Operation Identity Meeting Minutes

October 28, 2010
(recorded by Jenna Wiley for Kathie Quintana)

Meeting was called to order by Connie Martin.

Nine members and one guest were present.

Minutes of September meeting were read and approved.

Treasurer’s Report

The Treasurer's Report was read and approved. One membership payment received; current balance: $1,850.06. Mark stated that he had a receipt book available if anyone needs a receipt for dues paid.

Old Business

• 2011 One-Day Conference.
     o Conference date of April 9, 2011, has been confirmed with keynote speaker, Sharon Feiker-Cummins at the Monte Vista church. A motion was made, seconded and carried to pay motel and gas expenses (at a reasonable amount) for Sharon and her husband, who will drive her from Kansas to the conference.
     o Barbara Free has action item to find someone to provide their license number under which CEUs can be given at the conference.
     o Connie will have a task time-line available for discussion at the November meeting to start determining when/what/when and by whom tasks need to be completed for the conference.

• Accessing Records.
     o Connie distributed a copy of the current New Mexico Statute, Chapter 32A, Article 5, Section 40, on accessing adoption records.
     o A DVD, The Debate for Adoptee Access, which was provided in the kit received from the American Adoption Congress, was shown. Much discussion followed.

New Business

The OI Christmas party has been scheduled for December 4th. Connie will check on availability of having it at her home.

Reminder that next month’s regular meeting will be the 3rd Thursday (November 18) due to the Thanksgiving holiday.

Connie advised that she had received, executed and returned the paperwork to ensure the use of Kaseman Conference Room B for the year 2011.

Connie shared an invitation from The Adoption Exchange for anyone interested in attending their upcoming fundraiser on November 13, 2010.

A motion was made, seconded and carried to assist Kathie Forward in the cost of $50.00 to begin the search process of her birth parents in Illinois.

There being no further business, the business meeting adhourned.

There followed a period of cosialization to celebrate with Kathie Forward the receipt of her Original Birth Certificate from Chicago. After many years of waiting, this was finally made possible by the change in Illinois laws.

The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.