phone calls to letter recipients. Trish asked board members to let her know of new venues for paper distribution so that Mac Hall can build paper racks. She is considering switching printers and has met with Greater Dallas Press who has bid to print the paper for $800 for 5,000 copies for a savings of about $400 over the current printer cost.
Trish is working with Dallas Video Festival. The peace videos that DPC is sponsoring will be on Aug. 6th. We will award the first DPC Documentary Award as seed money for a video project on nuclear proliferation.
C. Dismantling racism: Kimberly presented a written and oral report. Highlights: MCC Dismantling Racism Workshop dates are tentatively Aug. 19th-21st at the Catholic Retreat Center in Dallas.
Delia discussed possible team involvement in the debate proposal for a strong mayor. She proposed that the DPC board approve the team taking an active role in the current debate about the strong mayor proposal on changing the city of Dallas governance structure, which will be voted upon in May, by studying the systemic and institutional racism and injustice issues, developing a resolution statement, and identifying public opportunities or events for further education and awareness. Motion passed by voice vote. Nadine requested that in the future all board members who present resolutions for board decisions, put them in writing to facilitate adequate deliberation.
D. Fund-raising: Sidney provided a written report. Lon presented an oral report. The Charlie King fundraiser was not as successful as was hoped. About 100 people were in attendance.
E. Infrastructure: Henry Irving presented a written and oral report from the Coalition Development Committee. Highlights: New board member orientation was held Feb. 17th. He raised his concerns about potential political activity of the DPC staff and board that might jeopardize our 501(c)3 status. Henry reported the Coalition Development Committee’s recommendation that the board advise the staff to refrain from endorsing or promoting specific legislation until appropriate limits to such activity can be established. Iyas moved to accept the report as an advisory. Danna seconded the motion. Motion passed by voice vote.
Henry requested that the board find someone to help upgrade and maintain the current DPC computers and printers.
Nelda asked whether the committees of DPC teams could submit reports or whether committee reports and requests had to be submitted to board through the team. Bill Matthews made a presidential decision that both committees and teams could submit reports and requests to the board.
F. Swords into Plowshares
1) Ending the occupation of Iraq: Lon presented Laray’s written report.
2) Fair trade: DICEJ will send a delegation to the Texas Fair Trade Coalition’s March 12th conference in Austin to educate people about the Central American Free Trade Agreement. DICEJ is working with Voces Unidas para Inmigrantes to plan a celebration of the ministry of Mons. Oscar Romero of El Salvador in March. Liz moved that the DPC co-sponsor the celebration of Mons. Romero. DPC co-sponsorship would consist of publicizing and attending the event. The motion was seconded by Bill McElvaney. Motion passed by voice vote.
3) Landmine removal: Bill Matthews reported that the United Nations Association/DPC ranked second place in amount of funds raised in the Central Region of the U. S. with $44,715.00 for 22.98% of the state total.
4) Middle East: Bill McElvaney presented an oral and written report. Highlights: a) Friday, March 4th, 12:00 noon "Brown Bag" at DPC with Gail Smith, recently returned from Israel and Palestine. b) Ron Young, Executive Director, U. S. Interreligious Committee for Peace in the Middle East, March 31st, place and time TBA, April 1st ,12:00 noon at Grace UMC; c) Iyas reported the June 23rd summer evening lecture will feature Partners for Peace/Jerusalem Women Speak; d) Mary Ellen reported on the recent Austin conference on "American Churches and the Middle East;"e) Bill reported on a meeting with editors of the Dallas Morning News.
5) Military service resistance: Lon reported on a workshop by the team at the Every Church a Peace Church conference.
6) SOA Watch: No report.
7) Sudan Peace & Justice: No report.
VII. Announcements and Adjourn:
1) Amy Goodman, 7:30 p.m., Friday, February 18th Haveli Banquet Hall
2) Eyes Wide Open: Beyond Fear–Towards Hope, An Exhibition of the Iraq War, February 28-March 1st, at City Hall Plaza, Volunteers are needed and can contact (214) 929-3701 or eyes@faircoffee.com.
3) Duane Ediger sends greetings via Danna.
4) Len volunteered to draft a letter for the DPC board to send to politicians and media on March 18th to end the war.
Bill adjourned the meeting 9:55 p.m.
submitted by Ron Wilhelm, Secretary
Dallas Peace Center Board of Directors Meeting Minutes March 17, 2005
Members present: Nadine Bell, Sidney Burkins, Delia Castillo, Len Ellis, Farrukh Hamid, Mary Ellen Irving, Bill McElvaney, Iyas Maleh, Bill Matthews, Mike Millican, Bobbie Nehman, Danna Pyke, Nelda Reid, Liz Wolff,
Valley Reed, Lon Burnam;
Mary Beth Matthews, visitor and temporary recording secretary.
I. Intros and Centering: Bill Matthews opened the meeting at 7:07 pm. Bill told a story about everyone writing all their “I Can’ts” on a piece of paper and then placing them in a box, and then burying them. Then you are only left with “I Cans”. He reminded us that WE CAN.
II. Minutes of February Meeting were presented. Len moved acceptance of minutes. Nelda seconded the motion. Motion passed on voice vote.
III. Treasurer’s Report: Nelda presented an oral and written report.
February Expenses $ 5414.47
Revenues $ 6713.89
Overall Cash Flow $(3640.34)
This leaves a balance of $ 22,409 available funds currently. There followed discussion regarding the fact that DPC is in a critical need for increased monies as that only gives us about 4 months of operational expenses available. Bill McElvaney moved acceptance of report. Liz seconded. Voted
IV. Enhancing Board Effectiveness: Nadine Bell made an oral and written presentation about improving communication and effectiveness of the board. Three problems were identified.
A. That there was a need for discussion of points by the board before voting.
B. That there was an issue of a DPC event scheduled on a Major Religious Holiday, namely, the Jewish Passover, which would serve to exclude this group from attending the event. There was an overall lack of discussion, by the Board at the last meeting, raising questions of responsibility for planning according to a Calendar, responsibility of points being raised by those affected so that there was certain discussion and sharing, and the need for sensitivity to all religious groups so as not to infer disrespect any group. Feedback included the idea of a DPC fundraiser Interfaith calendar. Nelda brought up and showed a DISD calendar, and Iyas brought up the AMEX calendar, both of which have ALL major religious holidays listed.
C. That there is a Gulf between the DPC and the Dallas Jewish Community and discussion of the ways that this could be “repaired”. Suggestions included forming groups of representatives to deal with our constituencies, and possibly reviewing the Middle East statement. Bill McElvaney moved that the Infrastructure and Dismantling Racism work on the task of building a calendar, Mary Ellen seconded. Bill Matthews stated there was an Infrastructure meeting on 3/29/05. Motion passed by voice vote.
*Addition to the Agenda: Bill Matthews stated that Len Ellis had drafted an editorial that needed to be discussed and voted on. Len Ellis presented the paper in reference to the second anniversary of the invasion of Iraq and the opposition to the continued war effort. The date is officially 3-18-05, and there followed discussion on whether to approve his writing and editing so that it could be sent to the Dallas Morning News Paper for the soonest possible publication as an opinion piece in Viewpoint or such. Bobbie moved approval, Mike seconded. Motion passed by voice vote.
V. Team Reports:
Swords into Plowshares Team
A. Middle East Committee: Bill McElvaney presented oral and written reports. Highlights:
a. Ron Young Exec Dir US Interreligious Committee for Peace in the Middle East speaking; March 31st at Lovers Lane United Methodist Church, 7 pm in the Family Center, and April 1st at 10 am at the Temple Emanu-El in Linz Hall. He has had 100 letters printed and many sent out as invitations to Muslim, Jewish, and Christian leaders in the area to urge attendance.
b. Hagit Ra’anan & friend: Bobbie reported on the possibility of a July Event as the April possibility fell through.
c. “Peacewalk” : idea of neighborhood walk with possibility in the Spring Creek area where there are several Churches, a Mosque, and a Synagogue all within walking distance of each other. There is a meeting on 4-7-05 where this will be discussed.
d. Partners for Peace/Jerusalem Women Lecture. Iyas trying to get Bios on the event scheduled for the Summer Dinner Lecture on June 23rd at FunAsia. There was discussion about the need to work on this event as it is the 2nd largest money raising event of the year for the DPC. Lon urged more involvement as the committee of three at the present may not do it. Bill Matthews volunteered to be assist the committee. A Silent Auction is also planned for this event.
B. Ending the Occupation of Iraq orientation held earlier with Laray and the members of DPC who are visiting every congressional office in the Dallas area tomorrow ending with a protest at 3 pm in front of Kay Bailey Hutchinson’s office. This was reported by Lon Burnam, who also added the need for the revamping of the Military Service Resistance Committee. which has become inactive.
C. Fair Trade- written report by Ron Wilhelm who was absent stating that 8 members had attended a workshop on CAFTA in Austin last Saturday.
D. Infrastructure Committee: Bill Matthews recommended guidelines be developed for Coalitions. The next meeting is 3/29/05.
E. Children and Youth : Valley reported on a number of events scheduled and in the planning, Highlights:
a. Next Event April 23rd, at Fun Asia hosting an event Film and lecture. Fair Trade vs Slave Trade. Also a High Tea Reception. Hoping to have Peace Cookies for sale and will have a Recycled Art Creation station for children.
b. Parents as Peacemakers begin with a test bakeoff of a signature fundraising item for DPC. The Dove shaped cookie will be made and sold at Grace UMC for a first run.
c. TAFFY working on finding out when the next gun buy back is a scheduled for and to do an event where recycled trash and violent toys are made into instruments.
