DSA Board Meeting,

Olathe Club for the Deaf, Kansas

23 September 2008

Visitors: Lois and Dennis Wernimont, Sharon and Mr.McGlynn; Carroll and Lillie Brown, Ron Motes, Mr. and Mrs. Schlep, Mr. Theel; Mark and Michelle Lowenstein; Mr. and Mrs. Arlene Kuschmider,

Olathe Club for the Deaf host, Jack Cooper introduced Lillie Brown who is the President of Olathe Deaf Seniors who then introduced Lois Wernimont, Sharon McGlynn and Kay Norris. The spouses were introduced upon request of the President.

The President called the meeting to order at 9:30 AM.

All were present: President Bob Cook, Vice-President Richard Bonheyo, Secretary Nancy Rarus, Treasurer Joe Rose, and Board Members at Large: Jim Potter, Barbara Schmidt and Ron Nomeland.

Potter had a question about Motion #8 in the LV minutes and Rose explained he sent NH to all the affiliates and since he heard nothing back, he did not try to do this the second time around.  Cook, Rarus and Rose shared information given by Butch Zien in regards to Clear Blue. It was then agreed that each Board Member would turn in at least ten names along with email addresses and videophone numbers.

Nomeland asked about Motion 3; so the change from Potter to Nomeland as the maker of the motion #3 during the meeting in Las Vegas.

Rarus reviewed and proposed that DSA continue to take part at NAD Conferences as long as they have affiliate caucus going on.

Rose shared the ½ page advertisement that Nomeland designed for DBC.

#1 Potter moved that DSA pay next year’s NAD affiliation fee. Carried

#2 Potter moved that Nomeland work with NAD to coordinate a computer display dealing with resource listing in DSA booth at LV. Carried.

Clear Blue: Bonheyo suggested that there be souvenirs for when we have Clear Blue events; Rose is to give Bonheyo the name of the catalog for these souvenirs; Rose will send address labels to the board members who will purchase stamps and bill Rose. The Board liked the idea of the card that KSVRS had and wanted it to be part of a perforated card for sign-ups.

Treasurer’s Report-Rose: See attachment as well as the state by state count of members.

#3 Bonheyo moved to accept the treasurer’s audited report. Carried

Membership is at 2883.

It was decided that those who paid $15.00 for membership for next year will be accepted, however, beginning, Oct. 1 further membership applications will reflect $20.00 dues for two years. A review of membership per state was held.

Discussion on developing a budget took place.  Bonheyo and Rose will work on it and report back to the board tomorrow with a simplified budget plan having five categories. (Rose did and it was accepted).

It was agreed that State allocation information should be put on web and be updated on regular basis.

President Cook announced that the awards would be made at the LVDSA Luncheon; nominations for office deadline is May 1^st and Bonheyo will have Keith Thompson and Bob Scribner handle this.

#4 Rose moved that Al Sonnenstrahl be informed that DSA would keep his concept regarding advertisement rates, however that we would make some changes.  Carried. Nomeland provided edits to the first paragraph of Advertisement manager’s letter to potential and current advertisers which will reflect a 12K readership.

After reviewing the Bylaws, the Board Policy, the New Horizon Policy, the Biennial Conference policy/the guidelines for hosting a DSA Conference, it was determined that the Bylaws would go out in the New Horizons Fall issue and that new submissions would be accepted for the Law Committee to review. Another copy would go out in the Winter issue asking for additions and/or changes.

DSA Brochure: it was decided that this needs to be updated and disseminated both by hard copy and on the web. Nomeland and Rose will take care of this.

The Olathe Senior Citizens provided lunch (along with snacks and coffee in between!!!)

The Board recessed at 5 to have supper on their own and then attend the Deaf Cultural Center at 7 PM.  It was a fantastic experience to see a museum so greatly covering any and all aspects of Deaf Culture.  If you want to visit it, you can: http://kefdcc.org/.

Meeting resumed on 24 September 2008 at 9:20 AM at Olathe Club for the Deaf.

President Cook announced that sending a PDF copy of New Horizons to Deaf/Blind members works very well.

Discussion ensued on whether or not to expand on the current policy/guideline for the Editorial Board; until we have a new editor, DSA will abide by decision to pay the layout editor, who will answer to the President. The Board is to come up with incentives for the new Editor.  People wishing to apply for the position have until May 1, 2009.

A lengthy discussion revolved around the current website and the upcoming VP conference with a potential website designer. This discussion led to the agreement that changes were necessary in regards to DSA brochure; talked about the Video Phone conference that would be held in the afternoon.

Motion # 5: Rose moved that DSA establishes a Relief Fund. Carried. Bonheyo was voted as the person to handle this.

President Cook provided an update on the 2011 DSA Conference in Chicago; suggested that future hosts have Health Fairs and contact health organizations for sponsorship.

Motion # 6: Nomeland moved that the following categories be part of the Budget as proposed by Rose: Carried.  Categories are as follows:  Need list.

Motion # 7: Rose moved that DSA donates $100 to each of the following groups: Olathe Club for the Deaf, Olathe Senior Citizens and $75 for a brick with $25 as a donation to the Deaf Cultural Center. Carried

Motion # 8: Rose moved that at the end of each National Conference, two thousand dollars be earmarked for the Ralph H White fund. Carried.  It was further agreed that the purpose of the fund needs to be expanded.

Since DSA contracted with VisionKrafters to assist the Board with long term planning, Roger Kraft conducted a very educational session.

Meeting recessed at 5 to resume at 9 AM in the breakfast room of the Sleep Inn.

The board reviewed documents handed out by Roger Kraft.

Motion # 9 Potter moved the board members send vision statements to Rarus to compile by November 1 and goals by December 1. Carried.

Motion #10 Nomeland moved that Rose and he go over the Senior Resource list as posted on the web and determine which should receive a copy of New Horizons along with the cover letter as edited by the Board regarding placing advertisements.

After a lengthy discussion, Potter and Nomeland will check around for possible website designers and decide what needs to be done: redesign or develop. President will follow up on yesterday’s Videophone meeting.

The Board was reminded to have several meetings in our communities in regards to Clear Blue. Also, NH needs to include Clear Blue information. Potter will have the Bylaws sent to Wait by Oct. 15.

Motion #11: Rose moved that Kay Francis Rose make vests for the Board to wear during DSA Conference.  Carried.

Meeting was adjourned at 10:30 AM.

Nancy B. Rarus
Secretary