AGENDA
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
COMMITTEE REPORTS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Finance
Fund Raising
Program and Planning
Personnel
Nominating
REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
REPORT OF THE CHAIRPERSON
ITEMS OF INFORMATION
1.
Financial Report
2.
Letter to Fred Eaton
Urban League of Portland
Board of Directors
January 22, 1986
The January ireeting of the Urban League Board of Directors, held
in the Multi-Purpose Conference Rooi, Urban Plaza, 10 North
Russell Street, was called to order at 12:05 p.m. by Chairman
Adair.
The following Directors were in attendance: Donny Adair, Bobbie
Gary, Tom Kelley, Shirley Minor, Linda Rasmussen, Irwin Starr, Ben
Talley, and Jack Vogel.
The following Directors were absent with excuse: Skip Collier,
Bridget Flanagan, Larry Raff, Joel Smith, and Thane Tienson.
Staff in attendance were: Carol Lentz, Ray Leary, and Brenda
Polk.
Herb Cawthorne was not in attendance as he was attending the
funeral of Rev, and Mrs. John Garlington.
The minutes of the November 1985 meeting were approved.
Since
there wasn't a quorum at the December 1985 meeting, approval of
those minutes was not called for.
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Carol Lentz reported that the Finance Cojimmittee did not meet. The
financial report for the period ending December 31, 1985 was
mailed with the Board packet.
Donny Adair requested a volunteer to serve on the Finance Committee to temporarily (until April) fill the spot left vacant by
Carol Page. Bobbie Gary volunteered.
Carol asked that any spare copies of the last audit report be
returned to her. She has run out and the report is a frequently
requested item.
FUND RAISING COMMITTEE
Ray Leary reported that a written Fund Raising Committee report
will be submitted at the February Board meeting.
Ray reported that "An Evening With Dr. King," the production
sponsored by the Urban League on January 15th at Naranatha Church,
was a complete success. Herb's portrayal of Dr. King was excellent, the choirs of Maranatha and New Hope Baptist Church per-
-2formed beautifully, and the over-flow audience was very responsive.
The price of admission to the program was donations of food
and clothing -- over three barrels of canned goods and food and
hundreds of articles of clothing were collected, which will be
used to support the League's Homeless Program.
The Annual Dinner will be held Thursday, April 17th. Herb will
address the audience on "The State of the Urban League," and Obba
Babatunde, a Broadway entertainer, will perform.
It was moved and seconded (Adair-Rasinussen) that resolution
400 (relating to the Urban League's mission statement) be
approved.
The motion passed.
85-
P1RflNNP.T. r!nwTTmmPP
It was moved and seconded (Rasmussen-Gary) that Resolution #85-200
(relating to new medical coverage for Urban League employees) be
approved.
Irwin Starr asked how the rebate portion of the coverage works.
Carol explained that the rebate is given in the form
of premium reduction to the League.
Irwin mentioned that at some
point consideration be given to splitting the rebate with the
employees, to provide an incentive to staff to stay well.
The
motion to approve Resolution #85-200 passed.
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Irwin Starr reported that nominees for the six open positions and
Board officers have been identified.
Contact is being made with
each nominee to answer any additional questions. The Nominating
Committee has decided to make all six of the new appointments
three-year terms.
The information booklet which was prepared for recruiting prospective Board members was circulated. Donny mentioned that basic
information on how the Board is structured and information on
expectations of time and resources was missing from the booklet.
Irwin said this information was reviewed with each nominee, but
could also be added to the booklet.
PRESIDENT'S REPORT
Carol Lentz reported that the League received excellent press on
Sunday regarding the Homeless Program, mainly because the League
is the only agency in town that has such a program up and running.
The four families mentioned all have jobs and will be leaving the
program, and four more families will be moving in.
As a result of
the response to the television coverage, two gentlemen who own
apartment complexes have offered to donate their vacant apartments
if we provide the same assistance given to participants of our
present Homeless Program.
-3Reported that notification was received yesterday that HHS is
pulling back 20% of the LIEAP dollars. There is $514,000 is
available for energy assistance, rather than $653,000 as originally planned. As a result, the LIEAP program will end at 5:00
p.m. today. A press conference has been scheduled, in conjunction
with the other helping agencies, for Friday morning to notify
clients that the program has ended.
Reported that she is still working on securing funding for the
new building. The upstairs is being planned as housing (two and
three-bedroom units) and the downstairs as commercial; rehabilitation money is available for housing.
Reminded the Board about the co-reception between the American
Jewish Committee's Board and the Urban League Board, Wednesday,
January 29, at 7:30 p.m.
CHAIRMAN ' S REPORT
Reported that the Executive Committee did not meet in December.
Recommended that the vote on the By-Laws and Constitution change
be tabled one more time, since nine people are needed to vote on
the Constitution; the By-Laws can be voted on with a majority
present. The By-Laws need to be voted on prior to accepting the
Nominating Committee's report. If necessary, the February Board
meeting will be rescheduled to insure that nine Board members can
be in attendance.
Reported that he sat on the star panel for the United Negro College Fund Telethon, participated in the Aging Services Review of
the League's Senior Program, and was Master of Ceremonies at
Whitaker School's King Day Program.
Tom Kelley asked if the Board's liability insurance had been
renewed. Carol said it had been.
The meeting adjourned at 12:36 p.m.
Submitted by,
Reviewed & Approved by,
BRENDA POLK,
Office Manager
Urban League of Portland
T ANE T ENSON
Secretary
Urban League Board of Directors
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
COMMITTEE REPORTS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Finance
Fund Raising
Program and Planning
Personnel
Nominating
REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
REPORT OF THE CHAIRPERSON
ITEMS OF INFORMATION
1.
Financial Report
2.
Nomination Coiniuittee Report and Resolutions
Black Leadership Conference Information
3.
5.
Letter to Irwin Starr
Letter to Ed Phillips
6.
Letter to Oscar Turner
7.
Letter from Bonnie Beulelman and response
Letter from Barbarie 3. Murphy and response
4.
8.
URBAN LEAGUE OF PORTLAND
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
FEBRUARY 19, 1986
The February meeting of the Urban League Board of Directors, held
in the Multi-Purpose Conference Room, Urban Plaza, 10 North
Russell Street, was called to order at 12:12 P.M. by Chairman
Adair.
The following Directors were in attendance: Donny Adair, Skip
Collier, Bridget Flanagan, Bobbie Gary, Thomas Kelly, Shirley
Minor, Larry Raff, Linda Rasmussen, Joel Smith, Irwin Starr and
Thane Tienson.
The following Directors were absent with excuse:
John Vogel.
Staff in attendance were:
Pauline J. Reed.
Ben Talley and
Herb L. Cawthorne, Carol J. Lentz and
The minutes of the January Board meeting were approved.
FINANCE COMMITTEE - Joel Smith
*
Commented on the Financial Report for the period ending
January 31, 1986 and reported that the Committee recommends
caution be given to monitoring the current revenue and
current expenses.
*
Reported that the Committee is still reviewing the Finance
Officer position.
*
Reported that he met with Oscar Turner, IBM Corporation.
IBM is wanting the League to be involved in some way with
their computer training program. A short discussion was
held on POIC being the current provider of computer classes
and possibly IBM is looking for another agency to provide
this training.
