| United Nations Association of Greater Oklahoma City |
| United Nations Association of the United States of America Greater Oklahoma City Chapter P.O. Box 60856 Oklahoma City, OK 73146-0856 Contact Us |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  |
GREATER OKLAHOMA CITY CHAPTER –
UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(UNA-USA/OKC)
MEETING OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS
5:30pm, Monday, September 11, 2006
Oklahoma Christian Disciples' Center
DRAFT MINUTES: Bill Bryant, Secretary
UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(UNA-USA/OKC)
MEETING OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS
5:30pm, Monday, September 11, 2006
Oklahoma Christian Disciples' Center
DRAFT MINUTES: Bill Bryant, Secretary
| Created Sept. 18, 2006 Webmaster |
In Attendance: Lowell Adams, Mónica Alzate, Bill Bryant, Bill Dudley, Bob Elliott, Marie Hooper, Ruth Males,
Firouz Mollaian, Fran Morris, Nancy Musselman, Emily Shurley.
Absent with Regrets: Mary Benner, Ron Burkard, Bob Cox, Jalal Daneshfar, Jerry Stephens, Lee Tucker
(OU).
Absent: Harley Venters.
(1) Opening of Meeting. Convening at the Disciples Center, the meeting was called to order by Marie
Hooper at about 5:30pm. Introductions were made all around. Lowell Adams was welcomed to his first
meeting. It was noted that Bob Cox was absent, with regrets, as well as several other members of the board.
Prior to the meeting, members received copies of a flyer for a “Remember and Honor” event, commemorating
the anniversary of 9/11 and the spirit of global unity that emerged as a response. The event was held on 9/12
at Epworth United Methodist Church.
(2) Business Reports. A couple of items of business were considered in this portion of the meeting.
A. Review of Minutes of August Meeting. The minutes of the August meeting were reviewed, and Ruth
Males moved them for approval as published; seconded by Emily Shurley. VOTE: All aye; motion carried.
B. Financial Report. Firouz Mollaian circulated several copies of a 1-page “Treasurer’s Report.” The
report summarized the chapter’s income and expenses as follows:
Previous balance on 6-12-06 … $3,087.92
Income … 184.00
Expenses … 0
Closing Balance, 8-14-06 … $3,271.92
The income reflected two items: (i) A check for $164.00 received from the national office for our chapter’s
allocated share of income from dues payments; and (ii) Money collected for the sale of books, $20.00. There
have been no expenditures from our treasury since the last meeting.
There was a short discussion of membership and the need to check the status of board members. (Fran
Morris agreed to put membership brochures in the mail to Ruth Males and Lowell Adams).
Ruth moved to accept the report; seconded by Fran. VOTE: All aye; motion carried.
(3) Committee Reports. Several chapter activities were reviewed during this part of the meeting.
A. Education / Programs. Marie reported on preparations for the UN Day luncheon program at OCU. We’
ll be in a new location this year: The atrium of the Wanda L. Bass Music Center. The brochure for the event is
being prepared.
Fran reported that the keynote speaker will be Sherry Blazi of the Sooner Start program.
There was a brief discussion about scholarships that will be available for the program.
Fran reported on plans for our chapter’s participation in the Global Oklahoma festival. The event will take
place on Saturday, October 7th, at Rose State College. The volunteer schedule was reviewed. It was noted
that Trick-or-Treat collection boxes will be given away (as a fund-raising method and awareness-raising
technique for Unicef).
Nancy Musselman suggested that we should try to keep track of the boxes that we distribute. By consensus, it
was agreed that a sign-up sheet will be created so that our chapter can stay in touch with the people who take
the Trick-or-Treat boxes.
It was noted that the Fall Peace Fest will take place at the Hall of Mirrors in the Oklahoma City Civic Center on
November 11th. Fran has reserved a table for our chapter. A volunteer schedule will be created. Eager
volunteers were identified: Lowell Adams, Bill Dudley, Bob Elliott, and Ruth Males. Others will be recruited
later.
B. Advocacy. Bill Bryant reported that he and Ron Burkard have collaborated on a Letter to the Editor of
The Oklahoman. (The letter, published on September 13th, was on the subject of the new UN Human Rights
Council).
C. Membership. A copy of the latest membership galley was circulated. The list will be provided to Jerry
Stephens after the meeting.
D. Adopt-A-Minefield. Bob Elliott was recognized. He reminded the board about the discussion of a
possible concert fund-raiser that was discussed at last month’s meeting. He suggested that the chapter
should look elsewhere for leadership on organizing such an event, expressing his reluctance to tackle such an
ambitious task.
