[MR] SCA Pres. report

[Karen Setze]

To those assembled in the Merry Rose:

I thought I would share this report from the President
of the SCA I saw posted on another kingdom's Web site.

Yseulte Trevelyn (seneschal of Bright Hills)

PRESIDENT'S REPORT OF THE FOURTH QUARTER 2003 
SCA BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

Greetings:

This is the President's report of the actions taken at
the SCA, Inc.'s 
most
recent Board of Directors meeting, held October 18,
2003, in Milpitas,
California (Kingdom of the West). This material may be
freely 
distributed,
and those receiving it are strongly encouraged to
share this 
information
with the general populace. Permission is hereby
granted to reprint all, 
or
part, of this report in Kingdom, Principality, and
local newsletters. 
It is
requested that the source of the information be
identified as "from the
President's Report of the October 2003 Board meeting"
and that, as far 
as
possible, exact quotes be used. Please note that this
report is NOT the
official Minutes of the Board meeting. In case of any
discrepancy 
between
this document and the approved Minutes, the Minutes
are binding. Any
inaccuracies in reporting contained herein are my own.


Subscriptions to the Board Minutes are available from
the SCA Inc. A
subscription includes this report in addition to the
Minutes approved 
at the
meeting. Past approved Minutes are also available on
the SCA website
(www.sca.org). 

The next Board of Directors meeting will be held on
January 24, 2004 in
Kansas City, Missouri. The deadline for submission of
agenda items is
January 1, 2004.

Respectfully submitted,

Meg Baron
President, SCA Inc.

------------------------------------
Branch Status Changes

1. The Board took note of the following new branches:

Shire of Tir Medion (Rockdale, TX)
Shire of Bentonshire (Hernando County, FL)

2. The Board took note of the following routine change
in status:

Canton of Gate's Edge (Houston, TX) - to Shire

3. The Board took note of the following branch
dissolutions:

Shire of Dragon's Lake (Page, AZ)
Shire of Aurochsford (Bullhead City, AZ)

Old Business

A. Corporate Office Manual - Financial Procedures
section

The Treasurer presented a draft text of a Financial
Procedures manual 
for
the Corporate office to the Board. It was returned for
some changes, 
and the
Treasurer was requested to bring it back to the Board
again at the next
meeting.

New Business

A. Proposed change to Corpora V.B.4.

Corpora V.B.4. currently reads:

A territorial Baron or Baroness may hold any other
Society office for 
which
he or she is fitted and qualified, save only that of
Baronial 
Seneschal, but
must not allow the duties and responsibilities of such
office and the 
office
of Baron or Baroness to conflict.

The following change is proposed:

A territorial Baron or Baroness may hold any other
Society office for 
which
he or she is fitted and qualified, save only those of
Baronial 
Seneschal and
Baronial Exchequer, but must not allow the duties and
responsibilities 
of
such office and the office of Baron or Baroness to
conflict.

By consensus, Chairman Moore directed that this
proposed change be 
placed
before the membership for comment, with a commentary
due date of April 
1,
2003.  

B. 2004 Budget

The 2004 budget was adopted as presented, with the
note that the Board 
is
currently seeking information on costs for an audit,
which will 
necessitate
an adjustment to the budget.

The 2004 budget will be available to view soon on the
Treasurer's 
webpage.

C. Marshallate proposal from Bill Colbert

A proposal was presented to the Board concerning
restructuring the 
Office of
the Marshal at both the Society and the Kingdom level
to remove 
authority
for various combat activities, including rapier,
archery, and 
equestrian
activities, from the marshallate, giving deputies full
authority for 
their
areas of responsibility. 

By consensus, Chairman Moore ordered this proposal
referred to the 
Society
Marshal and his deputies for comment, and remanded
this item to the 
January
2004 meeting. 

