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.