Further discussion was tabled until IBM
formally asks the League to participate with this program.
*
Reported that the Committee has finalized the retirement
provision of the CEO hiring agreement and is recommending
that $2,000 be given to Herb for an individual retirement
plan.
It was moved and seconded (Smith/Gary) that $2,000
be given to the CEO for an individual retirement plan. The
motion passed.
NOMINATING COMMITTEE - Irwin Starr
L
*
Reported the slate of nominees was completed, however, one
person has relocated to Seattle.
The Committee will fill
-2-
this slot and present a full slate at the next Board
meeting.
PRESIDENT'S REPORT
*
Commented on the general fund budget and reported that
spending has been tightened in the materials & services
category; also, one employee is possibly leaving and the
position will not be filled.
Another employee can be
shifted to fill this slot.
*
Reported that Don Frisbee has agreed to assist the League
with a capital fund drive.
*
Reported that discussions are beginning with Emanuel
Hospital on the proposed Health Clinic.
*
Reported that the League is helping facilitate a Black
Leadership Conference to be held on Saturday, February
22nd.
The purpose of this forum is to develop ideas and
issucs which are important to the Black community and
present these to the candidates for Governor to determine
their depth of commitment to issues of vital concern to the
black community.
*
Reported that the Annual Dinner will have a different
format this year. There will not be a speaker, instead
Obba Babatunde, Tony Award winner, will entertain. The
theme of this year's dinner is "A Night on Broadway."
*
Reported that the League will do another membership mailing
and will be asking corporations to make an in-kind
contribution by covering postage costs.
*
Reported that the League is ready to approach the Fred
Meyer Charitable Trust with the employment proposal.
*
Reported on the formulation of a new group of volunteers The Committee of 1000.
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
/
*
Thanked the Board members who attended the United Way
Allocations panel discussions.
*
Called for vote on revised Constitution. It was moved and
seconded (Adair/Gary) that the Constitution be accepted as
amended.
-3-
*Called for vote on revised By-Laws.
It was moved and
seconded (Tienson/Raff) that the By-Laws be accepted as
amended.
Both motions passed with unanimous votes from all present.
*
Stated that he had received a letter from the National
Urban League regarding the 9 month evaluation of the CEO.
Reported that Linda Rasmussen has handled this and the NUL
should be in receipt of the evaluation.
*
Reported that he will be attending the Council of
Executives in Phoenix, Arizona on March 7th and 8th. One
of the items to be discussed will be networking for other
Urban League staff positions.
Presently the only job
openings circulated throughout the country is the CEO
position; other program director openings could be
circulated allowing for upward mobility of League
staffers.
The meeting adjourned at 1:20 p.m.
Submitted by:
Reviewed and Approved by:
Pauline J.t Reed
Ti ane Tieqison
Executive Secretary
Urban League of Portland
Secretary
Urban League Board of Directors
AGENDA
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
COMMITTEE REPORTS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Finance
Fund Raising
Program and Planning
Personnel
Nominating
REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
REPORT OF THE CHAIRPERSON
ITEMS OF INFORMATION
1.
Employment Concept Paper
2.
Letters from Art Marshall and Don Frisbee
URBAN LEAGUE OF PORTLAND
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MARCH 16, 1986
The March meeting of the Urban League Board of Directors, held in
the Multi-Purpose Conference Room, Urban Plaza, 10 North Russell
Street, was called to order at 12:15 P.M. by Chairman Adair.
The following Directors were in attendance: Donny Adair, Bridget
Flanagan, Bobbie Gary, Shirley Minor, Larry Raff, Linda
Rasmussen, Irwin Starr and Jack Vogel.
The following Directors were absent with excuse:
Joel Smith, Ben Talley and Thane Tienson.
The following Director was absent without excuse:
Tom Kelley,
Skip Collier.
Staff in attendance were: Herb L. Cawthorne, Carol J. Lentz, E.
Ray Leary and Pauline J. Reed.
The minutes of the February meeting were approved.
The Financial Report for the period ending February 28, 1986 was
mailed in the Board Book and Carol Lentz briefly discussed same.
FUND RAISING COMMITTEE - JACK VOGEL
*
Reported that everything is going well with the Annual
Dinner. All invitations have been received and 142 tickets have been sold to date.
*
Circulated the Fund Raising Committee's Preliminary Plans
for 1986-87 and discussed same. The plans are not as
aggressive as discussed at the Retreat, but are ones that
are realistic -- the $135,000 goal is achievable for '86'87.
Shirley Minor asked if there would be a tennis tournament
this year. Donny replied that if there was, he would need
assistance in putting it on and he would have to go
through the channels set up by the Fund Raising Committee.
NOMINATING COMMITTEE - IRWIN STARR
*
Reported that there are five nominees to be voted upon to
fill vacant slots.
The sixth slot is still open because
Fred Stickel declined to serve due to having a heavy
calendar this year. The committee would still like to
-2have a representative from The Oregonian serve on the
Board and asked for the consensus of the Board to offer a
special one year term to Bill Hilliard, after which time
Mr. Stickel will again be asked to serve. The Board gave
their consensus.
*
It was moved and seconded (Rasmussen/Gary) that Resolution
#86-401 nominating Avel Gordly, Jeffrey Miliner, Robert
Sutcliff, Valerie White and Nancy Wilgenbuech to serve on
the Urban League Board of Directors be accepted.
There was discussion about the committee providing a list
of all names considered in the filling of the vacant Board
slots.
Irwin will put together a list for the file as a
part of the record and this list is not for public knowledge.
After discussion, the motion passed.
*
It was moved and seconded (Starr Gary) that Resolution
#86-403 listing the terms of off ce for all Board members
be accepted.
The motion assed.
*
It was moved and seconded
#86-402 listing Board off
The motion passed.
Starr/Raff) that Resolution
ers for the year be acceoted.
PRESIDENT'S REPORT
*
Reported that the employment proposal is almost finalized
and will be submitted to the Fred Meyer Charitable Trust.
The League is asking for $500,000 to $1 million over a 5
year period.
*
Reported that the Adult and Senior Service Division is
applying for the North and Northeast Senior Service contracts.
*
Reported that the Youth Service Center and the FST Academy
proposals are being worked on.
*
Reported on his meeting with Ken Johnson, Portland Trailblazers. Ken has agreed to take on the responsibility
among the Blazers for the acquisition of a facility to
house the Whitney M. Young Learning Center. The goal is
to have a house which would be called "The Blazer House."
The next step is to involve Ed Phillips, U.S. Bancorp (see
letter in Board Book) and others on a committee that will
help identify foundation funding and other funding for the
Learning Center.
*
Gave thanks to Donny for support and guidance during his
first year as Chief Executive Officer.
*
Shirley asked about the articles in the newspaper indicating that LIEAP agencies have received additional funds to
-3--
operate the energy assistance program.
Carol explained
that there is LIEAP money designated for the City of
Portland totaling approximately $40,000, however the Urban
League has not officially been notified that it will
receive any of this money.
The League could spend another
$20,000 if the tiineline were extended to April 15th.
There are no administrative dollars for hiring staff, but
through the Adult and Senior Service Division's counseling
and advocacy service, the money would be used for energy
assistance.
*
Shirley asked if the Urban League received $8,000 to help
the gas explosion victims. Carol reported that the League
received $3,000 to provide outreach and $5,000 to repair
windows.
