OC Guide Dogs, an Alumni Chapter of Guide Dogs for the Blind
Regular Meeting (Last Names Omitted)
Saturday, May 25, 2024
The regular meeting of OC Guide Dogs, an Alumni Chapter of Guide Dogs for the Blind, was called to order at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 25, 2024, by President Alan Holst. Alan welcomed new member Kellie.
President’s Report: Alan’s desire is to be more specific in our club’s goals. With regard to division of interest, he would recommend 60% of our time be spent on fellowship; 5% on advocacy; 10% on education, and 15% on friend/fundraising.
Vice President’s Report: Paul voiced interest in setting priorities. What can we do for the club? Why are we here? This venue is more accessible to some borderline L.A. people, and we are here for fellowship/peer support. We then went around the room to ask members what they thought we should focus or improve on, or what they liked as to what we are already doing.
Tim likes the outings. He also supports educating on vision loss.
Paula loves sharing ideas and enjoys the outings.
Richard co-leads the Men’s Group and they enjoy sharing and learning. He also likes the outings, and discussion on new legislation regarding ADA. There is a new DOT form that he is having trouble figuring out. It may be inaccessible. He was told to contact Ravi at GDB, who is in charge of legal and advocacy at GDB.
Paul mentioned that Alaska airlines is very accessible.
Mark is also interested in advocacy – his flight on Alaska asked for forms 48 hours before departure versus Southwest which has different rules. It is very frustrating.
Elissa claims she is here for the stories.
Mark likes the social aspect of the meetings and noted we are open to all clubs/schools.
Annie has been frustrated at times with travel.
Linda enjoys education and advocacy and says we are a good resource for others. She reported on a clinical study for people with RP and gave flyers to Alan.
Tina enjoys the good times and advocacy regarding airlines. She enjoys the speakers and the social aspect. She has also had problems with non-accessible forms and iPhone-based mobility apps.
Alan mentioned that GDB is sometimes disconnected from the clubs – they will send out a form that is inaccessible.
Gabriel has had Access issues and issues with transportation in general.
Alan requested a change in our by-laws: We need agreement that officers President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary serve or two years (the by-laws currently state one year) and Members at Large serve for one year.
MOTION: Gabriel moved that by-laws be changed to read that the term of the President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary be changed from one year to two, and the Members at Large serve for one year.
SECONDED: Paul
MOTION passed.
Current Member at Large Scott has been ill lately. Elissa has volunteered to replace him.
MOTION: Paul moved to have Elissa replace Scott as Member at Large.
SECONDED: Gabriel
MOTION passed.
Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Cindy reported that we have $2400 in our account. Any donations currently go to GDB and stay in our sub account. It has been decided that we need $1500-$2000 annually to operate as a chapter.
Alan reported on Labs Live and suggested a scholarship for next year.
Paul made a plug for the puppy raisers and how much they do in order to raise puppies. Geetha reported that GDB is supplying items for raisers who can’t afford food, etc., for their puppies.
Alan reported that GDB wants us to change our logo to present GDB as a bigger entity. He purchased two URLs last week, GDBOC.com and GDBSoCal.com, which will direct browsers to OCGuideDogs.com. Paula will change our Facebook page to reflect GDBOC. Marcella could connect Alan with DGs at Chapman to work on website.
Mark recently went on a field trip to the Artic Center with the Men’s Group. The tour option is gone – guides are not available. And Access starting June 1 is going to a four-day week instead of a five-day week.
Our September meeting may focus on camera-based mobility, IRA and/or Be My Eyes and Blind Square.
Our second annual picnic will be held Saturday, June 29, at Pine Tree Park. Carla is organizing.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:30 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Carla Ross
Secretary, OC Guide Dogs
P.S. After the general meeting, a short board meeting was held regarding merchandise. There are a handful of people wanting jackets. With summer coming, it was decided to table the discussion for now, but toward the end of summer send out an email inquiring about interest and see if we can get a better break on prices.