First teleconference after the 2006 GUMMSAA meeting in Philadelphia THE meeting was called to order at 9:20 PM by the President, Mr. Sam Smith. 17 persons were present: Sam Smith, Nya Kwiawon Taryor, Jeannette Garmie, Sennie Rebecca Suah Goosby, Phillip Boayue, Wluma Obi Sharpe, Kau Dolopei-Alpha, Martha Autry, Marie Davis, Victory Biah, Theresa Peters, Mai Quipu Yuan, Gertrue Kehleay, Peter Wehye, Allen Blegay, Edward Yadolo and Wilfred Boayue. Invocation was led by Victoria Biah, the Chaplain Agenda items were read by the president, Mr. Sam Smith. Those items included the following: Project on funds distribution Report on the formation of regions Installation of interim officers Report on school Ode Reunion Committee Constitution Committee Appointment of the Board of Directors Agenda accepted The President reported that the funds generated from the 2006 GUMMSAA-USA Convention in Philadelphia that was allocated for the work of Ganta Mission School amounted to $1,700.00. (After expenses were subtracted for the total revenue). Discussion on the distribution of funds. It was agreed that: 70% ($840.00) will go to the school to help pay teachers’ salaries 30% ($360.00) will go towards scholarships Discussion on how to send these funds in Liberia Some suggested that we send the money through New York, by way of the Board of Global Ministries. Others suggested that we call Herbert Zegbo for his suggestion on the best way to send the money to Ganta. Kau Dolopei Alpha noted that Mary and Herbert Zigbuo have retired and are in the United States. Allen Blegay was instructed to investigate the best way to send the money. Mai Quipu Yuan suggested that we get the proper channel and paper work so people sending large sums of money the next time can claim tax deduction on their income tax. President Sam Smith would like the money sent this month –August 2006 Report on the formation of GUMMSAA –USA Regions Marie Baar Davis reported on behalf of Marian Kehleay Webba that the committee proposed that we divide the USA into nine regions for chapter formations in those regions. These regions can be found on the web site at: http://www.daphne-edwards.com/Ganta-Mission/Regions.html They are: North Region, North Central, New England, Southern Region, South Central, Northeastern, Southwestern, South and Southeastern. Allen Blegay suggested Canada be included with the New England States. If that idea is accepted, that will mean that the Association will now be called: GUMMSAA-USA/Canada. This was not conclusive. All agreed to use these region designations as a working document for now. A question arose as to who will identify the members of these regions. Volunteers to make telephone calls to identify members Marie suggested all members be included in the calling process Marian K. Webba will be asked to work with all the members. All information must be transferred to Mariam to report for the next meeting. Instillation Instillation of interim officers will be held in Providence, Rhode Island Instillation will be held in the last week in October or the first week in November 2006. The Rhode Island people will decide which date suits them best. School Ode There was no findings at this time as to a previous School Ode prior to the one written by Dr. Taryor Joe Kappia is the chairperson. Draft Constitution Chairperson, Allen Blegay had no report at the present time Sam Smith to furnish Allen the names of the people on that committee that drafted the first draft of the constitution. Appointment to the Board of Directors The president solicited names for the board, but no names were suggested. However, it was suggested that the Board members can include non-members of the Association as well as members of the Association. People do not need to be members of GUMMSAA to be elected to the Board. There is a financial problem in the Minnesota Chapter Minnesota president is Nancy Bank Our president would like to offer our help to resolve the problem through teleconference. Minnesota people should be invited to participate in the next tele-conference. It was suggested that our organization have a 501C3 to function Marie Barr Davis volunteered to research the field Mai Quipu stated that to have a 501C3, we must have a Board of Directors and be a non-profit organization It was announced that Comfort Cooper’s father died. The president suggested we make a general contribution Annual Conference Sennie Rebecca Suah Goosby suggested that we choose a date that is significant for the annual conferences such as: Dr. George W. Harley ‘s Birthday The date of Dr. Harley’s arrival in Ganta The date of Dr. Harley’s death The next meeting will be the first Sunday of September 2006. Click here for full information. Meeting adjourned at 11:15 PM with closing prayer by Dr. Taryor Respectfully submitted Gertrude Kehleay-Interim General Secretary