DCIA Assembly
Meeting Minutes
October 21, 2008,
Mr.
Charles Byrd (President of the Board) started the meeting with DCIA’s
affirmation. One of the ministers at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Betty Berghaus, gave a brief history about the church and blessed
the meal.
Mr.
Byrd went over the agenda and gave the stand to Mr. Spencer Bradford, who than
introduced Jackie Brown, the CEO of the new Durham Economic Resource Center
(DERC). She gave brief personal history and
described the DERC program. The program is hoping to find a facility for a
distribution center that will offer consumer goods at deep discounts for the
needy, and offer employment to the chronically unemployed. DERC is seeking membership contributions from
congregations and agencies who can refer customers.
Mr.
Spencer Bradford introduced Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove
(Member of Rutba House and Director of Schools for Conversion), who talked
about his experience coming to terms with racism and living across racial
boundaries in neighborhoods and churches. Mr. Wilson-Hartgrove
talked about his 2 books that he wrote, “Free
to Be Bound”, and “Becoming the Answers to Prayers,” and introduced
Pastor Robert Daniels, who talked about his history in
Executive
Director’s Report: On October 21
and 28, an interfaith discussion on “A Common Word” will be held at Durham
Mennonite. Also, Democracy NC is asking
DCIA’s member congregations to participate in the “Souls to the Polls” campaign
to encourage voting and help to get voters to the polls. People that are not registered to vote can
register and vote from now until Nov. 1, 2008. Congregations and members were
encouraged to vote. Another, important announcement was the Senior Pharm-Assist program, which is helping senior citizens
assess and enroll in prescription Medicare plans, which must be done by
individuals in November.
YO:Durham Report: Eric Olson-Getty (Internship Coordinator)
reported that all students from this year have matched with mentors. Also, the
students have participated in different activities, the HIPP Program, Habitat
for Humanity, and KidsVoting. Internships are the
main concern right now; it has been a struggle to find businesses since the
economy is in crisis. Eric asked members of congregations to be in the look out
for any internship. The student’s schedule for their internship is only 4-10
hrs a week, $7.00 an hour; and it would be preferably that businesses fund the
internships. All the students have been trained to work in professional
settings and are still being trained.
Charles
Byrd presented the minutes from last month September 16, 2008 and asked if they
were any questions or suggestions, the minutes were approved by the members.
Treasurer
Report: DCIA general funds are at budget. YO:Durham is in significant need, with a $30,000 deficit. YO:Durham needs operating funds for program and internship
funds. It is important that businesses and members help Yo- Durham with
resources.
Announcements: The next DCIA Lunch meeting will be held at
Eno River Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship, November 18, 2008 at 11:45 a.m., at
which 2008 CROP Walk awards will be given.
Meeting
was adjourning with a prayer by Rev. Carol Jablonski.
Submitted
by:
Miriam
Valle