Normally we post monthly Branch meeting minutes to the website in our Documents section. But last night’s meeting was focused on the upcoming national convention and Fall Branch elections and we wanted to make sure nobody missed them. Besides being prominently displayed on the webpage, members will be receiving a copy via email.
Meeting started 7:14pm
Present: Kristina da Fonseca, David Ehrens, Memory Walker, Gilbert Perry, LaSella Hall, Peter Silva, Bert Barao, Jacob Chin, Wendy Garf-Lipp, Andrea Garr-Barnes, Karyn Ramos, Renee Ledbetter, Natasha Ann Fortes.
- Non members were asked to log out & to join for $30 Unit 2055-B
- Membership https://www.naacp.org/become-a-member/
- Gil & Andrea reported membership money accepted, no card or confirmation received
Minutes
PDF version available here and
video available at https://naacpnewbedford.org/tiny/meeting-08-20-20
Letter sent from VP Ledbetter on New Bedford crime and violence.
- Letter acknowledge by President Hall who says we must do more for community; What can we do more around issues happening in NB? How can we be more engaged? VP Ledbetter: community in need of healing. Youth feel that community doesn’t care about them. She expresses concern that things will get worse. She has notified Interfaith Council group (Sandra Carreiro). Wants action, not just talk. This includes many issues in our community which breaks our spirit. This are civil rights and social justice issue. The need to collaborate with faith based groups. Sending card to those who have lost someone. Suggestion that all churches walk the block at same time to show that we are here. Now, about survival. Called A Day of Hope. Jacob Chin suggests listening to youth. Several members express interest and willing participation. Donations from branch to Shannon Program, or to give food. Suggestion from President as above, pizza passed out, other kinds of food with t-shirts to be distributed with NAACP printed on front. Peter Silva would pick up t-shirts,
- Motion by Bert Barao for donation of $300 to Shannon Program to be given to youth. Motion seconded by Peter Silva. Motion carried. NAACP to give donation of $300 with listening session, and shirts to be distributed to youth.
NATIONAL Convention is virtual:
September 13-26. Theme: We are done dying
- We are Region Two, NAACP New Bedford Branch 2055-B.
- To watch, need to register; some addresses etc are free.
- Note regional meeting, Wednesday September 23, 7:00 pm for voting/ Thursday September 24 6:00 pm.
- President to send resolutions to membership and also on website.
- Delegates: President LaSella Hall, VP Ledbetter. David Gomes. Bert Barao. Jacob Chin (attorney).
- There is also a Legal Redress Training.
- VP Ledbetter encourages everyone to register/attend.
- $30 per person. Delegates are asked to register and will be reimbursed.
- Delegates to report at October meeting.
Branch Elections
Everyone’s term is up this year
- September 17th General Meeting @ 7:00pm nominate 5-15 members may be elected to the nominating committee, only 2 of which can be on the Executive Committee – and must be in good standing 30 days
- motion carried to hold this meeting via Zoom
- What technology will we use for voting? Memory Holloway suggested putting votes into private chat. Jacob Chin suggested online survey. To be determined.
- How many people will be on the nominating committee? Nominating committee will consist of 7 people.
- Where is the election? Zoom or survey software.
- How many at-large members of the Executive Committee should there be? All UMASSD and youth council presidents are automatically on the executive committee, as are people who head up any committee. There are about 3 at-large members. 5 Officers, 2 youth & college, 10 executive committee, of which 3 are at-large. Going forward, 2 members at large. Renee moved to have only 2 at large, Memory Walker seconded. Motion carried with one abstention by Andrea Garr-Barnes.
- Branch secretary must provide a list of officers
- October 15th @ 7:00pm – report of the nominating committee & election of the supervisor committee
- People who live in the jurisdiction can run for Executive Committee if they are a current member for 30 days
- November 19 @ 7:00m – ELECTIONS of executive officer & at large exec committee members – must be members in good standing – you need your card
- Runoff elections within 10 days
- People will receive a copy of these rules & requirements
Other issues
- Letter sent on Dartmouth HS mascot of Indians
- Constitution on website in document section on NAACP NB website
- See calendar on website for details of external meetings
- Police accountability bill stuck in committee in Boston
- Mayor’s commission on Use of Force ( on calendar) Wed. 5:30
- Peter Silva and Bruce Rose are reps on Mayor’s Use of Force Commission.
- NAACP pushing on housing eviction extensions.
- This will be a listening session, not a report
- Going forward, President Hall recommended not participating in panels not subject to Open Meeting law.
- Next month UIA & NAACP will be doing a joint police chief event in New Bedford and Fall River
Meeting adjourned at 8:39pm.
“Get into some good trouble.” John Lewis
