STANLEY GAYE STATEMENT OF PROVEN LEADERSHIP
Fellow Liberians, the Gaye / Tarpeh TEAM, is very grateful and thankful to God for our predecessors who paved the way for us by keeping the torches burning.Special acknowledgements to Liberian Businesses, our own Ministerial body and all supporters of this noble organization, who made it possible for this leadership to provide the much needed changes we all longed for in the last 2 years.
At its inception, our Administration was faced with numerous challenges and difficulties. We remain committed and insistent on achieving and restoring LCA-DFW to its rightful prominence, as well as uplifting the spirit of the illustrious people of our Community.
In doing so, our administration embarked on many projects to restore the Community as second to none in the United States of America. It is in this light that I ask you all to give my team another 2-year term to continue the implementation of our envisioned projects for the betterment of our community and homeland by turning out and casting your vote for the Gaye / Tarpeh Team on September 19, 2015 .
Below are some of the accomplishments of my administration in the last 2 years:
1. RESTRUCTURING OF THE ASSOCIATION –
My administration took the helm of leadership at the time that our dear organization was nearly dormant as a result of non-participation of most members. There were neither records of active members nor list of committee or committee members. We immediately embarked on the process of constituting the various standing committees. As a result of the dedication of members of my team, today we have succeeded in reactivating all the various standing committees as outlined by our Constitution.
2. RESTORATION OF 501 C (3) STATUS
Two years ago: The non-Profit Status of our organization had been revoked at the time we assumed leadership due to non-filing of annual tax information for many years.
Today: Through the dedication of the finance team, we were reinstated by the IRS in January 2015. The 2014 tax requirement has been met by our Association.
3. MEMBERSHIP DATABASE AND DUES
Although there were officials and members of the association who kept the flame of the association ablaze, we were not awarded any documented listing of active or registered members.
Today: We have a database in place that contains the contact information of all registered members. As of 8/18/2015, we are 312 registered members strong. . We have increased the membership of LCA-DFW to a level not noted in a decade. We have constructed "Membership" forms that are available at every event and online @ lcadfwdfwmetro.org for all interested individuals to sign up.
Going forward, record keeping on dues and membership shall be more systematic, by providing monthly statements to members through texting, in most extreme cases, written reminders. As we all are aware, the dues are $60.00 per year. If you are reminded to pay your $5.00 per month, it will be much easier than allowing it to accumulate overtime. We know we are all busy so just a little reminder will do us a whole lot of good.
4. FINANCIAL TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY
Two years ago: following the hosting of the Thanksgiving and Appreciation program in November 2013, we decided to open an account to deposit proceeds from the program. To our total dismay, the President and Treasurer were denied application to open a bank account as the Franchise tax status of LCA-DFW had been revoked by the State of Texas due to non-compliance of annual filing requirements.
I am proud to inform you all that our progressive financial team worked with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts and have reinstated our current filing status and we are now up to date. Currently, LCA-DFW has 3 bank accounts: Operating account at Chase Bank, Special Project & Benevolence accounts at Wells Fargo Bank.
Two years ago, we assumed the responsibilities of this august body with a negative balance. Assuming the Leadership with very little resources or starting from ground zero, we had to initiate processes to win the trust of the Community.
At the moment, with the overwhelming support of many & the outstanding stewardship of my able team, we have turned the finances of LCA-DFW from negative to positive. As of today, LCA-DFW can boast of total bank balances of approximately $24,000. In our quest to maintain integrity and to sustain the level of trust from our Community, we initiated a policy of openness; by making financial reports at Monthly General meetings. After every program we make reports of Income & Expenses as well as Bank accounts balances.
5. UNIFICATION:
Prior to us assuming the leadership of LCA-DFW, there had been two separate Liberian Organizations in the DFW Metroplex; One based in Dallas County and the other in the HEB/Arlington/ Fort Worth areas. Membership in the organizations was based on where you resided. In our readiness to unite the Community, an effort some considered impossible, we immediately commenced initiatives to reach out to the Liberians in Dallas County to come on board and work with us, so that together we can have one unified Liberian Organization in North Texas.
As a result of our outreach to the Dallas County residents, some members have joined the LCA-DFW team and the expansion of membership from Dallas is proceeding very well. We brought on board some current or former members of the Liberian Association that is based in Dallas. Evidence of our success so far is shown by the fact that the two Vice Presidential candidates (owing to my administration's outreach effort) in the upcoming elections had previous strong ties with Dallas-based Association and the contesting Financial Secretary Candidate is also a Dallas County resident.
6. SUCCESSFULLY INITIATING AND HOSTING OF PROGRAMS:
Special thanks go to our predecessors for honoring the Independence Day of Liberia (July 26th) and the National Flag Day (August 24th). These were the two main days that programs were widely held.
Presently, apart from the two National holidays that were originally celebrated, we have launched series of other programs over the last two years that helped in promoting awareness and social interactions amongst Liberians of different spectrum. These programs involved members of different ages: a) Talent Extravaganza & Little Mr. & Ms. King & Queen Contest b) Children’s Independence Ball; c) SENIORS/Youth, Young adults & Liberian Businesses Appreciation d) Dr. Martin Luther King’s Observance Education Symposium, with special emphasis on youth education and awareness. e) Net working with other diverse groups, including the African Chamber of Commerce and Government institutions, f) Ebola Awareness and many other successful ventures.
7. BENEVOLENCE / CHARITY –
We instituted a process that enabled us to continuously update the
Community on those that are ill or bereaved. We also established the “FIRST RESPONDERS’ ALERT”, which is responsible for reaching out to individuals, assessing the situation and reporting to the leadership for execution to render assistances as needed.
