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BOARD OF DIRECTORS MINUTES
AUGUST 8, 2009

Troy C. (Chair) called the meeting to order at 4:05pm. Other members in attendance included Tom P. (Co-Chair), Gaylon T. (Treasurer), Gene S. (Secretary), Lou Anne S., Scott J., David M., John M., Jolie S., Nathan J., and one guest.

Lou Anne read the Project TAG Mission Statement.

OLD BUSINESS

Adopt A Highway - Our first cleanup day is set for August 15th starting at 7am. The sign provided by TxDot on the northbound side of Hwy 69 has been vandalized and several suggestions were given on products we can use to repair it. We are responsible for $160 if we desire to have the sign replaced. Troy is currently working on a press release announcing our approval by TxDot including pictures.

211 Directory -- This service provides by phone a listing off all businesses and organizations in the Tyler area. Troy has contacted the parties responsible for including Project TAG. In order to complete the process, we will need a physical address. Troy and Gene are currently looking into the costs of obtaining a PO Box.

NEW BUSINESS

Board Member Review - Current status of the Board was reviewed along with policies concerning attendance and responsibilities. Troy introduced Dan A. as a possible Board candidate. Dan shared his experiences and plans for Project TAG. He is currently the new Music Director for Tyler Unity Center and is interested in heading a Project TAG Choral Group. Jolie moved/Lou Anne seconded to add Dan to the current Board. Motion carried.

John moved/Scott seconded that any new Board Member candidates provide a letter on intention and experiences, allowing a one month waiting period before any vote be taken to consider adding the candidate to the board. The motion was amended to include that said vote be confidential to only current Board Members. Motion carried.

Financial Report -- Gaylon reported our current bank balance is $1649.66 with $1120.48 of that being raised by and for the use of the Texas Bobcats. That leaves operating funds for Project TAG as $529.18. There were no expenditures for the month of July.

Pride Parade -- Dallas will hold the annual Gay Pride Event on Sunday September 20th with the parade starting at 1pm. East Texas PFLAG has been accepted as an entry and has invited Project TAG to walk with their group. Troy presented several designs for a East Texas PFLAG and a Project TAG banner, to be used in the parade and for future events. Scott move/Gene seconded to approved the cost of $90 for the printing of those banners. Motion carried.

Based on a recommendation of the Development Committee, Troy suggested that we consider affiliating with the website Centerlink. This service offers technical assistance, leadership training, and networking opportunities to centers in all stages of formation and is the national voice for the LGBT community centers movement. The cost of the service is $50 a year. Scott moved/Nathan seconded to authorize the cost. Motion passed.

Troy shared a communication received from http://www.Gayellowpages.com, a listing of gay owned or gay friendly businesses. Project Tag has been added to the listing. Gaylon reminded all Board members that if we know of any other businesses in East Texas that meet the criteria, please contact him as he plans to publish a local edition with the possible name of the Pink Pages.

Troy has been in contact with the GLBT Chamber of Commerce and Project TAG has become a member. Troy attended a lunch with Tony Veda on July 28th.

The Project TAG Conflict of Interest Document written and discussed at previous Board Meetings has never been approved and is needed to be included in our 501(c)3 application and official document file. Troy passed out copies. Gene moved/Lou Anne seconded that we accept the document as written. Motion carried. All Board members in attendance signed a copy and will be kept on file with the Secretary.

Jolie asked that a listing of Board Members birthdays be compiled. The Board Members provided that information on paper passed around.

MONTHLY CLUB REPORTS

Troy passed out the current listings of contacts to group leaders based on new applications received from triddd.com and the Gay Pride Night at Outlaws.

Social Committee - The committee met on the first Sunday of August at Caffe Tazza. Recommendations for upcoming events will include a Point of Entry Holiday Event on Friday December 4th with the theme of Nightmare Before Christmas and to begin plans for the Valentines Dance.

Bobcats Football - The team has been busy with a trip to San Antonio participating in the Inferno Bowl in July. The team represented Tyler well. Upcoming events for the team include the Little Rose Bowl on August 9th and 16th, The Pegasus Bowl in Dallas September 19th, and the GayBowl in Washington DC in October. Fundraising events still continue and John encouraged sponsors to make their intentions known.