The $5,000 has been set aside for the time being
and the windows will be repaired through the Senior Repair
Project.
After all windows are repaired and if the $5,000
is not needed, Carol has negotiated with Margaret
Strachan's office to use the money to help repair other
damages on buildings.
Carol further reported that PDC has
made a commitment to assist with new construction in the
places where houses were demolished. Quite a large sum of
money is being targeted for restoration of other homes
within a two-street area.
The $3,000 for outreach is being used to gather information from the explosion victims.
Data will be collected
on the social needs of those living in the area and the
city can possibly develop a needs assessment from this
information.
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
*
Reported on meetings of the Council of Board Presidents:
There are seventeen affiliates not in good standing with
the National Urban League; two probably will have been
disaffiliated by the time of the National Convention.
Research will be made on a better and shorter process of
CEO certification. There was also discussion about having
an internal search for 60 to 90 days prior to going outside for new applicants to fill CEO positions.
There will be more training for Board Chairs at the National Convention.
All affiliates will standardize the titles of the top
staff person and the top Board officer.
The top staff
title will be "President" and the top Board officer will
be "Chair."
-4The Council of Board Presidents' name will change to "The
Council of Urban League Board Chairpersons."
Since this is his last neeting as Chair, Donny thanked all
Board niembers who have served with hini and conunented that
he has grown personally and professionally by serving on
the Board.
The meeting adjourned at 1:13 P.N.
Submitted by:
Approved by:
Pauline J Reed
Executive Secretary
Urban League of Portland
Thane Tienson
Secretary
Urban League Board of Directors
URBAN LEAGUE OF PORTLAND
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
APRIL 16, 1986
The April meeting of the Urban League Board of Directors, chaired
by Linda Rasmussen was held in the Multi-Purpose Conference Room,
Urban Plaza, 10 North Russell Street. The meeting was called to
order at 12:10 P.M.
The following Directors were in attendance: Donny Adair, Skip
Collier, Bridget Flanagan, Bobbie Gary, Avel Gordly, Tom Kelley,
Jeff Millner, Shirley Minor, Larry Raff, Linda Rasmussen, Joel
Smith, Thane Tienson, Jack Vogel, Valerie White, and Nancy
Wilgenbusch.
The following Directors were absent with excuse:
Bob Sutcliff.
The following Director was absent without excuse:
Staff in attendance were:
Pauline J. Reed.
Irwin Starr and
Ben Talley.
Herb L. Cawthorne, Carol J. Lentz and
New members were present at this meeting and everyone introduced
themselves.
The minutes of the March meeting were approved.
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Joel Smith reported that the committee did not meet.
The
Financial Report for the period ending March 31, 1986 was mailed
in the Board Book and Carol Lentz discussed same.
Joel explained the duties of the Finance Committee for the benefit
of new members and announced that the standard meeting date for
the Finance Committee will be the Thursday before the Board
meeting at 12:00 Noon.
FUND RAISING COMMITTEE
Jack Vogel reported that staff has done a fine job in coordinating
the Annual Dinner. Approximately 800 tickets have been sold.
For the benefit of new board members, Jack explained the duties of
the Fund Raising Committee.
2
PROGRAM AND PL1NNING COMMITTEE
Skip Collier explained the duties of the Program and Planning
Committee.
PERSONNEL COMMITTEE
Linda explained the duties of the Personnel Committee and reported
that Donny Adair has agreed to chair the committee this coming
year.
PRESIDENT'S REPORT
*
Reported that the Red Lion has been given a head count of
790 for the Annual Dinner.
*
Discussed the change in the program from Obba Babatunde to
Shirley Nanette.
*
Invited Board members and their guests to the party after
the Annual Dinner.
CHAIR'S REPORT
*
Asked all members to submit their committee preferences to
her.
*
Announced that the Executive Committee will meet at 11:00
A.N. on the 3rd Wednesday of each month.
*
Explained the duties of the Nominating Committee and
reported that Irwin Starr will be asked to continue as
chair.
*
Reported that she has signed the proposal for the
North/Northeast Senior Services contract.
*
Asked committee chairs to establish a standard meeting day
each month.
She or Thane will attend as many of the
meetings as possible.
*
Asked Donny Adair to report on the work he is doing for the
Council of Board Chairs.
Donny reported that a number of people have asked him to
seek the position of President of the Council of Board
Chairs.
Donny further reported that he is attending all Urban League
Regional Conferences and facilitating joint meetings between
Board Chairs and Chief Executive Officers. There are some
problems in the Urban League movement and the intent is to
solve them.
Approximately 30% of Urban League employees
nationally do not have health, life or disability insurance.
3
Also, throughout the movement, some CEO'S are called
"Executive Director" and others are called "President."
Some Board Chairs are called "President" and some are called
"Chair." The objective is to have uniform titles across the
United States. After attending all Regional Conferences,
Donny will have to write a report and recommendations which
will be discussed at the National Convention between all
CEOs and all Board Chairs.
Donny circulated information on the NUL structure and
discussed same.
Included in the materials were statistics
on how the Portland affiliate compares with other Western
affiliates.
Appreciated the opportunity of being able to represent the
Portland affiliate at the Western Regional Conference and
the Western Regional Council at the other Regional
Assembly meetings.
Linda invited all Board members to attend the National Urban
League convention in San Francisco on July 20 - 23, 1986.
*
Also invited Board members to attend the Family Session on
Friday at noon.
The meeting adjourned at 1:20 P.M.
S
itted by:
Pauline J.
eed
Administrative Assistant
Urban League of Portland
Approved by:
Ben Talley
(I
Secretary
Urban League Board of Directors
URBAN LEAGUE OF PORTLAND
1
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SPECIAL MEETING
MAY 2, 1986
The Board of Directors held a special Board Meeting on May 2,
1986.
The meeting was called to order by Chair Linda Rasmussen at
12:10 P.M.in the Multi-Purpose Conference Room, Urban Plaza, 10
North Russell Street.
The following Directors were in attendance: Skip Collier, Bridget
Flanagan, Bobbie Gary, Avel Gordly, Toni Kelley, Jeff Miliner,
Shirley Minor, Larry Raff, Linda Rasmussen, Joel Smith, Tharie
Tienson, and Nancy Wilgenbusch.
The following Directors were absent with excuse: Donny Adair,
Irwin Starr, Bob Sutcliff, Ben Talley, Jack Vogel and Valerie
White.
Staff in attendance were: Herb L. Cawthorne, Carol J. Lentz, Ray
Leary and Pauline J. Reed.
This meeting was held to discuss the United Way issues. Chair
Rasmussen asked Herb Cawthorne to bring the Board up to date.
Herb listed the chain of events which led to the sanction, the
meeting with Scott Johnson, letters from United Way and the
discussion with the Allocation Panel.
He also reported that he
has talked with a few members of the panel and they felt that the
United Way Executive Committee pressured them to bring the
sanction.
Herb further reported that at no time did United Way tell the
Urban League that application for exception could be applied for
since the EOD Dinner was being held during campaign time.
The other issues which need to be handled with United Way are:
1.
How does the League handle the appeal on the allocation
received?
2.
How does the League's Executive Committee and United Way's
Executive Committee deal with the sanction and the process
for appealing the sanction?
3.
