November 2011- Attended 12th District Northern California Founders’ Banquet. While there, conducted the installation newly elected chapter officers.
March 2012– Representing Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., served as a panelist for the Youth Development Workshop at the GCCU (Graduates of California Colleges and Universities) Expo in Los Angeles. The panel focused on improving youth mentoring and steps how organizations can collaborate more effectively together to address youth issues within our communities.
Met some key people in businesses that may provide opportunities for funding for our programs
Attending weekly District Meeting calls; please be cognizant of the dates that are contained in the DKRS emails.
Committee Highlights
AALHA – Focusing this quarter on history associated with Alpha Epsilon (Univ. of Arizona), Alpha Theta (Arizona State Univ.), Alpha Mu (Stanford Univ.), and Alpha Rho (Intermediate and Graduate chapter). Will look to add 12th District history video clips to website.
We have 2 Tuskegee Airman in Lambda Omicron; we want to ensure we can get it into 12th District archives; This and other significant accomplishments of brothers
New Chairs
Retention – Daryl Harris (Tau Tau) named new Retention committee chair.
Talent Hunt – Dion Vines (Tau Tau) and Kalonji Saterfield (Mu Alpha Alpha) named new co-chairs of the Talent Hunt committee. Chapter winner information due by May 1, 2012.
Political Action – Michael Milliner (Eta Alpha Alpha) named new sub-committee chair. Individual chapters are conducting Voter Registrations Drives and working on awareness within their individual communities; also want to do Omega Day at Capital in the various states, perhaps all on same day, or in same week
Motion to accept 1VDR Report by Brother Fred Alexander (Alpha Rho) and 2nd
Unreadiness
John Johnson (Delta Pi)
IT website maintenance? DR moved it to fall under DKRS
Has t here been any discussion on dues on-line payment? Yes, but haven’t worked out how to do the forms as yet
Mentioned several ideas for using website based on past Delta Pi experiences with 2011 District Meeting
DR requested a list of ideas be submitted and the council will review to determine what can be implemented
Volunteered Delta Pi chapter to assist in making this happen
Motion Carried Unanimously
Report of the Second Vice District Representative – not present
Accepted as presented in report book
Report of the District Keeper of Records and Seal– departed meeting early
Accepted as presented in report book
DR noted the DKRS numbers are 631 District, 785 IHQ, with disparity coming mostly from Life members not paying dues.
Report of the District Keeper of Finance - Brother W. Kelly Shannon, DKF
Finished 2011 with over $97,000 in assets
Reinstatement fees & District Meeting Split contributed significantly to Revenue
2011 did not have unexpected large expense (2009 AK Meeting and 2010 Blunt Grand Basileus campaign) as in past years
2011 spending (4.8% lower than 2010) was under control, despite having some events that caused unplanned travel by the District Counselor; Leadership managed their spending.
Revenue (11.7% higher than 2010) was strong in almost every category, driven primarily by very strong membership numbers
Investment fund, ~$83K, had some volatile months but is posted a modest gain from 2010
Other expenses included website design ($750), past DKRS expenses ($893), Undergraduate congratulations ($300), disbursement for flag sales ($169.82) & 12th District ad design
Still converting from Excel to Quicken, and future reports will look the same
Excel is great for format, but not historical data, not a particular type of expense; now can check for specific type expense, by chapter or officer.
Sent email to officers and committee chairs to be cognizant of their budget, spend no more than 60-80% of their budget to leave their successor with some funds
Remember to file Form 990 – last page of report is a step by step direction on how to maintain your 501(c)(7)
File every year, as long as you make less than $50K, you can file on line 990-N
Motion to accept DKF Report by Brother Kelly Shannon (Phi Iota) and 2nd
Unreadiness
John Johnson (Delta Pi) – FY10 – Economic Development amount? What’s the other?
DKF responded it was driven by 2010 Raffle; 2011 includes MSP fines
MSP future Dues placed in liability account and realized in the year they apply
DR noted we addressed these issues at last meeting
Frank Boykin (Delta Pi) - ??Order – DKF helped; Delta Pi to address their financial obligation
Lawton Connelly (Phi Iota) – will we continue to do the raffle? Mixed sentiment across District; Budget Committee looking at options of continuing, or raising dues instead, or use investment fund
DR noted that there was a reimbursement to the family of the Brother Ingram, deceased neo out of Zeta Nu, all District Dues refunded; IHQ was initially only going to give back future dues, but they refunded all fees.