F. Fundraising Team:
a. House Dinner Coordinator: Mary Ellen has offered to chair a committee and to provide a location where people can host dinners as a fundraising and recruitment tool. The Host Board member would be responsible for gathering 20 people and being there to host the dinner. ME would provide the food and entertainment if needed. Sidney made a motion to approve, Voice vote passed.
b. May 8th- Mothers Day or May 30th Memorial Day event- Classical Concert, still need venue with organ or piano. Art Auction possibly get the artist who designed the Umbrellas for Peace to donate a piece of work.
c. April 23rd Fair Trade vs Slave Trade Kevin Bales lecture at FunAsia
d. May 15th Basant Festival Farrukh has gotten sponsorship from 1600 AM Radio an important Ethnic station, and is talking to Trammel Crow about possible support. This could be a great opportunity for a major fundraising event.
G. Communications Team Mary Ellen reported on how the team was discussing practicalities of communication, and looking at the WWGW- what would Gandhi write - idea. Mike reported a Pentecostal church would host a Peace event and that he had talked to the Pastor. He also told the Board about an event in San Antonio on 4/23/05. John Deer, a Jesuit Priest a longtime nonviolence advocate would be speaking. People could contact Larry Brown for info.
H. Dismantling Racism: Dana reported on the planned
a. August 19-21st event at the Catholic Retreat Center in Oak Cliff. Bringing the Train to Damascus back.
b. Strong Mayor Opposition coordinating with the Greater Dallas Community of Churches to increase participation for the April 10th educational event.
c. Discussion continues regarding sensitivity issues about scheduling events on religious holidays, and are looking at the possible revision of the Mission Statement of the DPC.
I. Announcements and Adjourn
Bill Matthews brought attention to the new brochure that he developed and that 500 copies had been printed and were available for distribution. Bill McElvaney said we should use them at the Ron Young Events coming up, and all concurred.
Lon brought attention to Trish’s report regarding the all time low subscription of 316 to the Dallas Peace Times. DPC prints 5000 copies.
Thanks to Henry Irving for the Road to Recovery Photos. Delia voiced concern about some of the wording of the piece regarding our dependence on MidEast Oil, and that we are striving to be interdependent. More discussion to follow.
Bill Matthews closed at 9:35 pm with an Irish Prayer in honor of St. Patrick’s Day.
Mary Beth Matthews, recording secretary (temporary)
Dallas Peace Center Board of Directors Meeting Minutes April 21, 2005
Members present: Nadine Bell, Stephen Brown, Sidney Burkins, Delia Castillo, Len Ellis, Holsey Hickman (ex officio), Hai Ly, Bill McElvaney, Bill Matthews, Bobbie Nehman, Danna Pyke, Nelda Reid, Kimberly Truitt, Ron Wilhelm, Liz Wolff
Members absent: Farrukh Hamid, Mary Ellen Irving, Iyas Maleh, Mike Millican, Sam Nance (ex officio)
Staff present: Trish Majors, Valley Reed
Visitors present: David Marquis, David Reid, Diana Marquis, Laray Polk
I. Centering: Bill Matthews opened the meeting at 7:07 p.m. Nelda offered a centering prayer. Every person introduced herself or himself and stated a favorite childhood game.
II. Minutes of the March 17th meeting were presented. Kim noted that in item H. Dismantling Racism, Danna’s name was mispelled. Danna noted also on item H. Dismantling Racism that part C should read “Discussion continues regarding sensitivity issues about scheduling events on religious holidays, and are looking at the possible revision of the mission statement of the Dismantling Racism team.” With those corrections noted, Bill McElvaney moved acceptance of minutes. Nelda seconded the motion. Motion passed on voice vote.
III. Treasurer’s Report: Nelda presented an oral and written report.
Total March expenses =$5,962.96.
Total March revenue = $3,954.29.
Overall cash flow for March = ($2,008.67).
Bobbie moved acceptance of report. Nadine seconded the motion. Motion passed by voice vote.
IV. Dismantling Racism Team proposal:
A. Proposal against Strong Mayor Proposition: Delia presented a written proposal and an oral explanation. David Marquis, media relations coordinator of the Coalition for Open Government, spoke about the campaign to defeat the Blackwood Proposition. The board agreed to change the title of the proposal to “Opposition to the City of Dallas 2005 Strong Mayor Proposition.” The board agreed to change paragraph 4 to delete “Analysis shows that” and to begin the paragraph with “WHEREAS, The majority.” The proposal passed on voice vote with two abstentions (Bobbie and Steven).
V. Proposal to establish a Dallas Peace Center policy to determine what events and actions we will support and what language will be used to publicize events and actions.
Nadine presented a written proposal for board discussion. The board decided to continue to work on the proposal at a working meeting of the executive committee and interested board members on Saturday, May 14th. Ron agreed to create a hard copy and an electronic notebook of past minutes of the DPC board to facilitate access to past board policy decisions.
VI. Team Reports:
A. Children and Youth: Valley presented a written and oral report. Highlights included baking peace cookies to sell at the Fair Trade vs. Slave Trade event on April 23rd at FunAsia.
B. Communications: Trish presented a written and oral report. Highlights included plans for the Peace Video Festival on Aug. 6th. The Dallas Video Festival has asked the DPC to pay $1,000 toward the $5,000 cost of renting the Theater Center. Laray and Dawn Branam are looking for affordable outdoor and indoor newsstands for the DPT.
C. Dismantling Racism: No report other than the proposal. (See item IV.)
D. Fundraising: Sidney reported that the DPC has received $5,000 from the Harold Simmons Foundation. Valley reported on the Fair Trade vs. Slave Trade event this Saturday, April 23rd at 2:00 p.m.. The DPC received another $5,000 from one of our generous supporters. Kevin Bales’ book Disposable People will be sold at the event. Valley noted the committee has conducted a cost analysis for a new venue for the Peacemaker of the Year Award banquet.
E. Infrastructure: Liz presented a written and oral report. The committee asked the board to authorize $300 for May and $200 for June to spend on computer services people. Motion passed on voice vote.
F. Swords into Plowshares
1) Ending the occupation of Iraq: Laray Polk gave an oral report. Jan Sanders will present a position paper to Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson next week. Laray will send the position paper to board members for comments by Thursday
2) Fair trade: Ron distributed a flyer regarding an event on May 28th regarding the Bible and Social Justice at Greenland Hills UMC and a brochure for the Dallas Interfaith Coalition for Economic Justice.
3) Middle East: Bill McElvaney presented a written and oral report of future activities. Highlights included: the DPC summer dinner featuring the Jerusalem Women Tour on June 23rd at FunAsia; Ron Young event in June (12th or 26th); Hagit Ra’anan in July (sometime between 10th and 16th); Abrahamic Peace Walk in October. Bobbie reported on plans for an interfaith walk involving Jewish, Muslim, and Christian communities. She also reported on difficulties in organizing an event around Hagit Ra’anan.
4) Sudan Peace & Justice: Cheri Hadley provided a calendar of events of the group.
VII. Announcements and Adjourn:
1) Valley announced a panel on May 7th, Downtown Public Library, Women’s Peace Conference featuring Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson.
2) Liz distributed a flyer regarding pending legislation (SB 629) to reform Contracts for Deed, a property financing arrangement whereby ownership remains with the seller until the total purchase is paid. ACORN is campaigning in favor of the bill, which would reform the current practice of “rent to own.”
3) Len announced the Peace Center Arlington is working with UTA to bring Arun Gandhi to the area in September. He asked whether the DPC wanted to participate in the event.
4) Bobbie moved adjournment. Bill adjourned the meeting 9:25 p.m.
submitted by Ron Wilhelm, Secretary
Dallas Peace Center Board of Directors Meeting Minutes May 19, 2005
Members present: Stephen Brown, Sidney Burkins, Delia Castillo, Len Ellis, Mary Ellen Irving, Iyas Maleh, Bill McElvaney, Bill Matthews, Mike Millican, Bobbie Nehman, Danna Pyke, Nelda Reid, Ron Wilhelm,
Members absent: Nadine Bell, Farrukh Hamid, Holsey Hickman (ex officio), Hai Ly, Sam Nance (ex officio), Kimberly Truitt, Liz Wolff
Staff present: Valley Reed, Trish Majors
Visitors present: Melissa McCann, a new volunteer to help the DPC with grant writing; Vicky Millican, co-chair of Peacemaker Award Dinner for 2005
I. Centering: Bill Matthews opened the meeting at 7:09 p.m. In honor of the 80th birthday of Malcolm X, Bill distributed a handout with some of Malcolm X’s quotes on peace and justice.
II. Minutes of the April 21st meeting were presented. Bill McElvaney moved acceptance of minutes and a commendation to Ron for his work on the minutes. Motion passed on voice vote.
III. Treasurer’s Report: Nelda presented an oral and written report. April was a good month.
Total April expenses = $10,331.00.
Total April revenue = $15,532.98.
Overall cash flow for April = $5,201.21.
Mary Ellen moved acceptance of report. Bill McElvaney seconded the motion. Motion passed by voice vote.
Bill Matthews asked for a motion that the board president be added as a signatory to the DPC Bank Texas and Women’s Southwest Federal Credit Union accounts. Bill McElvaney moved acceptance. Mary Ellen seconded the motion. Motion passed by voice vote.
IV. Middle East Committee proposal
Bill Matthews reported that Hagit Ra’anan, would be in Dallas in July (between 10th and 16th) and she asked that Ghazi Brighith, of Bet-Umar Municipality in Hebron, Palestine also be invited to participate in the event. Mr. Brighith’s plane ticket from Israel would be about $1,400 and a U. S. visa application cost of $100.00. Bill Matthews reported the official invitation letter was forwarded on behalf of the DPC board so that Mr. Brighith could initiate the visa application process. Bobbie reported that she has made contacts for local financial support. Iyas committed to giving a portion of Mr. Brighith’s airfare. Bill Matthews asked whether the board would act to support Mr. Brighith’s invitation to speak in Dallas. Bobbie reported that Hagit informed her that Mr. Brighith would only come if the funds could be raised. Danna moved that Iyas be authorized to contact Ghazi Brighith and that the Middle East committee continue to raise funds to bring him to Dallas. Len seconded the motion. Motion passed by voice vote.