The downward cycle of funding which the League has received
over the past 5 years.
4.
5.
What is United Way's commitment of funds in general to black
other minority serving agencies?
and
How will plans for the next dinner be handled so that there
is a mutual understanding between the Urban League and
United Way.
A discussion paper was circulated which showed how United Way
funded and how League priorities met their priorities; the League,
along with a number of other agencies, did not understand how
United Way would handle certain priority funding.
The League feels it should approach United Way by:
1.
An appeal - on grounds of a misunderstanding by the panel.
2.
Asking for an exception to the fund raising policy by May
15th to allow the sale of tickets to the EOD dinner during
the campaign without penalty. The dinner will be held after
the campaign.
3.
Having an acknowledgement from United Way that the League
will approach corporations to help solve employment issues.
United Way does not want the League to ask for corporate
donations.
Herb reported that he has talked with other Urban League
affiliates and their United Way agencies do not restrict them from
soliciting corporate support.
Corporations usually have an amount
which is given to United Way and the contributions which are given
to non-profit agencies does not affect their United Way donation.
United Way has responded to Linda's letter by saying the matter
will be taken up on the 15th at their regular meeting.
There was discussion about all the issues and how the League
should respond. After discussion, it was moved and seconded
(Smith/Garv that a letter be sent to United Way statinc that our
Executive Committee will be willinci to meet at any time. The
motion passed.
The meeting adjourned at 1:18 P.M.
Subitted by:
Approved by:
auline J.
ed
Administrative Assistant
Urban League of Portland
Ben Talley
Secretary
Urban League Board of Directors
URBAN LEAGUE OF PORTLAND
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MAY 21, 1986
The May meeting of
by Linda Rasmussen
Room, Urban Plaza,
called to order at
the Urban League Board of Directors, chaired
was held in the Multi-Purpose Conference
10 North Russell Street. The meeting was
12:15 P.M.
The following Directors were in attendance: Donny Adair, Skip
Collier, Bobbie Gary, Avel Gordly, Shirley Minor, Linda
Rasmussen, Bob Sutcliff, Ben Talley, Jack Vogel .and Valerie
White.
The following Directors were absent with excuse: Bridget
Flanagan, Tom Kelley, Jeff Miliner, Larry Raff, Joel Smith,
Irwin Starr, Thane Tienson and Nancy Wilgenbusch.
Staff in attendance were: Herb L. Cawthorne, Carol J. Lentz,
Ray Leary, and Pauline J. Reed.
The minutes of the April meeting were approved.
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Carol Lentz circulated the Finance Report for the period ending
April 30, 1986 and discussed same.
FUND RAISING COMMITTEE
Jack Vogel complimented staff on a job well done in handling
the Annual Dinner and reported that he has received positive
comments from people attending the dinner.
NOMINATION COMMITTEE
Herb Cawthorne reported that he has been unable to talk with
Bill Hilliard about the open slot on the Board and that he has
a meeting scheduled with him.
If Bill is unable to serve, the
Nomination Committee will make another recommendation to the
Board.
PROGRAM AND PLANNING COMMITTEE
Avel Gordly reported that she has met with Skip Collier and
Herb Cawthorne and feels that the Committee needs a document
which outlines the goals of the League for the next year. Herb
reported that after the new fiscal year, such a document can be
made available.
aP*Lii I *
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Finance
Fund Raising
Program and Planning
Personnel
Nominating
REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
REPORT OF THE CHAIRPERSON
ITEMS OF INFORMATION
1.
Blazer House Concept
2.
Letter from Charles Rooks, Fred Meyer
Charitable Trust
3.
Letter from Carmen Walker
URBAN LEAGUE OF PORTLAND
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
JUNE 18, 1986
The June meeting of the Urban League Board of Directors, held in
the Multi-Purpose Conference Room, Urban Plaza, 10 North Russell
Street, was called to order at 12:11 p.m. by Chairperson Linda
Rasmussen.
The following Directors were in attendance: Donny Adair, Skip
Collier, Bridget Flanagan, Bobbie Gary, Avel Gordly, Jeff Millner,
Shirley Minor, Larry Raff, Linda Rasmussen, Joel Smith, Irwin
Starr, Bob Sutcliff, Ben Talley, Thane Tienson, Jack Vogel, and
Nancy Wilgenbusch.
The following Directors were absent with excuse:
Valerie White.
Tom Kelley and
Staff in attendance were: Herb L. Cawthorne, Carol J. Lentz,
Carole Connor, McKinley Williams, and Delilah LaGrone.
Herb introduced Carole Connor as the new Finance Manager and
McKinley Williams as the acting Employment Director.
The minutes of the May 1986 Board meeting were approved.
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Joel Smith reported that the sub-committee of the Finance Committee met, although he was not in attendance. Bob Sutcliff stated
the sub-committee meeting was an excellent orientation session to
the Finance Committee. The next Finance Committee meeting is
scheduled for Monday, June 23, 1986; the building acquisition will
be discussed.
The monthly Finance Report was distributed.
FUND RAISING COMMITTEE
Jack Vogel reported that a membership drive will be inaugurated
the first part of July 1986.
Brochures are being printed and the
mailing list is being developed.
The Fund Raising Committee has a
target of raising $35,000 - $40,000 for general membership.
As the year progresses the committee will move into the other fund
raising activities.
PROGRAM AND PLANNING COMMITTEE
Avel Gordly reported that a Program and Planning Committee meeting
-2will be held Wednesday, June 25th.
PERSONNEL COMMITTEE
Donny Adair reported that the Personnel Committee met on June
12th.
There was perfect attendance.
The committee discussed
their charter, responsibilities and objectives.
The plan is to
develop goals and objectives in the same style and form as those
developed by the Fund Raising Committee.
The committee also discussed the CEO evaluation. Herb has been on
since May 1, 1985 and his the annual evaluation is now past due.
The committee will be setting up a process so evaluations are done
in a timely manner.
The evaluation should be completed and presented to the Board no later than September.
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Irwin Starr reported that the Nominating Committee was in search
of a person to serve a one-year term on the Board. They will be
meeting to evaluate candidates.
PRESIDENT'S REPORT
Reported that there was excellent attendance by the Executive
Committee at the United Way luncheons regarding the sanction.
Bob
Sutcliff and his Chief Executive Officer, Bob Janes,, were kind
enough to host both luncheons. Herb reported that the League was
fortunate to have a chance to talk with the United Way Executive
Committee directly.
It helped the League to understand the
"incredible confusions" that exist in United Way funding policies.
It also helped the League to understand how the Board got so
confused in terms of where the League fits into the process of the
sanction.
The League's Executive Committee came out of the meeting with a commitment to appeal both the sanction and the allocation.
He stated that he does not see a short-term resolution.
Announced that he will serve as the Vice Chairperson, with Lloyd
Anderson, on the committee that will try to get the bond issue
passed for the convention center.
Announced that on June 22, 1986 there will be a "Thanks to Penny
Harrington Day" at Terry Shrunk Park. He and Linda Rasmussen will
be attendance.
Stated the employment proposal is ready to go to the Fred Meyer
Charitable Trust; $748,000 is being requested over the next four
years. He has been talking with members of the trust over the
past year, and feels a sizable portion of this proposal will be
granted. Avel Gordly commented that IBM is rooted in South
Africa, and stated that she could not support the grant if we go
with this company. Herb explained that when we submit a grant,
this does not mean we are bound to purchase the equipment mentioned in the grant.
