Liberian Community general meeting
November 21, 2009
The Liberian Community general meeting was called to order by the outgoing president, Ms. Pauline Collins at 6:15 pm. The meeting was held at 1240 Park Street at the Residence of Mrs. Elizabeth Tarley. The meeting was informer with no written agenda. Mrs. Agnes Gbarjolo said the opening prayer and the meeting was attended by 28 members.
An installation ceremony was held during the meeting. The ceremony was lead by Mrs. Agnes Gbarjolo. Those nstalled into offices were: Mr. Leo Dossen, President, Mrs. Helen G. Nyema, Vice President, Mr. Emmanuel N. Tambah, Gen. Secretary, Ms. Zarkpa Glotto, Treasurer and Mrs. Agnes Gbarjolo, Chaplin. The outgoing president congratulated the new officers, and presented each of them with their duty of office.
The outgoing president highlighted the achievements of the Community (registration of the community with the Federal Government, recognition of the Community by Onondaga County and the city of Syracuse, establishing of bank account, and relationships with prominent government officials, community leaders among other things) during her Administration and challenged the new Administration to build on the achievements and move the community forward.
The new President, Mr. Leo Dossen thanked the outgoing president and her Administration for their hard work and promised that his Administration will work hard to foster the good image of the Community. In a statement, the president proposed that a party be held for the outgoing Administration to honor them. The president stopped short of saying when and where this party will be held but stated that the Planning Committee will work on plans regarding the party and will get back to the Community at the next meeting.
The president made some key appointments in his Administration. Those appointed were: Mr.William Fannoh, - Financial Secretary, Ms. Sarah Doe - Chairperson for Planning Committee, Ms. Mama Tarawally,-Co-Chairperson - Planning Committee, Mr. Jacob Saywon Chairperson - Membership Committee, Mr. Gooding Vincent Co-Chairperson - Membership committee, Mrs. Susannah Kumeh Chairperson - Grievances and Conflict Resolution Committee, Mr. Caleb Gabarjolo Co-Chairperson gr ievances and conflict resolution committee, Mr. Foday Koromah chairperson opportunity and networking committee and Ms.Victoria Wilson, member of the networking and opportunity committee.
Mrs. Sharon L. Ruff came to the meeting and shared some information with the community about the work she does in Liberia. Sharon runs a Liberian Orphanage project in Liberia and was invited to the meeting by Mr. Caleb Gbarjolo who was not in the meeting. After sharing this information with the community, Sharon asked if anyone would like to support her mission to Liberia which she referred to as “the calling of God”. Sharon gave out flyers and a DVD package to the community regarding her work.
When Sharon left the meeting, reflecting on the information that she shared with the community, the president asked if the community was willing to lend any support to Sharon’s work. Simpson stated that considering the kind of humanitarian work that Sharon does especially in Liberian it is difficult for one not to be moved to support her project. Simpson stated that it does not only have to be financial support but also material support. Mr. William Fannoh suggested that the community makes a one time financial donation to Sharon’s mission to Liberia. Foday did not disagree with William’s suggestion but also suggested that the community take time to think about what they want to do before making a decision. Foday’s suggestion was accepted.
Also discussed in the meeting was the issue of the Liberian community becoming a member of ACTS. ACTS is a religious based organization which operates in Onondaga county and Syracuse city. The president explained to the community the works of ACTS and the benefits the community would get if we were to become a part of ACTS. The president stated that it will cost the community $500.00 (membership fees) to become a part of ACTS. Simpson suggested that it will be beneficial for our community to become a part of ACTS in that doing so will give our community exposal in the city and ultimately allow us access to other government programs. The community agreed with Sampson’s suggestion and decided to become a part of ACTS. Simpson contributed $50.00 to the community toward the $500.00 membership fee. Mrs. Evelyn Weah contributed $20.00, Mrs. Janet Baryee $10.00 and Mr.William Fannoh $1.00. $81.00 total was received in the meeting and given to the treasurer Ms. Zarkpa Glotto. Pledges were also made in this purpose. Those who made pledges were; Ms. Ruth Tambah $30.00, Mr. Jacob Saywon $50.00, Mrs. Helen Nyema $50.00, Mr. Emmanuel N. Tambah $50.00, Mrs. Elizabeth Tarley $25.00, Ms. Benetta Tippos $20.00, Mrs. Jessie tippos $20.00(Mrs. Jessie Tippos was not in the meeting but Benetta made this pledge on her behalf),Mr. Leo Dossen $25.00 and Mrs.Wleenyenoh Walters $20.00. The president stated that all contributions and pledges could be made to either the Treasurer who is Ms. Zarkpa Glotto or Mr. William Fannoh, the financial secretary.
In the meeting, Foday informed the community of a computer software which can help kids improve their reading skills. Foday voiced that anyone who is interested in this computer program can contact him at (315)-374-7099.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 pm in good faith. Mrs. Agnes Gbarjolo said the closing prayer.
Respectfully submitted,
Emmanuel N. Tambah
General Secretary
