INAUGURAL INSTALLATION PROGRAM PROVIDENCE, R. I. NOV 17-19 2006 The following Photo Roster below is the list of Attendees present at the Conference     Row 1 (from top left to right), Teewon Toweh, Sennie Rebecca Goosby, Prince Toweh, Kau Dolopei-Alpha, Louise Zigbuo Tolbert, Rebecca M. Cassell. Row 2 (from top left to right), Marie Baar Davis, Elvis Pei Quanon, Gertrude Duyen Kehleay, Regina Wehjla, Theodosia Kau Kingsley, Samuel K. Smith. Row 3 (from top left to right), Arthur Nya Saye, Amos Wolobah, Victoria Nau Biah, Gabriel Wehjla, Mai Quipu Yuan, Uluma Obi Sharpe. Row 4 (from top left to right), Nya Kwiawon Taryor Sr., Ellen Kau Miller, Ivy B. Miller, Rita Kau Madave, Rebecca Mantor. The president called the meeting to order at 10:00 am. Devotion was led by Victoria Biah. The president announced that the meeting would end at 3:00 pm. Therefore he asked that people stay to the point and not deviate from the particular subject being discussed at the time. The R.I. chairwoman, Ellen Kau Miller, gave the welcome remarks. The president thanked Ms. Miller and expressed his appreciation for the R.I. chapter for their undertaking. The school ode was sung. The president admonished all to be strong and committed to the organization. He welcomed everyone new and old attendees. He also advised everyone to stick to the time in order to end on time. He said that the program that was distributed has all the messages from key people. The agenda was read and accepted, including the three committees that were set up: Social concerns; Project & programs; Ways and means. The president asked everyone to introduce himself or herself and give a brief statement about themselves and where they came from. After that the president again emphasized that we be a strong and committed organization in order to help our people back home in Liberia. He gave the state of affairs of the association, which included: The teleconferences The late Charles Abban’s funeral service and our contribution to it. The different working committees should continue to work until our next conference in Atlanta, Ga. The president said that he wanted a strong and good administration. He stated that the financial standing of the organization was poor. We have to work hard to establish a financial stability in the organization. There is no money in the treasury of the national organization that has been in existence for the past three years, but it has been off and on. He said that this 2006 has been the year that this organization has been refurbished. The president announced that we are in need of a financial secretary due to the passing of our financial secretary Charles Abban. If anyone was interested in the position, he or she must let the president know. He also said that the parliamentarian, Stephen Snorton has gone to Liberia and may not be returning. He too needs a replacement. Report on Money sent to Ganta The organization sent $1,200.00 for Ganta Mission School $400.00 for teachers salaries Ellen Miller and Ivy Miller have both sent $200.00 for teacher’s assistants Allen Blegay, Martha Sendolo-Belleh, Marie Davis and others have not yet sent to Ganta some of the money and supplies they promised to send. Formation of the Board of Directors. The president told the group that there is a need for the formation of a Board of Directors. He is asking the group to make some recommendations of people who are versatile in that area, or people who are interested in becoming board members of our association. He said that if anyone is interested in being a board member, that person should submit his or her name to the president, Mr. Sam Smith. Web Site The new web site is Ganta Mission USA.com. It is up and working. National Committee on Hospital Report Marie Davis gave the progress report for the hospital. Marie informed the group that the fund raising for the hospital has not been a success. She urged everyone to live up to his or her commitment and pay the $200.00 that was pledged. She said that it was important for the people of Liberia. She suggested that if we pay $25.00 to $50.00 at a time we would complete the payment before time. Report from each region The president said that we have a total of 9 regions and only 3 of these regions have been formed. He said that we need to connect and build a strong membership rooster, which will make the organization strong. New England Region New England Region chairwoman Ellen K. Miller and her group have been organized. They got organized right after the Philadelphia Conference and they have 20 members. They also have an account opened. The president was very impressed with the New England Chapter and he said that it shows what they have accomplished. South Eastern Region The president reported that he has been attending the South Eastern Region teleconference and they are also organized. The North Eastern Region Marie Davis reported that they, too, have been organized. Peter Wheyee is the chair; Arthur Saye, secretary; Finnia Boayue, financial secretary; and, Marie Davis, planning. The president set up 3 major committees along with chair leaders Ways and Means Committee-chair-Arthur Saye Social Committee-chair-Prince Toweh Programming and Project Committee-chair-Kau Alpha Ways and Means Committee Members: Arthur Saye (chair), Oluma Shorpe (secretary), Teewan Toweh, Sennie Goosby, and Mai Quipu Yuan. They proposed: Setting fees for $100.00, 250.00, 500.00 750.00 & 1,000.00 for each region. Souvenir T-shirts; calendars; key chains; caps Trips to casino Grant proposal Food sale Raffle Project and Program Committee They proposed: Stationary for school-individual or organized donations Computer, used or new, contact individual schools or ask for business donations. Adopt-a-teacher fund-minimum 3 months, 6 months, 9 months or 12 months at $60.00 per month Commitment from GUMMSAA-USA members & friends of GUMMSAA Scholarship Fund for Ganta Methodist students Individual Donations, Scholarships will be based on financial, academic excellence. Scholarship Committee will be established with the school * will be accountable to GUMMSAA National Leadership. Hospital Supplies-Individual or organizational donations, hand sanitizers, baby supplies, bed sheets, towels, soap, etc. Social Committee-Prince Toweh I did not get a report from Mr. Toweh but this is what I gathered Social Committee-to link with the national on formation of a convention. Help to sell tickets, raise funds for projects, and help families in case of death. Send cards to members on occasions of death, graduation, marriages etc. They suggested that if any organization member dies, $500-1,000 be given to the family. If an organization family members dies, a card and $50.00 be sent to that family member. They will touch base with organization members who are in trouble and see where they can help. Others: Louise Zigbuo Tolbert-reported that she went to Liberia to visit. While in Liberia, she taught Sunday school and worked at the hospital. Amos Warlobah announced that the president of Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirdeaf donated a bus to Ganta Mission. Marie Davis congratulated Dr. Taryor and the R.I. chapter for a job well done. Dr. Taryor thanked everyone for coming to the installation program. He thanked the president for his dynamic leadership. He urged everyone to be on time at the evening session because the Key Note Speaker will be on time. It will be embarrassing to go late when the guest was there. Prince Toweh emphasized that the organization hold fast to Dr. Taryor for the knowledge and support he has for this organization. Dr. Taryor thanked Rita Zeekeh for the time she gave him to share with the work of the organization. He also thanked her for her support. With nothing else to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 3:40 pm Carefully submitted by: Gertrude, D. Kehleay General Secretary of GUMMSAA-USA