Motion Carried Unanimously
Report of the District Counselor - Brother Lawton Connelly, District Counselor
There are no pending lawsuits within the 12th District, which is not the case throughout the Fraternity
There is an age discrimination lawsuit coming out of IHQ, which is interesting because the eldest person at IHQ is only 50.
San Jose, Jan 27 investigation started during the Xi Nu chapter meeting; It was resolved with no disciplinary action
Epsilon Mu investigation: There were 3 performances with Verizon (Chandler, AZ; Irvine, CA; NorCal) the same weekend; NorCal had a hiccup. During hop show, undergraduate took off his shirt with grad brother approval; Grad brother was suspended for 30 day, which has expired at this time
MSP Certification – IHQ deleted the database – if you took test prior to Oct 2011 you must retake test; Area Reps will be doing MSP training.
Get Right Program – Renegade men who came through process, but do not have control numbers; please send names to District Counselor so we can start process to get them in the fold
DR sent Grand Counselor a report for bringing in 2nd semester freshman, which he is reviewing.
Motion to accept District Counselor Report by Brother Lawton Connelly (Phi Iota) and 2nd.
Unreadiness
Dennis Martinez (Theta Pi) – will printed certificate/proof of completion prior to 11/1/11 be accepted? Unknown, will ask Grand Counselor
Ronan Hill (Tau Tau) – MSP - What is date we have to take the test? Go on-line and take the test to be certain you are covered, unless you took test since 11/1/11
John Johnson (Delta Pi)
Get Right – What is process? DR noted that through the program, Omega determines if you once had a 2.5 GPA, then apply for membership; if this happened as a grad, then you have a degree.
Each DR has had a slightly different outlook on qualifications, but the goal is same.
Frank Boykin (Delta Pi) – Inquired on how to get renegades to come in and what if the expire beforehand? Delicate issue that we deal with when a member expires, but he hasn’t been financial in years. However, a renegade is NOT a member, so in no way eligible for an Omega service.
Jerry Jackson – gave a public thank you for reimbursement of funds for family of Brother Ingram
Motion Carried Unanimously
DR spoke of a pilot program, looking to accept 2nd semester freshman. But the undergraduate must be attached to a graduate chapter with a mentoring program. The young man came from an Omega mentoring program, and continues in the same vein.
Dixon (Zeta Nu) – recommend doing a survey as young men exit the mentorship program
DR noted that we are trying to bring all the mentoring programs under same umbrella, so when we go seeking funds they look the same, similar to walking into a Subway they all look the same. Want to do same with mentoring program
Report of the District Public Relations Officer - Brother Robert Woodson, DPRO
Noted no Oracle lately, but the Editor is deployed; have lost communication with him
Continuing to receive articles from the chapters and submitting based on the deadlines. Will continue to do so.
Motion to accept District Counselor Report by Brother Robert Woodson (Xi Nu) and 2nd.
Unreadiness
Lawton Connelly (Phi Iota) – district newsletter? Not published recently. DR noted that Brother Woodson has funded it himself in past, but District has not picked it up because it is expensive, really glossy. Looking into doing it in the future.
DR Noted that the Grand is allowing Brother Boykin to continue as Editor as he can perform the duties while deployed in Afghanistan; Next Oracle is supposed to focus on the Centennial, followed by a male mentorship edition. Anticipate a huge piece from the 12th District in this edition.
DR noted that Centennial Gala DVD’s available for $10 – the program and a lot of photos on DVD
Motion Carried Unanimously
Report of the 67th District Marshal - Brother Sedrick Spencer, 30th 12th District Representative
Noted that Jalani’s daughter, similar to Tim Waters’ daughter, is playing in the CA state basketball championship, so he’s not here.
DR has put a freeze on registration rate at $175; making sure everyone has opportunity to register at this rate; but some decisions, possibly unpopular, will be made this weekend regarding the District Meeting.
DR fielded questions
John Arrington (Phi Iota)
How many registered? About 160-170 brothers registered, but 380 room nights, yes Delta’s are coming
What do we need to break even? We have asked for updated budget last three conference call’s; Will make some hard decisions, but we’re not going to lose any money, I can guarantee that.
Jeffery Williams (Delta Iota Iota) – Does the Marshal have a travel budget? Jalani, if we can ever get a budget from him, we have allowed him the same as Brother Gilmore and Brother Haynes in the past.