V. Team Reports
1. Fundraising team: Sidney presented an oral and written report. Highlights> System for Planning and Executing Fundraising Efforts proposal: each team will submit in a timely manner a fundraising request form for any planned activities that will generate funds for the team activity and/or for the DPC. Delia asked Sidney to revise the fundraising team’s proposal to include clarification of the criteria that the Fundraising Team will use to evaluate each team’s fundraising proposal. Motion passed on a voice vote.
Board Member Donation Resolution: The board asked the committee to refine the resolution to include options for donation of time and other non-monetary donations. Mike suggested when the annual budget is developed each year, a to be determined percentage of the proposed budget be raised through board member donations.
Summer Dinner Lecture: Bill McElvaney made an oral report on "Jerusalem Women Speak: Three women, three faiths, and One shared vision." Thursday, June 23rd at FunAsia 1210 E. Beltline in Richardson. Individual tickets are $25.00 and table sponsorships are $350, event sponsorships are $750.
Memorial Concert: Sidney reported that there would be an art auction at the Memorial Day concert being organized by the Dismantling Racism Team.
Peacemaker Award Dinner: Vicky Millican reported on conversations with the Renaissance Hotel. The capacity would be about the same as at the Hotel Dallas venue (400) with a meal price of $26.00 plus 21% service charge. Valley and Len reported on several ideas for corporate sponsorships for the dinner to offset the increased costs of the Renaissance Hotel venue. The committee’s recommendation to hold the 2005 Peacemaker of the Year Award was approved by voice vote.
2. Communications Team: Mary Ellen presented a written and oral report and proposed that the board dedicate a day in the fall to discuss more effective ways to engage each other on the board and others outside the DPC in more honest, meaningful dialogue about peace and justice issues. Bill Matthews asked the committee to develop a specific proposal for the next board meeting.
Mike addressed recent meetings with Pentecostal, Assembly of God, and Evangelicals. Larry Brown and Mike will conduct a Fellowship of Reconciliation workshop on non-violent communication with the group, on June 10th and 11th.
Website: Bill Matthews reported that Artie Turner, a University of North computer graduate student, offered to install a software program, CivicSpace, to serve as the basis for the DPC website.
3. Dismantling Racism Team: Delia announced the Memorial Day concert at the Cathedral Sanctuario de Guadalupe, 2215 Ross, Ave., on Sunday, May 29th from 5:30-7:00 p.m.
She encouraged the board members to attend The Damascus Road Anti-Racism Process on August 19-21 at the Catholic Conference and Formation Center, 901 S. Madison.
4. Infrastructure Committee: Henry Irving sent a written report.
Volunteer Development: Jan Sanders sent a written proposal asking the DPC board to authorize a representative to the Steering Committee of the International Peace Conference. Bill McElvaney moved that the board authorize Bobbie to serve as the DPC liason. Sidney seconded the motion. Motion passed by voice vote.
Children and Youth: Vicky Millican reported that the committee would have a proposal for the next meeting.
5. Swords into Plowshares
Ending the occupation of Iraq: The committee sent a written report. Bill Matthews suggested that the Middle East Committee and the Ending the Occupation of Iraq Committee work together to revise a position statement on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
Middle East Committee: Bill McElvaney presented a written and oral report on the Transnational Video Conference on June 26th to demonstrate interreligious concern and support for Arab-Israeli-Palestinian peace. The conference sites are Arapaho United Methodist Church, 1400 W. Arapaho in Richardson and the Islamic Center of Irving from 1:30-4:00 p.m.
Fair Trade: Ron distributed a flyer regarding a Dallas Interfaith Coalition for Economic Justice seminar on May 28th regarding the "Bible and Social Justice" at Greenland Hills UMC and encouraged board members to promote the event.
Landmine Removal Committee: Stephen sent a written report informing of the initiation of a new phase of fundraising for a new campaign in Cambodia. He requested that a sub-account, in the Women’s Southwest Federal Credit Union be designated as Cambodia Landmine Removal and that $553.05 be transferred from the DPC general funds account in the Bank of Texas and also that $400 be transferred from the credit union account WSFU 2429-RG.
Sudan Peace & Justice: No report.
VI. Announcements and Adjourn:
Bill McElvaney informed the board he has bumper stickers "Support Our Troops, Bring Them Home" if anyone is interested in having one.
The board recognized the life work and witness of Parker Wilson, a former Dallas Peacemaker Awardee, who passed recently at the age of 83. "As these pass, may others rise up to continue their work and witness."
Bill Matthews adjourned the meeting at 9:42 p.m.
submitted by Ron Wilhelm, Secretary
Dallas Peace Center Board of Directors Meeting Minutes June 16, 2005
Members present: Nadine Bell, Delia Castillo, Len Ellis, Mary Ellen Irving, Iyas Maleh, DannaPyke by proxy left with board chair, Kimberly Truitt, Ron Wilhelm, Liz Wolff
Members absent: Stephen Brown, Sidney Burkins, Farrukh Hamid,, Mike Millican, Holsey Hickman (ex officio), Hai Ly, Bill McElvaney, Bill Matthews, Bobbie Nehman, Sam Nance (ex officio), Nelda Reid
Staff present: Lon Burnam, Trish Majors
Visitor present: Dr. Charles Hunter
I. Centering: Delia called meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. Delia distributed a poem by John Moffit, "To Look at Anything" as a centering activity. Each member present read one line.
II. Minutes of the May 19th meeting were presented. Mary Ellen moved the minutes be accepted as presented. Len seconded the motion. Motion passed.
III. Treasurer’s Report: Lon presented Nelda’s report.
Total May expenses = $6,473.73.
Total May revenue = $3,584.84.
Overall cash flow for May = ($2,888.89).
Actual year-to-date revenue = $34,573.80,
but budgeted year-to-date revenue = $48,317.11.
Kimberly moved acceptance of the report. Nadine seconded the motion. Motion passed by voice vote.
IV. Team Reports
A. Communications Team: Mary Ellen presented a written and an oral report of concerns about internal and external DPC communications. The report and board discussion revolved around the question "Do we want to go on as we are, or do we want to look deeply at our communication as a unified entity." Mary Ellen moved that an ad hoc committee of the DPC board organize a 6-hour workshop on internal and external communications to be held in the fall. The workshop would be for all board members, paid staff, and any team leaders not on the board. Nadine seconded the motion. Motion passed by voice vote. The ad hoc committee will be composed of Mary Ellen, Len, Danna, Trish, Nadine, and Bill McElvaney, Charles Hunter, Mike Millican.
Trish presented a written and oral report about the Dallas Peace Film Festival from noon-5:00 p.m. on August 6th at the Dallas Theater Center.
B. Dismantling Racism Team: Kimberly presented a written and oral report. The Memorial Day concert netted $639.26. The team still needs to raise $2,200 to meet the expenses for the Dismantling Racism Workshop to be held August 19-21. Kimberly will send an electronic copy of the workshop registration brochure to the DPC board. Kimberly presented a proposal from the team to the board regarding board commitment to attend the workshop. Kimberly moved that the board approve the proposal by the Dismantling Racism Team that board members and future board members make every effort to participate in the workshop. Nadine seconded the motion. Motion passed by voice vote.
C. Fundraising Team: Lon presented the team’s written report. Revenue for May is considerably below the budgeted amount. Trish will send to all board members an electronic copy of the flyer about the Jerusalem Women Speak event on June 23rd so that the board members can help recruit table sponsors. Lon commented that a fundamental flaw in the Summer Dinner this year was that an organizing committee did not materialize.
D. Children and Youth: The team presented a written report. An expressed concern is that the team needs a new chair person. Liz suggested that Lon ask Valley about the status of the volunteer commitment to the team. The board will revisit whether to continue the team at the July meeting. Nadine moved that the board should resolve whether to lay aside the team at the July meeting based on level of volunteer commitments. Liz seconded the motion. Motion passed by voice vote.
E. Infrastructure Team: Henry Irving sent a written report. Lon will ask Henry and Valley regarding the sheet about DPC roles and responsibilities. Kimberly will work with them on developing a set of policies for roles and responsibilities.
F. Swords into Plowshares
1. Brown bag lunch: Jan Sanders sent a written report.
2. Ending the occupation of Iraq: No report.
3. Middle East Committee: Lon reported we are about $1,000 short for the airfare for Mr. Ghazi Brighith. Iyas reported that the committee decided not to try to raise funds for Mr. Brighith due to the short period of time for him to apply for a visa. Nadine committed to help Bobbie raise funds to pay Mr. Brighith’s airfare. Charles Hunter agreed to involve Grace Presbytery in helping to raise funds and publicize the event. Lon asked for board approval to provide advance funds up to $1,000 for Mr. Brighith’s airfare. Liz moved the board provide the advance funds on the condition that Bobbie and Nadine raise the funds. Len seconded the motion. Motion passed by voice vote. Nadine asked board members to help her identify a church, synagogue, and mosque to place peace poles as part of the event. Nadine encouraged board members to let her know of speaking opportunities for the two speakers.
4. Fair Trade: Ron reported that more than 50 people attended the Dallas Coalition for Economic Justice event on May 28th on the Bible and Social Justice at Greenland Hills UMC. The event generated new participants in the DICEJ and interest from the national Church in Society Commission of the United Methodist Church for a curriculum. DICEJ is working with Voces Unidas to organize a similar seminar in the fall for the Spanish speaking community.