In response, Ruth suggested that the OU student group might be persuaded to take on the project. Perhaps
Lee Tucker could be contacted about this idea, she said. Bob agreed.
Several other ideas were offered, as a brainstorm broke out among the directors. Suggestions included—
• A silent auction as part of the annual OCU Hunger Banquet;
• Other concerts;
• Dinners;
• Auctions – perhaps at several venues.
These ideas will be discussed in more detail at the board’s meeting in October.
E. Nominations Committee. Bill Dudley reported that a meeting of his committee has not yet convened.
Emily Shurley agreed to serve with him. It was suggested that Jerry Stephens should also be asked to
participate. The need for a few more active board members was acknowledged.
F. High School Essay Contest. Jalal Daneshfar was absent, but he reported to the board via email:
“UNA-USA website does not have the 2007 High School Essay Contest information yet. I should have that
information by Global Oklahoma.”
G. Public Relations. There was no report.
(4) Chapter Coordination. During this portion of the meeting, several items were addressed relative to
our chapter’s coordination with related organizations and events.
A. UN Day Planning. Marie reviewed the plans for our chapter’s luncheon on Saturday, October 21st. In
addition to Fran, the planning committee consists of Marie Hooper and Mary Benner.
• A reception team will be formed, and Ruth volunteered to serve on it. Fran said Betty Wagner and Brooke
Stabler can also be counted on to help.
• Bob Elliott and Lowell Adams offered to come early to help with set-up.
• Regarding publicity, Emily will use her contacts at Channel 5 to help get the word out.
• Bill Bryant reported that Governor Henry has signed a proclamation announcing the observance of UN
Day. Our chapter will receive the proclamation in the mail this week.
• Marie pointed out that we will need help with name tags.
• Regarding the mailing of the UN Day brochure, Marie reported that Bob Cox has mailing labels. There are
about 300 addresses. Ruth will help with the mailing.
• Seating at the head table was discussed. Marie suggested that Fran should be there to introduce the
keynote speaker. Bob Elliott will offer an invocation. Bob Cox will be at the head table, of course. And, we will
reserve a place for the person who is traditionally named as the honorary UN Day Chairperson.
• Menu: Marie reported that there will be choices for vegetarians and eclectic eaters.
• The mailing will go out next week.
• Tickets will be $20 each.
• Ruth suggested that scholarships should be offered to students of Maternal Health as well as to students
of Mónica Alzate and other educators on our board of directors.
B. Student Representatives. No report.
(5) Old Business. There was no unfinished business to discuss.
(6) New Business. A couple of items of new business were brought to the board’s attention.
A. International Day of Peace. Bill Bryant reported that the International Day of Peace will be observed
in Oklahoma City on Thursday, September 21st. An event is being planned to take place at the Episcopal
Church Center at 924 N. Robinson at 7 o’clock in the evening. It will include a silent walk around the
Oklahoma City National Memorial. Bill recommended that our chapter should co-sponsor the celebration. By
consensus, the board agreed.
NOTE: Other local co-sponsors of the International Day of Peace include the Spiritual Walk for Peace, the
Peace House, Oklahoma Committee for Conscientious Objectors, Veterans For Peace, Buddhist Peace
Fellowship, Catholic Peace Fellowship, Episcopal Peace & Justice Commission, AntiWarFair Coalition, Joy
Mennonite Church, Mayflower Congregational Church, and Church of the Open Arms UCC.
B. Student Internship Program. Marie noted that the UNA-USA offers an internship program for high
school, undergraduate, and graduate students. The internship assignments take place in New York City.
There is more information about the program on the internet:
http://www.unausa.org/site/pp.asp?c=fvKRI8MPJpF&b=317257
In a pre-conference email message to the board, Bob Cox wrote: “…The item I will not be able to present is a
request from a student for an internship with UNA-USA. She is a very responsible and engaged individual. I
would like to discuss how we might utilize student volunteers in an official internship program. There is still
time, so we can postpone it until the October meeting.”
(7) Announcements and Adjournment. Several announcements were made in this portion of the
meeting.
Bob Elliott announced that the annual conference of The Interfaith Alliance of Oklahoma will take place on
October 19th at the Events Centre in Oklahoma City. For more information, contact Bob at 842-9738.
Email Bob.
Bill Bryant announced that the President of Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, will make a keynote speech at the
University of Oklahoma on Thursday, September 14th. Tickets for the luncheon are available through the OU
Special Events office.
Another event taking place on September 14th is a meeting of Americans United for the Separation of Church
and State. Bob Elliott has more details.