8. CONSTITUTION REVIEW:
A Constitutional Review Commission is currently reviewing the 2009 LCA-DFW Constitution with the aim to make recommendations to the General body for possible amendment(s), where necessary in keeping with current realities and to address the needs of all members.
9. WEBSITE / RESTORATION OF ASSOCIATION MAILBOX (MAILING ADDRESS):
Before the Gaye’s administration, LCA-DFW did not have a website or official mailing address.
Presently, although it is a work in progress, we have a functional LCA-DFW website. Also a structured channel of communication through text messages and emails to the vast majority of the Community is in place. Likewise, a functional mailbox:
Liberian Community Association of Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex
P. O. Box 300133
Arlington, TX 76007
10. BUILDING PROJECT (Acquiring a Community Center):
One of our expressed vision was the acquisition of the Community center that would be used to cater to the different needs of the Community, i.e. Ball Room, Library, Affordable Day Care Center, Senior Citizens Center, and Office Spaces to be rented at affordable costs with priority being given to Liberian entrepreneurs among others.
Unfortunately the above mentioned vision was not accomplished because our attention was directed to the Ebola Crisis in our beloved Liberia. It is a vision deferred but not abandoned. We currently have a Building Committee that is exploring all possible avenues to ensure that this dream becomes a fulfilled reality. We have commenced negotiation with would-be donors. We are currently working out modalities for a grant that will go a long way in helping with this process.
11. LENDING HANDS TO OUR FELLOW LIBERIANS HERE AND BACK HOME DURING THE EBOLA OUTBREAK:
LCA-DFW Leadership took on the fight to protect the integrity of Liberians during the Ebola crisis that plagued not only Liberia, but Liberians living in the Metroplex. In defense of our Community, the leadership provided financial and moral support to the family of the late Thomas Eric Duncan.
During the outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease in Liberia last year, the Leadership of LCA-DFW, with the goodwill of Liberians and Friends of Liberia in the DFW Metroplex, originated an Ebola Donation Management fund drive. As a result of the overwhelming support from various sectors of our Community, a container valued over $260,000.00 of PPEs and other Medical supplies was shipped in September 2014 to the ELWA Ebola Isolation Unit, to assist in the treatment of victims of the Ebola virus (EVFD) in Liberia. In May, 2015 following the hosting of the Ebola Survivors program, LCA-DFW under my administration issued a check for Four Thousand Dollars ($4,000.00) to the SIM Mission to assist survivors of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Liberia. In June of 2015 we were responsible for donation of needed medical supplies totaling over $100,000 given by the International Olympic Association to ELWA’s Survivor Clinic. Currently, we are soliciting donations to send a consignment of Rice to Liberia to assist in feeding Ebola survivors.
12. RECOGNITION OF SENIORS –
My administration has over the last 2 years actively integrated our seniors in all of the functions of the Community by allowing seniors to play multiple roles in events. We always need them to keep us in check by providing the wisdom of the past to guide us into the future. We need each other and there is no “time limit” on age of service to your Community. Our future goals are to continue to keep them active by providing meaningful activities to help pass the time, they will continue to be an integral part of the Community, providing wisdom to our upcoming youths, and those who need moral counselling.
13. RECOGNITION OF GRADUATES –
Over the years, we have recognized members of the Community who achieved academic excellences. My administration is dedicated to acknowledging excellence and support. Serving our Community is a sacrificial effort and we make it our duty to show gratitude to all who make time to ‘Keep Hope Alive’. We do not wish to leave anyone out regardless of their size, age or status and ideological differences in the Community. Education is a vital tool in life that paves the way for our future.
+++++++ NEXT STEP – SECOND TERM VISION +++++++
1. CONCLUDE ACQUISITION OF LCA’S MULTI-CULTURAL FACILITY.
2. ESTABLISH LEGAL AID & GROUP INSURANCE FOR MEMBERS.
3. CREAT ADDITIONAL INCENTIVES FOR CONTRIBUTING MEMBERS
4. CREATE MORE ACTIVITIES FOR SENIOR MEMBERS.
5. TAKE ON INITIATIVES TO ATTRACT MORE YOUNG PEOPLE TO LCA/DFW
7. EXPANSION OF ALL PROGRAMS ESTABLISHED DURING THE FIRST TERM
8. EDUCATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO INITIATE PROGRAMS SUCH AS (a). COUNSELING
(b). SOURCING SCHOLARSHIPS FOR DESERVING STUDENTS (c). SETUP UP GUIDELINES FOR GRANTING OF SCHOLARSHIP TO DESERVING STUDENTS, (d). DESIGN TUTORING AND MENTORING PROGRAMS FOR NEEDY STUDENTS (e). PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO STUDENTS AT HIGHER INSTITUTION OF LEARNING IN LIBERIA
9. ESTABLISH A LIBERIAN BUSINESS FORUM TO STRENGTHEN LIBERIAN BUSINESSES IN THE METROPLEX
10. WORK WITH THE LIBERIAN NURSES ASSOCIATION TO PARTICIPATE AND ASSIST IN HEALTH FAIRS / SYMPOSSIUMS TO KEEP OUR COMMUNITY HEALTHY AND WELL INFORMED ON PREVENTIVE MEASURES AND HEALTH MAINTENANCE.
“COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT, YIELDS EMPOWERMENT”
Adopted unanimously by the members of the CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE to the Gaye – Tarpeh for President and Vice President of LCA-DFW-DFW 2015. We, the members of the GAYE – TARPEH 2015 Campaign
