GALA Board of Directors, March 23, 2009 Meeting synopsis

1. Approved the Meeting Minutes for February 23 and Special Board Meeting of March 9, 2009.
2. Asked the Secretary for data on membership dues renewed for 2009 and numbers of newsletters sent via surface mail as well as e-mail; to be provided by next meeting.
3. Received the report of the Treasurer along with receipts and expenditures activities.
4. Reviewed and approved the proposed corporate Bylaw changes for submission to the membership for a vote.
5. Received an update on the GALA website from Allan Fiscus & Andrew Chesnutt; prototype expected to be available shortly for review by the members of the Board of Directors.
6. Saundra Merth suggested that the revised GALA brochure include a "tear off" section that could be used for new members and for those that desire to make a donation. The review of a revised brochure continues and is contemplated to be complete in time to print and use in local GALA events or Gay Pride activities.
7. Merchandising such as t-shirts for World Conference and retreats, pins with our logo, rainbow lanyards and other ideas were reviewed. Logo revision continues to be an item for review in an effort to more clearly define the "dove" in our logo.
8. Chuck Hewitt will secure pricing for six foot and eight foot vinyl banners that would contain the GALA branding for use at events around the country.
9. The Nominating Committee for GALA will be formed at the April 27 Board of Directors Meeting.
10. The flyer for Camp Doniphan GALA Retreat, Labor Day Weekend 2009 will be completed by Allan Fiscus & included on the GALA website as soon as possible.
11. The next GALA newsletter is expected to be mailed by May 1, 2009; assignments for articles were made and submissions are always welcome! Deadline for submissions for this issue is April 7, 2009.

GALA Board of Directors, April 27, 2009 Meeting synopsis

1. Approved the Meeting Minutes for March 23, 2009 Board Meeting.
2. Received membership Dues Analysis report from the Secretary.
3. Reviewed an additional Bylaws revision recommendation relative to the Nominating Committee; approved for submission to the membership.
4. Reviewed the ballot that will be sent to the membership for recommended Bylaws revisions. Ballot process should be completed within the next several weeks.
5. Received an update on the receipts and expenditures for the last month.
6. Treasurer advised that the 990N (IRS) report has been filed with the federal government.
7. Discussed the revised website that is "under construction" with creator Andrew Chesnutt & Allan Fiscus.
8. Advised that we have a Facebook page. GALA members are encouraged to request access: Gay and Lesbian Acceptance.
9. Discussed adding a tagline to our literature and/or banner that is inclusive of our transgender, bisexual and allies.
10. Reviewed the revised GALA brochure & received suggestions about using a rainbow triangle logo with the dove outline.
11. Received updates on the next issue of the GALA newsletter which should be ready to go to the printer shortly.
12. Advised that the schedule for the upcoming GALA Retreat will be available shortly. The registration form will be available in the next newsletter & will be made available through our website.
13. Learned that the planting of the planters outside the Temple circular drive entrance will happen on Saturday, May9 at 10:00 a.m.; everyone invited to attend & participate.
14. The banner is in process and will hopefully be available for use at the May 9 event.

GALA Board of Directors, May 11, 2009 Special Meeting synopsis

Discussed revised GALA brochure content and reached a consensus on a tagline that will be used going forward: "A community welcoming gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, and transgendered persons and their allies."

Approved a motion to print 5,000 copies of the new brochure that will be used in 2009 Pride events, Annual Retreat, Community of Christ World Conference and will be available upon request.

GALA will be represented at 2009 Pride events in San Francisco, CA, Buffalo, NY and will provide support for Kansas City, MO.

Received updates on the GALA Facebook page; please feel free to request access.

GALA Board of Directors, June 1, 2009 Meeting synopsis

1. Received the report of the Nominating Committee.
2. Approved the Meeting Minutes for April 27 and Special Board Meeting of May 11, 2009.
3. Received update on new brochure; will be ready from the printer on Thursday, June 4, 2009 and copies will be used in Buffalo, NY, San Francisco, CA & Kansas City, MO during their Pride Celebrations. The new GALA banner will also be ready and used during the events.
4. Bylaw ballots were e-mailed and/or surface mailed with a date of May 22; last date to receive ballots is June 12, 2009.
5. Members of the Board made recommendations for revisions or additions to the new GALA website and were asked to review the website and make any further recommendations by Thursday, June 4, 2009; Allan Fiscus will contact Andrew Chesnutt with the recommendations.
6. GALA newsletter deadlines were set, July 1 to D. Woosely, Undersecretary for Publications, July 17 to the printer and July 24 mailing to members.
7. The Board of Directors went into Executive Session for discussions and came out of Executive Session and adjourned the meeting.