D. Proposed change to Corpora IV.C.10

Corpora IV.C.10. currently reads as follows:

"The Royal Heirs and Royalty must maintain their
memberships until 
their
term as Royalty is over. Should anyone serving as a
Royal Heir, or as
Royalty, be found in violation of the membership
requirements, the term 
ends
for the couple involved as of the date of the
membership lapse. 
Provisions
of Kingdom Law dealing with the situation are in
force. Official acts 
after
the lapse are void. The couple shall not receive any
recognition for 
having
temporarily held the status of Royal Heirs or
Royalty."

The following change is proposed:

"The Royal Heirs and Royalty must maintain their
memberships until 
their
term as Royalty is over. Should anyone serving as a
Royal Heir, or as
Royalty, be found in violation of the membership
requirements, that
individual's term ends as of the date of the
membership lapse. 
Provisions of
Kingdom Law dealing with the situation are in force.
The individual 
shall
not receive any recognition for having temporarily
held the status of 
Royal
Heir or Royalty."

By consensus, Chairman Moore directed that this
proposed change be 
placed
before the membership for comment, with a commentary
due date of April 
1,
2004.  

E. Associate Membership elimination proposal

A proposal was submitted to the Board suggesting that
Associate 
membership
be eliminated as a category, and that all remaining
membership classes
(Sustaining, International, and Family) be counted
toward membership 
numbers
for branch status.

While the Board is not inclined to eliminate Associate
memberships, the
Directors feel that the  concept of counting more
classes of membership
toward Branch status requirements is worth further
consideration. The 
Board
will continue to work on this proposal, and will bring
it back for 
formal
consideration at a future meeting.  

Officers' Reports - action items and policy decisions
(note: officers 
not
mentioned here had no action items or policy decisions
to present for 
Board
review)

Society Seneschal

The Society Seneschal requested warrants for George
Reed (Aaron Faheud
Swiftrunner of the Stone Keep) as Deputy Society
Seneschal, and for 
Marilee
Lloyd (Arianna Llwyd) as Deputy Society Seneschal for
Special Projects. 
The
warrants were signed during a break. 

Society Exchequer
The Society Exchequer requested that the Board approve
changes to the
Society Branch Financial Policy. The proposed changes
were returned for
further work.
The Society Exchequer requested authorization to
require monthly NMS
reporting from Kingdoms which are failing to meet
their quarterly 
reporting
requirements. The Board's opinion was that the Society
Exchequer is 
free to
require monthly reporting of activity, but that
actually moneys need 
not be
sent more often than quarterly.
The Society Exchequer requested a warrant for Anne
Klingen (Brigid Mhor
inghean Mhuirchada) as Gulf Wars Exchequer. The
warrant was signed 
during a
break.

Investment Committee

The Investment Committee presented recommendations for
the sale of all
shares of two stocks (Gabelli Small Cap Fund and Cisco
Systems) in the 
SCA's
portfolio. The Committee also recommended an exit
strategy for stocks 
and
mutual funds, which requires determining Short Sell
and Sell Limit 
Order
prices for all stocks and funds in the SCA's
portfolio. The Board 
adopted
the strategy, and has asked the committee to recommend
Short Sell and 
Sell
Limit Order prices for our current investments. 

Chief Information Architect

The Chief Information Architect requested that the
Board approve 
changing
the Proof of Membership letter used for on-line
memberships from PDF to 
HTML
to eliminate the higher than expected number of people
unable to print 
the
letter. The Board noted that this change had already
been approved.

The Chief Information Architect requested that the
Board consider 
forming a
team of experts made up of SCA members willing to
donate their time and
versed in the technologies currently used by the
registry, to modify 
the
registry system one last time so that adding Kingdoms
in the future do 
not
require program or database modifications. Because the
current registry
system has already been updated to eliminate this
problem, the Board 
decided
that no action will be taken on this item.

The Chief Information Architect requested that an
advertising flyer for
Known World Mail be created and included with all
Corporate mailings to
members. The Board observed that this would be costly,
and would 
increase
the size the just-reduced renewal packets. Chairman
Moore ordered that 
other
advertising venues, such as announcements at sca.org and
the Kingdom
newsletters, be utilized for this purpose, and
designated a committee 
to
create such advertisements.

