MINUTES FOR THE KACO
MEETING HELD ON
OCTOBER 8, 2005 AT THE NORTHEAST
COLUMBUS
PUBLIC LIBRARY
Present:
Mwangi Kaaria -
Chairman
Ken Dulo – Committee
Member
Kiarie Kimani -
Treasurer
Jaja Yogo - Organizing
Secretary
Mary Mutegi - Secretary
Chiku Ndegwa - Vice
Secretary
Robert Wafula
Pastor Mulwa
Wilson Muinamia
Patrick Muriithi
Tabitha Opiyo
Mercy A. Otieno
Everlyne Opande
1.
Recruitment:
1.1
Kiarie brought receipt books to be used to recruit new
members and distributed
the same
1.2
Chiku suggested that we send an email to as many Kenyans as
possible as a means of
recruitment, but members felt that word-of-mouth would be the most
effective method.
1.3
All felt that a brochure containing KACO benefits would be a
good idea for the
recruitment efforts. The brochure would be provided to new
members upon
recruitment.
1.4
Wafula suggested that we should stress the fact that the role
of KACO is that of a
facilitator. He also stated that we should target members'
contributions but
attending meetings was not as
important.
1.5
Mary felt that the reason many Kenyans are not joining KACO
is due to a lack of
trust on money matters. Mwangi Kaaria stated that a lack
trust should not prevent
us from establishing KACO as an organization with many
members
1.6
Muinamia was advised by Kiarie that KACO has attempted to
create awareness
by way of our Madaraka Day celebrations, John's death, a nyama choma get- together and by
calling Kenyans. Muinamia suggested that we educate Kenyans
more about KACO and eliminate the issue of trust.
1.7
Pastor Mulwa advised that we should act as ambassadors when
recruiting
Kenyans and actively highlight the
advantages.
1.8
Jaja suggested that members should become mentors and follow
up with the new
members and, Pastor Mulwa felt that we should call all
Kenyans to thank them
for participating in John's funeral, and then ask them about
joining KACO.
2.
Benefits:
2.1
Dulo felt that it would be hard to find a list of benefits
that would make Kenyans
happy because of how diversified we are. Also suggested that
we vote on various
benefits and then specific details would be ironed out by
sub-committees.
2.2
Mwangi felt that KACO should have a bereavement fund whereby
members contribute on a
periodic basis in case of a tragedy.
2..2.1
Kiarie suggested that in order to reduce the administration
work,
we do away with a bereavement fund and instead, establish a
rule
where in case of a tragedy, members must contribute a minimum
amount. These contributions would then be pooled and
contributed
to the bereaved family. Dulo seconded the motion and by
a vote
of 7 to 1, the bereavement fund was rescinded.
2.2.2
Therefore KACO will act an administrator at the time of the
tragedy.
2.2.3
The benefit will only apply to paid KACO members.
2.3
Dulo suggested that KACO establish affiliations and
relationships with service providers e.g. funeral
homes, for additional discounts.
2.4
Dulo stated that free clinics and coverage by employers has
caused a low interest
in the group health insurance benefit. Jaja stated that this
benefit was to be used
as a supplement which comes with a death
benefit.
2.4.1
Mary felt that we should get pro-bono services from various
professionals such as doctors and lawyers. Wafula seconded
this
motion and all felt that we should establish KACO as a
mouthpiece
to represent and protect the interests of Kenyans in central
OH.
2.4.2
All voted to keep the group health insurance benefit pending
further discussion.
2.5
Mwangi stated that the Emergency Fund will act like a
cooperative bank for
emergencies. Jaja felt it was a noble idea but the details
would be too involved.
2.5.1
Kiarie added that this could lead to an administrative
nightmare because
KACO is run on a volunteer basis so we should limit ourselves
to what we
can handle. Dulo seconded the idea and stated that we should
concentrate
on putting "our house in order" and then re-visit this issue
after KACO has
been fully established. All voted against this benefit for
the time being.
2.5.2
Mwangi felt that this meeting was enabling the elimination of
some
benefits that are not viable to
Kenyans.
2.6
All agreed that we should encourage Kenyan Businesses to
advertise on KACO
website, promote a business fair, add the businesses in the
brochure and identify
Kenyan-owned businesses.
3.
Website:
3.1
Kiarie felt that the website requires "hits" for advertisers
to be able to advertise.
Jaja suggested that we increase recruitment efforts in order
to obtain these "hits".
3.1.2
Wafula stated that we should add embassy information for
Green card
lotteries. Muinamia added that a "Misterseed.com" icon would
link
Kenyans to this UK Kenyan website. Other suggestions included
links to
Kenyan News websites,
singles, jokes and classifieds.
3.1.3
Muinamia also suggested that when we send an email advising
of a
meeting, we should add the KACO icon so people can open our
website.