Finally, it was agreed that the next meeting of the Board of Directors will be:
Monday, October 9, 2006 -- 5:30pm
Disciples’ Center
301 NW 36th Street
Oklahoma City, OK
Any special agenda items should be sent to Bob Cox in advance of the meeting.
Without objection, the meeting adjourned at about 6:40pm. Professor Hooper thanked everyone for their
active participation.
Prepared by Bill Bryant
September 16, 2006
Firouz Mollaian, Fran Morris, Nancy Musselman, Emily Shurley.
Absent with Regrets: Mary Benner, Ron Burkard, Bob Cox, Jalal Daneshfar, Jerry Stephens, Lee Tucker
(OU).
Absent: Harley Venters.
(1) Opening of Meeting. Convening at the Disciples Center, the meeting was called to order by Marie
Hooper at about 5:30pm. Introductions were made all around. Lowell Adams was welcomed to his first
meeting. It was noted that Bob Cox was absent, with regrets, as well as several other members of the board.
Prior to the meeting, members received copies of a flyer for a “Remember and Honor” event, commemorating
the anniversary of 9/11 and the spirit of global unity that emerged as a response. The event was held on 9/12
at Epworth United Methodist Church.
(2) Business Reports. A couple of items of business were considered in this portion of the meeting.
A. Review of Minutes of August Meeting. The minutes of the August meeting were reviewed, and Ruth
Males moved them for approval as published; seconded by Emily Shurley. VOTE: All aye; motion carried.
B. Financial Report. Firouz Mollaian circulated several copies of a 1-page “Treasurer’s Report.” The
report summarized the chapter’s income and expenses as follows:
Previous balance on 6-12-06 … $3,087.92
Income … 184.00
Expenses … 0
Closing Balance, 8-14-06 … $3,271.92
The income reflected two items: (i) A check for $164.00 received from the national office for our chapter’s
allocated share of income from dues payments; and (ii) Money collected for the sale of books, $20.00. There
have been no expenditures from our treasury since the last meeting.
There was a short discussion of membership and the need to check the status of board members. (Fran
Morris agreed to put membership brochures in the mail to Ruth Males and Lowell Adams).
Ruth moved to accept the report; seconded by Fran. VOTE: All aye; motion carried.
(3) Committee Reports. Several chapter activities were reviewed during this part of the meeting.
A. Education / Programs. Marie reported on preparations for the UN Day luncheon program at OCU. We’
ll be in a new location this year: The atrium of the Wanda L. Bass Music Center. The brochure for the event is
being prepared.
Fran reported that the keynote speaker will be Sherry Blazi of the Sooner Start program.
There was a brief discussion about scholarships that will be available for the program.
Fran reported on plans for our chapter’s participation in the Global Oklahoma festival. The event will take
place on Saturday, October 7th, at Rose State College. The volunteer schedule was reviewed. It was noted
that Trick-or-Treat collection boxes will be given away (as a fund-raising method and awareness-raising
technique for Unicef).
Nancy Musselman suggested that we should try to keep track of the boxes that we distribute. By consensus, it
was agreed that a sign-up sheet will be created so that our chapter can stay in touch with the people who take
the Trick-or-Treat boxes.
It was noted that the Fall Peace Fest will take place at the Hall of Mirrors in the Oklahoma City Civic Center on
November 11th. Fran has reserved a table for our chapter. A volunteer schedule will be created. Eager
volunteers were identified: Lowell Adams, Bill Dudley, Bob Elliott, and Ruth Males. Others will be recruited
later.
B. Advocacy. Bill Bryant reported that he and Ron Burkard have collaborated on a Letter to the Editor of
The Oklahoman. (The letter, published on September 13th, was on the subject of the new UN Human Rights
Council).
C. Membership. A copy of the latest membership galley was circulated. The list will be provided to Jerry
Stephens after the meeting.
D. Adopt-A-Minefield. Bob Elliott was recognized. He reminded the board about the discussion of a
possible concert fund-raiser that was discussed at last month’s meeting. He suggested that the chapter
should look elsewhere for leadership on organizing such an event, expressing his reluctance to tackle such an
ambitious task.
In response, Ruth suggested that the OU student group might be persuaded to take on the project. Perhaps
Lee Tucker could be contacted about this idea, she said. Bob agreed.
Several other ideas were offered, as a brainstorm broke out among the directors. Suggestions included—
• A silent auction as part of the annual OCU Hunger Banquet;
• Other concerts;
• Dinners;
• Auctions – perhaps at several venues.