Valentines Dance -- Gene passed out a proposal for the Valentines Dance to be held again at the Holiday Inn Tyler. Cost breakdowns were included in the proposal and he asked that we take a vote on the date for the event. It was decided to hold it on Friday February 12th if we decide to go with the Holiday Inn. John recommended that we look into other possible venues to get a better quote on prices and possibly getting it closer to Valentines Day.

Support Groups -- Nathan has contacted the members expressing interest in that group and is waiting on responses for meeting places, topics, and times.

Film Club - Jolie hosted the Film Club on the first Saturday of August at 7pm. They viewed Desert Hearts. The next meeting will be on September 5th at 7pm with a viewing of Big Eden, an independent drama.

Bowling -- David reported the next bowling night is planned for August 22nd 7pm at Green Acres Bowling Alley.

Tennis Tuesdays - Scott reported on the Tennis group meeting every Tuesday evening 6pm at Pollard Park.

Political Activism -- Scott will be facilitating the group but is looking for someone to volunteer to be the leader. No times or locations for meetings have been established.

Board Game Group - Lou Anne hosted the first Game Night with 5 in attendance. The next meeting night will be August 28th at 6:30.

Choral Group - Dan will be directing the Choral Group with auditions being held through September 7th. The first rehearsal will be held at Tyler Unity Center on September 14th at 7pm.

Book Club - Gaylon has agreed to facilitate but no meeting times or locations have be scheduled.

Development Committee - Scott reported on the first meeting of the Committee held on July 18th at the home of Jolie. The groundwork for the remainder of 2009 and a suggested plan for 2010 were discussed by the Committee. Meeting times are the first Monday of each month at 7pm. Scott moved/Gene seconded to accept the 2009 Development Plan. Motion carried. The Fundraising Menu approved by the Committee was passed out and discussed. Scott moved/Gene seconded to accept the Menu as published. Motion carried.

The progress of the Facebook transition was discussed and Gene reported that efforts are underway to do so.

Troy passed out new contact lists of existing Board Members.

Standing meeting times for Board Meetings and Committees were reviewed and will remain the same. The only exception is the next Development Committee meeting has been moved up to August 31st due to the Labor Day Weekend.

CHAIR REPORT

Our 501(c)3 application has been returned by the IRS requesting more information and clarification. Most of their concerns had already been addressed on the initial application. We were given a very short deadline to return the request but that has been completed at this time.

Centerlink posted a blog relating to violent shooting of a Community Center in Israel. They requested anyone wishing to send their comments to please respond to their website.

Troy reminded all group leaders to submit articles to the TAG Newsletter “You’re It” in a timely manner. Articles need to be short and can include pictures. The deadline for articles will be the 20th of each month.

Troy asked all group leaders and Board Members to review the Tridd Calendar for correct postings. Any events to be included should be first posted in the forums and then send Troy a reminder so a link can be made.

Troy shared several e-mails from TAG members relating concerns that have been faced in the community. The first request was for information on jobs in the East Texas area and the suggestion was made that we might establish a job bank. Secondly, two TAG members wrote that they would like to be more involved in our organization. They live in the Longview area but would be interested in becoming leaders of a group. Finally, one of our members is currently in jail and has asked for some financial assistance to help purchase items from the commissary. Troy is taking up a collection so a money order can be sent to help.

OPEN DISCUSSION

John has received word about a program called Project Daffodil. For a small fee of $15, they will provide 50 bulbs to be planted under the discretion of the purchaser. John suggested that we might purchase these bulbs and plant them near our Adopt A Highway signs or along our route. It was also recommended that we plant wildflowers as well to beautify our area.

Scott announced that he has been accepted to Leadership Tyler, a program designed to educate and train civic leaders.

Lou Anne shared that she has been nominated to join the Board of Directors for the League of Women Voters.

Nathan informed the group on the latest decision of the American Psychological Association that has adopted a resolution stating that mental health professionals should avoid telling clients that they can change their sexual orientation through therapy or other treatments. They also advise parents, guardians, young people, and their families to avoid any sexual orientation treatments that portray homosexual activity as a mental illness or developmental disorder but seek out social support groups and educational services.

Nathan is currently organizing a Wine Tasting Fund Raiser for the Bobcats. More details will be announced soon but the date will probably be August 28th.

With no further business before the Board, John moved/Scott seconded to adjourn the meeting at 6:20pm. Motion carried.

Submitted,
Gene S,
Secretary, Project TAG