Ron urged board members to contact congressional representatives to vote no on CAFTA. Background materials are available at www.dicej.org under the resources link.
5. Landmine Removal Committee: No report.
6. Sudan Peace & Justice: No report.
V. Announcements and Adjourn:
1. World Day of Peace: Len asked whether the DPC was going to plan anything for September 21st date. Len volunteered to chair a committee to plan for the celebration.
2. Transnational Video Conference on June 26th to demonstrate interreligious concern and support for Arab-Israel-Palestinian peace. The conference sites are Arapaho United Methodist Church, 1400 W. Arapaho in Richardson and the Islamic Center of Irving Center of Irving from 1:30-4:00 p.m.
3. Nadine moved to adjourn. Mary Ellen seconded the motion. Motion passed on voice vote. Meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
submitted by Ron Wilhelm, Secretary
Dallas Peace Center Board of Directors Meeting Minutes, July 21, 2005
Members present: Stephen Brown, Sidney Burkins, Delia Castillo, Len Ellis, Mary Ellen Irving, Bill McElvaney, Iyas Maleh, Michael Millican, Danna Pyke, Kimberly Truitt, Ron Wilhelm
By proxy: Nadine Bell, Bobbie Nehman, Nelda Reid, Liz Wolff
Members absent: Farrukh Hamid, Holsey Hickman (ex officio), Hai Ly, Bill Matthews, Sam Nance (ex officio)
Staff present: Lon Burnam
Visitor present: Laray Polk, Bob Dennis
I. Centering: Delia called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m. Len led members in reading the statement "Let Peace Begin with Me." The board then surprised Lon with a birthday cake.
II. Minutes of the June 16th meeting were presented. Mary Ellen moved the minutes be accepted as presented. Iyas seconded the motion. Motion passed.
III. Treasurer’s Report: Lon presented Nelda’s oral and written report.
Total June expenses = $9,036.64.
Total June revenue = $12,361.73.
Overall cash flow for June = $3,325.09.
Actual year-to-date revenue = $46,935.53,
but budgeted year-to-date revenue = $62,297.11.
Bill McElvaney moved acceptance of the report. Danna seconded the motion. Motion passed by voice vote.
IV. August board meeting: Due to Lon’s planned absence, Bill McElvaney moved that the board cancel the regular board meeting on the third Thursday in August. Stephen seconded the motion. Motion passed by voice vote.
V. Team Reports
A. Infrastructure Team:
1. Henry Irving sent a written report. Lon suggested board members review the report and he would meet with Henry to edit the board nomination procedure to be voted on at the September meeting.
2. Lon reported two board resignations: Hai Ly has moved to New York and Nadine Bell submitted her resignation. The board accepted the resignations with regret.
3. Lon reported Valley Reed submitted her resignation as assistant director effective July 31st. Lon requested that the board approve up to 40 hours a week for Jamillah until a new assistant director is hired. Danna moved that funds be reallocated to allow Jamillah to work up to 40 hours per week until a new assistant director is hired in September. Len seconded the motion. Motion passed by voice vote.
4. Lon also requested that the board be open to a called meeting of the board prior to the second week of September.
B. Communications Team:
1. Media Watch: Mary Ellen presented a written and an oral report. She reported that a local Muslim high school has requested a training in media watch. The training will be conducted by Adil Hajoube and Mary Ellen.
2. Mary Ellen distributed a handout "What game are we playing?"from the book Game Plans by Robert Keidel to illustrate models of organization communication. She urged the board to reconsider the purpose and common vision of the DPC. She asked board members to express their level of commitment to the Communications Retreat proposed for the fall (See June 16th minutes.) before she and other committee members invest time and energy in planning it. Mary Ellen committed to calling the ad hoc committee together to develop a proposal of activities for the retreat. Ad hoc committee members include Mary Ellen, Bill McElvaney, Danna, Charles Hunter, Len, Michael.
3. Dallas Peace Film Festival: Lon distributed a flyer regarding the Dallas Peace Film Festival from noon-5:00 p.m. on August 6th at the Dallas Theater Center. He urged board members to promote the event by distributing posters and flyers. Bob Dennis, representing the DPC fundraising committee, urged board members to exercise their fiduciary responsibility to support the film festival by purchasing the $125.00 anniversary package. He committed to match two board members’ pledges to purchase the $125.00 anniversary package. Bill, Len, Ron, Sidney, Iyas, and Mary Ellen committed to purchase the $125.00 package.
4. Non-violent Communications: Michael reported on his experiences in the Marshall Rosenberg course on non-violent communications and urged board members to consider taking the course.
5. Lon reported that the next issue of the DPT will go to the printer on Friday, July 22nd.
C. Dismantling Racism Team: Danna presented a written and oral report.
1. Damascus Road Anti-racism Training: The team presented two motions:1) that the DPC allocate education funds for the registration cost of this training, in the amount of $100 for each DPC staff member willing to give their time to attend the training. Bill McElvaney seconded the motion. Motion passed by voice vote. 2) that the DPC also provide education funds for a $50 half-scholarship to any board members who can attend the Dismantling Training Workshop August 19-21 with the support of a partial scholarship. Mary Ellen seconded the motion. Motion passed by voice vote
2. Civil Rights Conference: Oct. 2nd. No board action necessary at this time, but Lon suggested the board consider the DPC being a sponsor for the event at $100, which will allow the DPC a table and visibility.
D. Fundraising Team: Sidney presented an oral report.
1. Peacemaker Award Dinner will be held on December 1st.
2. Grants planning. Sidney will work with Melissa to determine the status of grant proposals and possibilities.
3. Board member obligation: Sidney will send to board members the board member obligation form to review prior to the September meeting. Kimberly reminded the board that board members’ support for the DPC should not be limited to financial obligations, but allow participation of people of all economic levels.
4. Delia distributed a flyer about a potential fund raising opportunity based on a "Blessing of the Animals" event.
E. Children and Youth: Vicki Millican sent a written report. Lon pointed out one highlight: "Peace One Day" event which includes screening of the film at the Lakewood Theater on Tuesday, Sept. 13th. No board action was taken on the motion, approved at the June meeting, to reconsider the status of the committee.
F. Swords into Plowshares
1. Sudan Peace & Justice: No report.
2. Ending the occupation of Iraq: Laray Polk reported on the meeting regarding plans for the Sept. 24th End the Occupation event. She reported that Hadi Jawad is now chair of the committee. She announced plans for the event include a solemn march from Kennedy Memorial to Oak Cliff Park, musical celebration and featured speakers. She presented a request from the organizing coalition that the DPC be an umbrella organization/lead sponsor of the event. Sponsorship would involve: 1) serving as the central clearinghouse, 2) use of DPC space to plan for the event, 3) minimum use of staff to help with information, 4) Delia and Len as board representatives on the planning committee and if one or both cannot be present at a planning meeting, they will designate a board representative. Bill McElvaney moved approval of the sponsorship provisions. Mary Ellen seconded the motion. Motion passed by voice vote. The coalition will meet every Tuesday evening at 7:00 p.m. beginning on Tuesday, July 26th at the DPC.
3. Middle East Committee: Bill McElvaney presented a written and oral report. Highlights: Jerusalem Women Speak event was attended by more than 200 and netted $3,772.00. The Transnational Video Conference at Arapaho UMC was attended by 118 people. Bill distributed a report from Bobbie regarding the various speaking events by Hagit Ra’anan. Bill informed the board the committee plans to revise the DPC statement on Palestine and Israel produced in 2002.
4. Fair Trade: Ron reported he spoke on "Workers Beat" KNON radio about CAFTA. He wrote an article for the August issue of the DPT on CAFTA. DICEJ is working with Voces Unidas to organize a seminar on the Bible and economic justice in the fall for the Spanish speaking community.
5. Landmine Removal Committee: No report.
VI. Announcements and Adjourn:
Mary Ellen moved the meeting be adjourned. Delia adjourned the meeting at 9:50 p.m.
submitted by Ron Wilhelm, Secretary
Dallas Peace Center Board Meeting Minutes September 15, 2005
Members present: Stephen Brown, Sidney Burkins, Delia Castillo, Len Ellis, Bill Matthews, Michael Millican, Danna Pyke, Bobbie Nehman, Nelda Reid, Kimberly Truitt, Ron Wilhelm
Members absent: Farrukh Hamid, Holsey Hickman (ex officio), Mary Ellen Irving, Bill McElvaney, Iyas Maleh, Sam Nance (ex officio), Liz Wolff
Staff present: Lon Burnam, Trish Majors
Visitors present: Henry Irving, Artie Turner
I. Introduction and Centering: Bill called the meeting to order at 7:21 p.m. Bill presented a quote from Petra Karin Kelly: "A truly free society must not include a "peace" which oppresses us. We must learn on our own terms what peace and freedom mean together. There can be no peace if there is social injustice and suppression of human rights, because external and internal peace are inseparable. Peace is not just the absence of mass destruction, but a positive internal and external condition in which people are free so that they can grow to their full potential."
II. Review of July minutes: Kimberly moved acceptance of minutes. Motion seconded by Bobbie. Motion passed by voice vote.
III. Treasurer’s Report: Nelda presented an oral and written report. Total August expenses = $9,954.49. Total August revenue = $8,142.45. Overall cash flow for August = ($1,812.04). Actual year-to-date revenue = $59,849.77. Budgeted year-to-date revenue = $80,207.43. Michael moved acceptance of the report. Stephen seconded the motion. Motion passed by voice vote.
IV. Team Reports
A. Infrastructure: Henry presented an oral and written report.
1. Staff: Henry reported that Jamillah and Valerie have both resigned. In their absence Rita Clarke, Jan Sanders, Ellen Danielson and others have volunteered their time to manage the office. The board recognizes their substantial contributions to the continued functioning of the center. The committee recommends that exit interviews be conducted by Liz Wolff with both departed staff. Board members were encouraged to recruit volunteers to staff the office until full time staff can be employed.
