MSUM College Democrats Minutes (Meeting I) September 5, 2007 Minutes taken by Adonia Daigle (Secretarial Proxy) Summarized and Secondarily Transcribed by Scott Edward Haugen Attendees: Scott Edward Haugen, President Adonia Daigle, Vice President Dr. Timothy Peil, Advisor Ashley Griffin, Member Danielle Jones, Member Christine La Coursiere, Member Justin Mohen, Member Justin Norris, Member Troy Olson, Member Ron Saeger, Member Jon-Erik Virnala, Member Baeron Warren, Member Jered Weber, Member Laura Zeiher, Member Meeting Called to Order at 6:07 P.M. Timeline of Meeting/Agenda Items Addressed I. Introductions by Executive Board and General Membership II. Discussion of Special Election for MSUM College Democrats Treasurer position. Two nominees announced for ballot: Jon Erik-Virnala and Baeron Warren Election to be held at next meeting—meeting date pending. III. Advertising It is agreed by majority that progressive advertising should be utilized and considered in order to successfully attract new, prospective members. Steering Committee was mentioned in regards to advertising and other activities within the organization, and at this juncture, the majority feels that a steering committee is not necessary with current membership level. Dragon-wide e-mail proposed. IV. Tabling Membership’s majority in agreement that this effort/activity should continue and be utilized throughout the academic year. It is agreed by majority that tabling should begin A.S.A.P. V. Fundraising/Budget A. Discussed acquiring funds through on-campus efforts (e.g., used book/CD/DVD sale, private donors, et al.). Discussed funds that will be automatically given to MSUM College Democrats this month by the university. VI. Adopt-a-Highway We have applied for a space north of Moorhead on U.S. Highway #75 and it is available, and it looks as if the space will likely be ours. B. Adopt-a-Park was also mentioned as a possibility for the organization. VII. Jefferson-Jackson Dinner (Des Moines, IA) Discussed having this be an event members of the organization might want to attend, which could allow us to have the opportunity to hear national Democratic leaders speak, and, to possibly meet some of them. VIII. Al Franken Democratic U.S. Senatorial candidate Al Franken will be in Moorhead and at MSUM on October 11. Some preliminary communications and planning have been made between his campaign and our organization. IX. Membership Fee There was some division on this issue. Some want a $5-10 fee instated, other(s) would like to not pay it and do not necessarily think there is a great need for this. The issue has been left open for further discussion and will be brought up at the next meeting. X. Honorary Membership A. It has been proposed and welcomed that State and Federal Democratic Legislators in both Minnesota and North Dakota are offered honorary memberships within MSUM College Democrats. XI. Mock Democratic U.S. Presidential Primary Was proposed and discussed. Sound and practical methodology is needed in order to constructively choreograph this activity. Said methodology/formula is going to be explored. XII. Old Business Discussion related to a desire, this year, for a more genial, communicative and productive MSUM College Deomcrats. XIII. New Business Proposed on-campus debate between MSUM College Democrats and MSUM College Republicans. It was proposed that the MSUM Student Senate (co-)sponsor said activity. Proposed tri-college debate efforts. Discussion of possible TOCAR (Training Our Campuses Against Racism) training for members. This proposal was met with considerable division. Discussion on unifying with NDSU and Concordia College Democrats if said organizations are still active and functional. Discussion about membership of MSUM College Republicans and there essentially zero-membership. It was asked that any members who have friends or classmates who are Republicans to consider joining MSUM College Republicans and to contact Dane Jenson (President, MSUM College Republicans) and/or Scott Edward Haugen (President, MSUM College Democrats). XIV. Announcements Al Franken’s book, Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them, is being sold, new, for $1.00 at The Dollar General in Fargo on 13th and 45th. MSUM College Democrats should appeal to other student organizations on campus in order to increase membership. Adjournment at 7:02 P.M.