William Grubbs (Delta Pi) asked if he was registered because he cannot find his receipt. DR noted will have DKRS send out registration list
Tim Melton (Tau Tau) – Suggested that there be a weekly update of registered brothers. DR noted we will send out initial list, then it will be updated on the website
John Johnson (Delta Pi) – noted that Pi Rho was very successful last time in Palm Springs, so don’t worry of the meeting being successful. As for list, sent to Area Reps last week.
Steve Richardson (Delta Pi) – agenda for District Meeting? DR noted that we went through the agenda, presently awaiting update which we will send out
Voting on Friday; Candidates Forum on Thursday; UG Summit on Saturday; Community Service on Saturday; DR noted that about 8 brothers of Supreme Council/IHQ want to come to meeting – Grand asking District to pick up one room night for each; However with [rice of fuel rising, Grand will revisit, so unsure how many will actually attend
Meeting recessed at 11:00AM, and re—convened at 11:07AM
EE Just Youth and Community Services, Inc. - Brother Charles Peevy, President
Noted there’s about $39, 000 in the account
Website is: eejycs.org
Mentorship Programs – all chapters who conduct youth mentorship programs, using their data to establish a District-wide mentorship program
Voiced his appreciation to the DR for his work
District Representative Comments
DR noted that one chapter is piggy-backing on Centennial Gala program laid out last year. Ask that the opportunity to join in and share be presented to other local chapters in the spirit of fairness.
Noted there is a new indemnity form from Fraternity Non-Violence Program to change the brand of the Fraternity
Every member must sign. If you do not by the deadline, you will be removed from the rolls of Omega
Supreme Council DR’s had concerns on this. Two are: what if I don’t sign by deadline, but 5 years later I’m willing to do so, can I get back in? Or, what if brother is fighting in a war and unable to sign, then how will that be handled?
Mandated Programs – Asked the Grand to review the programs and concentrate where we need to, and fold them into mentorship and developing our young men. Part of the problem is that we have 11 programs, then a new Grand comes into office, and he adds several more, now each chapter has to do 15 programs. It’s too much. Instead focus on the young men and help them to understand why we are doing the other programs – blood drives, voting…
Discussing around SC Table, DR’s have talked about. Perhaps the 12th D needs to step out and take stand that we’re not going to do the programs the way you want us to do them, but focus on the young black men and have them develop within these programs. Will ask for support of District before stepping out.
Area Reports
Report of the Pacific Northwest Area Representative – Brother John H Johnson, Jr, Pac NW Area Rep
Report is synopsis of basic reports (Form 37, DKRS scorecard, etc)
Area Meeting canceled as brothers concerned that there are too many meetings in too short a timeframe AND some brothers under impression that all you need to go to Canada is a birth certificate and driver’s license
Motion to accept Pacific Northwest Area Representative Report by Brother John Johnson (Delta Pi) and 2nd.
Unreadiness
Lawton Connelly (Phi Iota)
Under Issues, it should be Chi not Xi, Alpha Alpha
Looking at the membership numbers, is there any plan for MSP? Not at this time, but Zeta Upsilon has fallen off a bit this year.
Motion Carried Unanimously
Report of the Southern California Area Representative – Brother Ronan Hill, SoCal Area Rep
Thank you in advance for your support for the Youth Leadership Conference which has been elevated to a District-wide event. Last year over 200 brothers in attendance. Stopped counting at 200.
19th Annual Conference is Oct 27, at USC, targeting 500 young men 8-18 years of age. Theme: Living with Purpose
Read in 7 young men for Phi Lambda; they are enrolled at Cal St Fullerton and University of Laverne
Next SoCal Area Meeting, May 12 9am-1pm, hosted by Lambda Omicron and Lambda chapters
Motion to accept Southern CaliforniaArea Representative Report by Brother Ronan Hill (Tau Tau) and 2nd.
Motion Carried Unanimously
Report of the Southwest AreaRepresentative – Brother Dr. William A Smith, SW Area Rep
SW area Meeting was March 3rd
First half of meeting dealt with mentoring - all brothers in attendance were certified in mentoring by a national mentoring organization - Optimus Institute. This (certification) is something the Arizona brothers have been doing as it is required to work with the schools; also allows chapter to be eligible for funding
6 chapters in Area, 4 have mentoring programs and the other two are working with youth
Future goals – continuing to build database of forms and best practices; keeping each of the chapters aware of what is happening within the Area
Regardless of size, there are still just a few doing the work. This is NOT JUST in Omega, but in our schools, churches too. Trying to ensure the Men of Omega step up, be held to a higher standard.