July 13, 2009 GALA Board of Directors Conference Call Meeting Synopsis

1. Approved the minutes from the June 1 & Special BOD Meeting of June 15, 2009
2. Received report on Bylaw Balloting; all eight (8) changes were adopted.
3. The Bylaws, as revised, have been submitted to Andrew Chesnutt, webmaster, and uploaded to the GALA website.
4. Received the verbal report of the Treasurer with current account balance.
5. Additional memorial donations have been received in memory of Allan Zimmerman.
6. Paid registrations for the Camp Doniphan Retreat are beginning to be received.
7. D. Woosely, WCN liaison, reported on activities of WCN.
8. D. Howard provided a Retreat Schedule for Camp Doniphan. The revisions will be made as suggested and the schedule will be transmitted to Andrew Chesnutt for uploading to the GALA website.
9. A GALA Board meeting will be held on Thursday, September 3, 2009 in the Independence, MO area; location & time to be determined.
10. Newsletter article assignments were reviewed & updated.
11. Discussion was entertained about possible new pins & lanyards.
12. The GALA facebook page now has 95 members; 27 have indicated that they will be attending the Camp Doniphan GALA Retreat!
13. Plans have begun to take shape for activities at the 2010 Community of Christ World Conference.

August 17, 2009 GALA Board of Directors Conference Call Meeting Synopsis

1. Approved the minutes from the July 13, 2009 Board of Directors Conference Call Meeting.
2. Reviewed the current income & expenses along with the current budget.
3. Reviewed, discussed & made suggestions for the proposed 2009-2010 Budget that shall be presented to the membership at the Annual Business Meeting that will be held in Camp Doniphan.
4. Reviewed the needs for the upcoming GALA Retreat, Labor Day Weekend, to be held in Camp Doniphan; assignments were covered by volunteers.
5. Advised that the banquet/talent show has been designated as the PINK PARTY for the GALA Retreat; everyone encouraged to dress in their finest PINK attire!
6. Learned that the newly designed GALA pins will be available for sale at the GALA Retreat along with copies of the book, Homosexual Saints and clothing.
7. Heard that there will be a Pride Store at the GALA Retreat this year with a portion of the proceeds donated to GALA.
8. Reminded that there will be a movie viewing on Monday evening in Independence along with a panel discussion following; members of the GALA Board of Directors will be present to participate.
9. Discussed several ideas for the location of the 2010 Retreat; results of availability are expected to be reported back to the Board at the next Conference Call Board Meeting.

September 6, 2009 Annual Business Meeting Minutes

Click here for a downloadable version including FY 2010 budget
Annual Business Meeting, GALA Gay & Lesbian Acceptance
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Camp Doniphan, Excelsior Springs, Missouri
4:12 p.m. ; We Share A Mission.
Attendance: 40

Call to Order, D. Howard

Opening Prayer, A. Fiscus

Minutes Approval
MOTION: Nathan Phillips/Fran Zimmerman: to approve the Annual Business Meeting Minutes of August 31, 2008, Temple Grove, Transfer, PA ; carried

Annual Report to Membership; D. Howard
Introduced & recognized members of the Board of Directors.
GALA Board Accomplishments 2008/2009; copy included with minutes.

Treasurer"s Report; P. Danielson
10/01/09 - 09/02/09 Report included with registration packet; copy included with minutes.
Reviewed Actual figures from 10/01/2008 - 09/02/2009 (A) vs. Budget (B).
Income A = $17,459 vs. B = $22,105
Expenses A = $14,738 vs. B = $22,105
Income in excess of Expenses = $2,721
Balances: Checking $8,597 Savings $5,040
Total Cash on Hand, 08/30/2009: $13,637

Discussed:
Region/Mission Centers
Banner and other public relation items should ONLY contain "Community of Christ" when referring to the church known as such; NEVER use the term "church" in conjunction with the name of the institution.
Donations to Allan Zimmerman Memorial are believed to have all been sent to GALA Gay & Lesbian Acceptance; some had advertently been sent to a GALA organization in PA in error by a funeral home.

