Jennifer welcomed everybody. Introductions were made by everyone in attendance. Jennifer explained that the REFORMA year would conclude on June 30, 2002. For the 2002-2003 year, the chapter must elect new officers. Paper ballots were passed out to paid members in attendance who had not already voted via e-mail. Elissa had already collected the electronic votes via email. Each candidate made a statement before the voting commenced. The candidates for Officer were as follows:

• Secretary: Sarah Bradley-Leighton (unopposed)
• Treasurer: Gustavo Sotto, Jennifer Thomas
• Vice-President/ President Elect: Paola Ferate-Soto, Steve Reich

While Elissa tabulated the votes Jennifer talked about the June 1st, 2002, chapter meeting in Temple (See minutes for June 1, 2002). We then discussed the immigration forum. Jennifer had tabulated the evaluations for the keynote speaker and the overall evaluation. The feedback was predominately positive. Jennifer invited comments from the group. She commented that it was a big event and hopes to see future programming focus on library services more specifically with smaller groups. Elva commented that the event provided a resource for librarians to get more information on general social topics and agreed that smaller versions of the forum possibly held during the week are a good idea. Eric commented that the forum helped present a big picture of immigration issues and that now we could focus more on practical “how to” work shops. Eyna noted that it was important to get this valuable information out to the community and that it identified issues that we face in our community. Paola remarked that the original idea for the forum was to look at recent immigrants and older generation immigrants and the conflicts that had been observed in libraries and schools. Tom suggested that we have small groups “go on the road” to deliver information about issues rather than having one big event in one place at one time. Don commented that AISD librarians meet once a month so that there is an opportunity to address that group. Elva said that T.A. Vasquez from Pickle Elementary is willing to talk to more audiences and Claudia is willing to talk about community development and activism.

Elissa announced the results of the election.

• Secretary: Sarah Bradley-Leighton
• Treasurer: Gustavo Soto
• Vice President/President Elect: Tie between Paola Ferate-Soto, Steve Reich
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The group discussed methods of resolving the tie as there are no provisions in the by-laws for this circumstance. It was decided to have a re-vote for the Vice Presidential position by email. All dues-paying members will be emailed candidate statements and a new ballot to be returned to Elissa by July 15th, at 6pm.

Paola asked about historical file of the chapter and whether one was being preserved to be passed down. Sarah replied that Margo was keeping one and that she would get this from Margo to continue documenting the history of the chapter. A few people suggested that the chapter archives be sent to the Austin History Centre.

Jennifer formally turned the meeting over to the new President, Elva Garza. Elva began the discussion of our next chapter meeting and future projects. She listed the items we will address at our next meeting in this chapter year.

• Bibliography lists
• TLA
• Reading lists
• Integrating ourselves in LSS
• Discussing REFORMA as a part of TLA
• Getting involved in the Bless Me Ultima discussion events
• Fundraising for the chapter

Jennifer commented that our Waco members suggest having a standard time and place for our chapter meetings for the full calendar year. It was agreed that we will establish our meeting dates for the whole year, but reserve the right to cancel and reschedule. The chapter will hold bi-monthly meetings, and in order to not conflict with AISD staff meetings held on Thursdays, it was agreed to hold our chapter meetings on Tuesday afternoons.

Chapter Meetings for 2002-2003

Tuesday, July 23, 2002
Tuesday, September 24, 2002
Tuesday, November 19, 2002
Tuesday, January 21, 2003
Tuesday, March 25, 2003
Tuesday, May 20, 2003

All chapter meetings will be held from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. at the

Nettie Lee Benson Latin American Collection
Conference Room (First Floor)
University of Texas at Austin
Sid Richardson Hall 1.108
Austin, TX
Phone:512-495-4520

The Benson Collection is library #15 on this campus map.

The group then discussed fundraising. Everyone was encouraged to bring their ideas to the July 23rd, meeting. Some suggestions included a sandwich sale; T-Shirts; hosting guest author (ex. David Rice) readings; a children’s drawing contest and using winning drawings in a calendar we can sell; a night of music and poetry; and hosting a booth at the Anaya reading on October 23rd, 2002. Paola asked if we need to return the money we raised to National REFORMA at the end of the fiscal year. Jennifer replied that according to her research we do not and we have not had to relinquish those funds as of yet. Elva noted we have been invited to introduce the chapter at a CTLS meeting in Giddings on September 27, 2002.

Elva adjourned the meeting and said she looked forward to seeing us on July 23rd, 2002.

Minutes were respectfully submitted by Sarah Bradley-Leighton.