Coastal Bend Texas Democratic Women

Monthly Membership Meeting Minutes

February 24, 2009

President Gloria Caceres called the meeting to order. She welcomed a new member and guests. Secretary Susan Reeves presented the minutes and a motion passed to approve them. Treasurer Barbara Cline gave the Treasurer’s Report.

Gloria then called for Committee Reports. Esther Martinez gave the Membership Committee report. She said the committee will be mailing out reminders to lapsed members to renew. Ann Smith gave the Communications Committee report. She said 291 newsletters were mailed in February. Lisa Hernandez suggested that the name of the newsletter be changed to “The Coastal Bend Connection,” to more closely match the state newsletter. She agreed to make a mock-up masthead for next month’s meeting. There were no reports from the Fundraising and Education committees.

Under Old Business, Gloria reminded everyone of the TDW State Convention to be held Feb. 27—Mar. 4 in Austin. She outlined the agenda and announced the CBTDW Star Award members this year will be Esther Martinez, Stacey Barrera, Diana Barrera, Pat Suter, and Peggy Banales.

Under New Business, Gloria thanked her fellow officers, committee chairs, members, and family for their help and support throughout her tenure as President. She then called for the Nominations Committee report. Chair Susan Reeves presented the Nominations Committee recommendations for office: President—Linda Figueroa; Vice-President—Lisa Hernandez; Secretary—Ann Smith; and Treasurer—Glenda Turner. Gloria then opened the floor for other nominations. Hearing none, a motion passed to elect the recommended officers by acclamation. The incoming officers introduced themselves to the membership and were sworn in by County Judge Laura Garza Jimenez.

Linda then made appointments to positions as follows: Parliamentarian—Barbara Cline; Membership Committee Chair—Esther Martinez; Education Committee Chair—Gloria Caceres; Communications Committee Chair—Stacey Barrera; and Fundraising Chair—Coretta Graham. Lisa Hernandez announced there will be a Redistricting Lobby Day in Austin on March 9. Coretta Graham said the NAACP was holding an ongoing protest against the NY Post cartoon. Mandy Stukenberg urged members to get more involved in recruiting quality, like-minded candidates to run for office, particularly for non-partisan positions. Laura Jimenez said few women are seeking appointments to boards and commissions. Lisa suggested a resume-writing workshop or perhaps to have a program on boards and commissions. Glenda Turner said the club should consider handing out flyers for meetings at non-political events likely to have women in attendance, such as PTA meetings. Laura said it really just takes desire and common sense to serve. Gloria said it was time to begin thinking about the fall fundraiser. Due to bad economic conditions, it might be better to hold two or three small events. There was a suggestion to search online for local contributors to Democratic candidates at the federal level to use as a mailing list for contributions. The planning will start at the March meeting.

Linda announced that the next meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 31^st, 6:00 p.m., at the La Retama Library. The program will be announced at a later date. A motion then passed to adjourn.