TAOS UNITED BOARD MEETING
April 16, 2018 10:30-12:30
Marjorie Luckey’s home
Our next Board meeting will be Tuesday May 29th, 10:00 – 12:00
All Board members present: Bob Bresnahan, Megan O’Reilly, Marjorie Luckey and Melissa Moe.
Minutes from March 29th meeting were approved.
Treasurer’s Report. Present cash balance: $591.81.
Income. Recent donations received at Community Forums: $178, 160, and 268.
Expenses.
I $1040. Est for new website. Does not include meetings/research/management at $20/hour.
II Anticipate one large educational forum – estimated expense $2500 – 3000.
Summary: We are short on regular income to cover cost & maintenance of website. We must raise funds for both items above.
Bob moved, we 2nd & approved these budget items with possible amendments.
Funding available. Bob. A NM Foundation formed post election has an $800,000 fund available to NM organizations dedicated to making a political difference. Renewable Taos is a recipient. Bob suggested we get organized, determine needs/goals & projects and apply for funds. Applications are processed through Santa Fe Community Foundation.
Small grant opportunity from Unitarian Social Justice Comm. Marjorie. The Elections Group is focusing effort on the 18-35 yr old population segment which has the lowest voter registration & voting habit. The Elections Group will partner with Common Grounds Youth Group. Method under consideration. Focus: teens, new registrants, non partisan, millennials.
Legal status.
TU has non-profit status for educational purposes. According to the State of NM, there is nothing to prohibit us presently from lobbying and presenting candidates.
Question – is TU obligated to file w/ IRS for tax on donations received?
Action: Megan offered to ask tax attorney Doug Sweeney:
1-must we file w/ IRS?
2-if so, how much would he charge to file a 501c4 for Taos United?
Purpose of TU
WHO WE ARE. Taos United is a local non-partisan group of activists working together to restore a fair and just democracy dedicated to the well-being of all.
VISION. Whereas….Taos United is a diverse and inclusive community with equal opportunity for all, which respects and protects the environment and where the power of the government rests in the people and its efforts are directed toward the Common Good.
GOALS. Megan offered to develop illustrative descriptives
Universal health care
Equal opportunity for all
Social justice and civil rights (whereas we are a democracy and…
We must strengthen institutions to reflect our governmental values.
We want a society where people are confident in the institutions that serve them.
We want a society where we trust in our systems of justice.
The common good is placed before the interests of a few.
Education umbrella-debt free quality education for all, early childhood ed, vocational.
Common-sense gun laws-raise minimum age to purchase, ban assault rifles.
Preservation of the environment.
Transition to emission-free energy sources in electricity, transport, heat & power.
A living wage.
Legal status for Dreamers, provisions for guest workers and a path to citizenship for all immigrants and migrants.
We support those institutions integral to the vitality of our community:
Holy Cross Hospital
Homeless shelter
Recycling Center plus others
WHAT WE DO.
Monthly Community Forum
Action Alerts
Support goals of issue groups
Monitor & promote legislative action at local, state & national levels
Civic education
Promote voting and civic engagement in schools and community
Collaborate w/ partner org. in regional & statewide political initiatives to realize our goals
By-laws. Discussion tabled until next meeting.
NEW BOARD CHAIR: Bob Bresnahan. Marjorie nominated, all yea.
New Board members. Marjorie – we need a new Board member dedicated to reinvigorating the Environmental Group. An active Environmental Group would enrich Community Forums and activate many people. Marjorie provided a list of the original group. We seek a leader to set goals, agenda and report to Action Alerts Team.
Diversification. Marjorie is in touch with Carmen Kelly. Please submit ideas.
Outreach. Marjorie is monitoring 2 email groups for TU. We need a person dedicated to outreach.
TU wishes KCEC Millennial Group participation in our organization. Communications go unanswered. Bob will contact Michael.
May 1 Forum.
10 min speaker. Luis Torres, KCEC. Bob will make contact.
MC – Bea Balsamo
Recap – Paula Claycomb
Timer – (waiting to hear from Susanne Pinkham)
Entry table/ greet – (waiting to hear from Danielle F)
Meeting adjourned.
Melissa Moe