Presentation of 2010 Budget; D. Howard/P. Danielson
Report included with registration packet; copy included with minutes.
Grant items have yet to come to fruition in pervious or current budget(s) and therefore have been dropped from the 2010 proposed Budget.
Annual Retreat income/expenses will be handled separately as we move forward; anticipating $500 income over expenses for 2010 Retreat.
Reviewed items from proposed Budget.
Recognized Mike Hewitt for design & execution of plants at the Temple that was accomplished this year; planning to participate in this program again next spring.
Detailed the 50th Anniversary Organ Project; C. Hewitt indicated he can get wholesale flowers. Dates for the events are listed on the church website.
Seed money will continue to be provided for local Pride Celebrations around the country.
Income & Expenses: $12,250

MOTION: Andrew Chesnutt/Erin Cavanaugh, to approve as presented; carried.

Discussion of Retreats; D. Howard
What is feeling about pulling off two (2) retreats on opposite coasts held the same weekend?
Could we hold them on different weekends?
Alternating coast/alternating years meetings?

• There is visibility, support, familiarity...when we utilize "church" sites.
• Board representation at meetings, regardless of when they are held could be an issue.
• Could we have discussion(s) with Affirmation or any other group that might have interest in joining a joint meeting with GALA?
• Ministry has been to various areas around the country; we do not necessarily see folks attending when the retreats are held outside their area.

If we had two retreats a year, how many would support if on different dates? (15)
Spring and Fall Retreats (14)
Two on Labor Day, every other year (5)

Cost of $175; how many would be willing to pay more than this amount? (5)
Is there a way to tier the fees to increase fees to local attendees and reduce fees for those that travel to attend to help offset their costs?
Student or teen reduced rate could be helpful.
Are costs reduced at "church camps" if we do more things ourselves?

• Generally any reduced costs for us doing more provide a negligible reduction.
• Also, people tend to get tied up in things that need to be done and miss some or all of meetings, events and/or functions.
• When we all have to do additional work, then it is not a "retreat", but becomes a "chore."

We might want to change how we reach out to teens/youth for GALA Retreat(s).

National GALA info line; C. Hewitt

GALA Reunion (like for a weeklong event)? (6)

How many would like us to do one retreat Labor Day and revised regional retreat (two or three) that local GALA organizations would hold? (25+)
Is there support for a Retreat on a weekend other than Labor Day Weekend? (25)
4th of July (15), MLK/President"s Day (20), Easter/Thanksgiving (zero), Veteran"s Day (15)

Social trip, like a cruise that would be three or four days, or some such event that might interest people? (20)

Election of Officers & Board Members/Report of Nominating Committee; C. Frey
MOTION: Sharon Troyer/Donna Swall, to affirm the slate from the Nominating Committee"s recommendation for:
President-Elect: David Howard
Undersecretary for Publications: David Woosley
Member at Large (3 year term): Saundra Merth
Motion approved.

Meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Clyde Frey, Secretary
GALA Gay & Lesbian Acceptance
GALA Board Accomplishments 2008/2009

• Invested GALA funds in higher interest savings account
• Developed and printed new GALA brochure
• Process for mailing to congregations in US, Canada, Australia, Europe
• Designed new GALA website
• Upgraded quality of the GALA newsletter
• Increased GALA paid membership to 126 paid
• Increased mailing list to include all WC officials; including mission centers
• Pushed for cost saving by encouraging email newsletters
• Increase account balance to nearly $14,000
• 2009 GALA retreat
• Convened meetings with WC officials
• First Presidency
• Apostles (4)
• Evangelists
• Bishops
• High Priests
• Seminary
• Herald Editor
• Conflict Resolution office (Sandee Gamet)
• Seventy
• World Conference organizing committee
• World Conference Planning
• Retreat Strategic Planning
• Sponsored viewing of "For the Bible Tells Me So"
• Supported Pride Celebrations in Buffalo, Kansas City, and San Francisco
• Submitted hymns for Hymnal project and may have a commissioned piece
• Developed new policy on memberships
• Amended By-laws
• Prayer for Peace services
• Planting of Temple entryway
• Adopted new tagline for logo to be more inclusive
• Developed WC resolutions
• Modified GALA logo
• Developed new GALA merchandise
• Designed and printed banners
• Board Retreat planning
• Pastoral Care
• GALA/WCN Task Force on World Conference
• Filled empty Board position/expanded geography and diversity of Board
• Addressed issues of marriage with WC
• Started Facebook page
• Started discussions on Ontario chapter

