About ReadAssist
Meeting Minutes
January 7, 2006
The following members were present in the ReadAssist Chatroom at aim.com:
- Judith Lasker, Chairperson
- Walt Boyes, Technical
- Jody Dorsett, Asst Chairperson & Treasurer
- Pam Poggiani, Website Manager
- Christine Dorsett, Special Projects
- Janet Dailey, Communications
- Teresa Cochran, Client Coordinator
- Virginia Demarce, inactive member
- Eric Flint, Advisor (non-voting
Chair called meeting to order at 2:21 PM CST, January 7, 2006, and declared a quorum. All relevant documentation regarding this Board will be kept by the Communications Officer & Recorder. The publicity, website, and treasurer's reports were distributed before the meeting to all board members. (Attached below)
On January 6, Walt Boyes, head 501(c)(3) committee, requested Chair to concentrate the board meeting on a related proposal, suggested by Eric Flint. Chair agreed and urged all board members to attend Saturday's board meeting.
New Proposal, in lieu of charitable registration
- Eric and Walt presented the possibility of RA becoming part of the Science Fiction Public Library Foundation, a project Eric and some other authors are creating. The SFPL will be similar to the Baen Free Library: a place with electronic copies of science fiction books - with the intent of collecting donations, and doing good works. Eric has taken responsibility for creating the foundation. Eric thought that SFPL and ReadAssist could merge and work together as a single foundation, rather than two.
- ReadAssist would be part of SFPL, and perform the giving function "for the target group and the generality of mankind" that is required for easy 501C3. Walt would head the task of creating the 501C3 and Jody would be the "association manager." The SFPL board would consist of 4 authors (one will be Eric) and 4 RA board members. Being part of the SFPL gives us additional sanction from SFWA and will make it easier to find assistance and get other publishers involved. It gives RA the power to fulfill our mission statement instead of just throwing up a website and hoping people come. The connection with SFPL, amplifies the non-profit advantage and it is huge opportunity to really make a difference in the lives of reading-impaired people. ReadAssist can, in practice, operate independently of the operations of the SFPL have a place to operate with a larger group of authors and publishers.
- Walt moved to merge RA with SFPL. Chris seconded motion, then discussion continued. Jody moved to amend the motion to have a vote right now to see who agrees with this move in principle, and that the board meet in two weeks to further discuss details. Workgroup to consist of Jody, Walt and Chris. Seconded by Janet. Motion passed by 5-1.
- Chair proposed a SPECIAL meeting to discuss the details be January 21, 2006 at 10:00AM PST. Please note this is 2 hours EARLIER than we usually meet!
Fund-Raising: Autographed Book
Janet will send signed bookplate for Ring of Fire to Walt, who bought another copy.
Chair moved to adjourn. Pogo seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Submitted by Janet Dailey, Commo & Recorder, January 8, 2006.
Committee Reports
Treasury Report, January 7, 2006
| Date |
Transaction |
Deposits |
Expenses |
Balance |
|---|
| 10/6/05 |
Initial Balance |
|
|
$1,244.14 |
| 11/4/05 |
Interest |
0.32 |
|
1,244.47 |
| 12/5/05 |
Interest |
0.32 |
|
1,244.79 |
| 1/4/06 |
Interest |
0.32 |
|
1,245.11 |
I'd like to remind everyone that we only earn a fraction of a percent in interest in return for not having to pay any fees. For the past quarter that rate has been 0.31%.
/s/ Jody Dorsett, Treasurer
Website Report, January 5, 2006
The website is up to date, including a link requested by email and those gathered at NorWesCon.
/s/ Pam Poggiani
Publicity Report, January 5, 2005
Bookmarks will be shipped to agents for distribution at Arisia (Boston MA, Jan 13-15) and StellarCon (High Point NC, Feb 17-19).
/s/ Pam Poggiani