2. Board development/recruitment: The committee is working on a draft proposal for board recruitment procedures to be presented to the board at the October board meeting. The committee developed guidelines for the nomination of board officers each year. The three board members (Bobbie Nehman, Liz Wolff, Nelda Reid) whose term expires in 2005 have been asked to serve another 3 year term. Henry asked current board members to help identify potential board members. Mary Ellen has submitted her resignation from the board. Bill will send a letter of thanks for board service to Hai Ly and Mary Ellen.
B. Communications
1. Dallas Peace Times: Trish presented an oral and written proposal to move the DPT to an on-line newspaper. In addition, a print version of the DPT will be instituted as a monthly 6 page newsletter to focus on building community, publicizing upcoming events, reporting on local events sponsored or co-sponsored by the Dallas Peace Center, DPC committee reports, monthly calendar of events, summaries of important DPT online stories.
2. DPC website: Trish and Artie presented the proposal for redesigning the DPC website.
3. The committee proposed a board retreat entitled "Healing ourselves, healing our world" with an external facilitator. A facilitator and date need to be determined.
C. Peacemaker Award Dinner: Lon presented an update on the dinner. Lon presented the committee’s nominations and also nominations of Rita Calvert and the Potter’s House by individuals.
1. Nominations: Stephen moved that Hadi Jawad and Johnny Wolfe be awarded the Peacemakers of the Year Award. Ron seconded the motion. Michael moved to table the motion until Len and Lon can meet with Hadi and Johnny. Board members will be notified via e-mail regarding outcome of the meeting.
2. Phoenix award: The committee recommended that Cindy Sheehan be recognized for resurrecting the anti-war movement. The board reached consensus that she be given the award.
3. Memorial award: Danna moved we acknowledge Parker Wilson en memoriam. Motion seconded by Sidney. Motion passed by voice vote.
D. Dismantling Racism: Delia reported on the workshop. The board recognized her work in organizing the workshop.
V. Committees, events
A. Middle East: No report.
B. End the war - 9/24 Coalition: Lon distributed a flyer regarding the concert and peace rally to be held at the Black Academy of Arts and Letters/Naomi Bruton Theatre, corner of Canton and Akard from 12:00-5:00. For more information www.endthewar924.org. Proceeds will go to the Veterans for Peace Camp Casey 3 in Covington, LA.
C. Peace One Day: Lon reported the event, organized by the Children and Youth Committee, was a very successful event.
VI. Other Business arising
A. Dismantling Racism Brown Bag, "What Katrina exposed for all of us to see: Institutional Racism and Economic Justice," Thursday, Sept. 29th 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. to be moderated by Jan Sanders.
B. "Bring the troops home" rally at Congressman Joe Barton’s office every Friday from 4:00-6:00 p.m.
VII. Announcements and adjournment
Bill adjourned the meeting at 9:36 p.m.
Submitted by Ron Wilhelm
Minutes: Board of Directors Meeting Oct 20, 2005
Members present: Sidney Burkins, Delia Castillo, Len Ellis, Iyes Maleh, Bill McElvaney, Bill Matthews, Mike Millican, Danna Pyke, Nelda Reid,
Staff present: Lon Burnam, Shane Taylor
Visitors: Rashid Dara - Board Member prospect
1. Centering: Bill Matthews opened the meeting at 7:10 p.m. Bill offered centering comments focused on All Saint's Day and Day of the Dead.
2. Minutes: The Minutes of the September meeting were presented. Delia moved acceptance of minutes, Michael seconded; Minutes accepted as presented.
3. Treasurer’s Report: Nelda presented an oral and written report. Of note, the $1000 donation for the new website development. First $5,000 for the Awards Dinner went into the checking account, rather than the savings account this year. Bill McElvaney moved acceptance of report, Danna seconded; Treas. Report accepted as presented.
4. Service of Gratitude and Rememberance: Bill Mathews presented the Nov. 1 project of an Interfaith Memorium Service. The location will be Unity Church of Dallas, Tuesday, Nov 1, noon. It is possible that the service is close to the time of 2000 U.S. Military dead in Iraq, and Danna wanted to ensure we also recognized the number of Iraqi dead. Discussion that this event was not for the purpose of just this milestone, that it was to remember all who have died in any conflict, and we would be sensitive to the timing and the focus.
5. Peacemaker Dinner: Len gave an update on the status. He urged Board Members to network and promote organizations to buy tables, and for each of us to volunteer at the event. Michael expressed concerns about Cindy Sheehan's possible speech, that it perhaps would not use nonviolent communications. Suggested we ask her to talk about peace or about her appreciation for Hadi and Johnny's efforts. Although we cannot direct what she says, we can at least be prepared to respond to the press if an issue comes up. Suggest we have one spokesperson the press would interface with.
6. Team Reports:
A. Children and Youth: no report.
B. Communications: Lon passed around mock-up of new DPT newsletter format. Focus will be on the online version.
Michael discussed the "Creating a Culture of Peace" event at Camp Hoblitzel that he and Larry Brown conducted. They will also be doing a 3-week seminar series at Northhaven Methodist Nov. 6, 13 and 20th, 9:30am.
Danna talked about how exciting the NVC workshop she is taking has been, followed be discussion about DPC Board doing a workshop together; Michael will ask Judith (instructor) to come to the November meeting to do a short presentation.
C. Dismantling Racism: Delia announced that the group that attended the Dismantling Racism workshop in August met October 15th for a follow-up.
D. Fundraising: no report.
E. Infrastructure: Bill McElvaney read report on nomination process.
Lon informed us that Shane was brought on in on interim basis.
Discussed that the annual planning meeting is scheduled for Jan 7, 2006.
F. Swords into Plowshares:
Ending Occupation of Iraq: written report included. Reminder to join the Friday noon assembly near Sen. KBH office.
Middle East: none.
7. Announcements: Len reported that in addition to the action on Friday afternoon at Sen. KBH office, there is a CodePink action at Rep Joe Barton's office in Arlington, 4-6pm.
8. Adjourn: Bill McElvaney moved to adjourn, Michael Millican seconded.
submitted by Len Ellis
acting Secretary
October 21, 2005
Minutes: Board of Directors Meeting Nov 17, 2005
Members present: Sidney Burkins, Stephen Brown, Delia Castillo, Len Ellis, Bill McElvaney, Iyas Maleh, Michael Millican, Danna Pyke, Bobbie Nehman, Nelda Reid, Ron Wilhelm
Members absent: Farruk Hamid, Holsey Hickman (ex officio), Bill Matthews, Sam Nance (ex officio), Kimberly Truitt, Liz Wolff
Staff present: Lon Burnam
Visitors present: Judith Stuart-Coale, Jackie Bonner, Rashid Dara
I. Introduction and Centering: Delia called the meeting to order at 7:15 p.m. Board members and guests introduced themselves. Michael Millican read a passage about Gandhi.
II. Review of October minutes: (Who?) moved acceptance of minutes. Motion seconded by Danna.
III. Judith Stuart-Coale asked board members to experience her workshop regarding nonviolent communication by selecting one of a number of concepts on cards placed in the center of the board table. Board members then met in pairs to share what spoke to them about the term they chose. Judith then asked what members noticed about what they felt or experienced during the exercise.
IV. Treasurer’s Report: Nelda presented an oral and written report. Total October expenses = $10,002.17. Total October revenue = $9,389.36. Overall cash flow for October = ($612.81). Actual year-to-date revenue = $75,711.81. Budgeted year-to-date revenue = $119,791.87. Bill McElvaney moved acceptance of the report. Stephen seconded the motion.
2006 Budget: Nelda distributed a proposed budget. She asked committee chairs to consider committee plans and needs and then provide input regarding committee needs for the coming year. Lon and Nelda will meet prior to the December board meeting to revise the budget for board approval. Committee chairs and board members will be invited to attend.
Nelda announced she had completed and filed IRS Form 990 for 2004.
V. Annual Planning Retreat for 2006
Lon asked board members to discuss their visions, ideas, concerns, related to the work of the DPC for 2006. The board will meet on Friday evening for a pre-retreat discussion. The retreat will be held at Grace United Methodist on Saturday, Jan. 7th. Cherry Haymes will provide hospitality. The times of the pre-retreat discussion and the retreat are to be determined. Lon will organize a review and evaluation of DPC activities for 2005 for the Dec. 15th board meeting.
VI. Team Reports
A. Infrastructure: Lon presented an interim report of the nominating committee that Rashid Dara, Rob Evans, and Laray Polk be elected to board membership effective at the January, 2006 meeting. Bill McElvaney moved acceptance of the committee’s report and Iyas seconded the motion. Motion passed on a voice vote.
B. Dismantling Racism: Danna presented an oral and written report. The team’s long term goal is to develop its own training model.
C. Fundraising:
Peacemaker Awards Dinner: Len asked board members to volunteer to help with tasks at the dinner. There are 32 seats yet to sell to make 402 attendees. So far 27 tables seating 10 or 12 people each have been pledged.
D. Communications: Trish submitted a written report. The website has been revamped. Trish is preparing the first Dallas Peace Times Newsletter consisting of 8 pages. Trish recognized Artie Turner for his work with her on the website.
E. Children and Youth: No report.
F. Swords into Ploughshares: No report.
VII. Other Reports:
A. Service of Gratitude and Remembrance (Nov. 1): Lon reported that Bill Matthews organized a meaningful event, but unfortunately it received no news coverage.
B. Non-Violent advocacy meeting with Congresswoman EBJ staff (Dec. 15, 10:00 a.m.) at the Dallas Peace Center. Board members are encouraged to attend to discuss the annual Mother’s Day event and EBJ’s future plans for a nonviolent education center within DISD.
