Friends of the Liberian Basketball Meeting

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Attendees:

Abue Williams                                                   Eddie Zubah

Agatha Farngalo                                                Ramatu Zubah

Alston S. Nah, II (recorder of mins)                      Ora Scott

Alston J. K. Wolo                                              Sylvester Bassey

Anthony Fannoh                                                Abu Swaray

Dawn RichardsTolbert                                         Harriet Swaray

Stephen J. Koffa                                                 Leroyn Gerring

Lynette Henries                                                  Jake Kabakole

Toyuwa Harris                                                    Niahson Porte

Gartamah Cassell-Harris                                     Ophelia Williams Floyd

Boniface Satu                                                     Leeroi Boker

Yvette Lomax Lawson                                         Cynthia Boker

The meeting was convened at approximately 2:45PM EST.  It was called to order by Mr. Abue Williams, Chairman who first requested a word of prayer.

A strong, spiritual and all-encompassing prayer was given by Agatha Farngalo.

Mr. Williams began by thanking all the members for their work which had yielded a splendid game, last night’s successful after party and this final meeting of the weekend.  He went on to express his appreciation to the women for being “the glue” that held the organization together for the past year and again to all members for making sure the business of the FSLB was conducted in an exemplary fashion.

Mr. Williams brought to the attention of the group that the overwhelming theme he heard throughout the day yesterday and including last night was that many people were in search of tangible results of the organization.  The organization is embarking on its second year of existence and quite a few persons expressed a high level of expectation to him.  More specifically, they were in search of results and wanted to know where the monies collected and being collected were going.  Secondly, the interim status of the organization – lack of elections was becoming an issue. The organization has accomplished the majority of the items in its mandate and all the information requested is available but needs to be better communicated to the membership at large.

Some members of present went to the defense of the organization’s efforts in getting information out by mentioning the availability of information on the website, handouts to the crowd at the games, etc.  Some indicated that most of the people did not even read the handouts or the website information, yet they complained of not having same.  Stephen Koffa mentioned that we perhaps would have to go beyond current efforts/methods of communicating because, despite providing the following, people still had questions:

A.      Website address & information

B.      Email

C.      Fliers

D.      Game schedules

It was further noted and agreed upon by several present that the mid-tournament communication meeting did not effectively serve its purpose.  The feedback was that the meeting seemed to be geared towards enticing new members rather than informing all present about the aims/goals (short, mid & long-term) of the organization and addressing the elections. 

The general consensus was though the organization has produced many tangible results, the efforts were in place thus far had proven to be insufficient/ineffective in communicating our purpose to the greater public and that other methods are needed to augment whatever were in place. 

Dawn offered/suggested that the Membership Committee could be expanded in order enhance the communication channels between the organization and other individuals and organizations as a whole. The attendees present at the meeting were asked to work along with the membership committee to see how it can address these issues.  Efforts to mail information to physical addresses and not only email addresses will also be made.

Anthony Fannoh suggested that the Steering Committee engage the outside members/contacts by telephone (conference calls) rather than relying on email.  Furthermore, the times of the meetings should be announced well in advance and to a lot of people.  Having current contact information on all the members will be the key.

Most people present at the meeting agreed that in the future, we may want to have the business meetings on Saturday mornings BEFORE the games.

The Georgia contingent inquired as to whether the hosting of next year’s Convention & Tournament in another state (such as Atlanta) was a possibility.  Ramatu (Georgia) indicated that bidding for the right to host the convention would be something they would welcome. The chairman of the board, Mr. Abue Williams responded that it was an issue that would clearly be discussed sometime during the year – after addressing more pressing issues – and the results of the discussion would be made known. 

Ora Scott noted that there was an absence of activities for the kids to engage in while the tournament ensued.  She suggested that the organization look at additional activities or make provisions – such as moon bounce, games, contests – for children of all ages to partake of, if they were unable or uninterested in the basketball tournament.  This was well-received and the body intends to incorporate that in future events.

At this juncture, Mr. Abue Williams had to depart for the airport and Mr.  Anthony Fannoh assumed control of the meeting.

