ISA Newsletter: January 2011

Volume 1  Winter 2011                                                                              

                                                                        17 January 2011

President’s Corner:

ISA members 2011-2012 is starting off to be a superb year of effort.  Let us all please welcome our latest ISA member Brenda Foster from Atlanta Georgia.  She is member number 26!  We are excited as a group and looking forward to increasing our membership and our participation in the broader focus of the dance community. 

We have launched our efforts to provide educational scholarships to worthy students who apply.  In addition with planning for our 2011 International Convention this is a priority that we have committed and keep our promise to the community.  With less than 6 months remaining all of our energy will be geared toward making our business meeting a success.  For this to happen we have to keep our focus on the upcoming agenda.  Our next meeting is Sunday, 30 January 2011 at 7pm EST so I trust you will be on the call. 

There will be a lot to discuss during the upcoming call.  I have listed a few areas for your consideration.

ISA International Convention

Chicago 24-26 June 2011

Congratulations!  The excitement is beginning as we prepare for the 2011 ISA International Convention, 24-26 June 2011.  We have more than 15 members reserved at the host hotel.  Members are encouraged to make their reservations NOW to avoid increased rates after the deadline below.  Please make reservation with the Hilton, Oak Lawn.  All members will receive the tax deductible group rate of $129.00 until 31 January 2011.  ISA members will automatically receive the ISA rate for the entire reservation period (two days before and two days after). The hotel rate will revert back to the market rate as of 1 February 2011 so please make reservation as soon as possible to ensure you receive the ISA rate.  ISA members who fail to register must pay non-registrants fee of $60.00 in addition to their convention registration. 

Please contact:  Hilton Reservation,

9333 S. Cicero Avenue, Oak Lawn, IL 60453

Tel.: 708 425 7800   Fax: 708 229 8858

Reservations: www.hilton.com or 1-800-HILTONS

Note:  Wanted ISA Convention planners to assist with convention planning and set up.  Volunteers please forward your name to info@internationalsteppersassociation.org so that we can add you to the list of members who will be helping out.

30 January 2011 Agenda Items for consideration

Elections

The following offices will be open for nomination at the ISA Convention.  Please consider the offices and responsibilities required for each position.  The ISA needs good leaders who are committed to the mission and vision of the ISA. 

These positions are to be held for two consecutive years

·        ISA Vice-President

·        Vice-President of Public Relations

·        Vice-President of Education

Board Members

(Members do not have to be from the Steppin community)

·        3 Voting Members

·        2 Non-voting Members

Committee Assignments:  All ISA members should be a part of a committee .  We will be discussing the appointment of members to a particular committee and allow the committee chairperson the opportunity to work within their committee for promotion of projects and programs.  The list of committees is below:

·        Business Development

·        Strategic Planning

·        Scholarship and Awards

·        Community Planning

·        Local and Affiliate Chapters

Scholarships Criteria Announced:  Please log on to the ISA website for more details on the Scholarship Criteria.  Applications are now being accepted for students who qualify.  Scholarship recipient selection(s) will be made without regard to race, age, gender, religion, political beliefs, employment status, or any other factor, which could constitute unfair or illegal discrimination.  Students must be a U.S. or Canadian citizen and must attend college in the U.S. or Canada during the duration of the scholarship year.  Applicants must be in good standing and have a minimum of a 3.15 cumulative overall grade point average at his/her high school, college or university, and be enrolled full-time during the spring semester when application is made and the following fall semester.  All applications should be mailed to be sent to info@internationalsteppersassociation.org or mailed to the national headquarters:  International Steppers Association, 404 Investors Place Suite #106,  Virginia Beach VA  23452-1171. 

For more information, log on to

http://www.internationalsteppersassociation.org/

Website development

Please log on to the new ISA website and register using your current ISA email or make your own Username.

Meeting minutes details:

The next ISA meeting will be on Sunday, 30 January 2011 at 7pm EST.  Please dial in by 6:45pm so that we can start on time.  The dial in number is 1-218-862-1000 ACCESS CODE: 307375#.