-3CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
Asked if the Board wanted to have a July meeting. It was moved
and seconded (Adair-Raff) that the July Board meeting be cancelled, but that the committees continue to meet. The motion
passed.
Reported Resolutions 86-100 through 86-103 still needed to be
adopted. After a brief discussion, it was moved and seconded
(Adair-Talley) that Resolutions 86-100 through 86-103 be adopted.
The motion passed.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:13 p.m.
L
Submitted by:
Reviewed & Approved By:
DELILAH LaGRONE
Secretary
Urban League of Portland
THANE TIENSON
Secretary
Urban League Board of Directors
AGENDA
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
COMMITTEE REPORTS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Finance
Fund Raising
Program and Planning
Personnel
Nominating
REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
REPORT OF THE CHAIRPERSON
ITEMS OF INFORMATION
1.
Finance Report
2.
Resolution #86-100
3.
Resolution #86-101
4.
Resolution #86-102
5.
Resolution #86-103
6.
Employment Proposal
7.
Letters, re:
8.
Letter from Mina Stewart, re:
Mentzer Property
Health clinic.
(
\
URBAN LEAGUE OF PORTLAND
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
AUGUST 20, 1986
The August meeting of the Urban League Board of Directors, held in
the Multi-Purpose Conference Room, Urban Plaza, 10 North Russell
Street, was called to order at 12:10 p.m. by Chairperson Linda
Rasmussen.
The following Directors were in attendance: Bridget Flanagan,
Bobbie Gary, Shirley Minor, Larry Raff, Linda Rasmussen, Joel
Smith, Bob Sutcliff, Thane Tienson, Jack Vogel, and Valerie
White.
The following Directors were absent with excuse: Donny Adair,
Skip Collier, Avel Gordly, Thomas Kelley, Jeffrey Millner, Irwin
Starr, Ben Talley, and Nancy Wilgenbusch.
Staff in attendance were: Herb L. Cawthorne, Carol J. Lentz, E.
Ray Leary, and Brenda Polk.
The minutes of the June 1986 Board meeting were approved.
FINANCE COMMITTEE
The Board reviewed Resolution #86-104 (United Way Support for
1986-87).
After a brief discussion it was moved and seconded
(Sutcliff-Raff) to accept Resolution #86-104 with the followin
amendment:
The last paragraph now reads:
THEREFORE BE IT
RESOLVED: That the Urban League of Portland acknowledges the
United Way contribution of $223,260 for the Period July 1, 1986
throuah June 30 1987. Joel Smith voted "no." The motion
passed.
Joel reviewed the General Fund Budget for 1986-87. He feels that
even though the budget is aggressive in terms of anticipated
income and there is no margin for error, it is achievable.
Herb led the discussion on the Mentzer Building property proposal.
He reviewed the following documents, which were included in the
Board Book, regarding this property.
* Resolution #86-105 -- Authorizing Purchase of "The
Mentzer Building"
* Resolution #86-106 -- Authorizing Initiation of Capital Fund Drive
-2* Resolution #86-107 -- Initiating Negotiations With
Portland Development Commission Regarding "Mentzer
Building"
* Mentzer Building Proposal
* Bridge Financing Memorandum
It was moved and seconded (Vogel-Sutcliff) that Resolution #86-105
be approved.
The motion passed unanimously.
It was moved and seconded (Raff-Tienson) that Resolution #86-106
be approved.
The motion passed unanimously.
It was moved and seconded (Sutclif f-Gary) that Resolution #86-106
be approved.
The motion passed unanimously.
The monthly financial report was distributed. Joel requested that
figures on Plaza II be included in this report from now on.
Jack Vogel reported that an in-depth outline on the newly formed
Urban League Office of Development, headed by Ray Leary, is being
completed and will be mailed to Board members shortly. This
department will focus on membership drives and renewals, corporate
campaigns, and fund raising events.
The Equal Opportunity Day Dinner will be held either February 19
or 26, 1987.
A massive membership mailing was completed in mid-July, well
before the start of the United Way campaign. Ray Leary reported
that the response has been very good -- with corporate memberships
of approximately $8,250 and individual memberships of approximately $2,450 thus far. This entire mailing was done through
donated funds, so all contributions received are profit.
PRESIDENT'S REPORT
Thanked the Finance Committee for all their hard work this summer.
Disposition on the Fred Meyer grant proposal is expected shortly.
The proposal was very well done, and a favorable response is
expected from Fred Meyer.
Will be hosting a new program, "Here and Now," on KATU beginning
in early September. An informational press release is included in
the Board Book.
Still not satisfied with the result of the United Way sanction
-3appeal.
The sanction and appeal process has been very confusing,
with all the back and forth statements from both the United Way
Executive Committee and the Allocation Panel. Although he is not
promoting it, there is the possibility of a counter movement to
United Way's fund raising campaign this year.
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
Reported that she received a letter from Dave Paradine requesting
a meeting between Linda, Clair Reeves, and Dave Paradine to further discuss the sanction.
Bob Sutcliff urged that such a meeting be held, because he does
not want to see the United Way campaign fail.
Bob reviewed a
letter to be signed by Robert Janes, CEO, Willamette Savings and
Loan, which will be sent after all other avenues of resolution
have been used, which indicates that if satisfactory resolution of
the sanction issue is not reached soon, very serious consideration
will be given to shifting their corporate funding into their own
areas of community concern, electing to allocate their funds
directly.
It was agreed that Linda would send a letter to Clair Reeves
requesting that the meeting be scheduled with both Board chairs,
both agency presidents, and one member of each board.
Bob
Sutcliff was selected as the UL Board representative.
Will be meeting with James Posey of the Youth Advisory Committee
at 3:30 p.m. today. She is not sure what the meeting concerns,
but will report back at the next Board meeting.
There will be a Board retreat this year, possibly in town, in
order to cut down on costs. Lewis & Clark College and Marylhurst
College were suggested sites.
The meeting adjourned at 2:10 p.m.
Submitted By:
L
BRENDA POLK
Office Manager
Urban League of Portland
Reviewed & Approved By:
&4J JQj C)
BEN TALLEY
Secretary
Urban League Board of Directors
I
Pwr at
JANUARY 22, 1986
12:00 NOON
MULTI-PURPOSE CONFERENCE ROOM
Ii 1 ;J.. '
J
The Urban League of Portiland
URBAN PLAZA
10 North Russell Street
Portland, Oregon 97227
(503) 280-2600
AGENDA
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
COMMITTEE REPORTS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Finance
Fund Raising
Program and Planning
Personnel
Nominating
REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT 2ND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
REPORT OF THE CHAIRPERSON
ITEMS OF INFORMATION
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Program Descriptions
Financial Report
Resolution #85-200 and Resolution #85-400
Letter to Jack Vogel
Letter to Don C. Frisbee
Letter from Will Aitchison and response to his letter
Letter from Cherie Lingelbach
Urban League of Portland
Board of Directors
December 18, 1985
The December meeting of the Urban League Board of Directors, held
in the Multi-Purpose Conference Room, Urban Plaza, 10 North
Russell Street, was called to order at 12:10 p.m. by Chairman
Adair.
