November 19, 2010
Union of Black Episcopalians
Bimonthly Report from
Bert Jones – First Vice President
Mr. John Harris, President
John T. Walker Learning Center
701 Oglethorpe Street NW
Washington, DC, 20011
Dear John:
Below is a summary of tasks accomplished during the months of September and October. The report also contains open items which are pending completion.
Tasks Accomplished:
1. New Directives for Directors – created a new set of directives for all Regional Directors to establish a framework for new working relationship and environment whereby all regions would be operating with the same guidelines. This document was sent to all Directors via email and discussed on a conference call with each.
2. Created new Chapter Initiatives: Along with Richard, we compiled a new set of chapter initiatives for all chapters to accomplish as S.M.A.R.T. goals between the 2010 – 2011 calendar years. These initiatives will create some much needed guidelines for all chapters. Each Director in turn were required to send out the initiatives to each chapter President and follow up with a conference call to ensure clear understanding of initiatives as well as the timeframe. Some points in the initiatives are: membership drives, better system functionalities, fiduciary responsibilities, tenure and fundraising events to help both the chapter as well as the National and corporate worship around specific days.
3. Conference Calls – several conference calls were made to foster the work of UBE. In particular was a conference call to discuss in detail the recommendations from the Forum on Restructuring. The purpose of this call was to enfold parts of the recommendations into the new chapter initiatives.
4. Discussion with Mid Atlantic Presidents: had an open discussion with the Mid Atlantic Presidents around the chapter initiatives and how best the Executive Officers could assist each chapters.
5. Attended the John E. Culmer chapter in South West Florida for a membership drive which was extremely successful. At the end of my presentation we added five new paying members to our roster with promises of more to come. There is the possibility that congregational development might be in play. More to follow on this.
6. In an effort to track officer’s tenure within each chapter, I have created a document showing each chapter and its officers as well as their term. This will provide us with a better handle to ensure succession planning. Though the document has been created, some information is pending from some directors.
7. Created a new form detailing all regional conferences with date, time and location
8. Created a booklet on best practices for Directors and distributed to all directors.
Website Enhancements:
1. Created the President’s Blog to post new messages in an interactive environment and uploaded the First 100 days report.
2. Created a navigation bar and page for Current news which functions like a blog and uploaded top stories affecting UBE as well as members such as RPM Bowden.
Potential Chapter:
1. Springfield, Ma: Made contact with Fr. Dee Bright for a visit to re-engage in a conversation of starting a new chapter at his church. Scheduled date is November 28, 2010.
2. Mason, TN: Spoke with Dr. Lavonnie Claybon who is interested in starting a chapter in Mason, Tennessee between St. Paul’s and Emmanuel Episcopal Church. In my conversation with her she informed me that over 40 years ago there was a chapter but there was an accident. She is eager to start a new chapter.
3. Portland, OR: Spoke with Michael Montgomery about moving from a special interest group to a full chapter. This will occur sometime after the first of the year.
4. Elizabeth, NJ: left voice mail for Fr. Andy Moore who is desirous of starting a new chapter in Elizabeth, NJ. Awaiting call back.
To be accomplished:
1. Handbook: Still awaiting word from John / Juanita on the work of the handbook. Once done this will be loaded unto our website and distribute to chapter Presidents.
2. Financial: Both Richard and I are still trying to figure out the logistics for making chapters use our 501(c ) 3 for checking accounts. After 9/11 this has gotten extremely difficult.
3. Website: more works needs to be done with our website. Ongoing
4. Assigned dates for round table conversation with chapter Presidents by region. Awaiting confirmation from Regional Directors.
Dates to Remember:
November 30, 2010
Meeting with the New York Chapter
Meeting with the New York Chapter
January 22, 2011 -
Ordination of the Rev. Randy Callender
Ordination of the Rev. Randy Callender
March 18 – 20, 2011 –
Western Regional Conference
Venue: CDSP
Dianne Smith, Regional Director
Western Regional Conference
Venue: CDSP
Dianne Smith, Regional Director
April 8 – 9, 2011 -
Mid Atlantic Regional Conference
Venue: St. Philip’s, Richmond, VA
Mid Atlantic Regional Conference
Venue: St. Philip’s, Richmond, VA
April 30, 2011 -
Northeast Regional Conference
Venue: Grace Episcopal Church, Jamaica, Queens
Jackie King, Regional Director
Faithfully,
Bert Jones, First Vice President