International Steppers Association seeks 2011 scholarship candidates

Contact: International Steppers Association

www.internationalsteppersassociation.org Email:  info@internationalsteppersassociation.org

INTERNATIONAL STEPPERS ASSOCIATION

Press Release

International Steppers Association seeks 2011 scholarship candidates 

Melbourne, Florida, January 16, 2011.   The International Steppers Association (ISA) releases its 2011-2012 scholarship criteria for graduating high school seniors or current college students.  The scholarship is intended to provide financial support to students who demonstrate a commitment to the field of dance (performance, academia or the dance industry).  Applicants must be a high school senior who has been accepted in to a four year accredited university or currently enrolled in an accredited program that will lead to an undergraduate degree in a field of study designed to prepare students for careers in dance, fine arts or the entertainment (performance) industry.  Awards will be made only to applicants enrolled at institutions that are members of the Council of Arts Accrediting Associations.   “This is a milestone we have been aiming for since the ISA was chartered in 2010.  The ISA is keeping its promise to provide education opportunities to our youth in our dance community.  We encourage all students who qualify to submit an application,” says the ISA Scholarship Awards committee chairperson, Ms. Seanta McClendon. 

The scholarship recipient (s) will be selected annually by members of the ISA scholarship committee.  Criteria to be reviewed include academic and employer references, academic standing, commitment to the academic program, two letters of recommendation (minimum) and other specified criteria will be considered. Parameters for selection include commitment to careers in dance and the performing arts, merit, traditional progress toward degrees, character, campus citizenship, campus involvement, volunteer activities, and financial need.  Applications must submit their information to the ISA by 15 April 2011. Recipient (s) will be notified by letter and invited to the annual awards banquet at the ISA International Convention at the Hilton in Oak Lawn, Illinois.   This years banquet will be on Saturday, 25 June 2011.   “The awards banquet will always be the center of our annual convention planning.  The ISA’s #1 priority is to educate, train and provide standardization updates to our community of dancers.  This will ensure that Steppin is formally documented in the body of academic knowledge and continues to exist well in to the future.  A large part of this effort is to place our young students first as they are the future and the ultimate recipients of our combined efforts,” says ISA President T. Dweylan Wilson.

Scholarship recipient selection(s) will be made without regard to race, age, gender, religion, political beliefs, employment status, or any other factor, which could constitute unfair or illegal discrimination.  Students must be a U.S. or Canadian citizen and must attend college in the U.S. or Canada during the duration of the scholarship year.  Applicants must be in good standing and have a minimum of a 3.15 cumulative overall grade point average at his/her high school, college or university, and be enrolled full-time during the spring semester when application is made and the following fall semester.  All applications should be mailed to be sent to info@internationalsteppersassociation.org or mailed to the national headquarters:  International Steppers Association, 404 Investors Place Suite #106,  Virginia Beach VA  23452-1171. 

For more information, log on to www.internationalsteppersassociation.org

ISA Announces Educational Scholarships!!!!!

International Steppers Association Scholarship Criteria

The International Steppers Association Scholarship is intended to provide financial support to students who demonstrate a commitment to the field of dance (performance, academia or the industry).  Applicants must be a high school senior who has been accepted in to a four year accredited university or currently enrolled in an accredited program that will lead to an undergraduate degree in a field of study designed to prepare students for careers in dance, fine arts or the entertainment (performance) industry.  Awards will be made only to applicants enrolled at institutions that are members of the Council of Arts Accrediting Associations. Members of the Council of Arts Accrediting Associations (CAAA) are the National Association of Schools of Music, founded in 1924; the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, founded in 1944; the National Association of Schools of Theatre, founded in 1965; and the National Association of Schools of Dance, founded in 1981. Among them, these organizations accredit over 1000 institutions or programs in the arts, primarily in conservatories, colleges, universities, and independent schools of the arts.

1. ISA Scholarship recipients will be selected annually by the ISA scholarship committee, after review of application material. Academic and employer references, academic standing, commitment to the academic program, two letters of recommendation (minimum) and other specified criteria will be considered. Parameters for selection include commitment to careers in dance and the performing arts, merit, traditional progress toward degrees, character, campus citizenship, campus involvement, volunteer activities, and financial need.