C. End the Occupation of Iraq: Lon reported on activities planned in Crawford. Lon urged board members interested in helping to shape the events related to Winter of Discontent to attend the committee meetings.
1. Thanksgiving Week activities
2. Winter of Discontent
3. Ongoing protests since death of 2000th U. S. soldier
VIII. Announcements and adjournment
Bobbie moved adjournment. Delia adjourned the meeting at 9:55 p.m.
Submitted by Ron Wilhelm
Minutes: Board of Directors Meeting Dec 15, 2005
Members present: Danna Pyke, Bill Matthews, Len Ellis, Delia Castillo, Nelda Reid, Bill McElvaney, Kimberly Truit, Joy Flora, Mike Millican,
Staff present: Lon Burnam
Board nominees present: Laray Polk, Rob Evans, Liz Branch, Marian Avalos.
Visitors: Peter Johnson
1. Opening: Bill Matthews called the meeting to order at 7:20 p.m. and Danna opened with a centering statement.
2. Minutes: The Minutes of the November meeting were presented and reviewed. Bill McElvaney moved to accept, Delia seconded; Minutes accepted as presented.
3. Treasurer’s Report: Nelda provided the Treasurer's Report; some discussion about profit from the Awards Dinner to be around $9000, and the need to bring in more money to support the programs of the DPC. Bill McElvaney moved to accept the report, Rob seconded.
Nelda also presented the budget for 2006. Discussion to change expenses of Dismantling Racism from $6000 to $1000; delete the GDCC Dinner; adding a Development Director for greater outreach to faith communities (Lon will work on a job description for this position). Shane will be leaving the end of December. Bill McElvaney moved to accept the budget with changes and subject to revision during the year, Danna seconded.
4. New Board Members: The Nominating Committee presented for election Rob Evans, Rashid Dara, Laray Polk, Liz Branch, Marian Avalos (2yr term); Nelda Reid was re-elected to a 3yr term, Liz Wolf and Bobbie Nehman to 1yr terms. Members voted approval.
5. Election of Officers: The Nominating Committee presented Bill Matthews, Mike Millican, Delia Castillo and Nelda Reid continuing in their current roles as President, Vice Presidents and Treasurer respectively, and Len Ellis as Secretary. Members voted approval.
6. 2006 Planning Retreat: Scheduled for Friday Jan6 potluck dinner (with spouses/partners) 7pm at Joyce Hall's house, and Saturday Jan 7 at Grace United Methodist, 9am - 3pm. Cherry Haymes will organize the lunch for Saturday.
7. 2005 Committee Review:
Children and Youth - not functioning this year.
Communications - NVC: Michael and Larry have led two retreats; introduced NVC to DPC Board and suggested a group workshop.
Peace Times - Trish provided a written report; new printed and on-line formats are receiving favorable response.
Dismantling Racism - Workshop held.
Fundraising Team - Awards Dinner: Len provided written report; requested board members head-up a team next year.
Summer Dinner - needs a Sponsor and subject for next year.
Infrastructure - needs people to work on the teams. Joy will continue as chair of the Development team and Jan as chair of the Volunteer team.
Swords into Plowshares - written report from Middle East Committee. The Sudan, Landmine, Military Resistance and School of the Americas committees are not active due to lack of participation.
8. MLK Day Activities: Peter Johnson gave an overview of the planned activities. He suggested the NAACP and the DPC board should meet. Plans by the city include to have military and guns back in the parade, and this is contrary to Dr. King's message. Suggested DPC withdraw from parade (although we are not yet registered to march), issue a statement, consider some other activity for Jan 14 instead of the parade. Marian talked about her experience at other parades and suggested we distribute leaflets with a positive message, Peter said he could get volunteers to help distribute. Proposed that we initiate a nonviolent protest in the form of Dr. King's April 4, 1967 speech read to the Dallas City Council meeting on Jan 11, 2006. Each speaker is limited to three minutes; Laray, Danna, Peter, Len, Michael, Bill McElvaney and Bill Matthews indicated they would participate in this action. Each speaker needs to sign-up (at City Hall) to be put on the agenda.
9. Defense Fund Agent: Lon asked if DPC would allow our name to be used as a fiduciary agent for people arrested during the Camp Casey Dallas actions. Kimberly moved that DPC accept the fiduciary responsibility based on the belief that the arrests were illegal. Michael seconded, motion passed.
10. A Season For Nonviolence: Len presented information about this international event, sponsored by the Gandhi-King Institute, now in its 9th year, and asked DPC to sponsor the 64-day event. Possible participation would be to post the daily practices on the website. Michael moved to accept in principle, Bill McElvaney seconded, motion passed. Details of participation will be presented at January's board meeting.
11. Adjourn: moved to adjourn at 9:50 p.m.
submitted by Len Ellis
acting Secretary
December 26, 2005
Minutes: Board of Directors Meeting Jan 19, 2006
Members present : Bill Matthews, Mike Millican, Delia Castillo, Len Ellis, Nelda Reid, Bill McElvaney, Sidney Burkins, Laray Polk, Rob Evans, Liz Branch, Liz Wolf, Rashid Dara.
Staff present : Lon Burnam, Trish Majors, Kathryn Cates (as consultant)
1. Opening: Introductions and a moment to center.
2. Planning Session Review: The Jan 6 and 7th sessions were reviewed and discussed; Kathryn prepared a written report; items to highlight are:
Review of the Five-year Plan
25th Anniversary Celebration
Delia would like to see the ideas from the Jan 7 morning teams put together in a document; very helpful as participants learned about the other teams; Lon concurred and would also like to have the recommendations from these groups documented
3. Minutes: The Minutes of the December meeting were presented and reviewed. Bill McElvaney moved to accept, Nelda seconded; Minutes accepted as presented.
4. Treasurer’s Report: Nelda provided the Treasurer's Report; discussion about the Credit Union sub-accounts being consolidated into one account for reporting purposes. Also, ensuring account access is limited. Liz Wolf moved to accept the report, Rob seconded; report accepted as presented.
5. Staffing: Patricia Lyons will be joining the team for a three-month position to head-up and push-forward our Grant Writing aspect of fundraising. Kathyrn Cates will start as Office Manager Feb 1, 2006.
Office was cleaned, organized, rearranged by Susan Gregory - hooray Susan!
6. Actions: Several participated in the Dallas City Council meeting, although the resolution was deferred for 30 days.
Turnout at MLK event at Library was good - about 40 participated.
Camp Casey at KBH office continues, pushing for a Feb 15 Town Hall meeting.
Winter of Discontent event also successful.
Discussed action at Joe Barton's Fundraiser on Jan 20.
7. New Member Orientation: Bill Matthews will plan for a Feb 2 orientation of new board members.
8. Other: A reminder for the February meeting - agenda item for Speaker's Committee.
Need to form a 25th Anniversary Committee ASAP. Bill Mathews will work on setting this up.
Bill Matthews asked for DPC Support of Foundation For Pluralism's HOLOCAUST Remembrance event on Jan 26 - some discussion, approved by voice vote.
Next month's meeting will be at Orbits Of Influence "CRASH" event; FunAsia in Richardson, movie starts at 4pm, discussion groups at 6pm, then we will adjourn to a private room to complete our board meeting. FunAsia is on Main St, just west of Plano Pkwy, south side of street.
9. Adjourn: moved to adjourn at 9:15 p.m.
submitted by Len Ellis
Secretary
January 26, 2006
Minutes: Board of Directors Meeting Feb 16, 2006
RevA
Members present : Bill Matthews, Mike Millican, Len Ellis, Nelda Reid, Bill McElvaney, Sidney Burkins, Laray Polk, Rob Evans, Liz Branch, Rashid Dara, Marian Avalos, Iyas Maleh, Stephen Brown.
Staff present : Lon Burnam, Patricia Lyons
Visitor: David Reid
1. Opening: Bill Mathews called the meeting to order at 8:40 and introduced Patricia Lyons.
2. Minutes: The Minutes of the January meeting were presented, reviewed and accepted as presented by a voice vote.
3. Treasurer’s Report: Nelda provided the Treasurer's Report; consolidation of the sub-accounts is in process. Report accepted as presented by voice vote.
4. Actions: Camp Casey at KBH office continues; Lon reported that he and two others tried to go to KBH office, were turned away, Rusty was arrested. The action will continue every Friday.
'March To Redeem the Soul of America' is planned for March - DPC has been asked to sponsor, and to support a boycott of Exxon/Mobil. This would require funding, and a committee and chair to move forward.
5. Teams:
Communications Team -
Laray presented team report; asked if each team would like a page on the website.
If you have a desire to be a reporter or writer, please contact Trish.
Reminder that Dallas Video Festival coming up in August.
Dismantling Racism [Danna] -
involved in Grant Writing research; reminder that there will be an uppcoming "Connection" meeting.
Fundraising [Sidney] -
began working with Patricia on grant writing.
Organization [Bill Matthews] -
passed out an Org Chart as well as a "Purpose and Goals" draft for each team; asked that each team fill out the details, return them, and this could also be used as the webpage basis.
Peace Education [Michael] - discussed possibility of NVC workshop; March 30 was suggested, but another workshop is already planned.
Teams (con't)
Swords/Plowshares [Bill Mc] -
Reminder that there is a "brown-bag" workshop this coming Wednesday.
Michael Lerner is going to be in Waco in March, Bill is working on getting him here in Dallas, too.
On Feb 24, 7pm, a Christian/Muslim dialog with speaker will take place at Arapaho United Methodist.
Participation in the March 19 "End the War in Iraq" action was discussed - see item 6.
