BABJA Meeting Minutes

April 13, 2010

Submitted by Aqueila M. Lewis

      1.  Call to Order: 7:21pm 

·      Michelle Fitzhugh-Craig called for a motion to approve minutes from March 10, 2010 membership meeting.  Marcus Osborne motioned to approve the minutes and Terry Collins seconds the motion. The minutes from March 10, 2010 membership meeting were approved.

2. Welcome

·      Introductions –

·      Attendees introduced themselves and shared “something good!” that is happening in their lives.

·      12 people present: Michelle Fitzhugh-Craig, Melanie Johnson, Marcus Osborne, Danielle Craig, Z'ma Wyatt, Aqueila M. Lewis, Kim Bardakian, Ellison Horne, Shari Foldes, Sandy Smith and Joy Marion.

3. Officer/Committee Reports:

·      President:

Michelle reported on highlights of the Spring Board meeting on March 13, 2010. The Board discussed upcoming events, mixers, and reports from start of term. Kim suggested that board continue the quarterly meetings and figure out how to expand membership.

-VP Broadcast Board member resigned due to personal issues, Michelle said that the Board will focus on filling the seat soon.

- The National Lesbian and Gay Journalist Association (NLGJA) Northern California Chapter is hosting a wine fundraiser on April 21, 2010. Michelle will send more information on BABJA listserv.

·      VP Print:

Terry Collins reported that BABJA applied for the Spring 2010 Grant worth $500, but did not win.  The next deadline is set for October 1, 2010.  There was a lot of competition for the grant. Some winners include Atlanta Association, Triangle Association.

Michelle asks that members let her know if have any ideas for events or projects that BABJA should do.

-BABJA is being active during the election cycle and Terry had to reschedule meeting with League of Women Voters since the meeting was originally set during membership meeting. Members provided other suggestions to collaborate with local organizations including National Coalition of 100 Black Men, Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA), Black Elected Officials and Faith Based Leaders of the East Bay (BEO & FBL of the East Bay), and City of Oakland.

·      Treasurer:

John Ellis was absent; report sent via email and checking account balance read by Terry.  Michelle Fitzhugh-Craig will send detailed information to Secretary, when report is sent.

- Z'ma Wyatt is the only person that applied to be on the Finance Committee and will be working with John and Michelle and assist with checks, balances, etc.

·      Membership:

Marcus reported that there hasn’t been a huge amount of new members, but need more.  Encouraged those present at meeting to join the BABJA Facebook fan page. Members can post news articles and job openings for print, pr, radio and any media type jobs.

-Also during the Spring Board Meeting, board members discussed a buddy system connecting board with members for additional support; there will be an update on this by June 2010.

·      PR/Outreach:

Kim reported on upcoming events from San Francisco Chapter Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) in April and May. The events will also feature BABJA board and members. Kim will send information out to listservs.

-The next Unity Media Mixer is on Wednesday, June 23, Press Club (www.pressclubsf. com) in San Francisco from 5:30pm - 8:30pm. The room will be filled with local minority journalists and publicists. It's a great opportunity to network and mingle. Please tell Kim about any of your sponsor ideas and is hoping to have the same partnering journalist/pr groups from January’s Media Mixer.

- BABJA’s 2010 Young Journalist Scholarship Gala is on October 2, 2010 at the Scotts Pavilion. Members should let Kim know if interested in joining the committee, the next conference call is tomorrow night (Wednesday). Expected to have approximately 200-300 Journalist’s and Media Professionals attend.

·      Scholarship: Ellison Horne reported that he has updated the scholarship application flier. Kim suggested that Ellison add the pictures from last year’s winners to promote the commitment to students and feature them more. BABJA website scholarship has not been updated as of yet-Michelle will update by this Friday. Terry and Ellison will meet to discuss strategies for outreach to the Bay Area colleges and universities.  Michelle suggests that members are encouraged to talk to Gala and Scholarship chairs if interested in being on a committee.

·      Fundraising: Netta Conyers-Hayes was absent and did not send a report.

      4. National Officer(s) Report(s)

·      Bob Butler, VP Broadcast was absent and sent a report to Michelle Fitzhugh-Craig. She mentioned NABJ 35^th Anniversary Convention & Career Fair in San Diego, CA and the hands-on training on Computers and AVID software provided at the Convention.

-The cost to attend is now Pre-Registration by June 15^th for NABJ Full Member is $330, NABJ Associate Member is $345, and NABJ Student Member is $175 prices will go up drastically after June 15^th.  Southwest flights currently have a special for one-way $59.

·      Marcus Osborne, San Diego Convention committee

- Marcus reported that the convention committee is cutting back on some of the programs and panels because have too many. There isn’t a date set as of yet for the next meeting. The convention is beneficial for those that attend and good for displaced media professionals (print media) especially.  BABJA will host a Bay Area mixer at the convention.

5.  Old Business:

                  None

6.  New Business:

                  None

      Monthly Guest Speaker (20-25 minute presentation)

·      Shari Foldes, Marketing Manager for Ustream-“the leading live interactive broadcast platform that enables anyone with an Internet connection and a camera to engage their audience in a meaningful, immediate way.” People can broadcast video LIVE from a computer, mobile or iPhone.

-BABJA board members are interested in having Ustream at the NABJ Convention for webinars, coverage and panels. Ustream will be hiring soon.

-Kim is sending information about Ustream's "Intro to Ustream Guide" a basic guide for people who are interested in learning more. Visit www.ustream.tv.

7.  Open Discussion

·      Next BABJA Membership meeting:  May 11, 2010 - Center for Investigative Reporting, 130 Center St. #103, Berkeley (near Downtown Berkeley Bart)

8.  Adjournment:

·      Marcus motioned to adjourn meeting and was seconded by Joy at 8:53pm.