Northwestern Region Soroptimist International of the Americas OFFICIAL MINUTES. Ninety-Eighth Conference. Spokane, Washington.

Transcription

1 Northwestern Region Soroptimist International of the Americas OFFICIAL MINUTES Ninety-Eighth Conference Spokane, Washington April 21-24, 2016 NWR BOARD MEMBERS Governor Carol Hansen SI of Pasco Kennewick Governor Elect Stephanie Smith SI of Oak Harbor Secretary Marti Crook SI of McMinnville Treasurer Carla Tucker SI of Burlington District 1 Director Nancy Buechner SI of Friday Harbor District 2 Director Dawn Christiansen Cuellar SI of Lake Oswego West Linn District 3 Director Kathi Hanson SI of Three Rivers District 4 Director Melissa Domme SI of Helena Day 1 Thursday, April 21, 2016 Some members participated in walking wine and food tours in the downtown Spokane area. A no host social gathering was held at the Davenport Tower lobby bar. Day 2 Friday, April 22, 2016 Opening Ceremonies Inspiring Dreams, Celebrating Success March In/Head Table Presentation: Conference Chair Marvalene Broadhead, SI of Lower Yakima Valley, introduced the President/CEO of Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce, Katherine Morgan; Parliamentarian Carene Davis-Stitt; the District Officers; the NWR officers; SIA President Elect Rosemary Reid; SIA Program Manager Nora Blumenstein; and Governor Carol Hansen. Introduction of Visitors: Governor Carol welcomed visiting Federation leaders Rosemary Reid, SIA President Elect; Sue Riney, SIA Secretary/Treasurer; Nora Blumenstein, SIA Program Manager, Tamra Sipes, SIA Fundraising Council Chair; and Kathy King, newly elected SIA Federation Board Member. She also welcomed our four Grant of Friendship visitors: Sara Nilsson from Lulea, Sweden; Olufunmilola (Funlola) Buraimoh-Ademuyewo from Lagos, Nigeria; Maria Marsh from Guildford, Surrey, England; and Pam O Dwyer from Barooga, NWS, Australia. 1

2 Call to Order: Governor Carol Hansen called the Ninety Eighth Conference of Northwestern Region, Soroptimist International of the Americas to order at 8:40 a.m. Presentation of Colors Pledge of Allegiance Welcome Address SI of Spokane Marvalene Broadhead Katherine Morgan, President/CEO Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce Break: Change of Head Table Introductions: Governor Carol introduced those new to the head table, Kathy Doll, SI of Oak Harbor, Region Finance Chair; and Sharron King, SI of Port Orchard, Conference Registration Chair. Carol also acknowledged the past Region Governors in attendance, Carol Kirkby; Linette Zimmerman; Jan Martin; Carene Davis-Stitt; Sue Riney; Kathy King; and Avis Ogden who will be arriving Saturday. The 42 first-time attendees were also acknowledged. She also recognized our conference sponsors: Inspiring Dreams level - Sponsorship $ SI of Anacortes, SI of Eugene, SI of Friday Harbor, SI of Oak Harbor, SI of Pasco- Kennewick, and SI of Whitefish. Celebrating Dreams level Sponsorship $ SI of Heritage Club of Helena Dream a Little Dream level Sponsorship $ SI of Portland and SI of Sno-King Supporting the Dream level Sponsorship $ SI of Gresham and NWR Secretary Marti Crook Credentials Report: Sharron King, Registration Chair, SI of Port Orchard moved to accept Credentials Report #1 (no second needed on a motion from committee). The motion carried. (Report attached.) Conference Rules: Carene Davis-Stitt, NWR Parliamentarian, SI of Eugene presented the Conference Rules. It was moved and seconded to adopt the rules as printed in the conference program. The motion carried. Adoption of Official Agenda: Secretary Marti moved that the Agenda of the 98 th Northwestern Region Conference be adopted with such changes as may be deemed necessary by the Governor to ensure the orderly flow of the proceedings. The motion was seconded and carried. 2