Laurel Sovereign of Arms

Laurel requested that the Board approve the release of
a badge 
designated
for a College of Arms deputy, Privy Clerk to Morsulus
Herald. The Board
determined that that Laurel has the authority to
release badges 
registered
to his deputies.

Laurel requested that the Board approve a change to
Admin Handbook to
require electronic copies of Letters of Intent and
Letters of Comment. 
The
Board approved this change, noting that electronic
format is already 
the
norm for these letters.

Corporate Development Officer

The Corporate Development Officer requested that the
Board approve Dave
Weiner to create an additional web page to our online
services section 
that
will enable direct donations to the SCA, Inc. so that
members may make
donations whenever they wish, instead of having to
wait for when they 
renew
membership. By consensus, the Board agrees that this
is a worthy 
project,
but is not the best use of Mr. Weiner's time. The
Board will find 
another
programmer to take on this project.

The Corporate Development Officer requested that the
Board consider and 
then
select members interested in participating in
long-range Strategic 
Planning
sessions for the purposes of future fundraising goals
of the SCA, Inc.  
The
Corporate Development Officer will facilitate these
sessions. The Board
responded that the Corporate Development Officer may
create this 
committee
herself. Interested SCA members are encouraged to
contact her directly.

The Corporate Development Officer reported on some new
opportunities 
for
those wishing to donate to the SCA:

"The SCA, Inc. continues to raise funds with
www.iGive.com . This 
website
offers you hundreds of legitimate and popular vendors
to choose from 
for
online purchases.  By selecting "Society for Creative
Anachronism, 
Inc." (no
*the*) you can have a percentage of your purchase
donated to your 
favorite
group! We hope that you will consider making a
purchase, such as for 
the
upcoming holidays, on www.iGive.com in the very near
future.  

MissionFish.org and ebay® have announced a November
launch to their 
joint
fundraising venture.  Every ebay seller will have the
chance to share a
portion (or all) of the proceeds from each item they
sell with the SCA, 
Inc.
Watch for the inception of this fundraising effort on
SCA 
Announcements, or
on our website.     
  
The Corporate Development Officer wants to know what
you think of these
services.  Please contact her at: 
DonaTeresa at baroness.sca.org or via
development at sca.org."

Grand Council

The Grand Council discussed issues of reporting funds
for the 
Non-Member
Surcharge.  It also discussed (at the Board's request)
whether the
requirements for successful completion of a reign, as
listed in 
Corpora,
should be adjusted.  The Grand Council believes the
basic rules are
adequate.  The majority felt that requests for
variance should continue 
to
be made on a case-by-case basis, with a few members
strongly stating 
that
the list is absolute and no variance should be
granted.

Legal Committee

The Legal Committee's Subcommittee on Equestrian
Waivers continues to 
review
the waivers available in each state, and hopes to have
a report by the 
end
of the calendar year.

The Legal Committee was asked to advise whether Youth
Marshals would or
could be held to any additional standard of care
because they are in 
charge
of children's martial activities.  It is apparent that
with a few
inapplicable exceptions, the states do not require
voluntary coaches of
children's activities to undertake any special
training or licensing.
Outside of scholastic sports, no state has a statute
that requires the
training or registration of youth coaches, and a
number of states
specifically limit the liability of volunteer coaches
and officials,
although most specifically deny protection if the
action is 
"intentional,
willful, wanton, or reckless behavior."

Executive Session

1. Tournaments Illuminated Editor Applications

The Board appointed John C. Sandstrom (Omar Mohammud
Mirzazadeh) to the
office of Tournaments Illuminated Editor beginning
with the Spring 2004
issue. 

2. Tournaments Illuminated Art Director Applications

The Board appointed Linda Kracker (Rhianwen o Enfys
Disberod) to the 
office
of Tournaments Illuminated Art Director beginning with
the Spring 2004
issue. 

3. Laurel Sovereign of Arms applications

The Board appointed Jacquie Ziegler (Shauna of Carrick
Point) to the 
office
of Laurel Sovereign of Arms, effective at the close of
the April 2004
quarterly meeting.

