LICOS

Liberian Community of Syracuse (LICOS) INC.

 General meeting at 1240 Park Street the home of Elizabeth Tarley was called to order at 6:45 pm by the President. 24 persons were present in the meeting. The agenda was read by the president and accepted for discussion. Items on the agenda opening prayer, reading of pervious meeting minutes, introduction of new members, Community motto, Distribution of constitution, venue for general meetings, appointment of committee chairpersons and members of standing committees and Committee’s Reports.

Opening prayer- The vice president Mrs. Helen Nyema said the opening.

Minutes- The general Secretary Mr. Emmanuel N. Tambah read the previous meeting minutes. Necessary corrections were made to the minutes and they were accepted to form part of the community’s permanent records.

New Members- Odis Tarleson and Barsee introduced themselves as new members in the meeting.

Motto- The president questioned if there was a motto for the community and if not he suggested that the community develops a motto. The Secretary pointed out that the community has an existing motto which is “in union strong success is sure”.

Constitution- The president suggested that every member of the community should obtain a copy of the community’s (LICOS) constitution. The president proposed that each member pay the amount of $5.00 for copy of the constitution. Foday welcome the idea stating that if each member pays to get the constitution, they will take it (the constitution) seriously. Not all members agreed with the idea of paying to get the constitution so it was put into a vote. 11 persons voted in favor of paying $5.00 for the constitution to 3 person who voted not in favor. It was established by the president that each member pay to obtain copy of the constitution. Deadline for the payment of the constitution was set to be December 19, 2009.

Venue- The president thanked Ms Elizabeth Tarley for opening her door to the community to meet at her residence at a temporary meeting place. The president questioned if the community meetings could be rotational to individual member homes. The president suggested that this idea might promote brotherly and sisterly love among members. Helen who is the vice president suggested that we continue to meet at Elizabeth Tarley’s residence. Pauline Collins who is the former president agreed with Helen that the meeting be held at a specific place stating that this will minimize meeting venue confusion among members. But Pauline suggested that community goes back to CYO where they use to meet in the past because the problem for which we were not meeting at CYO has been resolved. Elizabeth Tarley stated that she does not have problem with the community meeting at her residence. she stated that if the community does not succeed in getting CYO back as their meeting place, her house door is always opened.

Appointments- The president appointed several committee heads. Those appointed were ; Mr. Johnson Kumeh- chairperson advisory committee, Ms Elizabeth Tarley- member elder board, Miss Benetta Tippos- member on planning committee, Janet Baryee -member on Elder Board. The president stated that there are positions still available to be filled so requested that anyone who is interested in been a member on any of the committees can contact him. Ms Mardea Warner volunteered to be a member on the networking and opportunity committee. She was accepted.

Committees’ Report:

Grievances committee. Mrs. Susannah Kumeh who is the chairperson of the grievances committee was not in the meeting to report on her committee’s activities.

Membership committee- Mr. Jacob Saywon chairperson of the membership committee reported that as of today’s meeting he had 36 family heads applied for membership. Jacob however pleaded for volunteers to work with him to recruit more members to the community. Jacob stated that Liberians who he tries to encouraged into the meeting him that they are not coming to meeting any more because their suggestions and opinions are not considered when they attend meetings.

Networking Committee- Mr. Foday Koromah the chairperson of this committed stated that he is making effort in establishing connections with his manager and a friend who has a temporary employment agency for employment opportunities for LICOS members who may be seeking employment.

Finance Committee- The financial secretary Mr. William Fennoh gave his financial reported on payments made by members regarding ACTS membership fees. Mr. Fennoh reported that members are responding positively to their pledges. Deadline for payment of pledges was set to be January 1, 2010. For those who had not pay their pledges. Commenting on William’s report, Ms. Mardea suggested that they make calls to remind members who made pledges and also reach out and encourage other members to contribute to this cause.

Planning committee- Ms. Sarah Doe, stated that she has not been able to meet with her members to discuss about the Christmas party so she requested that entire community meets on December 13, 2009 to discuss this issue. Helen suggested that the committee at least set a date up when they want the party be held so that members will be able to put in the time to their various jobs. Responding to Helen’s suggestion, Sarah stated that the party will be held on December 26, 2009.

AOB. The secretary present the most current bank statement form the previous administration to the president.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:05pm. Helen said the closing prayer

Respectfully submitted,

Emmanuel N. Tambah

General Secretary