Soroptimist International of Upper Pinellas County
General Membership Meeting Minutes  
October 23, 2007  -  Radisson Hotel   5:30 to 7:00 PM Social and dinner 

I.                    CALL TO ORDER:  The meeting was called to order at 7:00 by President, Mary Louise Scussel.   

II.                  INTRODUCTION AND BRAG BUCKET:  The members introduced themselves and the Brag Bucket was passed.   $140.00 was collected. 

III.                MINUTES:  Corrections:

Page 3: Karen, not Paula, Motion to retain Brag Bucket

Old Business:  Susan is Print Chair

                         Alice  is Registration Chair

                        Attending District Meeting – Karen, Paula and Mary Louise

Page 5:          Martha Gray not Grey

                        Paula named Delegate, not Director           

The minutes were filed as changed. 

IV.               TREASURER'S REPORT:  Balance still $616.00.  $72.00 from September not included. 

V.                 APPOINTMENT:  Terri Sue Turner named as Parliamentarian.  Reviewed Eight Steps including:

a.                  Members rise to address chair.  Wait recognition

b.                 Motion format: "I move that.."  Motion is to be read back, President then calls for Second.  Chair then reviews who made motion and seconds it.  Discussion follows.  Chair then takes vote - 2/3 required.  Chair then announces result.

c.                  Name and Classification stated.  Betsi has list of classifications.

Note from Terri Fortner read.  Susan has copy of Terri's book. A group rate is available.

WOMEN ON THE WAY luncheon on November 2, 2007.  Last day to sign up is October 26^th. 

OLD BUSINESS:

VI        Betsi reported regarding information from District Meeting

            Winner of Governor's Service Award goes on to compete at National level.

Wrap up of "Project Independence."  $1.6 Million to Herzegovina, Bosnia, Rwanda, and like countries.

Inclusion of 500 women more than expected.  650 loans = $15,000 more than anticipated.

2007-11 Project Sierra: 4 year program with Hope and Homes for children.  $2 Million to assist some of the world's most deprived women assisting in stability, self-sufficiency among women.  Assistance to young mothers and children alone.  Giving integrated child and family support.

President's appeal December 10^th.  Restoring dignity to women suffering from fistulas (tear between two organs) affecting women in Ethiopia and similar countries.  Assists women who cannot be completely cured to live in a safe environment, not subject to ridicule.

Recruitment and Retention  - loss of 65 members in district.

Largest attendance in years at district meeting.

VII       NEW BUSINESS:

            Macy's fundraiser   - Betsi sold 50 tickets.  Members worked at Macy's - proceeds will be divided among participants.  No amount available at this time.

            Discussion of Service Fund Options.  Possibly better to give to several participants rather than one large sum of money.  Possible gifts at Christmas and Mother's Day.

Betsi:  $9,840 given over five years.  Wrote to Sharon Coil  to determine where money went.  Too early for response.

Paula: Rather than all to Women on the Way, possibly contributions to Women's Opportunity Awards.  Primary goal is to assist women in the community.  Women's Opportunity Award goes directly to women

Mel: Women on the Way has changed since Foundation became involved

Discussion followed as to finding a better way

Susan:  three scholarships - only one to Region, two and three possibly for accounts at college.

Paula:  Women's Opportunity Awards has guidelines.  Special accounts can be set up.

Pat:  In By-laws -  must give one Women on the Way Award.

President Mary Louise: Funds Women on the Way.  Matter tabled for further review

President Mary Louise:  New: Making a Difference for Women Award.  Awarded to women who make a difference in the lives of other women.    Members are familiar with Sharon Coil.  It would be easy to suggest Sharon for award.

How award would be given- Invite winner to meeting, pay for her dinner, honor during meeting.  Award would be a Certificate, not monetary.  Would then compete at Region.  Final winner gets $5,000.00 award.

No discussion.  Vote.  Carried Unanimously 

Need update on By-Laws.  Pat will publish in Scoup for November. Result will largely be bringing By-Law into compliance.

 Betsi: Adopt A Family deadline is November 12^th.

Susan moved that we participate in Adopt A Family through Women on the Way in Amount of $200.00.  Paula seconded.

Discussion re the $200.00.  Should we give gas cards and Target, Wal-Mart etc gift cards?  Should children get gifts to open.  Custom is to give gift cards for each person in family. 

Amended Motion by Paula.  We notify that we are willing to participate in Adopt A Family by November 12^th without designation of amount.

Seconded by Martha.  Passed unanimously as Amended 

VI.               ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Thank you to members who volunteered to Chair committees.

Kudos to Paula and Karen.

Club received Renaissance Membership for four or more new members.

Next meeting at Silver Queen on November 27^th.  Pat will provide pizza and salad.  Other clubs will be invited. 

The Meeting was adjourned and the members recited the Soroptimist Pledge. 

Respectfully submitted,   

Mary Lou Ambrose, Secretary