2. Awards may be made to high school seniors, college freshman, sophomores, juniors, or seniors. Applicants enrolled full-time in baccalaureate programs in the next fall term are the primary candidates for the awards. Consideration will be given to applicants with outstanding credentials that are enrolled full-time in a formal dance program leading to an associate degree. Scholarships will be awarded only for undergraduate study.

3. Students must submit an application and all required information by the 1 May of each year. Recipient (s) will be notified by phone call or letter no later than June 1 of their selection.

4. Completed application must contain name, address, email and other related contact information with all supporting documentation and must be postmarked by April 15. No late applications or parts of the application packet will be accepted.

5. The award is to be used during the traditional academic year (fall through spring), and for academic purposes such as tuition, fees, room, board, and/or books.

6. The ISA Scholarship committee reserves the right to determine if an award will be given for the calendar year.

7. Scholarship funds are payable to educational institution(s) only. Exceptions to this policy can be made by recommendation of the committee based upon individual circumstances.

8. Relatives of the current ISA Scholarship committee and current officers or Board of Directors of the ISA are ineligible.

9. Scholarship recipient selection(s) will be made without regard to race, age, gender, religion, political beliefs, employment status, or any other factor, which could constitute unfair or illegal discrimination.

10. Student must be a U.S. or Canadian citizen and must attend college in the U.S. or Canada during the duration of the scholarship year.

11. Student must be in good standing, have a minimum of a 3.15 cumulative overall grade point average at his/her high school, college or university, and be enrolled full-time during the spring semester when application is made and the following fall semester.

12. Student must submit a transcript from all high school, colleges/universities attended with his/her application. Transcripts must indicate cumulative grade point average.

13. Decisions of the committee are final in all matters related to the above practices.

All applications must be sent to info@internationalsteppersassociation.org or mailed to:

International Steppers Association

404 Investors Place Suite #106

Virginia Beach VA  23452-1171

ISA NOVEMBER MINUTES

Date: 21 November 2010

The meeting began with prayer by the Treasurer Crystal Johnson.    There were a total of 14 callers who participated on the call.  A total of 90 minutes were recorded for review. Members are encouraged to call in each week to take care of the business of the ISA in an efficient manner.

Roll call produced the following member activity.

Members present:

1.      Timothy D. Wilson, President – Washington DC **

2.      Anissa L. Guyton, Vice-President of Membership – Romulus, MI **

3.      Crystal Johnson, Treasurer - Virginia Beach, VA **

4.      Mary Laidler, Secretary, Atlanta GA (Chicago IL) **

5.      Zakeeyaw Toney, Vice President of Public Relations - Las Vegas, NV (Chicago, IL) **

6.      Andrew W. Smith, Sergeant of Arms - Miramar, FL (Chicago IL) **

7.      Buford Collins (Education and Training) - Ferndale, MI *

8.      Donna Crite (Education and Training) - Odenton, MI

9.      Deborah Hunt (Business Development) -  Virginia Beach, VA

10.  Seanta McClendon (Scholarships and Awards) - Melbourne, Florida **

11.  LC Henderson (Education and Training) -  Chicago, IL

12.  Victor James, Sr.  – Indianapolis, IN

Members absent:

1. Bonita Williams (Education and Training) – Detroit MI **
2. Sarah Teagle – Atlanta, GA **
3. Samuel Parker – Los Angeles, California 

4. Tracey Sisco - Boston, MA *

5. Demaris Wooten, Upper Marlboro, MD **

6. Anthony Dunn - Olney, MD (Chicago, IL) **

7. Darryl Wilder - Miramar, FL **

8. Jim Berry – Miami, FL (Chicago, IL)

9. Pamela Dunn – Olney, MD (Chicago, IL)

10.  Patricia Alexander - Detroit, MI *

11.  Oswald Cooper – New Orleans, LA

Guest callers:

1.      Nicola Thompson – St. Louis, MO

* Charter Member

** Life Member

Officers Report:

Treasurer’s report (pre-written):

Operating Fund Balance:  $422.89*

Scholarship Fund Balance:  $485.00

The Treasurer submitted $300.00 to the IRS for the ISA non-profit application for 501(c)3 exemption.  The remaining balance is $122.89.

ACTION:  Treasurer

Membership report: Sis Anissa Guyton conducted roll call and acknowledged ISA members on the phone call.  The ISA had a quorum in an effort to conduct ISA business.  Members are encouraged to join or volunteer to participate in a committee.

