Gertrude Stein Democratic Club

Minutes of January 13, 2003 Meeting

 

 

 

Treasurer�s Report

 

The Treasurer reported that as of November 29, 2002, the beginning balance was $5,708.28.� As of January 13, the ending Balance is $4,830.02

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President Report

 

In his first meeting as President of the Stein Club, Brad Lewis talked about his goals for this year.� He identified membership development and fundraising as the priority areas.� In terms of membership, he highlighted the need to bring more diversity to the organization, especially women and transgenders.� In terms of fundraising, he mentioned the possibility of hosting an event with the Young Democrats in the Spring.

 

Brainstorming Session

 

As part of his report, the President also engaged meeting attendees in a brainstorming discussion about ideas on programs and activities for this year.�

 

Peter Share mentioned the importance of working on getting the Democratic State Committee to recognize the Stein Club as a member.�

 

Other members talked about the nature of fundraising events.� The following list reflects ideas from the members: 

  1. Legislative reception in mid March that would be more like a meet and greet event.� The President took the lead in organizing this event.� Claire Lucas volunteered to help in the planning of the event.
  2. Philip Panel recommended including Ward organizations in fundraising efforts and a joint fundraising event with the Democratic State Committee.� Ideas include picnics, breakfast, cocktails.
  3. Jeff Hops recommended holding monthly mixes in different GLBT-owned places in the city.�� Darryl says that this could be used as a way to support GLBT-owned businesses.
  4. Kurt Vondran suggests that the Stein organizes an event at the Hilton during the DNC Annual Membership meeting..� Stonewall has a reception at the meeting.�  

 

Legislative Report

 

David Meadows, Vice President for Political Affairs, talked about the need to identify legislative/political issues critical for the Stein Club in 2003.� He mentioned as targeted audiences the following: 

  1. City Council
  2. Federal Government
  3. Mayor�s Office

 

Bret Parson, from the MPD�s Gay and Lesbian Liaison Unit (GLLU) gave a brief presentation on the status of the CLLU.� He mentioned that the GLLU has been approved an increase in personnel.� The unit has now 4 people who are distributed in the following locations:� SE, Dupont Circle Response Center, and headquarters.�� He talked about a civil position for which he intends to get a grant.� To get more information, please visit gaydc.net/gllu.

 

 

Legislation/Political Priorities Discussion:

 

Wanda Alston talked about the reintroduction of the bill to create the Office of GLBT Affairs.

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Other members suggested having a special legislation brainstorming session to develop a legislative agenda. Meadows will follow up on this suggestion.

 

Alston mentioned housing rights as an important legislative issue facing GLBT community.

 

Panell talked about candidate recruitment for Commissions, Boards and Ward Committees and suggested they should be priorities of the Club.� He mentioned the� idea of developing a workshop on how to run for delegate.

 

Panell also mentioned that 2003 is the 25th Anniversary of the DC Coalition and suggested that Stein Club organize something to celebrate the anniversary.

 

 

Unfinished Business��

 

An issue was raised regarding the Stein Club�s public/media relations efforts being more inclusive in terms of publishing in different papers in the city beyond the Blade.

 

Share talked about difference between individual representation and institutional representation to refer to representation at the Democratic State Committee. There is a need to have an official Stein representative at the Democratic State Committee.

 

Panell talked about the dramatic underrepresentation of minorities in the DSC.� It is mostly Caucasian and African American.� He suggested that Stein conducts a phone and letter campaigns to support resolution to institutionalize diversity in the DSC.� This resolution was presented by Philip Panell to the Stein at the December meeting.

 

Kenny added that the DSC�s work is not effective in recognizing GLBT communities and contributions.

 

Share proposed that Stein appears at the next DSC meeting and lobby on the resolution. 

 

New Business

 

Panell introduced a resolution to address homophobia issues within DSC elections.� He referred specifically to an issue affecting Brad Lewis�s chances of being elected.��� During discussion, Lewis said that he prefers to handle the issue on a personal level.� Resolution was tabled.

 

Lucas suggested that we entertain other ways to send a message about condemning activities aimed at destroying Gay and Lesbian people.�

 

Meadows introduced resolution in favor of the renewal of the liquor license for Nation Nightclub.� It was tabled and sent to Executive Committee for further review.�

 

Jeff Hops opened discussion on the possibility of having the Stein Club participate in an anti-war demonstration downtown.� The idea was not adopted by the Club.�

 

Announcements

 

Vondran let us know about a film on GBLT on January 20th.�

 

Meeting adjourned.