Request brothers complete survey, not Omega related, Racial Battle Fatigue. Black men, brown men as well, are at risk for race related stress. Voluntary, but please assist by completing it.
Motion to accept Southwest AreaRepresentative Report by Brother William Smith (Iota Iota Iota) and 2nd.
Unreadiness
Question asked about Alpha Theta and how to assist them to improve
New CKRS, thus the low score on scorecard. Intent is for Grad advisor to work more closely with them to provide the needed guidance
Motion Carried Unanimously
Brother Jeffery Williams, Delta Iota Iota Basileus, thanked the District for their help with regard to the passing of Brother Christopher McCoy; everything was so well done - cards, flowers, etc. Family was very appreciative
Potential Grant
DR announced that we are about to get a grant, Sex Education grant, that looks at behavior of students 18-24 years old.
Will identify chapters within the District to participate; also bring in 6th District as they want some help in South Carolina
Grant is for $80,000 - $120,000 over a three year period.
We are educating our undergraduates with regard to sex education
Please note that African American Women with HIV statistics is rivaling Africa. We have to educate our young men to be men vide just being “owt”
Committee Reports – First Vice DR Presiding
Community & Civic Affairs – Brother Tim Melton, Chairman
Talent Hunt – new committee chairs and their contact info in report
Send your winners data to Dion Vines
Scholarship deadline has passed
Motion to accept Community and Civic Affairs Report by Brother Tim Melton (Tau Tau) and 2nd.
Unreadiness
John Johnson (Delta Pi) - Question on Form77 and COTY. This falls under Social Action and will address
Motion Carried Unanimously
Rules – Brother James Walker, Chairman
The only chapters that have noted they will be submitting District Meeting Proposals are Sigma Iota Chapter (2015) and Phi Iota Chapter (2016)
Elections:
Only 1 Candidate for DR, 2 for 1VDR, 1 DKRS, and no names submitted for DKF; hopefully, a qualified candidate will step up.
There will be a candidates forum on Thursday, time and location TBA
Credentialing on Friday morning; you need to check in to be able to vote.
Motion to accept Rules Report by Brother James Walker (Sigma Iota) and 2nd.
Unreadiness
DR noted that the two 1VDR candidates will be removed from their normal duties and Brother Peevy and Brother Boone will oversee credentialing and election to ensure there is no bias
Jeffery Williams (Delta Iota Iota) - If no DKF candidate, how will that be handled? DR will make an appointment
Brother did not identify self – any discussion of honorary members into the Fraternity and are there amendments? Bro Walker suggested submitting amendments to committee for future consideration and adding to Constitution
John Johnson, Jr (Delta Pi) – Does form require District support? No. However, we have Rules Chair Larry Walls review all amendments, then provide his recommendation to the District on how we should vote for the amendment.
Current year we are doing good at this point, but major expenses are upcoming – District meeting, Conclave and Fall Council Meeting in Southwest Area, with travel expenses going up as gas prices rise.
Recommend Executive Board review budget for long term
Motion to accept Ways and Means Report by Brother Dennis Martinez (Theta Pi) and 2nd.
Unreadiness
Motion Carried Unanimously
NOON Prayer led by Brother Dr John Arrington
Guest Speakers Dr James Mason – Multicultural Health
Lou Frederick – Black Caucus, Oregon State Legislature
Special Committees
Investment Team Report – Brother Kelly Shannon, Team Leader
Current balance as of February 29, 2012: $88,153.31.
This is slightly lower than the all-time high of $88,503.64 (end of April 2010).
Returns Comparison: 12th District Fund outperforms most Major Market Indices (see chart)
$1.00 invested in 12th District Fund in Oct 2005 = $1.17 as of February 29, 2012
$1.00 invested in DJIA in Oct 2005 = $1.02 as of February 29, 2012
$1.00 invested in S&P 500 in Oct 2005 = $1.02 as of February 29, 2012
$1.00 invested in Nasdaq in Oct 2005 = $1.22 as of February 29, 2012No need to change investment policy now; Team meeting in April to determine if any changes are needed
DR comments regarding funding and where money is in the 12th District
In 7th District, the DR had access to funds, and it is assumed he extorted funds from the Fraternity
12th District Representative does not have access to funds, Spencer does not, Peevy did not, Alexander will not
Only money DR touches is from reimbursements
Money goes through DKRS
Reimbursements require filling out proper forms and sending to DKF
Also, the officers are bonded as well
District Raffle – Fred Alexander
At Fall Council Meeting, the District voted to hold once again
Tickets have been distributed.
