SDSA MEMBERSHIP MINUTES
The meeting was called to order at 6:45 PM by co-chairs
Roberto Flores and Lynne Armstrong.
The first order of business was to welcome new members;
there were seven who joined.
Dan Graney introduced Lourdes Galvan, who is in a run-off election
in District 5. She thanked SDSA for
their endorsement and financial help.
She asked for help with phone banking, block
walking and poll working.
Board member Olga Hernandez introduced the guest speaker,
Eric Alva.
Retired gay Marine Eric Alva brought his message of equality
to the May 21 meeting of the Stonewall Democrats of San Antonio. Alva, the
first U.S. soldier injured in the Iraq war, is now a Human Rights Campaign
spokesman who’s lobbying against the military’s "Don’t Ask, Don’t
Tell" policy.
Alva spoke about his transformation from injured Iraq war veteran to HRC
spokesman, a journey that has brought him to a place in life he never
anticipated prior to his public announcement that he was a gay Marine. He
credits his partner, Darrell Parsons, with helping him come forward as an
advocate.
During his speech, Alva asked that any audience members who had served in the
military to stand up. More than a dozen men and women stood, some of them had
stories to tell about their time in the service.
Alva admits he’s been unsuccessful in convincing local Congressmen --
Representative Charlie Gonzalez (District 20) and Representative Ciro Rodriguez (District 23) -- to endorse the bill that
would discontinue the "Don’t Ask" policy. However, he says, they and
other politicians will jump on board soon. He anticipates that the policy will
remain in effect for now but says that it will be eliminated after the 2008
elections when, he assuredly predicts, the Democrats take over the White House.
Alva’s appearance before the standing room crowd was made all the more
interesting with his admission that he might, sometime in the future, be
interested in running for City Council. He resides in San Antonio’s District 7.
"Maybe in two years if Justin Rodriguez falls flat," he joked. In the
meantime, Alva continues jet setting around the country speaking before GLBT
groups and lobbying Washington politicians with his message that all citizens,
even those in the military, deserve equal treatment.
A motion was made by Linda Allen and seconded by Bryan Gerard to approve the minutes of the last meeting, the motion passed.
Ruth Dalrymple presented a treasurer’s report, indicating expenditures and a balance of $795.
Roberto introduced the executive director of the Alamo City Men’s Chorale who spoke about their upcoming concert on June 23rd.
Philip Barcena, from the Program and Events Committee, passed out forms to nominate persons for the awards given at the SDSA Awards Banquet. He indicated that they were still working on a speaker for the event. He also passed out some sign-up sheets for other events such as Pridefest, Gay Pride SA, Gay Fiesta and also a hospitality committee.
SDSA collected $98.29 from passing the hat.
Lynne announced the upcoming Babettes Feast.
Dan Graney, from the Endorsement Committee, explained that because of time constraints and the Standing Rules of Endorsement that SDSA adopted, Diane Cibrian could not be endorsed by SDSA. However he encouraged individual members to work for her in her campaign efforts.
Roberto announced the Birthday Bash, a fundraiser for SDSA; suggested donation is $25 per person. A new member reception will be held on July 14th, details to follow.
Lynne announced that election judges and precinct chairs are needed. Anyone interested can contact the Democratic Party.
Larry Romo announced that The Bexar County Democratic Women will be holding their annual banquet on July 21st at the Radisson; tickets are $50 per person.
Bryan Gerard made a motion to adjourn, Nancy Russell seconded and the meeting adjourned at 8:07 PM.