Chapter Minutes--March 7, 2005

Hollywood Renaissance Hotel

People in Attendance: Eugene Begay, Diana Betoney, Anita Blanco, Mary Brand, Brenda Burns, Marinda Carroll, Kevin Chase, Irv Coin, Lonnie Densberger, Randee Dermer, Marco Diaz, Michelle Figueroa, Mario Garibay, Sara Gjere, Rex Harvey, Linda Hooper, Maxine James, Silvester Mata, Robert McCune, Christopher Mims, Rhonda Moses, Todd Peapenberg, Lydia Perez, Eliot Schipper, Stephanie Sivak, Roselyn Stevens, Mary Tiradini, Amy Torgerson

• Meeting is called to order by Anita Blanco at 4:55pm
• Welcome and Introductions- each person introduces themselves, their school and position, as well as how many times they have attended the Annual WESTOP Convention. We have 11 people who are attending the convention for the first time. 
• Review and Approval of the Minutes- Anita says that Michelle was very prompt in completing the minutes.  Eliot moves to approve, Todd seconds, the motion passes unanimously.
• President’s Report
• Meeting of the Members is on March 8, 2005.  You should arrive early.  At that time annual reports and committee reports will be distributed.  These reports are a snapshot of what goes on and where to volunteer.
• The WESTOP Board of Directors (BOD) went to Kona, HI in January to look at 2008 Annual Convention Sites.  The BOD will return to Hawaii in May and may sign a hotel contract. 
• Tomorrow will be the start of a dialogue on the Strategic Plan.  This will include structure changes and mission modification.  There are lots of changes proposed, there won’t be a vote yet, it needs to be discussed first.  Previously changes were suggested and didn’t pass.  These current changes are being proposed so that members can ask questions and make modifications.  There is a need to understand these changes as they would affect the bylaws.
• Bush’s Budget has received a lot of activity on the listserve.  The new members should sign up for the list serve.  Anita will add new members to the AZ email list.  A blueprint will be presented tomorrow by Stephen Domingues; it is a guide and may vary from state to state.  One of the discussion points from today is to add a goal to each committee that is in regards to the budget, this has already been done.   We as WESTOP are a non-profit, and are limited as a chapter (but, not as an individual).  We can only spend 2% of the budget on lobbying (policy, mailings, phone calls).  We need to make sure that we are in compliance with this.
• Questions- Irv says there are website addresses to look at on the WESTOP website.  An email was sent out about a national survey.  We should all respond.  Irv then introduces himself and commends the chapter and our strength in the last ten years, especially our new and dynamic leadership. 
• Treasurer’s Report
• Kevin has a copy of the Profit and Loss statement if anyone would like to see a copy.  There are still some outstanding checks.  Our net income is -$294, but it will be ok because of the outstanding checks.  We will be getting a bank deposit card, so that the treasurer doesn’t have to go to the bank when it is open but can go to an ATM anytime.  The records have been converted to online QuickBooks so that designated people can have access (AZ President and WESTOP CFO).  Lydia adds that Kevin and Anita always have everything done and are not singled out as problem child by the CFO, Joy.
• Old Business
• TRiO Day- Lydia thanks all who came.  We were well represented with 200 people.  None of the speakers came, but we still went over on time.  It was videotaped by ASU.  There is a round of applause for Lydia and Lee Fulmer who planned the event. 
• Irv commends the folks from Dine; it was the best PDS since he has been involved.  Another round of applause.
• New Business
• Elections- There was only one nominee for each position.  Michelle from U of A for President and Sara from NAU for Secretary.  There is a vote by acclamation, passes unanimously.  Anita asks the members to help and give ideas even if they don’t hold an office.  Rhonda Moses will be stepping up as President on Wednesday, March 9, 2005.  Please make sure you get information to Sara so she can keep accurate records.  Eliot highlights our leadership, both Michelle and Sara are new, he thanks them and says each has a lot to offer.  Irv wants to add that he didn’t know anyone at the roundtable, it is a new set of people in TRiO, but he will be behind the scenes offering advice.  Irv says it is good to see the people from Phoenix College.
• COE Fund Development/Chapter Challenge- Council for Opportunity in Education uses Fair Share to raise money for lobbying.  It is one of the top five associations for lobbying in education.  There are different ways to contribute; institutional membership or personal membership.  Irv had suggested at the PDS that each person should contribute a dollar a week.  Each region is responsible for an amount.  Arizona has missed the mark in past years.  If you donate a certain amount you can get a gift from the COE table near the exhibitors.  The chapter challenge is based on averages.  Anita challenges each member to donate $5 and the forms are available to fill out here.  Let Anita know if you need to get money and return the form later.  Institution memberships can use program funds for the subscription. 
• Irv says that our sister chapter Pacific Islands has always met their fair share, so we should too.
• Lydia says we have until two weeks prior to June 30.
• Arizona response to Bush’s Budget- More information will be available tomorrow after the blueprint is unveiled.  Anita wants to wait to ensure our plan is inline with what is discusses during Policy Seminar.  However, WESTOP’s plan is based on AZ Chapter’s plan.  As a hint the plan is based on a marketing plan with an emphasis on alumni one week, students the following, administrators the third week, parents the fourth week.  This will show strong support.  The plan also includes; reminders, press packets, background information, sample letters.  Make sure that you have press releases when your congressman is in town. There is still time, but we should gather statistics and numbers.  There is a question about an alternative database.  Anita responds that she is working on it, any alternative addresses should be sent to Anita. 
• Announcements
• Eliot encourages Rhonda to set dates for meetings early.  Anita says she tried to have different dates to accommodate everyone as best as possible

Rhoda has a schedule which she distributes.  She is asking schools to help host.  A room for 50 would be great, food would be wonderful.

• Irv wants to thank Anita for this year.  She has done an outstanding job.  There is a round of applause.
• Rhonda wants to thank Anita and gives her a gift.
• Anita says it was her pleasure.  Everyone has been stepping up in many different ways and she is always there to help.  Anita opens her gift.
• Keep TRiO Alive bracelets are available as a fundraiser through ASU.
• City Walk starts at 6:30pm and metro passes at $2.50, wear comfy shoes and your badge.
• Adjournment- Motion by Lydia at 5:45pm.

Respectfully Submitted by

Sara M Gjere