The following Directors were in attendance: Donny Adair, Shirley
Minor, Larry Raff, Linda Rasmussen, Thane Tienson, and Jack
Vogel.
The following Directors were absent with excuse:
Skip Collier,
Bridget Flanagan, Bobbie Gary, Tom Kelley, Carol Page, Joel Smith,
and Irwin Starr.
The following Director was absent without excuse:
Ben Talley
Staff in attendance were: Herb Cawthorne, Carol Lentz, Pauline
Reed, Gladys Hedgmon, Ron Hamilton, Satya Gabriel, Michelle
Muckey, George Rankins, Linda Keene, Pam Smith, Launi Collier, and
Ray Leary.
As there was no quorum, the minutes of the November 20, 1985
meeting were not approved.
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
Reported that the Executive Committee met. The revised Constitution and By-Laws have been completed and will be mailed. They
will need to be reviewed and voted upon at the next Board
meeting.
Reported that he is in receipt of a request from the National
Urban League asking for the names of the delegate and alternate to
The Executive Committee
the Regional and National Conferences.
recommends Linda Rasmussen be appointed delegate and Donny Adair
be appointed alternate. Since the names have to be sent to the
National Urban League by January 1st, Chairman Adair asked for a
If this
consensus of Board members present on the selection.
decision needs to be reversed, it can be done at a later date.
Reported that the National Urban League asked that a review be
made on the Manual Standards for Affiliates and the Guidelines for
The Executive Committee recommends that since
Self-Evaluation.
the Guidelines have a clause directing the National Urban League
to look at a local affiliate's self-evaluation as required by
United Way, the consensus of the committee is that if an evaluation was made in compliance with the United Way contract and
-2within a 12-18 month time frame, the National Urban League should
be able to accept the latter report rather than requiring that
another be performed.
Reported on his meeting with the Executive Committee of POIC's
Board of Directors. In POIC's fund raising attempts, they have
been led to believe that an Urban League representative has made
negative comments about their viability.
Herb commented that he
is often asked about POIC and other community organizations by
corporate leaders when fund raising requests are received. It is
public knowledge that POIC is in financial trouble and he feels
that POIC is responding to the letters which were sent to the
corporate community about the Rosa Parks School of Modern Communication. At the time the letters were sent, POIC was attempting to
raise funds for their IBM Training Project.
The corporate community is more willing to fund an Urban League office skills program
than a POIC program.
Reported on meeting between Thelma Golden of Emanuel Hospital,
Herb and himself regarding possible funding for free prenatal care
for low-income and black teens. The proposed program would come
under the Urban League in order to be more acceptable by community
residents.
Reported on meeting with Diane Tutch of United Way, Herb, and
himself regarding grant monies from United Way's Development
Fund.
Shirley Minor reminded Herb and Carol of a Ford Foundation grant
which has a January closing date.
Reported that Linda Rasmussen presented the Personnel Committee's
report to the Executive Committee regarding Herb's six-month
review.
No action is required by the Board; everyone is pleased
with Herb's performance for the first six months.
FU1D RAISING COMMITTEE
Jack Vogel reported that the committee did not meet during December and therefore the fund raising plan is still incomplete. He
circulated a report which was in outline format.
The plan should
be completed by the next Board meeting.
Ray Leary reported on the Martin Luther King production which will
be held on January 15, 1986 at Maranatha Church. The choirs of
Maranatha and New Hope Baptist Church will be used as the musical
Those attending will be asked to bring something
accompaniment.
for the homeless and the charge will be $5.00 at the door.
PRESIDENT'S REPORT
Asked Carol to circulate the Finance Report for the period ending
November 30, 1985.
-3Reported that the preliminary budget must be submitted to United
Way by January 7th.
Reported on the letter sent to Board members and the speech he
presented on prostitution. The idea has been discussed with the
Chief of Police and the Neighborhood Associations might want to
pursue a program like this.
Reported that he met with Don Frisbee regarding a capital fund
drive to enable the League to purchase the property at 2702 North
Williams. Don is interested and willing to help.
Announced the First Annual Brotherhood Breakfast to be held on
January 15th.
This will be an informal meeting and discussion of
the problems that still exist in spite of the gains made by Dr.
King.
Announced the children's Christmas party being held on December
20, 1985 and the staff's Christmas Party on December 21, 1985.
Board members are invited.
Announced KGW's "Top Story" will air a program in January about
the League.
The presentation should give a very positive overview
of the League.
Reported the LIEAP Project is running smoothly. It has been in
operation 2-1/2 weeks and has given out $118,000 to 688 households.
Reported on his attendance at the National Urban League Mid-Winter
Conference.
The thrust of the Urban League this year will be
education.
Reported that the Homeless Program has been reorganized. The
pilot program was started in the Adult and Senior Services Department, and having gone through the experience of running the program, feels it can be more efficiently run by placing it under the
Facilities Manager, Michelle Muckey.
A new position has been
created and one of the ASSD staff persons has been assigned to
coordinate the program.
Acknowledged George Rankins' retirement from the Urban League.
The meeting adjourned at 1:27 p.m.
Submitted by:
Reviewed & Approved by:
c
PAULINE J. REED
Executive Secretary
Urban League of Portland
THANE TIENSON
Secretary
Urban League Board of Directors
EMPLOYMENT DIVISION
PROGRAM DIRECTOR:
Ron Hamilton
PROGRAM LOCATION:
Urban Plaza
PROGRAM FUNDING:
Urban League General Fund
$40,000 for
1985
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Primary goal of the Employment Division is to assist individuals in
their search for employment. The division serves both youth and
adults. Clients served range from the unskilled and uneducated to
those highly skilled, educated and seeking career changes or additional
training for upward mobility. Many are in need of training and are
referred to appropriate apprenticeship programs.
The services offered by the Employment Division are free to the job
seeker and employer. Employers benefit from the Urban League's recruitment and screening assistance while applicants are helped with
resume preparation and interviewing techniques. A job referral is made
if employer needs and client skills are compatible.
In FY 1984-85 the division placed nearly 200 applicants.
PROGRAM GOALS
Given the extraordinarily high unemployment rate in the black community, the Urban League has made employment a priority. Because the
need calls for it, we plan to computerize the Employment Division so
that we can process requests for applicants quickly and efficiently.
The Employment Division also plans to intensify its outreach to corporations. We believe that increased partnerships between the Urban
League and corporations will greatly increase employment opportunities.
The division seeks to become fee-based, requiring that corporations pay
a fee for applicants hired as a result of an Urban League referral.
I (I1YY
I[e(S]i!d
(I1At!i
i4r(e'
PROGRAM DIRECTOR:
Larry Foltz
PROGRAM LOCATION:
3034 N.E. Union
Portland, Oregon 97212
PROGRAM FUNDING:
$707,619
- for
1985
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) is designed to help
the low-income population in Northeast Portland affected by rising
costs of home heating energy. Although the Urban League Energy Program
targets seniors and the handicapped, anyone meeting income guidelines
established by the federal government, may be eligible. The program
begins in November and runs until budgeted funds are exhausted, usually
from three to four months.
This program currently serves over 4,000 households.
PROGRAM GOALS
The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program would like to expand its
funding so that more families can be served. We would also like to
acquire additional computerization with excellent cross-reference files
to prevent duplication of services. This would allow us to serve more
clients, more efficiently.
