Minutes of January 17, 2021

USMSCA Minutes January 17, 2021 Meeting Minutes

Meeting was called to order by President Randall Lewis at 10:04 A.M.

Pledge of Allegiance was led by President Lewis.

Directors and Directors at Large present: Randy Lewis, Linda Lewis, Tony Gonzalez, Gloria Gonzalez, David Angelo, Damaris Gonzalez, and George Barks.

Directors Excused: Annie Mundia and Bob Perez.

Directors and Directors at Large Unexcused: Frank Barraza, Jose Luis Rodriguez. Youth Directors Karla Rodriguez-Picasso and Miriam Mercado

Guests: Anthony Al-Jamie, President SCI SoCal, David Bracey, Secretary SCI SoCal, Gil Garcia Board of Governors SCI So Cal, and Angie Gomez.

The November 22, 2021 Minutes were approved as corrected.

President Lewis gave a warm welcome. He thanked George for allowing us to use his Zoom Account for our meeting and all for attending. He asked each of those in attendance to introduce themselves and give a brief explanation of their Sister City Program. Following he gave an update on the Covid-19 issue in Mexico and a few current events.

Anthony Al-Jamie SCI SoCal President thanked us for the invitation to attend today’s meeting. He spoke on the upcoming online California Youth Leadership Summit being held on February 6th. The conference will consist of a High School and College Student Panel who will address the following topics: 1. Climate Change & Sustainability, 2. World Peace & Cooperation, 3. Racial Equality & Gender Equity, 4. Coping with the Pandemic. The Program is developed by the students “For Youth by Youth.” Currently there are no applicants from Mexico, and he urged we reach out to our Sister Cities and request their participation. There is availability to register as a viewer. The deadline is January 22nd. He mentioned the program was developed because they found difficulties in retaining youth in the SCI SoCal Assn. After interviews, students indicated they had been given busy work with no leadership roles. He requested USMSCA to endorse the Summit and become a Supporting Partner with a donation and urged USMSCA to participate and attend the SCI SoCal future programs and meetings.

David Bracey, SCI SoCal Secretary also thanked us for the invitation to attend today’s meeting and urged our participation in the Youth Summit and future activities.

Gil Garcia, SCI SoCal Board of Governors discussed the importance of our two organizations working together. He gave an overview of the partnership SCI SoCal has with the Rotary and Kiwanis Organizations through their youth programs.

Treasurer Tony Gonzalez indicated the Money Market Account has a balance of $5,735.00 and the Checking Account has a balance of $17,851.98 with a total of $23,586.98. He will go to Wells Fargo next week to find out the procedures required to update the signers on our accounts. A copy of Jeff Failing’s Death Certificate was received, and George Barks indicated he has an original. A motion was made, seconded, and passed to approve the Treasurer’s Report.

George Barks talked about the "getroots.org" website and indicated it could help with fundraising for our Sister City Members.

President Lewis led a brief discussion on the impact of Covid-19 and our future He indicated our $1,000 Grant Program could really assist our membership in these difficult times. It would assist in their outreach funding.

Open Discussion

1. Damaris Gonzalez asked about Paramount Sister City and its youth group. She indicated City of Commerce Sister City had their annual Citadel Extravaganza in October. It was a nice fundraiser, but because of Covid restrictions they did not generate the usual funds.

2. David Angelo reported Pico Rivera is still interested in reorganizing their Sister City Program, however because of Covid Protocols the issue is dormant.

3. Gil Garcia recommended we continue with our zoom meetings on a regular basis, at least once a quarter. Our two organizations (SCI SoCal and USMSCA) can learn from each other and share ideas. We can interact with their programs i.e., SoCal’s interface with International Firefighters Assn a 501 (c)(3). He explained their previous Silver Artisan Exchanges and expressed we need to utilize all avenues for our success.

4. Gil Garcia was asked about the Mexican National Organization and he indicated it had disappeared and ACHA recently stopped too.

A motion was made, seconded, and passed to donate $1,000 towards the SCI SoCal California Youth Leadership Summit as an Ambassador Supporting Partner. Anthony Al-Jamie thanked the Board for their donation and requested a copy of our logo for the Summit site. He also indicated he would create a link for the USMSCA website and would notify us of their March meeting date once it has been established.

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 11:28 A.M. in memory of Ralph Mundia.

Respectfully Submitted,

Linda Lewis, Secretary