Minutes of the Executive Committee of Democrats Abroad Guatemala
Tuesday, February 6, 2018 at 5:30 pm
Dave’s & Kee’s house/Via Skype
Attendance: In person: John Chudy, Chair; Tom Totino, Treasurer; Kee Kalwara, Events/Membership/Fundraising Coordinator; Lyn Totino, Secretary; Letty Manne, Consul; Ann Thornton, Member; Rachel Shenyo, Xela MeetUp Chair.
Via Skype: Tracy Styner, Lake Atitlan MeetUp Chair; Hyungjoon Jin, Guatemala City MeetUp Chair and Annie Vanderboom, Member-at-Large.
Call to Order - 5:35 pm
The agenda and minutes of the previous EXCOM minutes were approved unanimously.
Treasurer’s Report:
Our Net Worth currently stands at Q4,887.00 which includes cash on hand plus Q2,882 ‘accounts receivable’ from John for funds collected thru paypal and for selling hats and calendars at the regional meeting. Additionally, Tom reported that the Revue was paid Q600 for February’s ad using Q290 from cash and the balance Q310 being offset by the credit the Revue had from DCPA funds sent in 2016. This is the largest balance we have had since June 2015. He noted that we collected Q2,327 from our fund drive, Q1,548 from sale of hats and another Q842 from calendar sales. Finally he noted that after paying for lunches and space rental for the retreat Democrats Abroad Guatemala was only out of pocket Q196 for the Policy Retreat. The report was accepted unanimously.
Americas Regional Meeting in San Jose, CR:
Letty and Ann shared their thoughts about the meeting. Ann expressed optimism about the Meetings. She felt the presentations were interesting and well-done. They both commented on the enthusiasm of the youth caucus. Letty talked about the Canadian caucus and their well organized ‘trolling to strolling’ events. They stand outside events and talk to attendees as a way to inform and recruit new members. We discussed whether or not this approach could be used in Guatemala. Considering how small our chapters are this might not be possible.
John discussed DA Costa Rica which is the oldest in the Americas. They are constantly renewing their leadership and ideas. John noted that the group is active and have a monthly meeting for all members in San Jose. Kee proposed the idea of a platform meeting of the EXCOM in Guatemala where we would discuss what we want and then present this ‘platform’ to the entire membership. Timing would be an issue: before or after midterms. No decisions were made about this but it could result in organizing principles to guide our group.
Events for 2018:
Film Series:
Mary Lou let us know that we could show films at CCC on Mondays and Thursdays as well as Fridays. Our February film will be Marshall which will be shown at CCC on Thursday, February 22. March’s film, LBJ, will be shown on Thursday, March 15. April’s film, A Bold Peace, will be shown on Monday, April 23. The films will begin at 6:30 pm. Popcorn and beer and wine will be sold. Tom will make sure the dates are OK. We will hopefully have better attendance than we have had on Fridays.
Voter Registration Events:
Tracy has two events scheduled: one on February 18 from 2 to 4 pm at Posada de Santiago, Lago Atitlan and one on February 24 from 1 to 4 pm at Solomon’s Porch in Panajachel. Rachel will schedule events in Xela and Huehuetenango between February and April. Hyung will be holding events in the capital. Antigua will hold events on February 17 and March 10 at Enlaces from 11am to 2pm. Hopefully these events will be better attended than the first Antigua event which had 3 people.
Once again FPCASs will be mailed via the embassy. It was noted that ballots no longer need to be postmarked from abroad except in a few States.
Events may be advertised in the Revue and also on some local radio stations which will reach dual citizens in San Marcos, Xela and Huehuetenango.
Other Items:
Phonebanking: John has prepared scripts for EXCOM to follow when phoning DA members about registering for and voting in upcoming elections. We will be receiving lists based on our locations so that we will be talking to people we know. We have 470 DAGT members and it is vital to make sure they all register and vote.
The Annual General Meeting will take place at CCC on March 17 from 11am to 1pm.
Travel Notes: Dave will be gone until March 2. Tom and Lyn will be gone from April 3 to 20. Letty from March 12 to April 5.
Adjourned: 7:15 pm.