4. Revocation/Denial of Membership - R. Michael Grant

Motion by Lis Schraer to revoke and deny the
membership of R. Michael 
Grant
(Michael O'Gaullee) effective October 18, 2003.
Seconded by Gary Raine. 
In
favor: Dena Cady, Gary Raine, Lis Schraer, Hal Simon,
Fernando Vigil.
Opposed: none.  Motion carried.

5. Absolute Banishment - Stephanie Goodfellow

Motion by Fernando Vigil to uphold the absolute
banishment of Stephanie
Goodfellow (Morag the Wanderer) imposed by Dahoud and
Shajara, King and
Queen of Artemisia, on May 10, 2003, and to direct the
Society 
Seneschal to
begin an investigation into revocation and denial of
membership.  
Seconded
by Gary Raine. In favor: Dena Cady, Gary Raine, Lis
Schraer, Hal Simon,
Fernando Vigil. Opposed: none. Motion carried.

Motion by Gary Raine that Stephanie Goodfellow
henceforth be prohibited 
from
holding any position of financial responsibility
within the SCA. 
Seconded by
Dena Cady. In favor: Dena Cady, Gary Raine, Lis
Schraer, Hal Simon, 
Fernando
Vigil. Opposed: none. Motion carried.

6. Alex White Banishment

Motion by Dena Cady to uphold the banishment from the
realm of Alex 
White
(Boldo) imposed by Christopher and Maurya, King and
Queen of 
Aethelmearc, on
July 12, 2003.  Seconded by Gary Raine. In favor: Dena
Cady, Gary 
Raine, Lis
Schraer, Hal Simon, Fernando Vigil. Opposed: none. 
Motion carried.

7. Banishment Appeal - Alex White

Motion by Gary Raine that the Board of Directors deny
the appeal of 
Alex
White (Boldo) and uphold the sanctions placed upon him
by Christopher 
and
Maurya, King and Queen of AEthelmearc, on July 12,
2003.  Seconded by 
Dena
Cady. In favor: Dena Cady, Gary Raine, Lis Schraer,
Hal Simon, Opposed:
none. Abstained: Fernando Vigil.  Motion carried.

8. Sanctions Appeal - Rick and Marie Feyes

Motion by Fernando Vigil that the Board of Directors
grant the appeal 
of
Richard and Marie Feyes (Yoan Moon Yang and Eorann
Maguire) and lift 
the
sanctions placed upon them on July 19, 2003, effective
October 18, 
2003.
Seconded by Lis Schraer. 

Motion by Dena Cady to amend the motion to change the
effective date of 
the
lifting of sanctions to January 19, 2004. Seconded by
Hal Simon.  In 
favor:
Dena Cady, Hal Simon, Opposed: Lis Schraer, Fernando
Vigil. Recused: 
Gary
Raine. Chairman Moore exercised her option to vote and
voted in favor 
of the
motion. Motion to amend carried.

In favor of the amended motion: Dena Cady, Hal Simon,
Lis Schraer. 
Opposed:
Fernando Vigil. Recused: Gary Raine. Amended motion
carried. 

9. Revocation/Denial of Membership - Robert Earl Hogan

Motion by Gary Raine to revoke and deny the membership
of Robert Earl 
Hogan
(AElfric of the Black Arrow) effective October 18,
2003. Seconded by 
Hal
Simon. In favor: Dena Cady, Gary Raine, Lis Schraer,
Hal Simon, 
Fernando
Vigil.  Opposed: none.  Motion carried.

10. Banishment from the Realm  - Stephanie Allen

Motion by Fernando Vigil to uphold the banishment from
the realm of
Stephanie Allen proclaimed by Ulsted and Cateau, King
and Queen of
Ansteorra, on July 26, 2003.  Seconded by Gary Raine.
In favor: Dena 
Cady,
Gary Raine, Lis Schraer, Hal Simon, Fernando Vigil.
Opposed: none. 
Motion
carried.

