The following is information received from Anna Taylor to let us know what took place at the International conference in Atlantic City, NJ. Anna is an International Board Member from the South Central Section, and a member of the Albuquerque Chapter.

Bylaws Amendment #1

[I'm referring to the sheet that should have come to you in the mail from the Bylaws Chair]

FWPs
This passed, and "we" voted for it. The word "must" was changed to "shall." Despite all the other changes they talked about, this was the only one voted upon. Part of the ongoing conversation is that this is all dependent on the FWP providing HQ with information on her upgraded status.

Bylaws Amendment #2

Publications
It passed, and I voted for it. I considered it housekeeping to add the web to the Bylaws. The only change made to this proposal was down at the bottom with the "Standing Rules affected." Where it adds access to the website, it was changed to "and access to the Members Only Official Website and Internet Resources." It's not like we restrict access to the entire website to our members. In fact, we wouldn't want to! It's a "marketing" tool for us. Just the private info on the Members Only portion is a membership benefit for our members only.

Bylaws Amendment #3

Eligibility to Hold Office
It passed and I voted for it. I fretted over this one, though. We have licensed pilots flying "aircraft" that do not require a medical . . . balloons and gliders, for instance. According the information we require to run for office, a current medical is required. This means that those who self-certify their medical state would be technically ineligible to run for the board. That's one issue. The other is the whole notion that just because someone is current, they are knowledgeable of current regs and of the problems in the world of aviation. (And the running mantra: They're the only ones who can talk to the AOPA and all those other aviation organizations!! We have no standing if our board members are not current pilots!) And that someone who is not current is not knowledgeable. This is patently untrue as far as I'm concerned. I know pilots who are current that know nothing of what's going on in the larger world of aviation. I wouldn't get anywhere near them in an airplane, nor would I want them to represent the 99s on the board of directors. I do know pilots who have lost their medical, who know what's going on, and I'd be happy to have them represent us. Jody McCarrell acknowledged at this meeting that she lost her medical during her term, due to congestive heart failure. Does that mean she's suddenly lost everything she knows about aviation? Not a chance. Anyway, those were my thoughts on the matter, and why I voted as I did.

Standing Rules Amendment (1)

Chapter Mergers
This also passed, and I voted for it. The only changes were (I think, this went through several verbiage changes that I'm not completely convinced I kept up with) in C. to change the words "unanimous" to two-thirds. I considered this a necessary addition to the Standing Rules. It's a great way to keep chapters going, rather than completely letting them go by the wayside. It's an innovative thing that I think we ought to look at wherever possible when a Chapter goes below their minimums.

Standing Rules Amendment (2)

Fiscal and Dues.
It passed, I voted for it. The only change was in III. A. to delete "at no cost" at the end of the sentence. This left room to barter/trade for stuff. We've talked about "corporate sponsorship" for a long, long time. It's a way to raise money outside the organization, and I thought it was worth a try. They don't get any access to decision-making or anything like that within the organization, which I would have voted against. Anyway, I thought this was worth a try. We can certainly use an influx of money without tapping the members!

Standing Rules Amendment (4)

Nominations, Elections & Procedures
This passed, I voted for it. While the Officers and Directors are required to go through the Intent to Seek Election process, the Trustee candidates weren't. We've had a heck of a time trying to get names, position statements and photos from Trustee candidates to go in the magazine and even on the !@#$%^&* ballot! This makes them now beholden to the same requirements as the other elective positions. In fact, that was the only change to the amendment, I think the change was from "Officers and Trusts" to "all Int'l elective positions." Or something of that nature, it went through several iterations, too.

Standing Rules Amendment (3)

Trademarks.
What. a. goat. rope. After much changing, voting on amendments to the amendments, arguing over parliamentary procedure (this is the part I hate- it's one thing to discuss wording and all that stuff, but arguing over the correct parliamentary procedure makes me absolutely CRAZY!!!), it was withdrawn. That was okay with me, because I was ready to vote the whole thing down as too restrictive and it still didn't say what they wanted it to say. I understand wanting to standardize our trademark, but this wasn't the way to do it. In my opinion.

So. That's what went on and why I voted the way I did. I hope I didn't abuse your trust in me, but I did give the more controversial ones a lot of thought, and listened to the discussions closely. If you don't like what I did, then you won't ask me again, will you? (grin)

Anna

On the home front . . . .

August 14, 10 AM, regular meeting at Margaret Cosby's home in Boerne. Again, we plan to review the NASA aerospace education material. Nancy will also hold a brief business meeting.

September 11, picnic in Leakey. We'll meet at Nancy's and then on to Eunice's home. The dinner will be ordered and picked up by Nancy from Mama Chole's. Eunice will be providing the salad, soft drinks, ice tea, coffee, wine and beer. The rest of us will be bringing the desserts and hors d'oeuvres. To ensure we don't all bring the same thing, let's coordinate by calling or e-mailing me (since I have a local phone number) and let me know what you are bringing. Phone 830-815-1038 (do NOT dial a "1") or e-mail me at luv2fly@ktc.com. Also let me know how many in your family (friends, whoever) will be attending so Nancy will know how many tacos to buy.

September 24- 26 - Section Meeting in Santa Fe. So far, Winnie, Lena, Ruth, Nancy, Laura and Gloria are attending. We will be voting on the 2007 International Conference location since it will be held in the South Central Section. San Antonio is one of the cities considered.

Sherry Walker has sent Headquarters a check for $99 to be credited to the Endowment Fund in the memory of Wanda Edwina (Eddie) Hansen. Several of us attended her memorial service representing the Chapter.

Had a setback due to weather at Boerne Stage Airport. But, we are still on for painting the numbers when it's all finished.

Many of you probably are aware that Nancy's dad (90 years young) caused her a scare, but seems to be doing lots better. She's been spending some time in the Valley with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with them both.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO: Alice Foeh (Aug 7), Leslye Doyle (4th), Tessa Dodds (7th), Cheryl Casillas (15th) and Margaret Cosby (23rd).

99s ANNIVERSARIES: Alice Foeh (32 years) and Sherry Walker (2 years). Whether it has been 2 years or 32 years, these gals have been and are still making their contributions to the 99s and are appreciated!!!

See you August 14 at Margaret's!!!

                                                                                              - Gloria

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