6. March 19 Action: Liz discussed plans for a march in Dallas on Sunday, March 19. Liz made a motion, Danna seconded, for DPC to sponsor and participate in this event. Discussion followed about permits, insurance, police, march route, peacemaker training and presence. The committee is meeting this coming Monday, so these issues will be discussed and Liz will present a written proposal. The motion for DPC support was affirmed by voice vote, pending approval of the written proposal and speakers.
7. Other: Announcement that Colman McCarthy will be a Bishop Dunne HS March 2nd and 3rd.
8. Adjourn: moved to adjourn at 9:50p.m.
submitted by Len Ellis
Secretary
February 18, 2006
Revised March 16, 2006
Minutes: Board of Directors Meeting March 16, 2006
Members present : Bill Matthews, Delia Castillo, Len Ellis, Bill McElvaney, Rob Evans, Liz Branch, Liz Wolff, Stephen Brown.
Staff present : Lon Burnam, Patricia Lyons
1. Opening: Bill Mathews called the meeting to order at 7:15pm.
2. Minutes: The Minutes of the February meeting were presented; two clarifications/changes were requested. Report was accepted with changes by a voice vote.
3. Treasurer’s Report: Lon reviewed the report. Of note was the level of expenses for the year versus the income, with a reminder to do what we can to increase the income. Motion to accept the report by Liz Wolff, second by Liz Branch, accepted as presented by voice vote.
4. Teams:
Fundraising [Sidney] -
Written report provided. Summer Dinner needs chair and speaker - all suggestions welcomed. Dennis Kucinich has been asked, no response yet. Deadline for determining speaker is the first week in April.
Summer Dinner will be a kick-off for the DPC 25th Anniversary.
The Board Member Resolution will be mailed to each board member.
Communications Team -
Written report provided. Committee chairs are asked to focus on creating a substantive webpage presence. Reminder that Dallas Video Festival is August 12.
Dismantling Racism [] - Written report provided.
Organization [] - Writtne Volunteer report provided.
Peace Education [] - Plans for a training in April. Bill gave an oral report on the Colman McCarthy event.
Swords/Plowshares [Bill Mc] -
Reminder that there are two "brown-bag" workshops coming up - March 23 and April 5.
Landmine Removal written report provided, with a reminder that there is a plan for a Walk-A-Thon the last weekend in April. Also, El Centro "Idea For Peace" March 28.
Lon discussed the "Million Voices For Darfur" initiative, asked everyone to sign an advocacy postcard and reminder for an April 26 speaker.
April 1 will be the march to Crawford in conjunction with the "March To Redeem the Soul of America" action.
5. March 19 Action: Liz discussed plans for a march in Dallas on Sunday, March 19. Speakers for the event have been contacted.
6. Adjourn: moved to adjourn at 9:00p.m.
submitted by Len Ellis
Secretary
March 22, 2006
Minutes: Board of Directors Meeting April 20, 2006
Members present : Bill Matthews, Laray Polk, Delia Castillo, Len Ellis, Michael Millican, Rob Evans, Liz Branch, Liz Wolff, Sidney Burkins, Nelda Reed.
Staff present : Lon Burnam, Kathryn Cates
Visitor: David Reed
1. Opening: Bill Mathews called the meeting to order at 7:07pm.
2. Minutes: The Minutes of the March meeting were presented; Delia moved to accept, second by Rob; report was accepted by a voice vote.
3. Treasurer’s Report: Nelda reviewed the report. Motion to accept the report by Liz Wolff, second by Rob, accepted as presented by voice vote. We now have the opportunity to have a checking account with Women's Credit Union, so a motion was made by Liz Wolff to open an account and close the Bank of Texas checking. Delia seconded the motion, all in favor by voice vote.
4. 2006 Budget Adjustment: After some discussion about extending Patricia Lyon's Development position, Nelda presented a motion to fund the position by adjusting the budget $3,000. This would extend Patricia's position through June, 2006; second made by Liz, all voted to approve, no objections.
5. Teams:
Fundraising [Sidney] -
Written report provided. Some concern about Summer Dinner - still need chair and a speaker and deadline is fast approaching. Tom Hayden has not yet confirmed.
Len has agreed to chair the Peacemaker Dinner in December and has requested each board member take an active role by signing up to be a team leader; a task list will be distributed and each can acknowldege which area they would like to serve.
About half of the Board pledge requests have been returned.
Communications Team [Laray] -
Written report provided. Webpage input seems to have generated little interest; suggested that Artie work with each committee chair to show what might be possible. Reminder to let Trish know of the great job she is doing with the Dallas Peace Times, both the printed and the online versions. Reminder that Dallas Video Festival is August 12 and it looks very encouraging.
Dismantling Racism [Delia] -
Written report provided. Proposed having a focused discussion during the pre-board dinner; topic and material will be sent to members before the meeting.
Organization [Lon] -
Written Team and Committee Chair list provided; team leader still needed.
Peace Education [Michael] - Creating a Culture of Peace training was held March 31, with about 15 people. Looking to get Michael Nagler here in the fall or early next year.
Swords/Plowshares [Liz Branch] -
Written report on Darfur was presented, as well as a reminder for the April 26 events, and to mail in the postcards. Written report of End the Occupation of Iraq also presented.
6. Brown-Bag Lunch Sponsorship: Discussion of past brown-bag lunch programs and whether DPC should sponsor speakers who might be considered controversial.
7. Announcements: Look at the possibility of a Memorial Day event - what and where? Lon suggested we have a 9-11 Memorial event where Gandhi's Sept 11, 1906 speech to the South African Parliament is re-enacted.
8. Adjourn: moved to adjourn at 9:25p.m.
submitted by Len Ellis
Secretary
April 24, 2006
Minutes: Board of Directors Meeting May 18, 2006
RevA
Members present : Bill Matthews, Laray Polk, Liz Wolff, Mike Millican, Delia Castillo, Nelda Reed, Bill McElvaney, Marion Avalos, Sidney Burkins, Dana Pyke, Bobbie Nehman, Holsey Hickman, Liz Branch.
Staff present : Lon Burnam
Visitors: Joy Flora (Dismantling Racism), Vicki Millican, Karen Blessing, Linda McLemore (Art Spirit).
1. Opening: Bill Matthews called the meeting to order.
2. Minutes: The minutes of the April meeting were presented. It was requested to amend the end of the Treasurer’s report to show that a motion was offered to allow setting up of a bank checking account at the Women’s Credit Union. As amended, the minutes were accepted.
3. Treasurer’s Report: The Treasurer’s Report was presented and accepted. Lon Nelda noted that the payroll taxes would now be paid monthly ($99.51) rather than quarterly. Also highlighted the negative YTD cash flow of almost $14,000 ($13,958.47) and current available operating funds of $4,116.47, but noted that about $4,000 had been received in May so far.
4. Proposal: Art Spirit invites the Dallas Peace Center to partner with them and Umbrellas for Peace together with the Bishop Arts Merchants, for a Block Party Peace Festival in the Bishop Arts District of Oak Cliff to celebrate World Peace Day (celebrated internationally on Thursday, September 21). They shared their plans thus far and said that the Dallas Peace Center could participate in any way board felt was appropriate. Vicki Millican agreed to be the coordinating link for the Dallas Peace Center and that she plans to work with peace moms and children’s groups.
Liz moved and Bill seconded the motion that we affirm in spirit our interest in participating in the Festival and will continue to explore clear ways that participation can be realized in a culturally sensitive manner. The motion was approved. It was decided not to be included in the Art Spirit letter at this time, awaiting clarification of details regarding coordination with the Mexican American community around the choice of date, Saturday, September 16. Until details and full acceptance of, our participation is defined and approved.
5. Teams:
Fundraising [Sidney] - Sidney encouraged the board to be diligent in paying pledges, and securing funding for the DPC. He reported on the upcoming fundraising event - the Summer Dinner Lecture with speaker Tom Hayden and encouraged teams to buy a table.
Communications Team [Laray] - Written report provided. A group of four met with Artie to begin training on team web pages.
Dismantling Racism [Joy] - Joy Flora led a Role and Assessment dialogue based on the Mennonite Damascus Road training. In her assessment and that of the committee, DPC has, in some areas, moved from the passive to the symbolic change stage. The stated goal is to become more inclusive, make structural changes and get to identity change stage. Using as one example the complete lack of statement or active participation, as an organization, in the recent immigration Rights action. The committee met with the NAACP to explore working on a panel to address institutional and systemic racism.
Organization [Lon] - Lon reports that this team does not have a lead yet. Joy notes that the Board Development committee is working.
Peace Education [Michael] - Michael moved and Nelda seconded the motion that “the Dallas Peace Center would serve as a non-financial sponsor/co-sponsor of two presentations by Michael Nagler in Dallas on September 29, 2006 on Nonviolence and September 30, 2006 on Spiritual Disciplines For Our Spiritual Crisis and authorize the Nonviolent Communication Team to facilitate the event. The motion was approved.
Swords/Plowshares [Liz Branch] - Written report provided. In addition Lon reported that the presence at the McCain reception was small but seen by McCain, and that it included several young students from the area who came to join in. Laray reported on the Women in Black being present in front of the Federal Building, Houston St., to help people being recruited to join the military to know their rights, and alternatives. Two published articles, one in CounterPunch, and the other in the June issue of DPC Times give details.
6. Brown-Bag Lunch Sponsorship: Mike moved and Rob seconded that we table the proposed “Endorsement Disclaimer” submitted by Len. The general feeling was that this is a needed statement and this is a good beginning. Any suggestions for revision are to be sent to Len.
7. Announcements: Bill Matthews presented information regarding the proposed schedule and venues for Prof. M. D. “Nonu” Nalapat, Editor of The Times of India, June 11-June14.
Bill also shared a letter from Larry McMullen regarding his request that we possibly find a venue for a talk by Antonia Yuhasz, author of “The Bush Agenda: Invading the World, One Economy at a Time.”