The Atlanta contingent brought to the attention of the group that getting information about the tournament or at least spreading the word to the people of Georgia was a challenge.  They expressed their dissatisfaction with the lack of urgency about announcing the tournament in Atlanta.  They went on to indicate that a measure of their dedication to the organization and its efforts was that they combined & rented an SUV for the purpose of driving to and from MD.  Mr. Bassey also expressed some concerns that it appeared that the organization had not addressed the items in its mandate nor had elections been held as expected.  Anthony and Dawn reviewed for the group all of the items which have been accomplished which include, but are not limited to:

A.      Completion of the articles of incorporation for the organization

B.      Registering and incorporating the organization in the state of Rhode Island

C.      Filing the application for its 501(c) 3 status 

D.      Preparation of financial reports for the body 

E.      Preparation of a draft of the by-laws for the organization 

F.      Engaging the Liberian Ministry of Youth and Sports and LBF to enhance our working relationship with them (emails have been shared and conference calls held with both entities). The Ministry of Youth and Sports’ has offered their commitment to helping us obtain duty free privileges for any items we ship to Liberia. 

G.     Engaging organizations like the NBA for their support (A meeting was held with the NBA on Feb 21) and they (NBA) have committed to  

1. Sending some equipment and training materials to Liberia

 2. To sponsor one of our male youths from Liberia to attend the “Basketball Without Borders” Camp in South Africa.  A team of officials from LBF, coaches, referees and the press was assembled to select a player who would represent Liberia well. 

H.  FSLB has also held preliminary talks with other organizations we may want to collaborate with.   

I.   An update on the status of the FSLB short-, mid- and long-term goals was given. 

With respect to the status of our donations, we have not yet sent any items to Liberia primarily because we thought it more prudent to wait and find out which items the NBA would be able to donate to us and then as an organization, we can decide to allocate a certain amount of funds to purchase the other items that they can not supply as opposed to spending our money duplicating efforts and purchasing items we could get for free from them.  

Again, getting additional members to work on the Ways, Means and Membership Committee should help to improve the lack of communication expressed and every effort will be made to ensure that members are kept abreast of the developments of the organization.  

Eddie Zubah had some suggestions about how the website could be enhanced and even be set up to query the viewers in such a fashion which will enable us to obtain certain contact information from them prior to giving them access to the site in full. He was asked to join the Website committee so he can share some of his ideas for enhancing the site. 

Mr. Toyuwa Harris of NJ inquired about the interim status of the organization, i.e., why the interim label was still present and the status of the mandate given to the leadership of the organization.  He went on to stress that the “interim” label was taking away from the legitimacy of the organization and whispers of dissension were burgeoning.  He also wanted to know when the “interim” label would be removed and why some members of the organization had departed.  Dawn explained that the lack of participation on the general conference calls/meeting on the part of members as a whole has proven to be one of the biggest reasons why no elections had been held.  There were so few people actively involved to be able to vote or even to vie for more permanent positions.  The hope of the leadership is that the Spring Drive and the 2^nd Annual Tournament, Fundraiser and Membership Drive held this weekend will generate the kind of interest and commitment needed increase the participation of the membership and allow for a more permanent kind of leadership to be put into place. Though the Board of Directors and Steering Committee (SC) members have completed the majority of its mandate items, the item still pending is that of completing the organization’s by-laws. A draft has been prepared but is still in the final review process. Upon completion, the Board and SC feel the structure of the organization will be sufficiently sound to be able to transition to a new leadership.  It is the desire of the SC to ask the body for some additional time to be able increase member participation and to be able to put the necessary things in place to ensure for a smooth transition. 

Mr. Boniface Satu expressed similar sentiments, in addition to mentioning the insufficiency in getting important information out.  He said that that when he and others heard of a “business meeting” they expected to have elections to have the interim label removed.  He felt that the mandate given to the body of had not been met as of this year and that a furtherance of this condition could lead to splintering.  This view, he said was tantamount to and could lead to people undermining the seriousness and vision of the organization.  He also mentioned that the unavailability of a financial report was a problem.  Mr. Satu was informed – by Dawn & Anthony - that many of his concerns had already been mentioned prior to his and Mr. Harris’ arrival and that his points were well noted.  As a point of clarification, they further indicated that quarterly financial reports have been prepared and released. These reports can be found on the organization’s website.  Additionally, the majority of the steering committee’s mandate items have been met. These were articulated during the Spring Drive, are listed on the website and also listed on the handouts given at the games on July 12^th. Members were urged to take a moment to read the information handed out and to go to the website before complaining that the information is not available or that the leadership has not done what it was entrusted to do - because it has. 