These ideas will be discussed in more detail at the board’s meeting in October.
E. Nominations Committee. Bill Dudley reported that a meeting of his committee has not yet convened.
Emily Shurley agreed to serve with him. It was suggested that Jerry Stephens should also be asked to
participate. The need for a few more active board members was acknowledged.
F. High School Essay Contest. Jalal Daneshfar was absent, but he reported to the board via email:
“UNA-USA website does not have the 2007 High School Essay Contest information yet. I should have that
information by Global Oklahoma.”
G. Public Relations. There was no report.
(4) Chapter Coordination. During this portion of the meeting, several items were addressed relative to
our chapter’s coordination with related organizations and events.
A. UN Day Planning. Marie reviewed the plans for our chapter’s luncheon on Saturday, October 21st. In
addition to Fran, the planning committee consists of Marie Hooper and Mary Benner.
• A reception team will be formed, and Ruth volunteered to serve on it. Fran said Betty Wagner and Brooke
Stabler can also be counted on to help.
• Bob Elliott and Lowell Adams offered to come early to help with set-up.
• Regarding publicity, Emily will use her contacts at Channel 5 to help get the word out.
• Bill Bryant reported that Governor Henry has signed a proclamation announcing the observance of UN
Day. Our chapter will receive the proclamation in the mail this week.
• Marie pointed out that we will need help with name tags.
• Regarding the mailing of the UN Day brochure, Marie reported that Bob Cox has mailing labels. There are
about 300 addresses. Ruth will help with the mailing.
• Seating at the head table was discussed. Marie suggested that Fran should be there to introduce the
keynote speaker. Bob Elliott will offer an invocation. Bob Cox will be at the head table, of course. And, we will
reserve a place for the person who is traditionally named as the honorary UN Day Chairperson.
• Menu: Marie reported that there will be choices for vegetarians and eclectic eaters.
• The mailing will go out next week.
• Tickets will be $20 each.
• Ruth suggested that scholarships should be offered to students of Maternal Health as well as to students
of Mónica Alzate and other educators on our board of directors.
B. Student Representatives. No report.
(5) Old Business. There was no unfinished business to discuss.
(6) New Business. A couple of items of new business were brought to the board’s attention.
A. International Day of Peace. Bill Bryant reported that the International Day of Peace will be observed
in Oklahoma City on Thursday, September 21st. An event is being planned to take place at the Episcopal
Church Center at 924 N. Robinson at 7 o’clock in the evening. It will include a silent walk around the
Oklahoma City National Memorial. Bill recommended that our chapter should co-sponsor the celebration. By
consensus, the board agreed.
NOTE: Other local co-sponsors of the International Day of Peace include the Spiritual Walk for Peace, the
Peace House, Oklahoma Committee for Conscientious Objectors, Veterans For Peace, Buddhist Peace
Fellowship, Catholic Peace Fellowship, Episcopal Peace & Justice Commission, AntiWarFair Coalition, Joy
Mennonite Church, Mayflower Congregational Church, and Church of the Open Arms UCC.
B. Student Internship Program. Marie noted that the UNA-USA offers an internship program for high
school, undergraduate, and graduate students. The internship assignments take place in New York City.
There is more information about the program on the internet:
http://www.unausa.org/site/pp.asp?c=fvKRI8MPJpF&b=317257
In a pre-conference email message to the board, Bob Cox wrote: “…The item I will not be able to present is a
request from a student for an internship with UNA-USA. She is a very responsible and engaged individual. I
would like to discuss how we might utilize student volunteers in an official internship program. There is still
time, so we can postpone it until the October meeting.”
(7) Announcements and Adjournment. Several announcements were made in this portion of the
meeting.
Bob Elliott announced that the annual conference of The Interfaith Alliance of Oklahoma will take place on
October 19th at the Events Centre in Oklahoma City. For more information, contact Bob at 842-9738.
Email Bob.
Bill Bryant announced that the President of Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, will make a keynote speech at the
University of Oklahoma on Thursday, September 14th. Tickets for the luncheon are available through the OU
Special Events office.
Another event taking place on September 14th is a meeting of Americans United for the Separation of Church
and State. Bob Elliott has more details.
Finally, it was agreed that the next meeting of the Board of Directors will be:
Monday, October 9, 2006 -- 5:30pm
Disciples’ Center
301 NW 36th Street
Oklahoma City, OK
Any special agenda items should be sent to Bob Cox in advance of the meeting.
Without objection, the meeting adjourned at about 6:40pm. Professor Hooper thanked everyone for their
active participation.
Prepared by Bill Bryant
September 16, 2006