3 Minutes of the 97 th Conference: Secretary Marti stated that the minutes of the 97 th Conference of the Northwestern Region were reviewed and approved by the Minutes Review Committee and provided to clubs via the Region website within 45 days of the end of Conference. Conference Committee Appointments: Governor Carol announced the following appointments: The Minutes Review Committee: The four District Secretaries were appointed Renee Recker, SI of Oak Harbor; Theresa Heidt-Vanderschoot, SI of McMinnville; Jo Breneman, SI of Pasco-Kennewick; and Cindy Zimmerman, SI of Helena. Conference Rules Committee: The past Northwestern Region Governors in attendance were appointed. Credentials Committee: Chaired by Past Northwestern Region Governor Linette Zimmerman, SI of Port Orchard. Elections/Teller Committee: Chris Kelly, SI of Missoula is the chair. The Tellers are: Bonnie Hendrickson, SI of Friday Harbor for District 1; Jan Montgomery, SI of McMinnville for District 2; Hazel Hanson, SI of Pasco-Kennewick, for District 3; and Kari Marrero, SI of Missoula for District 4. Past Northwestern Region Governors Carene Davis-Stitt and Linette Zimmerman assisted with balloting. Correspondence: Secretary Marti shared the correspondence received for the conference. Secretary s Report: Marti Crook, SI of McMinnville presented her Secretary report. (Attached). Treasurer s Report: Carla Tucker, SI of Burlington presented the Treasurer s Report. She stated that there are currently 86 clubs in the Region and 2639 members. She reminded the members that there will be a small dues increase from SIA. She discussed the Treasurer s calls, the audits and tax returns. She reported the Dream Higher program has earned $14, so far for the Region Live Your Dream awards. (Report attached). Finance Committee Report: Kathy Doll, SI of Oak Harbor presented the Finance Committee Report. She reviewed the financial records and explained that there are now three separate budgets one for Operating, one for Restricted Reserve, and one for the Imagine Life Without Violence account. She gave the Region finances a grade of A. Fundraising Committee Report: Marta Page talked about the Laurel Society monthly giving and the Laurel Legacy. She also encouraged members to use Amazonsmile.com and goodshop.com when they make purchases online because you can designate Soroptimist as a charity of choice to receive a part of the proceeds. She reminded clubs that for Club Giving 10% is based on the net profits from community fundraisers. She stated that so far this year 40 of 86 clubs have given to Club Giving with 16 of them contributing at the 10% level. She introduced all of the Laurel Society and Laurel Legacy members in attendance. Marta also recognized the Soroptimist Corporate sponsors, Royal Neighbors of America and Janney Montgomery Scott. She announced that so far this year 84 of 86 clubs have sent in their Founders Pennies. 3

4 Nominating Committee Report: Vanessa Horning, Nominating Committee Chair, SI of Centralia- Chehalis presented the Nominating Committee Report. She stated that 35 nominations were received and 16 of those nominations were accepted. She presented the slate of nominees: Governor Elect: Dawn Christiansen-Cuellar, Marti Crook, and Janet Schempf Region Secretary: Kristi Puckett Region Treasurer: Kathy Doll District 1 Director: Renee Recker, Becky Taft District 2 Director: Theresa Heidt-Vanderschoot District 3 Director: Jo Breneman District 4 Director: Sandra Kokoruda District 1 Secretary: Dana Bune, Karen Hall, Karen Marshall, and Marilee Paddock District 2 Secretary: Wendy Falkenstein and Janis Rink District 3 Secretary: No Nominees District 4 Secretary: No Nominees Nominations from the floor: Governor Carol called for nominations from the floor for Governor Elect. Hearing none, the chair declared nominations closed. Governor Carol called for nominations from the floor for Region Secretary. Hearing none, the chair declared nominations closed. Vanessa Horning, on behalf of the Nominating Committee, moved to elect Kristi Puckett as Region Secretary for The motion carried. Governor Carol called for nominations from the floor for Region Treasurer. Hearing none, the chair declared nominations closed. Vanessa Horning, on behalf of the Nominating Committee, moved to elect Kathy Doll as Region Treasurer for The motion carried. Governor Carol called for nominations from the floor for District 1 Director. Hearing none, the chair declared nominations closed. Governor Carol called for nominations from the floor for District 2 Director. Hearing none, the chair declared nominations closed. Vanessa Horning, on behalf of the Nominating Committee, moved to elect Theresa Heidt-Vanderschoot as District 2 Director for The motion carried. Governor Carol called for nominations from the floor for District 3 Director. Hearing none, the chair declared nominations closed. Vanessa Horning, on behalf of the Nominating Committee, moved to elect Jo Breneman as District 3 Director for The motion carried. Governor Carol called for nominations from the floor for District 4 Director. Hearing none, the chair declared nominations closed. Vanessa Horning, on behalf of the Nominating Committee, moved to elect Sandra Kokoruda as District 4 Director. The motion carried. Governor Carol called for nominations from the floor for District 1 Secretary. Hearing none, the chair declared the nominations closed. 4

