October 2002, page 3

The Central States District House of Delegates meeting was held on October 18 in conjunction with the 2002 Fall Convention in Wichita, KS. District President, Bill McLaurine opened the meeting with a welcome to Delegates followed by an invocation by Music VP, Byron Meyers, Sr. who also offered a prayer for those passing on to the Chapter Eternal. Roy Sullivan, acting District Convention Chairman gave an update on Convention Activities. Gale Demaree requested approval of the minutes of the Spring House of Delegates meeting as published with minor corrections. The minutes were approved by motion, second and a voice vote. Treasurer, Paul Cartwright explained the financial information provided in the published Treasurer's report and the report was approved by motion, second and voice vote. The consent calendar, containing reports of the District VPs and committee chairs, was approved by voice vote.

Lud Einess, Society Board Member reported on activities of the Society Board. Lud requested that chapters encourage attendance at Mid Winter Convention (Check out the details on page 12 of the September-October Edition of the Harmonizer). Lud reported that the Society Board remains concerned about declining membership and encouraged delegates to continue strong recruitment efforts in their chapters. The CSLT program is also coming under scrutiny by the Society Board and suggestions/recommendations are being developed for changes to that program--e.g., Chapter Coaches possibly will become known as Chapter Counselors.

Bill McLaurine reported that a new "SPEBSQSA Youth Policy Statement" was heavily discussed by the District Board and Bill asked Delegates to make a copy of that policy available to chapter members for discussion and input (A copy will be made available at the next chapter meeting). Bill also reported that the District Directory will only be available on the District Webpage for the 2003 Calendar year. This is a step in reducing operating costs for the District, as publishing the Directory in book form has become a major cost item.

Ron May, District CSLT VP reported on the potential changes to that program and encouraged all chapters to make sure all officers and other interested chapter members attend COTS in Omaha on November 9 & 10. He emphasized the true name of COTS--(Chapter Operations Training Seminar) means that any chapter member wishing to attend will be welcome.

John Marshall, Immediate Past President, presented the report of the District Nominating Committee. The report was as follows:

For a two year term--2003-2004

President Ron Morden

Executive Vice President Byron Meyers, SR

Member Services Vice President Dale Neuman

Marketing & PR Vice President Randy Davis

Contest & Judging Vice President Jim Bagby

Harmony Foundation Vice President Leonard Purvis

A motion to accept the nominating committee's report and cast a unanimous ballot for the slate was made, seconded and passed by voice vote.

A proposal for a Multi-Year Convention Site Contract was presented by Bill McLaurine as a discussion item only. No action was taken.

Bill McLaurine reported that the Board had approved the merger of the Newton & Hutchinson, KS chapters.

Discussion groups were formed within the House of Delegates for consideration of the following topics:

What is your Chapter Doing Right?

Where does your Chapter Need Improvement?

What is/are major problems which need to be addressed in your Chapter?

Leonard and I were in the first group and were able to share a number of good things concerning the Manhattan, KS Chapter. Delegates seemed to enjoy the opportunity to share and learn in the small groups and recommended that this opportunity be continued in future