Thursday, 16 August 2001, 4:30 p.m.
Windsor Park Branch, APL

Present: Elissa Ballesteros, Roxanna Escobedo (GSLIS student), Paola  Ferate-Soto, Elva Garza, Josefina Rodríguez Gibbs, Margo Gutiérrez,
Jesús Mellado (APL Riverside), Joanna Nigrelli (APL Terrazas), Jennifer Patterson, Loriene Roy,  Gustavo Soto, Jennifer Thomas, Julie Todaro
(Austin Community College)

After introductions and approval of the minutes of the last meeting, President Jennifer Thomas reported that El Corazón de Tejas website is
now up and running at www.main.org/reforma  The page is still being added to, and kudos to Leslie Navarro and Jennifer T. for getting this page underway. If your information is not already up on the "Members" section, please send to Leslie (lnavarro@austin.cc.tx.us) as soon as possible.

Although not on the agenda, there was discussion of EC de T chapter possibly organizing a TLA preconference. Elva mentioned that she had
been in contact with Ramiro Salazar (director of Dallas PL and chair of the TLA services to the Spanish Speaking round table); Ramiro said that the round table is planning programs for TLA that would include writers, and a workshop on library services to Latinos; in fact, Elva has been invited to participate in that workshop. Margo said that because the chapter is in its formative stages, we should perhaps focus our efforts on building membership and developing a clearer idea of what local needs we should be addressing. Julie noted that sponsoring a preconference requires a significant monetary investment, but that co-sponsoring an event by lending our name and our support generally costs nothing-and we gain recognition. Elva will suggest to Ramiro that our EC de T chapter would like to co-sponsor the workshop that she's been ask to be a part of.

The fall social event fundraiser/membership drive was discussed. At this point it is envisioned as a purely social event, a wine-and-cheese-and
fruit type of affair, with perhaps a short reading by a guest writer. Margo volunteered her home as a venue although there is not much common space indoors. (If someone with more space would like to offer their home, please feel free!)Tentative dates discussed were November 2 or 3; a día de los muertos altar could be set up in conjunction with the reception. A meeting of committee members (Loriene, Roxanna, Josefina, Gustavo, Margo, Laura, Paola, Steve, Tere, Jennifer Patterson, and Jane) will soon be called to get this event underway.

Regarding the immigration forum discussed at the last meeting, Julie offered meeting space at one of the ACC campus libraries (depending upon the date and projected attendance). Elva gave a brief history of how the idea to sponsor such a forum came about, and noted that there is a real
need to sensitize and inform library staff, educators, and the community at large of issues arising from recent immigration, particularly from Mexico. She mentioned that there would be interest from other community and government groups about co-sponsorship of such an event, including the Austin Police Department who has recently hired a community liaison. Julie mentioned that the forum should not be scheduled during TLA or spring break. Scheduling around the cinco de mayo would provide a real educational alternative to the beer-drinking and partying associated with the Mexican holiday as celebrated in the U.S. There was discussion of whether continuing education credit could be had for attending such a forum; Loriene mentioned that if faculty had enough notice, some might be interested in supervising students to serve as interns for the event. Jennifer will contact committee members in the near future to schedule a planning meeting (Elva, Paola, Oralia, Tere, Irma, Julie, Leslie, Roxanna, Loriene, Gustavo, Joanna, and Jennifer T.).

Renderings of the logo developed by Gustavo and M.A. Sims were shown. The general consensus was that the depiction of an "anatomically correct" human heart is perhaps a bit too strong, although the colors and designs offered were well-received. Examples of alternative hearts will be forwarded to M.A. for her consideration.

The revised mission statement was approved with one slight wording change. Jennifer T. will post the new, approved mission statement to the listserv and thereafter it will appear in the EC de T web page.

The press release penned by Adán announcing the formation of the new chapter was distributed; Jennifer T. sent it out to area libraries and
media and was contacted by at least one Central Texas newspaper. It was suggested that the press release be sent out to ALA (to the attention of Sandra Balderrama), PLA, and the Mexican consulate. Jennifer T. will also send to Jane García and Christine McNew so that they may post to area school and youth librarians via their respective listservs.

A letter of concern regarding potential cuts to the APL budget was sent to the Mayor and City Council on behalf of EC de T chapter of REFORMA. The letter was signed by Margo (not a city employee) and drafted by Adán Benavides, with comments from Jennifer T.

Elissa mentioned that many librarians and staff she knows would like to attend meetings but have scheduling conflicts. It was suggested that a
general query be posted on APL and AISD listservs about optimal days and times that would allow for more attendance. Margo will soon post such a query on our discussion list; Jane, Chris and Jennifer T. will be asked to post to their respective listservs.

No meeting is scheduled for September; instead social event and immigration forum planning committees are asked to meet. Julie recommended that we meet in October in conjunction with TLA district 3 meetings to be held on October 13 in Taylor. [However, APL anniversary activities are scheduled for the Terrazas Branch on that date, so an alternative date may have to be arranged. If any Reformistas will be attending the October 13 meeting, please let Jennifer T. know so that she may provide brochures and membership for display.]

Announcements: Loriene announced that the International Indigenous Librarians Forum will meet in the U.S. in 2003, the first time in this
country. Loriene will provide more details on this exciting event as they beome available. Gustavo mentioned that he will soon open a bank account for the chapter, possibly with Wells Fargo as they have free checking for nonprofits.

Meeting adjourned at approximately 5:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by Margo Gutiérrez