December 7, 2019

National League of American Pen Women—Denver Branch

Minutes

December 7, 2019

1. Diane called the meeting to order at 10:53 AM
2. Inspirational sharing: Members shared some inspirational events from their lives.
3. No Guests present
4. No minutes available to approve
5. Treasurer’s report was approved.
6. Committee Reports:
   1. Website: Get your bio and event information to Virginia so she can put them on the website. Ray and Diane shared that having your name and bio on the website is something publishers like to see.
   2. Membership: Diane said she puts our meeting notices on the Colorado Writers Café website to hopefully bring prospective members to our meetings. She also has flyers for people to put up in the community.
   3. Outreach: Tapestry— the contest is in progress, but so far no response. Diane will send out reminder e-mails in January.
   4. Programs:
      1. January 4, 2020–Sally Stitch presents on “How to Critique Other People’s Writing” — Eloise May Library (A discussion on why we need this presentation on critiquing took place.)
      2. February 1–Larry Voder from The Bookies, presenter on basics of bookstore operation and how it relates to traditional published books and self published books getting in bookstores—Koelbel Library
      3. March 7–Alexandra O’Connell presents a workshop, “Tips to Improve Your Writing” (Discussion on how long her workshop should be. 1.5 hours? 2.0 hours?
      4. April 4–Guest Critique
7. Old Business: None
8. New Business: Grant survey results included the two biggest “wants” being outreach and speakers. We need to expand our branch, we need to raise money. Ray is looking at grants such as: The Chinook Fund, some grants are awarded via Denver and Aurora themselves, and Bill Pulte, who has been giving away millions of dollars. What is our purpose of outreach? To recruit new members. Ann brought up the fact that organizations giving money are most likely want to give money to those who are helping people in need in some way. A discussion on the need to hold some sort of fund raiser.
9. Branch Announcements:
   1. Carol has entered the current Pen Women writing competition
   2. Beverly will be a moderator on headwear on women who are Jewish, and Sheik women.
10. The meeting was adjourned at 12:02

Following the meeting, we had our annual Winter Potluck and White Elephant book exchange.

Respectively submitted by,

Kelly Ann Compton

Secretary/Treasurer