Membership fees to the ISA are as follows:

General membership:  $50

Lifetime membership: $300

Mail payment:

International Steppers Association

404 Investors Place, Suite 106

Virginia Beach, VA 23452-1171

Or

Paypal is www.paypal.com send payment to email isa.treasurer@yahoo.com (there is a nominal fee automatically charged to customer by using Paypal) 

ACTION: Anissa Guyton, VP of Membership

Public Relations report: No report was provided. 

 ACTION: Zakeeyaw Toney, VP of Public Relations

Education and Training report:  Bro. Collins reported the Education Committees progress on the ISA Training Manual.  The process is ongoing and the first draft was submitted on 2 December 2010.  He is also requesting that if other ISA members have figures or inputs that can be included in the manual to please contact the Education Committee to be a part of the manual which will be published accordingly. 

ACTION: Buford Collins, Bonita Williams, Donna Crite, Lloyd Henderson and Darryl Wilder

Committees:   There were no committee reports due to time constraints. 

Old Business:

The meeting was a special effort to vote on the pricing of the upcoming ISA Conference in Chicago.  The final voting results are captured in the official registration letter from President below:

Letter from President to all ISA Members:

ISA Members,

Congratulations!  The excitement is beginning as we prepare for the 2011 ISA International Convention, 24-26 June 2011.  The ISA has logged its 25th member in just under 11 months.  The momentum is building as we have many critical issues to address concerning our social and professional community.  We will continue this process in June with a robust agenda supported by all of you.

Members are now able to make reservation with the Hilton, Oak Lawn.  The ISA obligation is for at least 10 members to make reservation before 31 December 2010.  Please join the officers of ISA by making your hotel reservations before 1 January 2011.  All ISA members must register for at least one night.

The convention registration fees are as follows:

ISA Members: $50.00

Non-ISA Members:  $60.00

ISA members who do not register for at least one night:  $60.00 (via Proxy by Board of Directors)

All members will receive the tax deductible group rate of $129.00 until 31 January 2011.  You will receive further savings by receiving your tax deductible letter from our Treasurer for your records.  Members who are not registered for at least one evening will be assessed an administrative fee accessed by the Board of Directors.  This will ensure that all members are contributing equally (please refer to the November ISA minutes).  Only ISA members who reside in Chicago permanently are exempt and will not be assessed an administrative fee.  As of this date, we only have one (1) ISA member who is exempt that resides in Chicago, IL.  The hotel rate will revert back to the market rate as of 1 February 2011 so please make reservation as soon as possible to ensure you receive the ISA rate.

Please contact:  Hilton Reservation,

9333 S. Cicero Avenue, Oak Lawn, IL 60453

Tel.: 708 425 7800   Fax: 708 229 8858

Reservations: www.hilton.com or 1-800-HILTONS

All associated registration data will be posted on the upcoming ISA website not later than 1 January 2011.

In order to reserve your room please reserve by mentioning:  International Steppers Association.  Please ask for Gabriela if you have any questions with the Hilton hotel staff.  If you have any questions, you may contact me directly.    

Sincerely, 

T. Dweylan Wilson

President 

International Steppers Association

Update:  The Board of Directors voted via Proxy (see attached letter to Board of Directors) to charge a $60.00 ISA non-reservation fee for all ISA members who are registered by 31 January 2011 for a minimum of one (1) evening.  The reservation fee is in an effort for all ISA members who do not reside in Chicago to support  equally the ISA Convention and fees associated with the ISA.

New business:

Chicago native Lloyd Henderson volunteered to provide administrative assistance to help defray cost for last minute printing.

The meeting adjourned at 9:15pm with closing prayer lead by Crystal Johnson. The call was recorded and can be heard by dialing: 218-862-1099 307375# , #.   Please use *1 (rewind), *2 (fast forward) and *5 (pause/resume).  There are 134 total minutes recorded.

The next ISA meeting will be on Sunday, 30 January 2011 at 7pm Eastern Standard Time.  Please dial in by 6:45pm so that we can start on time. The dial in number is 1-218-862-1000 ACCESS CODE: 307375#.

