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PROJECT TAG BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 3, 2009

Meeting was called to order by Chair Troy C at 4:05pm. Also in attendance were Tom P.(Co-Chair), Gaylon T.(Treasurer), Gene S.(Secretary), David M., Scott J., Dan A., Jolie S., John M., Nathan J., and three guests.

Jolie read the Project TAG Mission Statement.

OLD BUSINESS

Scott moved/Jolie seconded to accept the minutes from the September meeting. Motion carried.

Troy introduced Scott N. as a prospective Board candidate. Scott’s application and credentials were distributed.

Troy reminded everyone that logo items are available and can be ordered through him.

Troy, Tom, and Gene gave a report on the Dallas Pride Parade. We had a total of 9 members of both Project TAG and East Texas PFLAG that walked on September 20th. A picture of our float from last years Parade was featured in the program. The Board wants to thank both John B. for his work on making the frames for the banner and East Texas PFLAG for allowing us to walk as part of their entry.

John reported on the upcoming trip by the Bobcats to Washington DC to participate in GayBowl 9.

Publicity - A press release was sent out by Troy and our Adopt-A-Highway Clean Up was featured in the Dallas Voice. Troy was interviewed by KLTV (Channel 7) for comments regarding a Texas Judge decision to grant a gay couple divorce. The recent publicity has resulted in a $25 donation and several new membership forms submitted and filed.

The 211 Service still needs a physical address submitted to include us in their service. Troy reported that he believed that the PFLAG post office box costs were $22 a year. Gene has checked into another possibility of using Storage Plus on Old Bullard Road and gave a quote on their services. John moved/Scott seconded that we allocate funds to establish a box with Storage Plus. The motion carried.

Gene reported that the deposit has been made to secure the Holiday Inn South Broadway on February 12th, 2010 for the Valentines Dance. A special room block has been established for that night. Tickets and publicity should be ready by November.

Troy announced that Toby Johnson has agreed to speak at the November 9th East Texas PFLAG meeting. The Social Event Planning Committee moderated by Gene will help set up and serve a fundraising spaghetti dinner prior to the meeting. Jolie donated the funds to cover costs of food, etc.

TAG Awards -- Under the recommendations of the Social Committee, John announced that we plan to establish two awards to be given out by Project TAG -- Volunteer Of The Year and Advocate Of The Year (Moral Courage). Anyone, including Board Members, would be eligible. There will be an on-line nomination form developed. The Social Committee will review all nominations, narrowing it down to few candidates. Their recommendations will be passed on to the Executive Committee for final selection. John moved/Tom seconded to begin accepting nominations based on those guidelines. Motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS

Scott reported on the work of the Development Committee. The Next meeting will be October 5, 2010 at Tyler Unity Center starting at 5pm.

The Bowling Group will have their next night out on October 24th 7pm at Green Acres Bowling Alley.

Dan reported that the Chorale is rehearsing Monday nights 7pm at Tyler Unity Center; 6:30 on the night of PFLAG meetings. Membership is still open and new members are encouraged.

The next meeting of the Film Club will be November 7th with a showing of “A Nightmare Before Christmas.”
Gender Topics Group is set to begin meeting in November with Scott N. moderating.

Nathan is trying to schedule a date for the first meetings of the HIV Support Group as well as a general Support Group.

The Political/Activism Group will be moderated by Scott J.

The Dinner Club has scheduled their next nights out. They will meet at Little Italy on November 14th at 7pm and Basil Thai Café on December 12th at 7pm. Everyone is invited to join in.

Members of the Social Events Planning Committee have been contacted by Gene for help on the Toby Johnson visitation dinner, the “Nightmare Before Christmas” party, and the Valentines Dance.

Tennis group meets every Weds 7pm at Pollard Park Tennis courts.

CHAIR REPORT

501(c)3 Update - Troy has received help with the recent requests by the IRS on our application and has contacted several people with no response at this time. The application has again been returned with more information they requested. It appears that we may only be eligible for 501(c)4 status which will make our group tax-exempt but will not allow donations to be tax deductible.

Troy and Lou Anne spoke at the Family Crisis Center in Lufkin September 25th on the LGBT rights especially in the East Texas area. Several of those in attendance plan to attend the visit of Toby Johnson.

Troy shared some issues we are experiencing using G-Mail. He recommended that we might try using the service Constant Contact at a cost of $15 a month. Constant Contact would allow us to e-mail our clubs and groups, have quick access to send out communications and the newsletter, and provide professional database management. Jolie moved/Nathan seconded that we subscribe for one month and then review the results. Motion carried.

The SoulForce Anti-Heterosexism Conference will be held November 20 to 22nd. Registration deadline is approaching fast.

The OCW Annual Children’s Christmas Party being held December 19th needs volunteers to help wrap presents, help load wrapped gifts on the delivery truck December 18th, and donations to cover the costs. Contact Troy if you wish to volunteer or for more information.

The calendar on tridd.com was reviewed and has been updated with all events through the end of December. Anyone wishing to add announcements to the forums or calendar should contact Troy.

Troy shared letters and correspondences received by Project TAG..

OPEN DISCUSSION

John is still encouraging Patricia S. to join the Board.

With no further business before the Board, Gene moved/Scott seconded to adjourn the meeting at 5:10pm. Motion carried.

Submitted
October 18. 2009
Gene S.
Secretary, Project TAG