We want stubs and funds submitted by May 1 so we can include in the report packet at District Meeting
Breakdown of past expenses and net profit
Category
2011 Actual
2010 Actual
Revenue
$9,495
$10,090
Awards
($1,750)
($3,000)
EEJYCS Admin. Fee (ticket printing & mailing paid by EEJYCS)
Found that our metrics differ from program to program, so this is room for improvement
We have to own our body of work
Survey
Four geographic regions focused (to start) – SoCal, NorCal, Phoenix and Las Vegas
Average of 9 brothers working in each program
Average of 35 mentees (as few as 20, upwards of 100)
Mentoring Team
Initial Findings – created and manned 3 sub-committees: Administration, Mission Statement, and Program
Sub-Committee Results
Created Mission Statement, Value Statement, Social and Behavioral Determinants, and Program Focus Areas
Identified 12th District Deliverables and Chapter Deliverables
Next Steps
Questions
Jeffery Williams (Delta Iota Iota) –which chapters did you survey, and do we have to change our program
Chapters that have long standing programs, to include Sigma Iota, Tau Tau, Delta Iota Iota.
No. Don’t need to change what you’re doing as long as it falls within the tenents of this program. Won’t have to change name. May have to make slight adjustments if you want funding
DR asked is there value to put every program under EE Just? Depends, but it is easier to receive funds if we can show we have ten programs as opposed to just a general program
Charles Peevy noted there is an expectation and a checklist that needs to be completed as individual programs come on board;
Frank Boykin (Delta Pi) asked if a chapter does not meet the criteria? They will not be eligible from funds specific for the program, but may be eligible for general funding
Frank Boykin (Delta Pi) – there is no spirituality noted in the program, are we staying away from this specifically? Brother Walker noted that we are not addressing a specific religion, but overall spiritual health as a general item is included
Brother Walker noted that each group will have different academics
Brother Spencer noted this is separate from Fraternity, so it will have to have its own insurance
Only chapters participating will be covered
Good of the Order
Martin Boston (Sigma Iota) – Have drafted letter regarding outrage over Trayvon Martin murder, but uncertain what to do next. The community needs to hear our collective voice. Read letter at this point.
DR noted he would assist in massaging the letter, then publishing
Brother Shannon asked that brothers speak with others outside the District and ask for their support and vote.
Marcus Delgado (Zeta Upsilon) – can chapters get a copy of the Fraternity 501(c)(7) Status letter?
Try your state Secretary of State for copies, but 501 (c)(3) is the tax-exempt status you will need.
Meeting adjourned at 13:36pm PDT, with closing prayer by Brother Dr John Arrington
Meeting Call to Order and Formal Opening– Brother Sedrick Spencer, 30th 12th DR at 8:39AM PST
Welcome by Brother Ronan Hill, SoCal Area Representative
Opening Prayer – Brother Derrick Delaney, District Chaplain
DR acknowledged Brother Kenneth Barnes, International Executive Director
Welcome from Brother Aundrey Page, Lambda Chapter Basileus
Quorum is present: (Require 1/3) 25 of 36 financial chapters and 13 of 21 Officers and Committee Chairs.
Officer Reports –1st Vice DR presiding
Report of the District Representative – Brother Sedrick Spencer, District Representative
Asked that anything related to IHQ, let us allow the Grand Basileus or IED to address
Bullet point 5 of Rubric addresses this.
Motion carried unanimously
Big Brother/ Big Sister of America – John Ervin III (Delta Iota Iota)
List of local BBBS passed out. Please contact the CEO of your local chapter. Many of the mentors to our African-American mentors out there are not black but mentoring our children
Questions
Tim Waters (Sigma Iota) – is there a script available? We need a unified message from the Brotherhood
Script is being formulated at this time
Robert Brown (Phi Beta Beat) – several chapters have same contact
Damon Scott (Alpha Rho) recommend chapters collaborate to ensure only one contact fom Omega to BBBS
John Johnson (Delta Pi) noted BBBS is on Form 37 as a reportable activity
General Questions
4 year requirement to be sent out (Graduates who did not pledge at a school with an active UG chapter)
Motion to adjourn Jeff Williams (Delta Iota Iota) and 2nd