Agenda/Minutes
Minutes posted after meeting
Minutes
Friday - September 15, 2023
1. The meeting was called to order at 7:45am during the annual conference in New London, CT by President Jim Greenwald. Present were: Valerie Ormond, Vice President; Ruth W. Crocker, Secretary; Past President, Bob Doerr; Directors-at-Large, John Cathcart, Gary Zelinski, Kathleen Rodgers, WYS Director, Dane Zeller via phone). Absent: Treasurer, Hugh Simpson
2. Minutes of the previous meeting were approved.
3. Treasurers report was discussed and approved.
4. Old business:
a. Policy regarding reimbursement for lodging at annual meeting for board members and those involved with the WYS conference was discussed. Jim referred to the reimbursement policy posted on the website in the “administration section” and suggested that everyone review that if they have questions/concerns.
b. Valerie presented concerns for bylaw Updates/Revisions and how best to proceed. She suggested that we need a committee to do the review and make changes. Drafts would be sent to board members for edits/comments. John noted that Betsy Beard has old versions of the bylaws. Valerie said that there was a decision at last year’s conference to review the bylaws every two years. Jim will contact members to participate in review committee.
5. New business
a. Clarification of criterion for Mike Mullins Writer of the Year Award and how it differs from other awards was discussed along with the need to establish clarity regarding the role the winner plays in providing interviews and participation in publicity activities. The President’s Award is generally for volunteerism, whereas the MMWYA is for achievement strictly as a writer. Valerie discussed the variation and inconsistency in nominator’s paperwork in the leadup to the award. Some people follow the 6-page nomination form while others write short summaries. She also mentioned that, as written, MWSA has certain expevtions of winners but, in reality, the organization has no ability to enforce those expectations. John volunteered to review the MMWYA award and the nomination process. Valerie also noted that nominations should be received much earlier in the season than the current practice.
b. Regarding changes to the Reimbursement Policy, jim will send an email to the board.
c. San Diego, CA will be the location of the 2024 conference.
7. Open Discussion focused on the WYS program which was held on September 14, 2023 at the Sub Force Museum in Groton. Bob said that Lynda Schwartz, Special Advisor to the Director of the Vietnam Veterans of America, will speak with the staff about having a representative of MWSA speak about our writing program at their next conference. Valerie said that she had a conversation with the Command Duty Officer at the museum regarding renumeration for a speaker from MWSA who could talk about writing education programs for the museum. Valerie will follow up on this. Finally, Bob mentioned that someone from www.vietnamwarpoetry.com said that their online journal would welcome poetry submissions from our membership.
8. The meeting was adjourned at 8:15am.
Next meeting: December 6, 2023 at 10:00am EST
Agenda
Agenda
Friday - September 15, 2023
Item: Host:
1. Call to Order greenwald
2. Meeting Minutes Crocker
3. Treasurer’s Report Simpson
4. Old Business greenwald, Ormond
e. Bylaw Updates/Revisions how best to proceed & timeframe
5. New Business greenwald, Ormond.
a. Revise MMWOY Criteria/Requirements
b. Changes to the Reimbursement Policy Location of the 2024 Conference. San Diego, CA greenwald, Ormond
7. Open Discussion (General) All
8. Adjourn