THE WHITNEY M YOUNG LEARNING CENTER
PROGRAM DIRECTOR:
Deborah Cochrane
PROGRAM LOCATION:
St. Andrews School
4919 N.E. 9th, Portland, Oregon 97211
PROGRAM FUNDING:
Portland Public Schools
$75,303 for
198 5/86
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Whitney M. Young Learning Center is an after-school homework assistance program for students in grades 7 through 12 from North and Northeast Portland. The Center provides tutoring, basic skill development,
informal educational counseling, and a quiet, supportive study environment. While offering assistance in understanding specific subject
matter and in building good study habits, students are encouraged to
develop the self-confidence and motivation to work independently.
A broad range of academic needs are represented by WYLC students, from
serious basic skill deficiencies to occasional homework problems. Many
WYLC students do well in school, but come from home environments that
make educational endeavors difficult at best. For these students, the
Learning Center is a quiet place to study, with resource books and
professionals who care about their academic achievement.
The most important thing the Center offers students, regardless of
academic level and need, is encouragement, support, the push to meet
potential and to build self-esteem and self-reliance.
PROGRAM GOALS
The Whitney M. Young Learning Center has a number of future plans.
Primary among them is the acquisition of a permanent home for the
program. We also plan to expand our educational resources to include
culturally relevant material. Special educational mini projects will
be designed to encourage excellence and self-development. Students
will produce a student oriented magazine and we will explore the possibility of purchasing videotaping equipment for student projects. In
addition, a computer lab for computer assisted instruction programs and
technological preparedness will be developed. Additional programs will
be implemented to address other community educational needs such as
illiteracy and high drop-out rates.
NORTHEAST YOUTH SERVICE CENTER
PROGRAM DIRECTOR:
Gladys Hedgmon
PROGRAM LOCATION:
Urban Plaza
PROGRAM FUNDING:
City of Portland - $226,482 for 1985
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The primary goal of the Northeast Youth Service Center is to divert
youth from the criminal justice system. Clients must be 21 years old
or younger. Most have had recent trouble with the law. Many come from
homes where alcoholism, child abuse, or negligence have been prevalent.
The center offers a variety of services ranging from programs for
juvenile felons to those who have had minor brushes with the law. Most
receive counseling and some are referred for psychiatric treatment.
Others are then referred to Urban League educational seminars, the
Employment Division, or to other outside agencies.
The Northeast Youth Service Center has a unique relationship with the
juvenile justice system. It utilizes a program which requires offenders to work a designated number of hours in community service as a form
of restitution. The courts view this program as essential to keeping
young people out of further trouble with the law.
Nearly 800 youth were served in 1985,
PROGRAM GOALS
The Northeast Youth Service Center envisions the development of a youth
center which would offer recreational facilities and activities, dropin counseling services, and guest lecturers and performers.
PROGRAM DIRECTOR:
Satya Gabriel
PROGRAM LOCATION:
Jefferson High School
PROGRAM FUNDING:
Edna McConnell Clark Foundation - $1 12,000
for 1985
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Financial Services Academy isa three-year "school within a school"
program designed to work with students who have a high risk of dropping
out of school but also have a high potential for success. The Program
is designed to provide students with motivation to complete high school
and to either pursue post secondary education or to begin a career with
a financial services company (or both). The program serves as a model
demonstrating a successful partnership between the school district,
local businesses, and the North/Northeast Portland community.
The education Academy students receive is directly related to the
skills necessary for work within a financial services firm. This
course of study provides Academy students with unique preparation for
careers in financial services. It also facilitates the Academy's
ability to provide guaranteed jobs for qualified students in banks,
insurance companies, mortgage companies, stock brokerages, and other
financial services firms.
PROGRAM GOALS
The primary goals of the Academy program are to help students graduate
from high school, provide students with skills needed to begin careers
in financial services firms, and improve student attitudes, grades, and
attendance.
PROGRAM DIRECTOR:
Joe Payton
PROGRAM LOCATION:
Urban Plaza
PROGRAM FUNDING:
Senior Services
Adult Services
$157,003 - for 1985/86
$66,489 - for 1985-86
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Adult & Senior Services Division is a consolidation of what was
formerly the Community Services Administration (CSA) and Senior Services Program.
The main focus of this division is to provide a comprehensive service
delivery system to the community at large in age categories ranging
from young adults age 18 to senior citizens. This design not only
provides single-entry accessibility to Urban League and other community
resources, but also provides advocacy and counseling to those individuals who for whatever reason are unable to effectively represent themselves. Additionally, this division provides both direct and indirect
emergency assistance for specifically identified emergencies as funds
for those services are available and as individuals meet specific
eligibility criteria.
The Adult & Senior Services Division is structured around two major
components -- case management and centralized information and
referral.
PROGRAM GOALS
The Urban League plans to computerize its Adult & Senior Services
Division so that response time can be more immediate and identification
of other needs, such as respite care, transportation, etc., is easier.
The division also seeks to expand its senior center, to include classes, movies, and other recreational activities.
IUIiiiIU
siit!tI
PROGRAM DIRECTOR:
Lana Danner
PROGRAM LOCATION:
Urban Plaza
PROGRAM FUNDING:
Multnomah County Homeless Program
for 1985.
$42,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Homeless Program operated by the Urban League of Portland, is
unique to the City of Portland. It is the intent of the program to
operate a program which will have a permanent impact on the families
served. At present, the program serves 4 families at a time, each for
up to 90 days. All Urban League departments, especially the Employment
Division, work to begin a new lifestyle for the families.
In order to become a part of the Urban League Homeless Program, one
member of the family must be willing to actively seek employment
through our Employment Division as well as on their own. To facilitate
this, we offer child care, bus passes, and seminars ranging from job
hunting skills to basic skills of personal living. We assist the
families in obtaining permanent housing, food stamps, and any emergency
grant which may aid them in remaining off the streets. During our
pilot program which operated from August 1 through October 15, 1985, we
served approximately 11 families, obtained jobs for 7 people and transitioned 6 families into permanent housing.
PROGRAM GOALS
The Urban League Homeless Program hopes to gain additional funding to
expand the program to serve at least 10. We also hope to obtain our
own complex of apartments or homes that would house families until they
are in a position to pay some portion of rent. We envision subsidizing
these families for up to six months as they gradually increase the
share of rent they pay.
The Urban League Homeless Program is the only program in the City of
Portland that requires families to seek employment. We intend to
continue this requirement. We believe it provides a long-term solution
to the problem of homclessness.
PROGRAM DIRECTOR:
Allyson Spencer
PROGRAM LOCATION:
Urban Plaza
PROGRAM FUNDING:
Urban League General Fund/Youth Service
Center - $17,000 for 1985
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Urban League Volunteer Program utilizes volunteers as unpaid staff
support in carrying out both the daily and occasional functions of
Urban League programming. To date, Urban League staff has identified
over 60 volunteer opportunities within the areas of education, employment, youth and senior services, clerical, technical, information
services, planning and development, cultural enrichment and emergency
services.
The staff volunteer coordinator recruits, orientates and manages volunteers in conjunction with department heads. In addition, a volunteer
skills bank has been devised, providing an efficient, systematized
approach to identifying and matching volunteers with activities in need
of staffing.
