Minutes for our April 24th Meeting

Interim President, Glen Hagenbach, called the meeting to order and asked Juan Cano to give the invocation. Orlando Perez lead the group in the Pledge of Allegiance. The President introduced the interim board members that were present: President Glen Hagenbach, VP/Sec. Sandy Propst, VP/Treas. Sonny Sparks, Orlando Perez, and Juan Cano. The President explained a little of the background of the beginnings of the McAllen Tea Party a little over a month ago. He said it was an amazing story of a lot happening in a very short period of time.

Under Old Business came a recap of the April 15th Tea Party rally with a report of 1200 patriots attending at Archer Park in McAllen and being potential members of the Rio Grande Valley Tea Party Association. Joanne Fraser reported a sign up sheet with over 1,038 people signing in for email updates. Sue Goldberg from Brownsville and Melanie from Harlingen reported the Brownsville Tea Party had over 700 people attending in the lower end of the Valley. The group did express the notion that this group needs to continue to be nonpartisan with an emphasis on being an American.

An update on incorporation requirements was given by President Glen Hagenbach as he explained the 501C(3), 501C(4) and PAC (internal) groups that would enable the RGV Tea Party Association to be able to function in compliance with the law.

New Business was begun with a call for a discussion of what's next with a Brainstorming session. Ideas ranged from boycotting such things as movies or businesses to programs to educate students and adults in our US Constitution. Many ideas were thrown out for discussion, including forums for discussion and education. Another topic under New Business was events or rallies for future events. By an overwhelming vote, it was moved, seconded and unanimously passed for another Tea Party rally to be held on July 4th. Linda Moore volunteered to chair the July 4th event with several patriots volunteering to join her group to organize the rally. Her group plans to meet on Friday, May 1st. Linda said she would notify her group as to when and where the group will meet. Another event is being planned leading up to Constitution Day, which is Sept. 17th. Roxanna Herring is chairing a group of people that will plan several events that will lead up to Constitution Day. Educational programs were mentioned with comments that education might need to be aimed at both children and adults.

Interested people are asked to email us at mcallenteaparty@yahoo.com to let us know your area of interest, an idea for a project or a committee that interests you. Please keep us informed as to your thoughts and ideas.

Suggestions were made to continue meeting frequently to keep the momentum going. It was moved, seconded and carried to meet in two weeks on May 8th at 7:00 pm. Next week on May 1st, 7:00 pm. the July 4th Tea Party committee will meet.

After a lengthy discussion, a motion was moved and seconded that the meeting adjourn. Motion carried.