Motion by Gary Raine that the Society Seneschal be
directed to begin an
investigation into possible revocation and denial of
membership of Ms.
Allen. Seconded by Dena Cady. In favor: Dena Cady,
Gary Raine. Opposed: 
Lis
Schraer, Hal Simon, Fernando Vigil. Motion failed.

Motion by Gary Raine that Stephanie Allen henceforth
be prohibited from
holding any position of financial responsibility
within the SCA. 
Seconded by
Hal Simon. In favor: Dena Cady, Gary Raine, Lis
Schraer, Hal Simon, 
Fernando
Vigil. Opposed: none. Motion carried.

11. Revocation/Denial of Membership - Richmond Slate

Chairman Moore ordered this item remanded to the
January 2004 quarterly
meeting. 

12. Revocation/Denial of Membership - Tracy Donaldson

Chairman Moore ordered this item remanded to the
January 2004 quarterly
meeting. 

13. Revocation/Denial of Membership - Paul Serio
	
Motion by Fernando Vigil to revoke and deny the
membership of Paul 
Serio
(Aonghais dubh Mac Tarbh) effective October 18, 2003.
Seconded by Lis
Schraer. In favor: Dena Cady, Lis Schraer, Hal Simon,
Fernando Vigil.
Opposed: none.  Recused: Gary Raine. Motion carried.

Motion by Fernando Vigil that, upon consideration of
the recommendation 
of
the Crown, Peers, and Officers of the Kingdom of
Trimaris, the Board of
Directors herewith removes Aonghais dubh Mac Tarbh
(Paul Serio) from 
the
Order of Chivalry, along with all rights and
privileges associated with 
that
Order. Seconded by Hal Simon. In favor: Dena Cady, Lis
Schraer, Hal 
Simon,
Fernando Vigil.  Opposed: none.  Recused: Gary Raine.
Motion carried.

14. Appeal of Revocation/Denial of Membership - Eric
Mauer

By consensus, in keeping with a request from Eric
Mauer (Alaric Styrr),
Chairman Moore ordered this item remanded to the
January 2004 quarterly
meeting.

Personnel Changes

Director Jason Williams (Duke John ap Gwyndaf of
Holdingford) took his 
seat
at the conclusion of this meeting.

New Ombudsman assignments are as follows:

Linda Moore: President, Executive Vice President for
Legal Affairs, 
Society
Seneschal, Corporate Office, Legal Committee
	
Dena Cady: Caid, Lochac, West, Chirurgeon,
Communications

Gary Raine: An Tir, Calontir, Heralds, Chief
Information Architect 

Lis Schraer:  Atlantia, Drachenwald, Ealdormere, Arts
& Sciences, Board
Recruiting

Hal Simon:  Artemisia, Atenveldt, Outlands, Grand
Council, Development
Officer

Fernando Vigil:  AEthelmearc, East, Middle, Financial
Officers, Marshal

Jason Williams: Ansteorra, Meridies, Trimaris

Quarterly Meeting Schedule

The First Quarter 2004 meeting will be held on January
24, 2004, in 
Kansas
City, MO (Kingdom of Calontir). Due date for agenda
items is January 1,
2004.
The Second Quarter 2004 meeting will be held on April
24, 2004, in 
Tampa,
Florida (Kingdom of Trimaris).
The Third Quarter 2004 meeting will be held July 17,
2004. The 
tentative
location is the Kingdom of the East.
The Fourth Quarter 2004 meeting will be held October
16, 2004. The 
tentative
location is the Kingdom of Ealdormere.
The First Quarter 2005 meeting will be held January
15, 2005. The 
tentative
location is the Kingdom of Ansteorra. 



REPORT ON THE CONFERENCE CALL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
September 17, 2003

In the sole item of business at this meeting, the
Board took note of 
the
abdication of Nan Gresko (Berengaria d'Hainault) as
Crown Princess of
AEthelmearc.
Comments are strongly encouraged and can be sent to: 
SCA Inc.
Box 360789
Milpitas,  CA 95036

You may also email comments at sca.org or reply to this
message.
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