5 Governor Carol called for nominations from the floor for District 2 Secretary. Hearing none, the chair declared the nominations closed. Governor Carol called for nominations from the floor for District 3 Secretary. Rae Jean Kelly was nominated and her resume was distributed to the District 3 delegates. There were no other nominations from the floor. The chair declared the nominations closed. Vanessa Horning, on behalf of the Nominating Committee moved to elect Rae Jean Kelly as District 3 Secretary for The motion carried. Governor Carol called for nominations from the floor for District 4 Secretary. Jan Martin was nominated and her resume was distributed to the District 4 delegates. There were no other nominations from the floor. The chair declared the nominations closed. Vanessa Horning, on behalf of the Nominating Committee moved to elect Jan Martin as District 4 Secretary for The motion carried. The newly elected candidates were congratulated and the remaining candidates were each given one minute to introduce themselves and explain why they should be elected. Governor Carol thanked the Nominating Committee members for their work. Governor Elect Report: Stephanie Smith, SI of Oak Harbor presented her Governor Elect Report. (Report attached). Soroptimists Celebrating Success Report: Kate Allister, SI of Gresham provided the Soroptimists Celebrating Success Report. She explained that the awards recognize outstanding club projects that support our mission and demonstrate some of the best practices in each of our four Pillars of Success: Fundraising, Membership, Program, and Public Awareness. In Fundraising, first place went to SI of Gresham for the Teddy Bear Parade project. In Membership, the first place award went to SI of Greater Bremerton Area. The first place in Programs went to SI of Burlington for their Girl Power project and the first place award in Public Awareness went to SI of Great Falls for the Soroptimist Village. Celebrating Soroptimist Luncheon Governor Carol introduced those seated at the head table. The inspiration was provided by Helene Schwartz, SI of Pasco-Kennewick. Keynote Address: Rosemary Reid, SIA President Elect presented the keynote address. She talked about stories involving women who change the world and how women and girls are capable of great things if given the chance. She talked about how Soroptimist started and highlighted some influential Soroptimist women. She also talked about the Shaping Our Future program and that education is the most meaningful tool for women. She said that the Soroptimist Big Goal will guide us forward and that individual contributions to SIA will add to our collective impact. She encouraged all members to help change the story for women and girls. 5

6 Kate Allister highlighted two of the Soroptimists Celebrating Success winners SI of Gresham Teddy Bear Parade and SI of Greater Bremerton Area Membership on the Rise. Recess: The meeting was recessed at 1:45 p.m. for workshops. Delegates Briefing: Delegates were given the opportunity to ask questions about the proposed budget and bylaws changes. Tell & Sell: Members enjoyed Tell & Sell and activities involving the candidates. Day 2 Saturday, April 23, 2016 Voting: Voting for District and Region Officers took place in the Early Bird Room. General Session: Governor Carol introduced those seated at the head table. Inspiration: Sally Haas, SI of Choteau & Vicinity provided the inspiration. Credentials Report: Sharron King, Registration Chair presented the 2 nd Credentials report. On behalf of the Credentials Committee she moved to accept Credentials Report #2. The motion carried. Elections Chair Report: Chris Kelly, Elections Chair, announced the elections results. Governor Elect: There will be a run-off between Dawn Christiansen Cuellar and Marti Crook. District 1 Director: The District 1 Director for is Renee Recker. District 1 Secretary: There will be a run-off between Dana Bune and Karen Marshall. District 2 Secretary: The District 2 Secretary for is Wendy Falkenstein. Governor Carol congratulated the newly elected Region Officers and District Leadership Teams. Region Budget: Kathy Doll, Finance Committee Chair, presented the Region Budget for in three parts. Kathy moved to approve the Operating Budget be approved as presented. The board recommended a Do Pass. The motion carried. Kathy moved to approve the Restricted Reserve Budget be approved as presented. The board recommended a Do Pass. The motion carried. Kathy moved to approve the Imagine Life Without Violence Budget. The board recommended a Do Pass. The motion carried. 6