Sincerely,

Mary Laidler, ISA Secretary

Attached: 

Letter from President concerning ISA Non-reservation fee (Proxy by Board of Directors)

Links: 

DECEMBER MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

http://mim.io/d5fa7?fe=1&pact=2407949206

Mon, December 6, 2010 8:04:12 PM

Re: ISA Board of Directors Vote required

From:	President President   View Contact
To:	Crystal Johnson ; Andrew Smith ; Zakeeyaw Toney ; Anissa Leigh ; Mary Laidler

---

The vote on this referendum carried in the affirmative.  I will show the vote as an attachment to the meeting minutes. 

Thank you for your assistance in advance,

Timothy D. Wilson
President
International Steppers Association
Skype: InternationalSteppersAssociation

---

From: President President
To: Crystal Johnson <isa.treasurer@yahoo.com>; Andrew Smith <isa.sergeantatarms@yahoo.com>; Zakeeyaw Toney <isa.vpprzakeeyawtoney@yahoo.com>; Anissa Leigh <isa.vpofmembership@yahoo.com>; Mary Laidler <isa.secretary@yahoo.com>
Sent: Sun, November 28, 2010 3:33:58 AM
Subject: ISA Board of Directors Vote required

Subject:  Administrative Fee for Non-reserved ISA Members       

           27 November 2010

ISA Board of Directors,

ISA Officers, we failed to establish the associated fee for ISA members who fail to make a reservation with the Hilton, Oak Lawn Hotel.  During the ISA meeting we did not vote on a critical issue of assessing ISA members who did not register for at least one night.  As you know, each member must register for one evening except for ISA members who reside in Chicago.  At this time, only one (1) ISA members is exempt for reserving a room of one night.  Given that we do not meet until 30 January 2011, the Board of Directors will have to vote by proxy on the administrative fee for not reserving with the Oak Lawn Hilton.    It is recommended that we assess a $60.00 fee (50% of room rate) to ISA members who decide not to reserve a room with the Hilton.

The total bill to date is $4,716.00.  The fees include:

·                  Publishing material

·                  Banners                                                                

·                  Education and Training reimbursement 

·                  Hotel Contract

·                  T-shirt design

·                  Souvenir designs

·                  Entertainment expenses

·                  Award and Scholarship material

The Board of Directors will vote for this effort via Proxy only.  Your non-response will be in the affirmative of this recommendation.  If there is any dissension we will have to arrange a teleconference for discussion and vote.

This referendum will concluded on 5 December 2010 at midnight.

RECOMMENDATION:  Approved administrative fee of $60.00 per ISA member who does not make a reservation of at least one night at the Hilton, Oak Lawn under the ISA Reservation code.

Any questions or comments, please contact me at 202-549-3021.

Sincerely, 

T. Dweylan Wilson

President 

International Steppers Association

ISA Newsletter - December 2010

Volume 1 Winter 2010                                                     10 December 2010



President’s Corner:

Seasons Greetings and Happy New Year! As 2011 approaches the ISA looks proudly back at a very successful year for Steppers internationally. The ISA joins the ranks of a select few non-profit organizations who advocate for the continued education, training and standardization of dance. Additionally, the ISA is focused on helping build local communities through community based programs, scholarship and philanthropy. With the future development of local ISA chapters, the ISA will continue to grow in international advocacy, standardize structure and decentralized agenda at the local level. The coming 2011 year promises to be more prominent with the first ISA International Convention in Oak Lawn, Illinois. With over 14,000 urban dancers, 145 social instructors in over 33 cities Steppers are spending over $8,000,000 annually (2010 ISA survey) the ISA’s responsibility is necessary and timely. The collective economic strength is growing and the ISA will continue to provide leadership in centralizing and formalizing an international agenda that continues to benefit all Steppers. All ISA members should be proud of your accomplishments. Thank you kindly for your leadership, dedication and personal commitment on behalf of Steppers and the dance community internationally. If 2010 is an indication success, 2011 looks to be even greater.