4.
Elections:
4.1
Mwangi felt that members should present themselves for
election as committee
members
4.1.2
Kiarie and Mary concurred stating that recruitment was the
most
important thing first and that we will need about 2 months on
intensive
recruiting efforts.
4.1.3
All agreed that January would be a good month for elections
and Wafula
suggested that we establish a calendar for upcoming meetings
to members
can plan accordingly
4.1.4
Mary suggested that we establish an incentive for recruitment
such as
medals. Kiarie stated that the "Mwananchi of the Year" award
was up for
the grabs.
5.
AOB:
5.1
Jaja suggested that we have a nyama choma meeting with
recruitment efforts, and
this could be in form of a potluck. Muinamia also felt that
we could have a golf tournament
sponsored by KACO where we would not only recruit but also raise
funds.
5.2
Tabitha offered that word-of-mouth was the most effective way
to recruit
Kenyans and register them.
5.3
Mary stated that the Kenyan Ambassador to the
US
might be a no-show, so we
can invite Kenyan trade attache' instead to talk to Kenyans
about investments in
Kenya.
5.4
Chiku suggested that we assist Aggie Nzomo who was released
from jail a week
ago. They all felt that KACO may not be in position to commit
to such an event
because we have not yet set stipulations about such issues.
Suggested that Chiku arrange the
fund-raiser and KACO members will support her
individually.
6.
Next Meeting will be held on November 12, 2005 at the Northeast Columbus
Public library. The time will
be announced at a later date.
MINUTES OF ANNUAL
GENERAL MEETING HELD ON SEPTEMBER 10,
2005 AT
REVIVAL MISSION INTERNATION CHURCH
MEMBERS PRESENT:
- Mwangi Karia
- Kennedy
Dulo
- Kiarie Kimani
- Vincent Kaati
- Renson Mutisya
- Margaret Mungai
- Bruce Miya
- Mr.
Musinde
- Pastor Francis
Mulwa
WELCOME
MESSAGE
The President opened the meeting by
thanking all members for attending the meeting. He introduced
committee members and reiterated the mission and objectives of KACO
as bringing Kenyans in Central Ohio together.
KACO’S ACHIEVEMENTS
Ken Dulo who
is a member of the committee gave the highlights of what the
association has achieved since its inception last year. Some of
these are:
- Registering the
association with the secretary of state’s
office
- Hosting a cookout at
Sharon Woods Park
- Hosted
a successful Madaraka Day celebration
- Coordinated the
fund-raising and eventual funeral service for the late John
Mwangi
- Establishing a web site
for members to net work
- Participated in the
African Festival hosted by the African Community Organization
- Contacted an insurance
company to provide health insurance to members among
others
FUTURE
GOALS
Members expressed interest
in knowing what events have been planned and to be given an
opportunity to participate before non-members are
informed.
Ken presented the planned
schedule for future events to include an Association’s Elections:
- An Arts Festival during
Kenyatta Day Celebration
- A Jamhuri Day Celebration,
- A Business Show and
hopefully a visit by the ambassador.
- The members were also
informed that Ohio State University were in the process of Ms. Wangari
Maathai to Columbus and if this succeeds, they would like
KACO to host her for an evening with Kenyans. Members would be
informed of any developments if and when they
occur.
FINANCES
The treasurer presented and
explained the financial statements. The organization is operating at
a loss of $440 and has $191 in its account. The treasurer informed
the members that the organization owes some committee members some
money but that they have not requested to be repaid. Members decided
that these outstanding amounts should be paid back. Funds can be
raised through a more aggressive campaign for new members and
advertisements on the website. More information about the
association’s finances is available on the web
site.
RECRUITMENT
The members attending the
meeting emphasized on the importance of recruiting more members to
the association and it was agreed that that all current members
should start recruiting from their friends and acquaintances.
The treasurer was given two
weeks to get a stamp and mail out 10 receipts to each member. After receiving the receipt
books, the members would have two weeks to recruit and another
general meeting was set for October 8th,
2005. The committee was also asked
to prepare a flyer that can be given to potential members explaining
the objectives of the Association. For those members who did not
attend the meeting, and would be interested in helping with
recruitment, they may contact any of the KACO officials and they
will be provided with receipts.
CONSTITUTION
Members received a copy of
the constitution and it was agreed that they have more time for
review before discussing it in the next
meeting.
BENEVOLENT
FUND
The members unanimously
agreed that the Association should establish a benevolent fund. The
committee would review different options and present them to the
members at the next meeting.
Members also agreed that the Association needs to establish
specific benefits that only members can gain from. This will
encourage non-members to join the
Association.
AOB
In an impromptu harambee,
members present raised $44 to cater for the receipts and the
mailing. Any remaining amounts should be deposited in the
Association’s account.