8. Adjourn: moved to adjourn at 9:30p.m.
submitted by Liz Branch
acting Secretary
June 5, 2006
(ammended 6-12-2006 L.E.)
Minutes: Board of Directors Meeting June 15, 2006
Members present: Bill Matthews, Delia Castillo, Nelda Reid, Marion Avalos, Sidney Burkins, Len Ellis, Rob Evans, Liz Branch;
proxies: Stephen Brown, Laray Polk, Danna Pyke.
Staff present: Lon Burnam
Visitors: David Reid, Joan Mirabal.
1. Opening: Bill Matthews called the meeting to order at 7:15pm; a period of silence and reflection was observed.
2. Minutes: The ammended minutes of the May meeting were presented. It was requested to remove the $99.51 payroll tax amount from the Treasurer's report. As amended, Rob moved to accept, Marion second, the minutes were accepted by voice vote.
3. Treasurer’s Report: The Treasurer’s Report was presented; highlighted was notice of five checks that had been written in December, 2005, and appeared on the report, but never cleared the bank. These were re-written this month and appear on this report, along with an offsetting credit. There was also a transfer from the credit union account, but the amount had not been figured into the report, so it was agreed that the report would be received as 'pending'' Liz made the motion, Rob second, approved by voice vote.
A motion to extend the Development position until the end of August was made by Len, Delia second; approved by voice vote.
4. Art Spirit Endorsement: Discussion about our involvement with the 'Block Party' to be held in Oak Cliff on Sept 16, which might conflict with celebrations in the Mexican-American community. Liz moved to endorse DPC participation, Nelda second, approved by voice vote.
5. July Board Meeting: Rather than not having a board meeting next month, Liz moved to have an abbreviated board meeting on July 20; Rob second, approved by voice vote.
6. DPC Event Disclaimer: Carried over from last month, three variations of the event disclaimer were read and discussed. From the three, we crafted a new disclaimer; Len agreed to rewrite it and submit it for further editing and input via email, with a final version to be available before the Summer Dinner.
7. Teams:
Fundraising [Sidney] - Joan Mirabal gave an overview of where we are WRT the Summer Dinner. Sidney encouraged and reminded us to buy tickets and recruit people for the Summer Dinner - each of us makes a difference.
Communications Team [ ] - Written report provided. One of the summer intern will be helping each team to create a webpage.
Dismantling Racism [Delia] - reminder of NAACP meeting on Saturday.
Organization [Lon] - team still does not have a lead, but has been meeting. Some concern about board member attendance at meetings.
Peace Education [ ] - reminder that Michael Nagler will be presenting workshops on Sept 29 and 30, 2006.
Swords/Plowshares [Liz Branch] - Written report provided. Liz provided overview of current issues. Several items of interest: demonstration at Federal Bldg tomorrow; History Of Oil: http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article13416.htm.
8. Announcements: Many reminders listed in the Agenda. Of note:
Peacemaker reunion July 6; Peacemaker nominations due soon; Richard Deats visit in August; support Camp Casey(Crawford) in July; and Dallas Peace Film Festival.
9. Adjourn: moved to adjourn at 9:00p.m.
submitted by Len Ellis
Secretary
June 18, 2006
Minutes: Board of Directors Meeting July 20, 2006
Members present: Bill Matthews, Stephen Brown, Delia Castillo, Nelda Reid, Marion Avalos, Danna Pyke, Michael Millican, Len Ellis, Rob Evans, Liz Branch, Rashid Dara;
proxies: Bill McElvaney, Laray Polk, Liz Wolff.
Staff present: Lon Burnam, Patricia Lyons.
Visitors: David Reid.
1. Opening: Bill Matthews called the meeting to order at 7:15pm; with a centering.
2. Minutes: The June minutes were presented. Delia moved to accept, Liz second, the minutes were accepted by voice vote.
3. Treasurer’s Report: A walk-through of the financial statement by Nelda was done, questions answered as we progressed. From last month, we had agreed to review the May report this month, but as we had reviewed it by the walk-through, Rob moved to not revisit May's report - so approved. The walk-through included the June Treasurer’s Report, so Liz moved to accept, Danna second, approved by voice vote.
A Fundraising Workshop will be presented by CNP on August 15 was announced, participation and sign-up requested.
4. Development review: a review of the efforts for fundraising was presented by Patricia. It was then requested that we extend the Development position through Dec 31, 2006. A motion to extend the position was made by Stephen, a second by Danna and all approved by voice vote.
Patricia announced that we have received an annonymous $25,000 challenge grant, and for every dollar raised, it will be matched, up to the maximum. $10,000 has been earmarked for infrastructure improvement, as evidenced by the new phone system. A "Challenge Checklist" was distributed that detailed the criteria and activities.
It was suggested a committee be formed for the 25th Anniversary events and planning; waiting for someone to step forward to head this up.
5. Peacemaker of the Year Award: From a gathering of past recipients earlier in the month, a recommendation of two awards: Peter Johnson and Diane Baker. Discussion about whether one should be "Lifetime Achievement" and one "Peacemaker", and whether there should also be other nominees (two were received by email). This was tabled until next month, and a request for bios for the nominees was made.
6. Teams:
No team reports this month as we focused on writing our position statement on the Israel/Lebanon war. The final version will be presented tomorow (July 21) at a press conference at City Hall.
7. Announcements: Reminders of Richard Deats visit August 6; support Camp Casey(Crawford) in July; and Dallas Peace Film Festival August 12.
8. Request: due to a major project she is working on, Laray has asked for leave from her board responsibilities for several months; we approved this by voice vote.
9. Adjourn: moved to adjourn at 9:30p.m.
submitted by Len Ellis
Secretary
July 28, 2006
Minutes: Board of Directors Meeting August 17, 2006
Members present: Bill Matthews, Sidney Birkins, Delia Castillo, Nelda Reid, Bobbie Nehman, Danna Pyke, Michael Millican, Len Ellis, Rob Evans, Bill McElvaney;
proxies: Liz Branch, Liz Wolff, Marian Avalos, Stephen Brown, Rashid Dara.
Staff present: Lon Burnam.
Visitors: David Reid, Vicki Millican, Rolf Ernst, Walt Harrison.
1. Opening: Bill Matthews called the meeting to order at 7:15pm; with a poem.
2. Minutes: The July minutes were presented. Bill Mc moved to accept, Rob second, the minutes were accepted without change by voice vote.
3. Treasurer’s Report: Nelda reviewed the July report; of note that with the $25,000 challenge grant 'on-the-books' we are approximately $7,000 positive for the year. Nelda reported the 990 Tax Return was filed, as required. Bill Mc moved to accept the report, Danna second, approved by voice vote.
4. Development: The CNP Fundraising Workshop was attended by four members and was very informative.
It was noted that we are still wanting someone to step forward to head up the 25th Anniversary events and planning committee.
5. DCTV: Walt and Rolf introduced a proposal for DPC to be able to air programs on DCTV (Public Access Cable TV). Walt and Rolf would donate their time and talent to produce mini-documentaries, educational programs, etc. The cost to do this is a $150/yr membership fee, $45/yr associate fee, plus a one-time $535 training fee. Most of this expense is to be covered by a grant of $500. There was concern about accountability and responsibility of what gets put on the air, and also that a "speaker's authorization form" will be required. Written report and copy of the DCTV contract provided.
Danna made a motion to go ahead with the formation of an advisory committee for oversight, and to authorize the expenditure of $730 for registration and training; Nelda second, approved by voice vote.
6. Richard Deats Event: An additional $350 is required to pay an honorarium. Danna moved to authorize payment, Bobbie second, approved by voice vote.
7. Peacemaker of the Year Award: Verbal approval of "Lifetime Achievement Award" to Peter Johnson and "Peacemaker of the Year Award" to Diane Baker was given. Discussion about written acknowledgement to the other nominee, and a future award category for young adults just getting involved with peacemaking.
8. Nuclear Weapon Position Statement: A draft of a statement to renew and clarify our position was discussed; suggestions for change were made. Len agreed to edit, then send this by email to solicit further changes if necessary, until board members have agreed to its content and context.
9. Teams:
Fundraising [Lon] - review of the $25,000 matching grant and letter that will go out, including the fees for an outside service to print and mail the letter.
Communications Team [Lon] - Written report from Trish. Of note was the Peace Film Festival and that if we are to participate next year, we will need a commitment of corporate sponsorship and volunteers in advance.
Dismantling Racism [Delia] - Written report and reminder that the quarterly meeting is August 27, 2-4pm.
Peace Education [Michael] - Written report and reminder that Michael Nagler will give presentations Sept 29 and 30th. Board members were requested to help post and distribute flyers; Michael will email the flyer to all board members, and if you would like a poster, he will provide these.
Swords/Plowshares [Bill McElvaney] -Written report and Bill gave an overview of Michael Deats visit, and shared photos.
10. Announcements: Lots of peace happenings in September - be sure to check the calendar. Sept 11 Memorial events; Sept 14 Interfaith Prayer Service; Sept 16 Day of Peace (ArtSpirit is asking for volunteers to help setup, cleanup and peacmakers); Sept 17 Interfaith Prayer Service; Sept 21 Int'l Day of Peace; Sept 25/26 Antonia Juhasz; Sept 29/30 Michael Nagler. .
11. Adjourn: Michael moved to adjourn, Nelda second, at 9:30p.m.
submitted by Len Ellis
Secretary
August 19, 2006
Minutes: Board of Directors Meeting September 21, 2006
Members present: Bill Matthews, Sidney Birkins, Delia Castillo, Nelda Reid, Bobbie Nehman, Michael Millican, Len Ellis, Liz Branch, Bill McElvaney;
proxies: Liz Wolff, Danna Pyke,