ISA International Convention

Chicago 24-26 June 2011

Congratulations! The excitement is beginning as we prepare for the 2011 ISA International Convention, 24-26 June 2011. Members are now able to make reservation with the Hilton, Oak Lawn. All members will receive the tax deductible group rate of $129.00 until 31 January 2011. The hotel rate will revert back to the market rate as of 1 February 2011 so please make reservation as soon as possible to ensure you receive the ISA rate. ISA members who fail to register must pay non-registrants fee of $60.00 in addition to their convention registration.

Please contact: Hilton Reservation,

9333 S. Cicero Avenue, Oak Lawn, IL 60453

Tel.: 708 425 7800 Fax: 708 229 8858

Reservations: www.hilton.com or 1-800-HILTONS

Note: Wanted ISA Convention planners to assist with convention planning

                                        Officers

1. Timothy D. Wilson, President – Washington DC **

2. Crystal Johnson, Treasurer - Virginia Beach, VA **

3. Mary Laidler, Secretary, Atlanta GA (Chicago IL) **

4. Anissa L. Guyton, Vice-President of Membership – Romulus, MI**

5. Zakeeyaw Toney, Vice President of Public Relations - Las Vegas, NV (Chicago, IL) **

6. Andrew W. Smith, Sergeant of Arms - Miramar, FL (Chicago IL) **

                                  Current Members:

1. Tracey Sisco - Boston, MA *

2. Patricia Alexander - Detroit, MI *

3. Demaris Wooten, Upper Marlboro, MD **

4. Buford Collins (Education and Training) - Ferndale, MI *

5. Bonita Williams (Education and Training) – Detroit, MI *

6. Darryl Wilder (Education and Training) - Miramar, FL **

7. Donna Crite (Education and Training) - Odenton, MI

8. LC Henderson (Education and Training) - Chicago, IL

9. Sarah Teagle (2011 Convention Planning) – Atlanta, GA **

10. Valerie Morman (Website Maintenance) – Memphis, TN

11. Deborah Hunt (Business Development) - Virginia Beach, VA

12. Seanta McClendon (Scholarships and Awards) - Melbourne, FL

13. Samuel Parker – Los Angeles, California

14. Anthony Dunn - Olney, MD (Chicago, IL) **

15. Jim Berry – Miami, FL (Chicago, IL)

16. Pamela Dunn – Olney, MD (Chicago, IL)

17. Oswald Cooper – New Orleans, LA

18. Victor James, Sr. – Indianapolis, IN

19. Scott Freeman – Boston, MA



* Charter Member

** Life Member
                                  ISA Membership

Interested in joining ISA in the near future?

Membership fees:

General membership: $50

Lifetime membership: $300

Mail payment:

International Steppers Association

404 Investors Place, Suite 106

Virginia Beach, VA 23452-1171

Or

www.paypal.com send payment to email: isa.treasurer@yahoo.com


                                                   ISA 2010 Success!
1. Registered 25 fully paid members

2. Raised over $3500 by members

3. Signed international constitution and bylaws

4. Officially incorporated as ISA LLC

5. Nonprofit 501 C 3 status file pending

6. Organized and hosted an exclusive Steppers intensive with the Golden State Dance Teachers Association and Ms. Skippy Blair (World Swing Dance Council co-founder and Board Member)

7. Forwarded letter of support to Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton National Dance Day initiative

8. Hosted ISA International Charter Ceremony

9. Over $475 for youth scholarship

10. Designed, developed and completed the annual comprehensive Steppers Climate Survey courtesy of the ISA

 
                              JOIN ISA TODAY- ENJOY THE BENEFITS

• 100% tax deductions of all Steppin related expense for ISA members (Education and travel expenses, competition accessories, professional services)

• Annual and Life membership discounts

• Support youth, adult and community based programs

• Gain creditability from professional and social participation

• Standardized Steppin curriculum and training methods

• Gain critical teaching skills that are proven

• Increase intermediate and advanced student retention

• Learn academic based dance methodology according to dance theory

• Improve your professional and social development by meeting peers

• Help document Steppin based books, DVDs designed by ISA members

                                       ISA website COMING SOON

                              http://www.internationalsteppersassociation.org/

ISA Agenda: 21 November 2010

Date:  Sunday,  21 November 2010

Agenda

1.     Welcome

2.      Call to order  (Sergeant of Arms)

3.      Roll call of members present  (VP of Membership)

4.      Approval of previous minutes (Secretary)

5.      Officers reports.

·         Treasurer's Report

·         VP Membership Report

·         VP Public Relations Report

·         Education and Training Report

6.      Committee reports

·        Annual business meeting

·        Strategic planning

7.       Old business.

·        2011 ISA Annual Business Meeting (Chicago, IL)

