Dear Families, Friends and Members of INGA Association,
Our General Assembly Meeting took place as scheduled on Saturday, February 28th, 2009 in Berkeley. Unfortunately, the same usually people attended the meeting...
The meeting started at 3:00pm.
1. After welcoming and thanking the attendance, the President, Mr. Delphin Kyubwa, submitted the Agenda of the Meeting for approval to the Assembly. With minor changes, the Agenda was approved.
2. The President, Mr. Kyubwa then summarized the activities of the Association for 2008, followed with questions/concerns raised by members as to why other people did not come? This might sounds like an old debate, but it’s becoming a "Chronic Disease," that needs cure: your participation in these important meetings that shape the future of our community by bringing everyone’s ideas on the table is critically needed.
3. The General Treasurer, Mrs. Annie Zombil presented the Annual Financial Report, followed by the 2009 Budget Proposal. After a long debate and deliberation:
a) It was adopted that in the future, summary of the financial report and budget proposal shall be posted before the general assembly online via IngaNews so that people can have ample time to look at them and come to meeting prepared with questions/suggestions. Only upon general assembly approval of the summary of the Financial Report and Budget Plan, the actual reports shall be posted on the web site after the general assembly.
b) The 2009 Budget Proposal was NOT approved as presented by the leadership. Members tasked the leadership team to rework on the Budget Proposal, and specifically increase budget line item for social assistance from 6.67% to 10 - 15%. The new Revised 2009 Budget Proposal will be submitted online for members’ approval within 15 days. Other suggestions were given as fundraising strategies for increasing revenue while cutting expenses, such creating a Group on eScrip and encourage members to register. Grant writing team to help Joel Bulaya; mobilizing youth for the carwash; organizing New Year and independence Day events with light foods- serving finger foods only (if necessary to cut down expenses).
4. A brief update on the progress of the "Social Action for Congo Project" was given. More questions were asked and answered, but detailed technical ones were not addressed because the Project Director, Mr. Thierry Mukaz, couldn't make it for professional raisons.
5. The "Children Christmas Tree" Project by Mrs. Brigitte Muderhwa was also submitted again for members’ approval this year. The Project was presented by the President because the Special Project Coordinator couldn't make it for family raisons. The project was approved for December 15, 2009 as suggested by the Coordinator who will coordinate with Mrs. Mimi Mandiangu Kimfuema, Director of Children to get an estimate count of total number of children in our community and encourage parents to let their kids participate. It was also reported that the Coordinator is already ready to start sending out fundraising letters to various local companies to sponsor this event for our children.
6. Mr. Fidele Mutima, General Secretary, presented the "INGA Internal Rules and Regulations Project". The Assembly requested 15 days to read the Project and send final comments online. On the spot, it was suggested to:
a. Add rule(s) regulating transitions of offices after the General Elections;
b. Review the Power of the President, and see how that power can be controlled the Assembly;
c. Remove all categorizations of Membership; the General Assembly doesn't want any casts in the Association!
d. Rethink when the Candidate for Presidency should present his/her Team; and if allowed to present the Team after the elections, how that Team will be approved by the General Assembly.
e. The Draft of Internal Rules and Regulations was posted on our website for members’ final review it and send your comments/suggestions to the leadership team.
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7. Mr. Manu Kapapa, Special Project Coordinator for the "Men's Retreat" presented his proposed project, which was approved for spring 2009 (probably in April). But given budget constraints, the project will not be funded by INGA (self-supported) and if possible serve as a fundraising event for the Association. All male 18 and older can attend. Stay tuned more details to come from the Project Coordinator and Sponsor.
8. Mr. Calvert Balumbu, Youth Committee Director presented his plans and strategies to get our youth more involved in the Community business. With the assistance of parents and family members, his set of plans include strategies for encouraging our youth to actively participate in INGA events, planning youth fun activities, encouraging working-youth to contribute financially to our Association, motivating them to be prepared to serve as Leaders in the Association, helping them in job searching and resume writing, creating a chat space on our website...
9. Mrs. Valy Batala Webster, Women Committee Director gave a brief report on last successful "Women Retreat” and follow-up plan which includes this year "Women Retreat" (probably in May). Her secret for the big crowd last time was “Phone” and she plans to use again the same technique this year.
10. Mr. Sylvain Mbumba announced the new book he is editing. We leave the honor to give you more details about that book to him.
At the end of the Meeting, the President, Mr. Kyubwa thanked all participants and particularly our Jesuit Fathers at Berkeley who hosted the event again. The meeting ended at 6:45 pm.
Special Thanks
Our gratitude and special thanks to:
- Our Jesuit Fathers in Berkeley (Simon Nsielanga, Crispin Ilombe, Jean Pierre Luzolo, Willy Moka and Richard Tambwe) for not only proving the space for the meeting but also for their active participation in the debate with great ideas.
- Mama Mapassa (Mrs. Valy Batala Webster) and Maman Jose Nsansi (Mrs. Nikuna) for the delicious food, and their active participation in the meeting.
- Mr. Daniel Nikuna, Mr. Makuba Sekombo, Mr. Sylvain Mbumba, Mr. Manu Kapapa, Mr. Dombele Nkunku, Mrs. Esther Nkunku and Mrs. Claudine Milabu for their active participation that made this General Assembly Meeting, a success story with thought-provoking debates.
- To all who participated, thank you for your sacrifice and support.
By Fidele D. Mutima, General Secretary