Present:  Dave Jarrett, Ray MacNair, Linda Lloyd, Maria, Keith Johson, Josephine Allen, Freda Roberts, Vallerie Sims, Clothilda Barnett, Ovita Thornton, Pam Voekel, Alvin Sheats, Caryl Sundland

Gwen O’Looney, mayoral candidate was questioned for about 45 minutes at the beginning of the meeting.  She gave her history and background and job resume.  She stated , in response to questions, that she planned on bringing citizens to the table and including them in discussions.  She emphasized the need to support small businesses and generate products made in Athens.  She also wants to seek the “right” industry in the community.  OneAthens has great staff, is bringing the Career Academy to Athens and graduation coaches to the high schools.  They have also gotten several grants.  The new superintendent of schools believes education begins with very young children and goes through adulthood.  She stated that Leisure Services needs to be expanded to engage our children in positive after school programs, adult education needs to be expanded, particularly at Sandy Creek Nature Center and parks need to emphasize family places.  We need more shelters for homeless single women, single men and families.  Our government needs to write more grants.

After Ms. O’Looney left, we continued with the regular board meeting.

Living Wage Campaign – Pam Voekel spoke about the film that students made and was shown at UGA.  It was very impressive and she wants support to show it at other places.  Several people volunteered their churches and made suggestions about places it could be shown.  Pam stated that the film and attendance at budget meetings put pressure on UGA officials so they did not cut as many lower level positions.

Out of Poverty, Unity, Civic Engagement – Linda Llloyd spoke about the fact that Stables has three families that would qualify for the Out of Poverty program.  She mentioned that she had spoken to Tracy about picking up again on the Workmen’s Comp insurance program.  Linda stated that the Civic Engagement committee is scheduled to meet on Monday, May 24 at 6:30 p.m. and that there would be a budget meeting for the Executive Committee of the Board at 5:30 p.m. complete with treasurer’s report.

Worker’s Rights Center – Keith Johnson stated he is working on this and there would be more this summer.

Worker Friendly Emplyer Honoring – Ray MacNair stated that Jo Beth Allen has agreed to take this over.

Fund Raising and Grant Writing – Ray MacNair a grant has been put in to Jackson EMC.  New brochures for EJC have been printed and they can be used to give to donors.  A letter has gone out to our mailing list, asking for donations.  Keith has made a copy of information about an on-line store where part of the proceeds can go to our organization.  He also made a copy of information regarding a meeting in Martinez, GA about available grants.  (Keith read a letter to John Scoggins extending our sympathy because of his hospital stay.)

Web Design – Ray MacNair stated Marquis is working on it.  Jennifer is working on a new web site for Unity.

Linda stated that we are working on the application for becoming a summer job work site for teenagers who can get stimulus money for their work.  Keith will be in charge of this program.

Alvin Sheats brought up the fact that the Charter Committee is choosing five sites to hold public information meetings.  If we want one of the sites to be in the immigrant community, either Pine Ridge North or Garnett Ridge, we need to get people on the committee to advocate for these sites.  Maria stated is a translator is needed she could serve in this capacity.

The Meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted by Caryl Sundland, Secretary