|
Dear
Shipmates:
We have discussed many times, at reunions and in the old Yahoo! Group forums,
about taking the USS WS SIMS Association to the next level of organization.
We currently have approximately 300 former shipmates in our database that
have participated in various ways in our loosely-knit group, over the last six years.
As your new Board of Directors, we have moved forward in setting up a more formal
structure for the Association. Some of the goals we foresee for a formally
organized Association include among other aims:
1.
Legal
incorporation of the USS WS SIMS Association (completed in 2006) and obtaining non-profit IRS Sec.
501(c) status (planned for 2007).
2.
The formation of
an initial Board of Directors for the Association. (completed in 2006)
3.
Creation of an
Association Statement of Purpose and Mission, Bylaws, and Annual Objectives to
benefit our Members and other identified recipients (completed in 2006).
4.
Development of an
annual budget to benefit our Members and other identified recipients (beginning
with 2007).
5.
Establishing a
checking account and post office box, for the collection of dues and payment of Association
expenses (completed in 2006).
6.
A long range
planning document for reunions and other activities of the Association (planned
for 2007).
This will take two important efforts on all our parts.
First, we need the commitment and involvement of a significant portion of
our group in the complete implementation of the Association goals. A fully
complemented Board of Directors, means
several additional Members stepping forward to fill the posts detailed in the
Bylaws. We will also need other able-bodied Members to step up and help
us organize a committees to carry out the Objectives and plan reunions each
year.
Second, there are costs of a formal Association.
Organizing, incorporating, and maintaining the formal organization of the
Corporation requires out-of-pocket expenses
that we cannot personally absorb. We can accomplish
our goals and plans with the establishment of a $25 per
Member annual dues program.
We hope
you ALL will become a USS WS SIMS Association Member TODAY, and come join us in
San Diego, this Fall, for our next Association reunion gathering and Annual
Meeting.
Please write us at info@usssims1059.org
with your honest thoughts and comments. We
need your input as well as loyal support.
Sincerely,
David Andrews (STG2, 1969-73, Plank Owner)
President
Kenneth Campbell (SN, 1971-74)
Vice President
Dennis
Walterman
(OS2, 1969-73, Plank Owner)
Secretary/Treasurer
USS WS SIMS (DE/FF-1059) Association, Inc.
|