7 Governor Carol thanked Treasurer Carla, Finance Chair Kathy, and the Region Board for their work on the budget. Presentation/Voting bylaws: Region bylaws Chair, Linette Zimmerman presented the proposed bylaws and Resolution changes. Index #1 to update Bylaws, Article 4, Section 4.7c.1) to clarify the meetings the region secretary is expected to attend. The board recommended a Do Pass. The motion carried. Index #2 to update Bylaws, Article 4, Section 4.7 d.1) to clarify the meetings the region treasurer is expected to attend. The board recommended a Do Pass. The motion carried. Index #3 to update Bylaws, Article 4, Section 4.7 e.1) to clarify the meetings the District Directors are expected to attend. The board recommended a Do Pass. The motion carried. Index #4 to update Bylaws, Article 4, Section 4.7e.3) the change increases the length of time the Call is posted to allow clubs more time to plan. The board recommended a Do Pass. The motion carried. Index #5 to update Bylaws, Article 8, Section 8.1 d) to remove the need for the Finance Committee to prepare a pooling fee report. The board recommended a Do Pass. The motion carried. Index #6 to update Bylaws, Article 11) the change would make the parliamentary authority the most recent version of Roberts Rules of Order rather than specifying a specific version. The board recommended a Do Pass. The motion carried. Resolution 1: The change would bring the mission statement in alignment with that of Soroptimist International of the Americas. The board recommended a Do Pass. There was discussion. The vote was 87 for the change and 51 against the change. The motion failed because it did not receive a 2/3 majority vote. Membership Report: Paige Bates, Region Membership Chair presented the Membership Report. She reported that SIA has extended the All Aboard the MemberSHIP campaign. The new campaign will go from June 1, 2016 to May 31, (Report attached). Kate Allister highlighted the Soroptimists Celebrating Success Program Pillar winner, SI of Burlington for Girl Power; and the Public Awareness winner, SI of Great Falls for Soroptimist Village. General Session Keynote Address: Conference Chair Marvalene Broadhead introduced our speaker Shabnam Mogharabi, CEO & Executive Producer of Soul Pancake. Shabnam talked about being Ambassadors of Joy and presented videos and activities to engage the members. 7

8 Recess: Polls were open for the run-off voting. Live Your Dreams Awards Luncheon: Governor Carol introduced those seated at the head table Inspiration: Past Governor Carol Kirkby provided the inspiration. Election Results: Chris Kelly reported the results of the run-off election. Marti Crook received the majority of votes for Governor Elect and Karen Marshall received the majority of votes for District 1 Secretary. Live Your Dream Award Presentations: Janet Schempf, Region Live Your Dream Awards Chair presented the 10 Northwestern Region $ winners and their submitting clubs: Danielle Daugherty, (SI of Auburn); Argelia Mendez-Alvarez, (SI of Centralia Chehalis); Johanna (SI of Coeur D Alene); Linda Nevins (SI of Fidalgo Island); Covita Hughes (SI of Florence); Jeannie Holton (SI of Junction City); Tamara Adams (SI of North Valley); Christina Covert (SI of Sno-King); Maria Alvarez (SI of Okanogan Valley); and Tegan (SI of South Whidbey). She then presented the seven women being honored with the $ Federation funded awards: Aubrey (SI of Ashland); Aleshia Detweiler (SI of Bend); Keneisha (SI of Federal Way); Rachel (SI of Heritage Club of Helena); Heather Maurin (SI of Hood River); Alicia Olson (SI of McMinnville); and Adria (SI of Pasco-Kennewick). She also presented the $ Federation funded award to Bailey McManus (SI of Mt. Adams). A Live Stream of the event was made available to the family and friends of award recipients by Riney Productions. A link to the recording of the event will be made available to members following conference. Shabnam Mogharabi Questions: Governor Carol invited Shabnam Mogharabi back to answer questions from members. Recess: The meeting was recessed at 2:45 for workshops. Installation Dinner Meet Your Dream Team Inspiration: Kari Loving, SI of Burlington provided the inspiration. Installation of Region Officers and District Leadership: Governor Carol introduced Sue Riney, Past Governor and SIA Secretary/Treasurer to conduct the installation. The District Leadership Team and the Region Officers were installed. Recess: The meeting was recessed for the day at 9:00 p.m. 8