A second inquiry was put forth by Mr. Booker concerning the resignation of Mr. Orea Wright. It was felt that the members deserved an explanation about a series of events which culminated in the departure of Mr. Wright so they were briefed by Dawn & Anthony, with some additional light shed by Mr. Gerring. The consensus was that Mr. Wright’s issues were primarily with respect to methods and processes but that the direction of the organization has not changed and did not necessarily require a resignation in the manner in which it was handled.  Mr. Wright’s wish to resign was granted and the Board agreed to part ways by thanking Mr. Wright formally with a letter, for his contributions to the formation of the organization and now we wish to move past this and focus on the positives and capitalize on the momentum building. 

At this point Mr. Booker acknowledged the efforts of all in the organizers, and officers and thanked all for the state of the organization. He recognized the countless number of hours that have been devoted to get the organization where it is and then pledged his undivided, positive support to helping the organization in any way that he could.  

Mr. Jake Kabokole – Owner of a basketball team in the Liberian Basketball Federation and Chairman of the Old Timers Basketball Association of Liberia – noted that many of the issues confronting the FSLB were common to the Old Timer’s Association in Liberia.  He called upon members of FSLB to persist despite the negativity that comes along with running the organization.  He requested that ALL members rally around the Chairman & the organization in order to be successful.   Jake also offered his total support & assistance to us even if it involved disseminating information in Liberia.  He mentioned that the Old Timers Association is intending to take basketball to other parts of the country besides Monrovia, by providing courts in other counties of the country.  Anthony/Dawn/Agatha expressed that indeed one of the listed goals (long term) of the organization was erecting basketball courts around the country.  A rendering of a typical roofed basketball facility provided to the organization by the Ministry of Youth and Sports was circulated as evidence of its commitment to same.  

ACTION ITEMS (Not in any specific order) 

1.       In response to the need to effect a better means of communicating we need to select a person who will be responsible for the flow of information into and out of the organization.  He/she will be a DIRECT liaison for FSLB & others.  That person will be the “MINISTER OF INFORMATION”/ Communications Chairperson, so to speak, to ensure the flow of information is consummate and is readily accessible. 

2.       Information gathering and dissemination is a joint responsibility for ALL members and leaders of the organization. If you know of things the organization has accomplished, it is your duty as a member to help convey that to others and help to build the organization up and not help to tear it down. This point must be emphasized. 

3.       We need to develop ways of improving participation and production by all members/officers of the organization.   

4.       In conjunction with Edwin Fahnbulleh, Dawn Tolbert will contact everyone on the sign-up sheet of this meeting along with those on the Membership Committee to discuss details as to how to we can develop a more effective communication and outreach plan. She will request suggestions from all via email.  Time frame for completion of this task is one week from today’s meeting date.      

5.       We need to explore ways of re-introducing FSLB to Liberian Basketball, in Liberia.  They need to be apprised of our aims, efforts and status.  Jake has offered his assistance with press releases and so forth. 

6.       The By-laws must be completed within three to six-months in order to facilitate possible elections within the same period. 

7.       Dawn volunteered (at the next General Meeting) to go through ALL 2007 mandate items and provide status of each item.  The General meeting/conference call will be held shortly – date to be determined. 

8.       Website committee to look into the possibility of password protecting sensitive information on the site so only dues paying members can have access to it. The committee will also explore ways of collecting additional contact information from viewers so we can be able to follow-up with them later. 

SUGGESTIONS (Not in any specific order) 

1.       In response to improving our communication, Dawn suggested that in the future, we have a set of handouts for participants/spectators as they pay their entrance fees - something like a welcome packet of some sort.

2.       In the interest of informing participants/spectators business meetings should be held at an alternate time rather than mid-stream of the games. 

3.       Agatha suggested that on convention weekend, we have a Sunday afternoon conference for the purpose of accepting suggestions.  A suggestion box was also recommended by one of the members present. 

4.       The Atlanta contingent suggested we have alternate activities for children during basketball weekend.  Moon bounce, games, contests, etc. 

5.       Mr. Jake Kabokole., suggested we have a series of conference calls but with the idea of focusing on one topic or accomplishing one task per meeting.  This he said, would go a long way in simplifying matters of administration and could really minimize the lack of participation.  

6.       A meeting participant suggested we have a press release for each event held here in the U.S. as it relates to FSLB. 

7.       A final suggestion was that pictures of ALL participating teams be placed on the website along with other pictures from the convention.