Minutes of the Executive Committee of Democrats Abroad Guatemala
Tuesday, July 12, 2017 at 5:30 pm
Dave Evans’s house/Via Skype
Attendance: John Chudy, Chair; Mary Lou Ridinger, Vice Chair; Tom Totino, Treasurer; Kee Kalwara, Events/Membership/Fundraising Coordinator; Lyn Totino, Secretary; Dave Evans, Member at Large; and via Skype: Mary Reynolds, Media Contact; Letty Manne, Counsel; Traci Styner, Lago Atitlán Group MeetUp Chair; Rachael Shenyo, Occidente Group MeetUp Deputy Chair.
Call to Order - 5:50 pm
The agenda and the minutes of the previous EXCOM were approved unanimously.
Treasurer’s Report:
After the July 4th event, our Net Worth stands at negative Q184.60 of which Q310 is a credit at the Revue. We started with a cash balance of Q2,107, but owe John Chudy Q2,601 for the purchase of fireworks, food and drinks he bought for the July 4th event. Tom moved that we reimburse John Q2,000 from our cash balance right now and reimburse him later for the balance of Q601 as funds come in. Letty Manne seconded and the motion was carried. The report presented shows that we lost Q1,360 at this year’s event. The cost of the fireworks alone was Q1,580. Tom expressed our appreciation to Mary Lou for help provided and complimented the staff at CCC. There was general agreement that it was a great party and people seemed to enjoy themselves. The report was accepted unanimously.
Events for 2017:
July 4th Sundowner: This was a successful event with perfect weather, great fireworks, tasty snacks, drinks and approximately 55 people in attendance. Many people contributed to make this a fun evening. Quite a few people came because they saw the announcement in the Revue. We should keep the same format for next year’s event. There was a note of disappointment about the lack of contributions to Feed the Donkey and suggestions about how to make the donation jar more visible by putting it on the bar and encouraging tipping the bartender.
Film Series: Good Night and Good Luck was well-received but attendance was only seven, but everyone stayed for a lively discussion.
All the President’s Men will be our next film. It will be shown on Friday, July 21 at Casa Convento Concepción. The film will begin promptly at 6:30pm. A donation of Q20 is suggested and popcorn will be sold for Q5 a bag. We will also be offering limited drinks for sale.
Our August film will be The Fog of War. It will be shown at Casa Convento Concepción on August 25.
Discussion Groups: Rachel Shenyo will prepare a presentation on Climate Change in Guatemala. The presentation will last from 25 to 40 minutes and will be followed by 20-25 minute discussion. Hopefully this will be presented in 3 locations. Rachel and John will discuss the time and locations for the events.
Fund Raisers:
Block Party: Kee and Lyn will be meeting next week to discuss and plan this event.
Guatemala On-Line Auction: DAGT members have a lot of personal skills and items to offer in auction. Services and rentals always do well. Skilled members can offer varied services to bidders, e.g., dance lessons, language training. Rachel will draft an email to be shared first with Kee and John, that will be sent to the full membership to determine interest and offers. This Auction will be for DA Guatemala members only (and other US citizens in Guatemala).
Proceeds from fund raisers will be used for the upcoming 2018 midterm elections Get Out the Vote efforts. Advertising voter registration events such as those held last year at Enlaces and in Guatemala City, in Revue and Que Pasa, is expensive.
Other Items: The Americas Regional monthly meeting will take place July 17 via WebEx beginning at 3pm Guatemalan time. John Chudy will send logon information for anyone on the Excom interested in joining in.
The next meeting will take place at 5pm on Monday, August 14 at Dave Evans’s house. His address is #19 calle de los duelos. This meeting is open to all members.
Travel Notes:
Dave will be gone from August 4 to 21. Mary Reynolds will be gone from June 18 until July 31. Lyn and Tom will be gone from September 10 to 30.
Adjourned: 7:10 pm