September 28, 2009 GALA Board of Directors Conference Call Meeting Synopsis

1. Approved minutes from the August 17, 2009 Board of Directors Conference Call Meeting.
2. Received minutes from the September 6, 2009 Annual Business Meeting of the membership held in Camp Doniphan, Excelsior Springs, MO.
3. Reviewed the income & expenses for the Annual Retreat.
4. Discussed Camp Doniphan Retreat & points to consider in future retreats.
5. Gave thanks for the great retreat & those who participated, shared & worked so very hard to make the retreat a smashing success!
6. Discussed possible locations for 2010 Annual Retreat over Labor Day Weekend; further research to be reported in October.
7. Received updates on World Church Conference &the GALA website.
8. Reminded that the dates for the upcoming GALA Board Retreat will be January 15 - 17, 2010 which will be held in Independence, MO.
9. Discussed &received assignments for the next GALA newsletter.

October 26, 2009 GALA Board of Directors Conference Call Meeting Synopsis

1. Approved minutes from the September 28, 2009 Board of Directors Conference Call Meeting.
2. Received update from Treasurer Pat Danielson; fiscal year income over expenses was a net gain of $681.
3. Chuck Hewitt volunteered to "final proof" the newsletter at the printer"s before it goes to print.
4. Received updates from President David Howard on anticipated activities & events for the 2010 World Conference.
5. Clyde Frey reported that Andrew Chesnutt indicated completion of the tasks requested for changes/updates to the GALA website. Anyone with further suggestions should send those to Clyde"s attention: cfrey@newstrax.com.
6. Discussed the upcoming Board Retreat to be held January 15 - 17, 2010 in Independence. Primary focus will be on preparations for World Conference activities & events.
7. A possible screening of the movie, "For The Bible Tells Me So" may be scheduled during the Board Retreat in January, 2010; location to be determined.

November 23, 2009 GALA Board of Directors Conference Call Meeting Synopsis

1. Approved minutes from October 26, 2009 Board of Directors Conference Call meeting.
2. Received update report from Treasurer, Patti Danielson.
3. Discussed location for 2010 Retreat; confirmed Samish Island, Washington.
4. Requested that members of the Board think about what should be the theme for the 2010 Retreat; discussions will be held during Board Retreat.
5. Discussions & preparations for 2010 World Conference will continue during the GALA Board Retreat in January.
6. Location for screening of the movie, "For The Bible Tells Me So" to be determined.
7. The Board will not meet during the month of December.

Synopsis of GALA Board Retreat/Board meeting, January 16, 2010, Independence, MO, Stone Church

