Unitarian
Universalist
Affordable
Housing
Partnership

UUAHP Steering Committee
Meeting April 1, 2004

Minutes

Attendees: Jo Haberman, Mary Mills Wilson, Nan Corliss, Bob Aderhold, Kay Dawson, Betsy Allis, Sheryl Erickson, Elrene Lee, Mary & Bill Tradewell, and Ken Barklind.

The first part of the meeting was devoted to a presentation by Vic Rosenthal, Executive Director, Jewish Community Action. Vic discussed the principals on which JCA is based and how it has evolved over time. Some of the highlights of his talk are as follows:

* JCA has been in operation about 8 years, has about 500 dues paying members, and currently operates with nearly a $500,000 annual budget and a staff of 7.
* They did an "in reach" in their congregations early on in which they trained about 100 people to have conversations with members to find out what they care about - they then had an "issues conference" in which they got further clarification as to direction.
* JCA decided to focus on 3 core areas - affordable housing was one of them.
* JCA has very clear criteria for selecting focus issues - all issues have to meet the criteria; they must be local domestic, must not be divisive, must have goals that can be won, must help grow the organization (power), must be an issue that Jews care about.
* JCA is principally about building power; while is supports hands on work, it doesn't sponsor any; building power means building influence to bring about systemic change.

A brief business meeting followed. Bob Aderhold was appointed minute taker. We reviewed the minutes from the February meeting taken by Nan Corliss. Bob Aderhold made a few revisions. Jo noted a few changes she will make.

Bob and Kay gave a brief Treasurer's report. No expenditures were made since the prior meeting. A transfer of $10,028.55 was received into the UUAHP account at FUS, proceeds of the 2002 and 2003 FUS service auctions. This brings the balance in the account to $19,301.78.

Bob gave a brief update on the YIMBY campaign. We briefly discussed the letter drafted by Barb Weatherhead, which Bob will circulate for comment to Steering Committee members. Nan Corliss will send out the finalized copy to ministers and Social Concerns chairs. A follow-up YIMBY sub-committee meeting was set for April 14, 6:30 PM, at FUS.

Nan Corliss gave a Hand's On subcommittee report regarding Habitat dates. CBC continues to work every Thursday, Friday and Saturday through May. UUs are responsible for providing volunteers for April 23 and 24. The summer workweek will be held June 21 to 25. To sign up, contact Carol Koepp.

Mary Mills Wilson reported that there is a strong proposal for a lease on the building owned by Unity Church that would allow it to be upgraded and continue to operate as "affordable" housing for a five year period.

Bob gave brief reports on MICAH and HousingMinnesota initiatives at the legislature. Bob agreed to write a publicity piece for UU congregation newsletters regarding action that can be taken to urge legislators to vote against budget cuts in affordable housing programs. (More info available at: http://www.mhponline.org/Bulletin/vol3iss6Mar26.htm)

Next regular meeting, Thursday, May 6, will be held at 6:00 PM, at Bob Aderhold's. Weather permitting, we will enjoy the patio. The meeting will be partially devoted to celebrating to contribution to UUAHP of Ron and Lois Dueltgen who are moving to California. Bob will supply barbecue chicken and brats. The rest will be pot luck so please contact Bob to let him know what you would like to bring.

Submitted by Bob Aderhold, 4-4-04