Minutes of the Executive Committee of Democrats Abroad Guatemala
Tuesday, May 16, 2017 at 6:30 pm
Dave Evans’s house/Via Skype
Attendance: John Chudy, Chair (via Skype); Tom Totino, Treasurer; Kee Kalwara, Events/Membership/Fundraising Coordinator; Lyn Totino, Secretary; Dave Evans, Member at Large; Mary Reynolds, Media Contact (via Skype).
Call to Order - 6:35pm
The agenda and the minutes of the previous EXCOM were approved unanimously.
Treasurer’s Report:
Our Net Worth stands at Q1,095 of which Q310 is a credit at the Revue. Giving us a cash balance of Q785. He said we have been making money with the two movie nights which had 16 and 14 attendees respectively. There were no other changes from previous reports. The report was accepted unanimously.
Volunteers: The new Volunteer Coordinator for DAGT, Elisabeth Shackelford, was welcomed. She will be responsible for coordinating volunteer activities in Guatemala and coordinating with Adrianne George for volunteer needs globally. These are important responsibilities as we are facing elections again in 2018. DA voter participation in midterm elections is usually about 10% of presidential years. In 2016, DA globally registered and believes that 154,000 voted via Democrats Abroad. Ten percent of that would mean only 15,000 would vote in 2018. We need to improve participation and will be relying on volunteers.
Events for 2017:
July 4th Event: It was decided unanimously to hold another July 4th Sundowner with Fireworks this year. The event last year was successful and well-attended. We will again offer free admission, popcorn and snacks. We will sell beer, wine and soft drinks. This year’s event will take place on Tuesday, July 4th at Casa Convento Concepcion from 6 to 8:30pm ending with fireworks. Tom will make sure we have the venue reserved.
Film Series: We’ve had good attendance at our last two movie nights. The films presented have been interesting and have been followed up by discussions. Kee presented two movies for consideration. We decided on ‘Good Night and Good Luck’. The movie will be shown at Casa Convento Concepcion on June 23 at 6:30pm. Members and guests are welcome. There will be announcements in Que Pasa and the Revue.
Discussion Groups: Hyung was not present at the meeting to bring us up to date on any plans he may have. We discussed how to contact millennials and get them involved. We could have discussion groups or social mixers in the city where millennials tend to live. Mary and Kee will discuss the possibilities. Kee suggested members check out the MyTimetoVote.com website.
DPCA Meeting: John attended the meeting in DC May 12-14. A new EXCOM was elected. He mentioned the fund raising and press training sessions which could be included here in Guatemala. It was pointed out that winning elections is what we need to focus on over winning hearts and minds. John pointed out that, according to the US Embassy, there are an estimated 90,000 US citizens, mostly dual citizens, representing many additional voters living in Guatemala. We need to find a way to contact them and ensure that they vote.
The next meeting will take place on Thursday, June 21 pm at 5:30pm at Dave Evans’s house (and via Skype). For Excom members in Antigua, Dave’s address is #19 calle de los duelos. This meeting is open to all members.
Travel Notes:
John will be gone until June 27. Mary will be gone from June 18 to July 31.
Adjourned: 6:45 pm