1. Six GALA Board members were physically present in Stone Church for the meeting; P. Danielson was present via voice technology.
2. D. Howard asked C. Frey to review & advise the Board of the positions that would be up for election in 2010; C. Frey indicated that the position of Secretary would be one of those.
3. C. Frey, Secretary, indicated that 2010 Membership Invoices had been sent out by surface mail and e-mail on Thursday, January 14. Reminded everyone that we are on a calendar year basis for membership going forward.
4. P. Danielson, Treasurer, provided a verbal report; D. Howard distributed a printed copy of the GALA 2010 Budget.
5. D. Howard reported that the 2009 Retreat Evaluation responses were all very positive!
6. The length of time that the retreat auction was open could have been extended; some felt it was shorter than it could have been.
7. There was a discussion about the number of classes offered at the annual retreat & what would be a "happy medium."
8. Games that kept people in a more centralized area received higher participation at the 2009 Retreat.
9. The Talent Show was one of the positive highlights; using a simple theme like "Pink Party" made it easier for everyone to participate on some level at the retreat.
10. Communications with Community of Christ (World Church) continue in a positive manner.
11. Facebook has provided increased exposure to GALA.
12. The GALA newsletter has been well received.
13. The redesigned GALA pin, presented at the 2009 Retreat, has been well received with very positive response.
14. The plantings outside The Temple in Independence were exceptional; we look forward to doing plantings again this spring.
15. The 2010 Retreat will be held in Samish Island, Washington State. We are in the process of beginning to pull things into place for the Labor Day Weekend event. BEGIN PLANNING NOW TO ATTEND!
16. 2010 Pride Celebrations are expected to take place again in Buffalo, Kansas City & San Francisco; GALA will provide support for these events. If you are having a Pride Celebration & could use some support, kindly provide GALA with the specifics of when, where, what you expect to do & how we might be able to provide support.
17. Donation was approved in the amount of $500 through Outreach International: $300 Haiti & $200 HIV.
18. Board discussed possibility of expansion of size of the Board; consensus was that the current size works & we will continue to advertise when spots become available.
19. Discussion of content for a January/February newsletter were held & assignments were made for article submissions.
20. Discussion of ideas for incorporation in the shared booth space in "diversity booth" at World Conference were held.
21. Discussion of programming, off-site drop-in center, worship service, reception & other items that pertain to activities or events at 2010 World Church Conference were held.
22. A joint session with GALA & WCN was held during the afternoon at which discussions were held about activities & events that each would be holding during 2010 World Church Conference.
23. Everyone was invited to share with the Kansas City GALA Chapter in a "Chili Cook-Off" themed potluck in Walnut Gardens, Community of Christ, Saturday evening, January 16. We had a wonderful turn-out with six different styles of chili & we played "musical chairs" & "duck-duck-goose" with C. Frey"s grandsons; we all felt so much younger!
24. Everyone was also invited to share with the Walnut Gardens, Community of Christ on Sunday morning, January 17 in worship; Ken McLaughlin, speaker. The worship service was exceptional, the Spirit was present & touched our lives & each witnessed of their being touched through music & the spoken words.
25. Everyone was reminded that we would gather a half hour before the presentation of President Steven Veazey in The Temple, Sunday, January 17. The spirit of peace was exceptionally strong, before, during & after President Veazey"s presentation of inspired counsel to the church. What a way to conclude the weekend!

Board Minutes April 26, 2010 Meeting Synopsis

GALA Board Conference Call Meeting Synopsis, April 26, 2010

1. World Conference comments and observations made concerning all aspects of activity and events held; Drop In Center, Reception, Worship Service, screening and panel comments of ‘For the Bible Tells Me So’, participation in WC Diversity Booth area.
2. Discussion of GALA Retreat, Friday, September 3 – Monday, September 6, 2010, Samish Island, Washington; $150.00 registration with forms available on GALA website: www.galaweb.org
3. Treasurer’s report will be available and reviewed at next Board Conference Call.
4. Pride Celebrations 2010 (Buffalo, NY – Kansas City, MO – San Francisco, CA) were discussed. A conference call with be held next week with persons from the local areas.
5. Plantings will be performed on weekend of May 14 – 16 for planters outside the Temple.
6. D. Woosley advised that Nominating Committee shall confer and provide recommendations via the May GALA newsletter.
7. Next Board Conference Call set for May 24, 2010.

Board Minutes May 24, 2010 Meeting Synopsis

May 24, 2010 GALA Board of Directors, Meeting synopsis:

1. Received resignation of Larry Pickering.
2. Received Report of the Secretary including updates for membership and distribution of newsletter by surface mail and e-mail.
3. Received Report of the Treasurer including a recap of the income and expenses for the April 2010 World Conference.
4. D. Howard gave an update on GALA Retreat, Labor Day Weekend 2010, Samish Island, WA.
5. D. Howard advised that a person has been contacted and is considering becoming an advisor to the Board.
6. C. Hewitt reported on the planting done in the planters around the Temple in Independence. Some pictures were taken and will be posted to the GALA website. Additional pictures will be taken and posted as the flowers grow and develop.
7. The next newsletter is expected to be mid-to-late July; possible topics for article were discussed. C. Frey volunteered to edit article submitted for the newsletter.
8. 2010 Pride celebrations were discussed with specific emphasis on Buffalo, NY; Kansas City, MO; and, San Francisco, CA.
9. P. Danielson read a letter of ‘thanks’ received from Jan Kraybill relative to GALA donation towards the Auditorium Organ celebration. D. Woosley suggested that the letter be scanned and uploaded to the GALA website; the suggestion shall be pursued.

