Arizona Borderlands Democrats

DRAFT

Arizona Borderlands Democrats

Minutes

July 17, 2005 Meeting

 

 

The meeting was called to order at 3:10 pm at Cady Hall, Patagonia, by vice-president, Steve Strom. Seven members and the ABD summer intern were present.

 

Lois Kolesar presented a report from the Events Committee. There are plans for a costume party fundraiser in late October to include a silent auction. Volunteers are needed to plan and produce that event.  ABD sponsored a booth at the Patagonia July 4^th celebration. Individuals are needed to take responsibility for booths at the Santa Cruz County Fair in September and the Patagonia Fall Festival.

 

Steve Strom presented the report of the Message Committee.  Rebecca Robinson, the ABD summer intern, has been working with Juanita Havill to finalize talking points on various issues. Two “Shades of Blue” columns (written by John Michael and Ernesto Portillo) have been published in the Nogales International ; these columns have now been posted on the ABD website.  Additional volunteers are needed to write upcoming “Shades of Blue” columns. Gail Eifrig is coordinating and collecting responsive letters to the editor. A piece on “Frequently Asked Questions about Education” is to be posted on the ABD website shortly.

 

Helen Pohlig presented the Treasurer’s report, a copy of which is attached to these minutes. The Cox Luau event generated just under $3,300 towards the matching fund for activist/candidate training. Current total account balance is approximately $5,200.  There are several pledge amounts still outstanding.  Discussion followed concerning the need for a plan for membership renewal and growth, the possibility of another membership category and membership benefits.

 

Rebecca Robinson reported on the Luau fundraiser in June, which was a great success. She also described her findings concerning the possibility of candidate/activist training that might be sponsored by ABD through either the Wellstone organization or Grassroots Solutions.  Estimated price is $23,000 to train up to 100 people.

 

Steve Strom reported on the status of the planned August 13 meeting with representatives from party organizations and clubs from Pima, Cochise and Santa Cruz counties. The idea is to establish cooperative efforts for state legislative elections as well as candidate and activist training.

 

A state-wide activist training will be held in Tucson the weekend of September 30-October 2. Chris Garcia, Arizonans for a progressive Majority, will speak at the August ABD meeting to explain the training. It was suggested that the ABD Executive Committee identify possible participants for the training and make personal contacts to encourage participation.

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

Helen M. Pohlig

Acting Secretary