·         Website Development

·         Corporate and business development -   Jim Berry and

      Deborah Hunt

8.       New business

                        .    Trademark/Logo Restrictions      
                        .    Leadership Positions
                        .    Open to the Floor

9.       Announcements.

10.  Adjournment

11.   Next meeting TBD

 International Steppers Association Conference Call #  218-862-1000

Access Code:  307375#

Mary Laidler

Secretary

International Steppers Association

Letter to ISA Members

Subject: IMPORTANT! Semi-Annual Meeting

Dear ISA Members/potential members:

Happy Holidays and Happy Veterans Day!                                         11 November 2010

It seems like the ISA chartering ceremony was just yesterday. We have made significant progress in moving Steppin forward professionally. The lists of noteworthy achievements have been well documented.

On 21 November we will have a very important semi-annual meeting. The primary agenda topic will be the 2011 Annual Convention. We are now formally under contractual obligation with the Hilton, Oak Lawn.   During the 17 October 2011 ISA business meeting ISA members voted to move forward with a contract that required a minimum of 10 ISA members to register by 31 December 2010 to show our financial commitment to the annual event.  We stand to lose $500 in transaction fees if we don’t hold our end of the contract. 

We have a small challenge in that most of us either know a family member in Chicago, we want to room with another member or have an organizational discount we can use.  The ISA Board of Directors is asking that you register as an ISA member at the $129.00 rate we have agreed. If we do not comply we will lose a large portion of our budget due to default.  Further, the rate of $129.00 will not be available after 31 January 2011. So we are asking for you to be diligent in moving forward with your reservation. Your participation will ensure that the ISA will not be penalized unnecessarily. Please join me and the other members by registering with the hotel for Friday and Saturday evening as soon as your schedule will allow with the dates above in mind.  Please contact Reservations and confirm your reservation with a valid credit card number at 800-315-1058 and ask for International Steppers Association room block.

 

Note: The rate we received is based on our ISA membership numbers.  If everyone registers we will meet our financial obligation with no problem.  All expenses are tax deductible for ISA members only.  Please make sure you receive and retain your ISA receipts for your records.

ISA participated in the Combined Federal Campaign training on 5 November 2011 in Washington DC.  We are in the process of applying to receive federal funding to support our scholarship, community and youth based mission.  Over $280M are available to over 35,000 charities like ours.  In the Washington DC area alone they have raised over $14M in less than four months.  The administrative work we have completed will ensure that ISA qualifies for federal funds and will quickly advance the professional efforts of the Steppin community international.  This will take much of the financial burden off individual Steppers.  We should have our non profit tax exempt status by February.  This effort allows for our activities, donations and programs to receive the most efficient use of benefits to our organization and to us as individuals. 

We are breaking new ground as a collaborative way to advance Steppin through collective intellectual, human and social capital. I have attached a side by side comparison chart that we will be discussing during the meeting. What you will see is a simple presentation of the social and professional paradigms. The differences are varied but you will receive a perspective that you may have not seen before the ISA. It is easier to do more when everyone works in concert with each other.

Please pass the word concerning the upcoming meeting. We will be introducing the chairperson of the ISA Convention, Sis Sarah Teagle. She has graciously volunteered to take the reins of marketing and advertising for the event. We will be a planning a full day of training, seminars and education.  The social sets in Chicago are many so members will be able to enjoy themselves after the ISA activities keeping cost down and enjoyment up.  There will be plenty of opportunity to Step the night away in Chicago; the international capital of Steppin!  All information will be posted on our upcoming ISA website:  Internationalsteppersassociation.org.

Please mark your calendars and call in early.

The next ISA meeting will be on Sunday, 21 November 2010 at 7pm. Please dial in by 6:30 pm so that we can start on time. The dial in number is 1-218-862-1000 ACCESS CODE: 307375#.

Signed

Timothy D. Wilson

President

International Steppers Association

Skype: Internationalsteppersassociation