Minutes of the Executive Committee of Democrats Abroad Guatemala
Wednesday, January 10, 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; Dave Evans, Member at Large, Mary Lou Ridinger, Vice Chair; via Skype: Mary Reynolds, Media Contact; Hyungjoon Jin
Call to Order - 5:35 pm
The agenda and minutes of the previous EXCOM minutes were approved unanimously.
Treasurer’s Report:
Our Net Worth stands at Q1,425.40 of which Q310 is a credit at the Revue. This large increase over our previous report includes the sale of hats (Q800) and the first contributions to our Fund Drive (Q400). Also it reflects the Q500 deposit to Casa Belen for our Policy Retreat. The report was accepted unanimously.
Events for 2018:
Film Series:
Once again we discussed the venue and timing of the movies shown so far. It was agreed that Friday is not a good time to show the films as attendance has been low. Kee pointed out that members like the idea of seeing films at CCC and would come if they weren’t shown on Friday. Mary Lou will check on the availability of another evening. If there is no other evening available the films can be shown at Dave Evans’ house.
We will be showing the film ‘LBJ’ in March. The venue and date will be determined.
Fundraisers:
The DAGT online fundraiser was launched on January 2. Thus far we have 6 donations. Kee has set up a spreadsheet to keep track of donations.
We discussed the timing of the fundraiser. Perhaps the response would be better if it took place in July. However we need funds now to pay for our upcoming voter registration events. Dave suggested that people would be more willing to contribute money if they understood why we need it: what we do with it. He suggested someone in DA could appear in a video which would be a great way to express the passion we all feel for getting the vote out in upcoming elections.
The Women’s Caucus calendars are here and are being offered as a prize for contributions of $25 or more to DAGT. More ‘Imbecil’ caps have been ordered and are also offered as prizes for contributions. The caps will also be on sale at DAGT events for Q80.
Voter Registration Events:
Three events are planned for Antigua: January 27, February 17 and March 10. These will all take place at Enlaces.
Hopefully there will be events in Panajachel and Santiago. Hyung will be coordinating events at schools in Guatemala City. Hopefully someone can collect and mail the ballots completed there. He also suggested another event be held for voters not connected to any schools. Sophos was suggested.
DAGT Policy Retreat:
This event will take place on Saturday, January 20 from 9am to 4pm at Casa de Retiros Posada de Belen located on Calle del Hermano Pedro Plazuela Belen. The cost will be Q85 with lunch or Q75 without lunch. John will call the Hermanas Bethalmitas giving a headcount by Monday, January 15.
Kee will facilitate the event. Tom will collect money. An easel will be provided by Mary Lou. John will provide the paper.
The presentations will each consist of a 5-10 minute presentation with no questions. These will be followed by a discussion for 40-45 minutes. The topics and presenters so far include: Tax Cuts in the US Economy, John; Women’s Issues, Sue Patterson; Achieving Universal Health Care, John; The Democratic Party-How to Win Elections, Immigration Reform, Russia and US Elections, Democratic Socialism, Hyung.
Other Items:
DAGT Membership:
We had 13 members with LVD of 2014 or older. John has updated most of them and deleted four. There will be no need for members to make the annual calls to verify membership.
Americas Regional Meeting:
The meeting will take place in Costa Rica on January 26-28. John, Letty and Anne Thornton will be attending. Members can join by Webex.
Books:
Mary Lou will be making copies of a book entitled Democracy to Dictatorship and distribute them to members. She felt it should be required reading for anyone who is disturbed by the similarities between Hitlerism and Trumpism.
Dave expressed interest in a book discussion/book club. He is enthusiastic about a book by Richard Clark: Enemies Within.
The next meeting: Dave’s and Kee’s house at 5:30 pm on Wednesday, February 7. This meeting is open to all members.
Travel Notes: John and Letty will be gone from January 25 to 28; Dave will be away January 29 through March 2.
Adjourned: 7:09 pm.