9 Day 3 Sunday, April 24, 2016 General Session Reconvenes: Governor Elect Stephanie introduced those seated at the head table. Inspiration: Kathy Canape, SI of Ashland provided the inspiration. Kate Allister highlighted the honorable mention for the Soroptimists Celebrating Success Fundraising pillar Whidbey Island of Treasures, SI of Oak Harbor and the Membership honorable mention A Recipe for Retention, SI of Oak Harbor. Banquet staff: The banquet staff was introduced and thanked. Final Credentials Report: Sharron King, Registration Chair presented the final Credentials report. She moved on behalf of the Credentials Committee to accept Credentials Report #3. The motion passed. SIA Program Highlights: Nora Blumenstein, SIA Program Manager shared Program highlights. She said that inspired girls will lift others higher and education is the best way to overcome barriers to empowerment. That is the purpose of the Dream Programs. She reported that in % of clubs in SIA participated in the Live Your Dream Award (formerly Women s Opportunity Award), 80 awards were given for $84, She stated that in % of clubs participated with 126 awards and $209, was awarded. Resources are available on the SIA website for the Live Your Dream Awards and the Dream it, Be it programs and SIA staff is available to help. Legislative Committee Report: Lura Powell, SI of Pasco-Kennewick, Region Legislative Chair provided her report. She reported that the committee was kicked off after last year s conference. Members can participate through the Live Your Dream action alerts on the Live Your Dream.org site. (Report attached). Rose Ceremony: Governor Elect Stephanie introduced the Celebration of Life Rose Ceremony, recognizing members we have lost in the past year by a single yellow rose. The video remembrance was created by Helene Jensen, SI of Port Orchard, a member of the Public Awareness Committee. District Director s Report: The District Directors (D1 Nancy Buechner, D2 Dawn Christiansen-Cuellar, D3 Kathi Hanson, D4 Melissa Domme) presented a Secret Agent skit of their reports. Janis Rink presented the honorable mentions for the Soroptimists Celebrating Success pillar of Program - Dream it, Be it Community Assessment, SI of Three Rivers and Pasco-Kennewick. She also presented the honorable mention for Public Awareness - Backpack Project, SI of Coupeville. 9

10 Site Report: Tamra Sipes, Northwestern Region Site Coordinator discussed the process for room blocks at conference. She cautioned members about reserving more rooms than they need. She stated that rooms should be reserved under the name of the person that will be staying in the room and that one person should not reserve multiple rooms because the Region could end up paying for those rooms if they are cancelled at the last minute. Tamra also announced the locations of the 2016 District Meetings and the 2017 Region Conference. The dates and locations are: District Meetings 2016: District 4 Sept. 30-Oct. 2 Radisson Colonial Helena, MT District 3 October 7-9 Coeur d Alene Resort Coeur d Alene, ID District 1 October Bellevue Marriott Bellevue, WA District 2 October Grand Hotel Salem, OR Region Conference 2017: April Hilton Vancouver Vancouver, WA Region Conference 2018: April Coeur d Alene Resort Coeur d Alene, ID Invitation to SIA Convention: Governor Elect Stephanie presented the invitation to attend the SIA 44 th Biennial Convention in Orlando, Florida July She reported that there will be 25 different workshops and a charity activity for the Days for Girls project. Details are available on the SIA website. Governor s Report: Governor Carol talked about how well Northwestern Region clubs have responded to the Wave of Change by participating in the Dream it, Be it program and utilizing the Club Roadmap for Success. She also talked about the Healthy Region checklist and membership changes such as the revised minimum membership requirements, new resources available from SIA, and the All Aboard the MemberSHIP campaign. Other changes include the discontinuance of the club award form and the Region Pooling fee, club liability insurance change, improvements to the website and the WOMAN newsletter, and Region judging for the Soroptimists Celebrating Success Awards. M&M Awards (miles x members): Treasurer Carla announced the winners of the M&M Awards with help from the Region officers. Tell & Sell Drawings: Region Site Coordinator Tamra Sipes assisted clubs with Tell & Sell drawings. Closing: Governor Carol thanked the Conference team, Riney Productions, the NWR Board, District Secretaries, SIA President Elect Rosemary Reid and many others for their assistance and thanked the members for attending. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 11:40 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Marti Crook, NWR Secretary 10