NEXT
MEETING
The next meeting will be held on
October 8, 2005 – Venue and time to be
communicated.
COMMITTEE MEETING HELD
AT THE LINDEN LIBRARY ON SATURDAY, JULY 16,
2005
MINUTES
Present:
Absent:
Mwangi Karia
- Jaja Yogo
Kenneth Dulo
- Kiarie
Mary Mutegi
- Chiku Ndegwa
Agenda:
1) Review of KACO
Finances
Kiarie was not available in
the meeting hence the finance issue was not discussed. However
Mwangi mentioned that the Kings Art Complex refunded the KACO $110
due to the poor technical services provided during the Madaraka
Day. In addition Mwangi
informed that he received a refund of $500 from the account, being a
part of the amount he spent during the event. (Please refer to previous
expense breakdown provided by Kiarie)
2) Plan to participate at
CAO event on July 30, 2005
Ø
Kiarie has already paid $50 booking fees for the
event
Ø
Mwangi/Kiarie were to look into hiring a tent and tables for
the day
Ø
It was suggested that the committee members look for Kenyan
individuals or businesses that can exhibit on that day at a fee of
$20 per table. A few
names were suggested:
- Dulo will contact Pastor Muraya about artifacts used during
2004
Jamhuri
Day and Ms. Mathina about Kenya T-shits. He will also
check on
any artifacts he has
- Mwangi - “Kiondo”
- Kiarie - artifacts
- Mary – Men African shirts and also contact a few
people
3) Schedule a general
meeting for KACO members
After serving for one year,
it is time to hold an annual general meeting for all KACO
members. A
tentative date was set for Saturday, August 13, 2005. During this meeting,
members will propose a date for official elections, discuss ways
forward for KACO, among other issues. Meanwhile, the committee
members were requested to continue recruiting new members as well as
distribute the constitution to current and potential members before
the meeting. This will facilitate a better understanding of KACO’s
objectives.
4)
AOB
Ø
The next committee meeting will be held on Sunday July 31,
2005 venue to be communicated later. Discussions for this meeting
will include, identifying a venue for the annual general meeting and
catering duties. It was
suggested we look for a free venue that has enough sitting and
parking space such as libraries, churches, or apartment club
houses.
Ø
Mwangi will look into printing a receipt book and a
stamp.
MINUTES
FOR MEETING HELD ON OCTOBER
24, 2004 AT
THE WORTHINGTON
SEVENTH
DAY
ADVENTIST
CHURCH
-
There were about 30 people
-
The meeting commenced at 4.30 with registration of new KACO
members.
-
Next followed a speech by representatives from Voluntary
Benefits Agency
(VBA) explaining the benefits of opting for their insurance
health plan.
- Issues
discussed:
v
Minimum membership = 5
people
v
There are two plans A & B options to be
chosen from of which, switching of plans while coverage is in effect
is not encouraged
v
Premiums are charged on weekly basis and the
rates will remain unchanged for one
year
v
Members once registered would receive an
insurance card
v
Members would pay excess of any dollar spent
over $1000 limit
v
In case a member has insurance coverage with
another company, they would first pay their primary company before
requesting reimbursement from
VBA
v
Coverage would only be provided
to KACO members and only to ones with a Social Security number (alternative eligibility to be
confirmed)
v
Kenyan’s from out of state could also be
covered by the plan as long as they belong to
KACO.
v
It is cheaper to use doctors/pharmacies
within the recommended network (VBA will provide a list of network
doctors)
v
Visits to chiropractors are not
covered
Chairman’s
speech:
Explained the purpose of KACO and its’
progress. He also
introduced the committee members
Treasurer’s
speech
Ø
The new
website
Ø
The $5.00 fee required to maintain the
website and the availability of 200 email addresses to any
interested member
Ø
The new bank account opened with National
City bank
Ø
The need to seek alternative financing
activities
Ø
Informed members on the need to use the
calendar and events column so as to keep each other informed and
posted on any occurrences
Ø
Invoices will be sent to members prior to
expiring of their membership
AOB
a) Members were concerned
that the name KACO was limited to the members within the
geographical area of Central
Ohio.
Response: The Chairman explained that there
were no limitations and that the group is both friends and families
of KACO, including people from other
countries.
b) Members were challenged to own an
insurance agency that would cater for their needs instead of relying
on other companies and
agencies.
Response: It was agreed that owning an agency
is a procedure that needs some time planning and registering. It was therefore put as an
action item to be discussed at a later
time.
c) Members were urged to consider the
insurance option and revert to KACO for
registration.
Response: Committee members to follow up on
this issue
Closing
The meeting was adjourned at about 7.00p.m
and members were invited for
refreshments.
