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Present: Johnson, Ray, Linda, Martha, George, Michelle, Lashunda, Jo Beth, Joel, Drew, Stephon, Valerie, David, Noe, Andrea, Paula, Clothilda, Glenda, Nicolas, and Caryl (ten board members).

Minutes – It was motioned, seconded and approved that the minutes for November, 2010, be accepted.

Financial Report – A Profit & Loss Statement was handed out. There were questions about this document and it was suggested that it be discussed with our bookkeeper. There was a question as to what amount was in the bank when the statement began and what is there now.

Website – We now have three websites: Unity, EJC, and Working Friendly. Martin is using “Dripple” software for the EFJ website because it is user friendly and he will train staff on how to use it. George is working on the Unity website. We have gotten a $500 grant for the website and put in for another $1,000 grant.

Planning Session – Ray talked about telephone calls from three organizations. Interfaith Worker Justice – is holding a conference in Chicago in June and the Common Council Travel grant will cover $800 for travel. Southern Partners Fund covers capacity building and the Immigration Law Center is trying to keep the government and corporations from breaking unions and arresting the undocumented.

What should we be doing? There was much discussion about what our focus is and it was generally agreed that we are a two prong organization – Worker Employment and Worker’s Rights. Under Worker Employment we include: Unity, Out of Poverty (GED, ESL), and Georgia works. Under Worker’s Rights we include: voter registration and civic engagement, immigration rights, worker’s center, the living wage campaign, and worker friendly employers honoring.

We talked about figuring out our links to other organizations and having liaisons to these organizations. We also need to set up agreements, defining our roles with these organizations.

There were mentions made of immigrants’ need to know their rights, also getting small business owners together to exchange information on how to start a business and network as to what they are looking for in workers. It was stated that a small Spanish newletter is starting to get out new and information to the immigrant community. Also there is some work going on to get less expensive calling cards for people.

Fund Raising – Donor letters have begun to go out and this will be continuing, including envelopes for return contributions. The website of kickstarter.com was suggested as a source of revenue. It was suggested that we have a Spring Fling fundraiser and Martha was asked to help Linda, Barbara and Clothilda plan this event.

BCS capacity building grant of $15,000 was awarded to EJC and $7,000 has been received. We have spent $400 of this money and are required to make monthly reports on the money. We are negotiating for insurance for Unity as one use of the money.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m. Next meeting if Thursday, February 17, 2011 at 6:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted: Caryl Sundland, Secty.