Board Minutes August 9, 2010 Meeting Synopsis

August 9, 2010 GALA Board of Directors, Meeting synopsis:

1. Approved Board meeting minutes of May 24, 2010.
2. Received Report of the Secretary updating membership and newsletter distribution. Members that have delayed submitting dues are encouraged to do so at this time; thanks for your continued support of GALA!
3. Discussed the 2010 GALA Retreat at Samish Island in Bow, Washington over Labor Day Weekend. We continue to receive registrations and look forward to an exciting retreat!
4. Location and guest ministry for the 2011 GALA Retreat were preliminarily discussed.
5. Agreed that as we move forward we may find it beneficial to hold national retreats within area bounded by Ohio on the east and Utah or Colorado on the west; due to impact of flight schedules and costs on attendance. Regional retreats can be held in more localized areas around the country to meet the needs of various regions.
6. Following the Board elections there will be a vacancy to complete one year of a Member-At-Large position. GALA Secretary, Clyde Frey, will accept names of those which shall be considered at the September Board Meeting.
7. The 2010/2011 GALA Budget was recommended and discussed; presentation will be made at the Annual Meeting, Samish Island, Bow, Washington.
8. Discussed idea of attendance and participation by GALA Board members at reunions during 2011 to facilitate discussions as we approach the 2012 US National Conference of Community of Christ.
9. The dates were set for the GALA Board Retreat/Meeting, Independence, MO, January 14 – 16.

Board Minutes September 27, 2010 meeting Synopsis

Board Minutes September 27, 2010 Meeting Synopsis
1. Calendar 2010 Membership to date 42 single, 29 household, 3 limited income.
2. Newsletter distribution surface mail 431, e-mail 266, world church e-mail 267.
3. Minutes of the August 9 Board meeting were approved.
4. Treasurer’s Report:

Income

Expenses

	FY10 Budget	FY10 Budget	FY11 Budget
Memberships	$3,000	$3,338	$3,000
Donations		$3,000
In Kind	$350	$1,419	$2,200
Merchandise Sales	$5,050	$2,206	$1,100
Commissions
Amazon.com	$600	$206	$600
Interest Ckg/Sav	$100	$48	$100
Retreat	$500	$960	$500
Total Income	$12,250	$8,177	$7,500

Expenses

12.

	FY10 Budget	FY10 Budget	FY11 Budget
Administrative
Office/Supplies	$1,500	$820	$1,000
Marketing	$2,000	$2,385	$500
Board Retreat	$1,500	$1,507	$1,500
Newsletters	$2,000	$1,478	$1,500
Other
Organ Project	$250	$250	*
Haiti & HIV/AIDS	$500	$500	$0
Service Project - Temple Planting	$1,000	$1,189	*
Pride Celebrations	$500	$700	*
World Conference
NET	$3,000	$3,057	$0
Board Travel	$0	$0	$1,000
Total Expenses	$12,250	$11,886	$7,500

**Funds transferred from reserve to cover difference in expenses over income

5. Welcomed new Board members, Erin Cavanaugh, member-at-large effective October 2010 and Charlie Robison, chaplain.
6. Moved to elect Melba Jean Dixon, providing she accepts, to fill a one-year term due to the movement of C. Hewitt to Treasurer-elect position.
7. Discussed January 14 – 16, 2011 GALA Board Retreat and Annual Meeting in Independence, MO.
8. Received report that GALA continues to search for person or persons with web designing that would be able and willing to volunteer in updating the GALA website.
9. Assignments were made for the October newsletter content.
10. A. Fiscus reported on upcoming Michigan Mission Center Conference; GALA and WCN will have a joint booth at the event.
11. Reminder that if anyone is interested in serving on the Mission Center Advisory Committee as we move toward the US National Conference of 2012, please contact your Mission Center President and make your desire to serve known.
12. Next GALA Board Conference Call will be Monday, October 25, 2010.