Minutes of FCC Board Meeting November 26, 2001
Peking Duck House Restaurant

Present:
Beth Rosenthal Ron Tralle Marylou Cooper-Green Aileen Koger David Youtz Cara Blouin Toby Volkman Jane DeBevoise
Absent: Yong Ho Ross Lewis Barry Radick Joe Kelly

Call To Order, 6:40 PM

I. Charitable Initiatives
A. Update on joint appeal
1. 12 Chapters to send the letter
2. Card gives option to give to both NE and NY or either
3. 60/40 Split of funds given to both (as NY is larger)
4. Donations will be sent to PO Box outside of New York
5. Although there were “issues” the collaboration was generally amiable, and NE was very helpful in terms of keeping on task
6. The Board expressed approval of the well-done appeal letter and all work on the joint appeal
B. New Sources of Funding
1. David and Aileen both expressed a desire to move towards other funding organizations, rather than relying solely on our own drives
a. Oppenhiemer Funds “Miracle Day” application awaiting approval
b. “Opportunities” list from the US China Business Council
c. Working Assets donation program
d. China Sprout will donate 10% from purchases during particular period- (send another email to listserve)


II. Membership
A. The new online system is steadily improving, and kudos were given to both Cathy Dempsey and Tim Stoener for their work on it
1. It is now possible to register online
B. Cathy Dempsey may be stepping down or cutting back hours
1. Discussion regarding the benefits of adding more paid employees because of volunteer burnout was widely discussed, and David encouraged further discussion soon
C. For 2001 we have approximately 1,600 families


III. Publications
A. Will be publishing an abbreviated directory this year
1. Will include only two lists: alphabetical and by spouse.
2. It was suggested that we include a listing by agency
B. The Newsletter is out and the next two are underway
1. A rundown for the Winter issue was given for approval
2. The Newsletter responsibilities will be passed largely from Joe Kelly to Mary Child after the next issue
3. The question of sending back newsletters to people who renew in the middle of the year was posed- it was decided that we should move away from that, and the idea that the $29 is for the newsletter.
C. A new “How to Adopt in China” packet is underway
1. Will be updated by volunteer Roberta (?)
2. Ron suggested it be done in PDF format so that it can be downloaded from the site.
D. David is planning on putting together a brochure in January or December and is seeking suggestions
IV. Treasurer’s Update-We have distributed about $2,000 dollars to regional coordinators for their work (Only the fractured NJ regions are still waiting)


V. Events
A. “Peach Girl: Poems for a Chinese Daughter” 1. Would like to have an event
2. Possibly read at Culture Day
3. Want to donate proceeds from the book
B. The New Member Briefing resulted in a new “Programs Cluster” consisting of Toby, Ho Yong, and Ross
C. Toby has pulled together interesting parties, as well as people currently working on parent programs for a forma Parent Programs Committee
1. They are planning to combine some existing events
2. Hoping for regular Friday Night parent programs/speakers
a. Amanda Baden
b. Patty Strugg
c. Wan Yan Lin
d. Panel on Chinese perspectives on family
3. Is hoping for more suggestions
4. Ron suggested they try to reach out more to regions, Toby will take it back to the committee to consider.


VI. December Mailings
A. David asked for suggestions for things to go out in the December mailing
1. Culture Day information
2. Annual Report
3. Information on upcoming programs
4. Call for volunteers
5. Awaiting more suggestions


VII. Annual Meeting
A. Beth and Barry are working on making the elections more democratic
B. Beth also strongly suggested separating the meeting more from the New Years celebration, rather than “tricking” people into coming.
1. Pre Mailing was suggested
2. Having another event at the same time
3. Encouraging more audience participation


VIII. Culture Day
A. Will be in same place on same weekend
B. Will be using same coordinator
C. Still searching for new Culture Day “Czar”
1. Marylou recommended making Culture Day planning a paid position, as it has a high potential for burnout, and recommended a professional, Deanna Hunt for the job.
2. David suggested the board consider the idea of paid positions in general, particularly in terms of specific jobs
3. The Board also discussed the real need for more volunteers, and considered several means of appeal


Adjourn: 8:20 PM