The Urban League enjoys an active volunteer program due to its longstanding reputation for effective service delivery to the community.
The League has also received an outpouring of response to recent public
appeals for community-wide participation in meeting the challenges of
the organization.
PROGRAM GOALS
Future goals of the volunteer component include the development of a
dynamic corporate volunteerism program. This would consist of collaborative efforts between the Urban League and the private sector in
developing and implementing Urban League programming.
Corporate volunteerism could take the form of an infusion of technical
assistance, materials and on-going commitments for a mutually benef icial outcome.
The volunteer component is also planning to develop mentoring and
sponsorship programs, where individuals with specific knowledge or
experiences to impart would be matched with young people desiring such
information or guidance.
TOTAL
McCONNEL-CLARK FOUNATION
Salaries & Fringe
Materials & Services
Total
SENIOR SERVICE CENTER
Salaries & Fringe
Material & Services
Total
COMMUNITY SERVICES BLOCK GRANT
Salaries & Fringe
Materials & Services
Total
ADULT & PARENT TREATMENT
Salaries & Fringe
Materials & Services
Total
YOUTH SERVICE CENTER
Salaries & Fringe
Materials & Services
8,753
1,967
6,786
13,707
12,407
1,300
6,535
5,006
1,529
12,061
10,206
1,855
20,851
18,833
2,018
Current
? PORTLAND
10,235
2,117
8,118
13,658
11,536
2,122
8,232
5,454
2,778
13,021
10,457
2,564
18,872
15,873
2,999
Monthly
Budget
2
7
4
7
- 14
- 16
-
0
+
8
- 39
-
67
+ 28
-
- 28
-
+ 10
+ 19
- 33
Financial Report
12/31/85
URBAN LEAGUE
45,255
13,353
31,902
86,243
72,167
14,076
49,395
36,840
12,555
75,340
61,574
13,766
104,823
87,517
17,306
Current
48,739
12,702
36,037
82,672
69,219
13,453
49,395
32,722
16,673
78,216
62,742
15,474
113,241
95,244
17,997
Year-To-Date
Budget
2
7
8
4
4
5
4
4
5
-
7
- 11
+
+
+
+
0
+ 13
- 25
-
- 11
-
-
-
Total
14,621
4,248
694
4,603
5,076
16,701
Total
EXPENSES:
Lease
Management
Utilities & Phone
Other
6,917
6,927
2,857
39,630
755
0
0
26,119
12,756
26,840
918
0
19,105
2,275
1,352
3,190
Current
REVENUE:
Residential
Commercial
Other
URBAN PLAZA
Total
EXPENSES:
Salaries & Fringe
Materials & Services
Membership
Contributions
Fund Raising
Total
GENERAL FUND
REVENUE:
United way
Indirect
Membership
Contributions
Fund Raising
Miscellaneous
URBAN
AGUE OF PORTLAND
Financial Report
12/31/85
12,056
4,603
3,436
1,500
2,517
12,478
3,333
6,250
2,895
27,735
0
0
0
20,760
6,975
25,963
1,250
0
833
19,105
2,275
2,500
Monthly
Budget
3
+ 21
+ 34
+ 43
+
85,931
27,620
23,289
7,602
27,420
83,012
19,725
45,577
17,710
233,076
133,643
68,914
6,904
3,760
19,855
236,517
114,635
13,649
15,833
43,357
40,576
8,467
Current
79,034
27,618
20,616
7,800
23,000
74,870
20,000
37,500
17,370
188,074
0
124,560
52,850
6,904
3,760
155,783
7,500
0
114,635
13,650
15,000
4,998
Year-To-Date
Budget
+ 9
+ 11
+ 24
+ 52
Urban League of Portland
Board of Directors
December 18, 1985
RESOLUTION: #85-200
New Medical Coverage For Urban League Employees
BACKGROUND:
The Urban League provides full medical coverage for
employees and their families.
Presently we offer only one choice
in coverage and that is Kaiser. We have been asked by several
employees about offering an alternative to Kaiser.
After careful researching we are recommending that the Urban
League offer PACC (Physicians Association of Clackamas County)
which has expanded its participating physician's list to include
physicians in Multnomah and Washington Counties as an
alternative.
Listed below are the premiums which are relatively comparable.
Kaiser
PACC
(
Employee only
Employee plus one
Employee plus two or more
63.22/mo.
126.44/mo.
189.66/mo.
64.25/mo.
138.45/mo.
200.35/mo.
PACC also offers a "stay well incentive program" which provides
the employer with rebates for those employees and/or family
members who "stay well" or have early discharge from the
hospital. These rewards vary from $100 per day for each day of
early discharge up to a $300 reward for a family who "stays well"
during the year.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: The Urban League of Portland will
offer PACC medical coverage as an alternative to Kaiser for the
Urban League's employees and their families.
Urban League of Portland
Board of Directors
December 18, 1985
[1*II] LII i[.h
(III]
Mission Statement fci: th& Urban League
f Porttand
BACKGROUND: On May 15th, the Board of Directors reviewed
preliminary plans for the development of a strategic planning
process.
One element of this process was the creation of a new
"mission statement" for the Urban League.
The Program and
Planning Committee has reviewed the options which emerged from
the full Board, and offer the following resolution on the mission
of the Urban League.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: The mission of the Urban League of
Portland is to develop, maintain, and advocate for racial
equality to provide an opportunity for Blacks and others to
cultivate and exercise their human potential to the fullest
extent and on a par with all standards of American life.
TheUrbanLeagueof Portiand
URBAN PLAZA
10 North Russell Street
5C2 :*-29::'
Portland, Oregon 97227
Hem L. Ca'.vzncrne
C'r Eec,: ',
January 9, 1985
Mr. Jaók Vogel
Pacific Power & Light
920 S.W. 5th
Portland, Oregon 97204
Dear Jack:
Thank you very much for taking care of the printing
costs related to the Martin Luther King poster. We
appreciate your willingness, to handle this on such
short notice.
(
We are very excited about this production, Jack.
Rehearsals are going well and fortunately for us, it
is the only major activity planned for his birthday.
Most events will happen on the legal holiday which is
celebrated on the following Monday. We expect a
great turnout, especially in light of the fact that
the program is free!
This is a wonderful opportunity for all of us in the
Urban League family to reaffirm our commitment to the
principles for which Doctor King gave his life. We
look forward to honoring him on this day.
Herb sends his appreciation
Again, Jack, thank you.
Hope to see you next Wednesday evening.
as well.
Sincerely,
Pam Smith
Executive Assistant
dl
Ray Leary
Executive Assistant
The Urban League of Porfiand
URBAN PLAZA
10 North Russell Street
Portland Oregon 97227
(503) 0802600
Herb L. Cawthorne
Chief Executive Officer
December 30, 1985
Mr. Don C. Frisbee
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer
PacifiCorp
920 S.W. 6th Avenue
Portland, Oregon 97204
Dear Don:
It was a pleasure to discuss the emerging aspirations of the Urban League of
Portland with you. The challenges before this organization -- and, indeed, our
city -- are great when it comes to racial harmony and understanding. Thus, the
urgency of my appeal for your assistance.
If Portland is to capitalize on the possibilities for distinction as a national
leader in creating solutions to the historic problems of racial discord and
discrimination, those of us who understand the challenge and the potential must
set the example that other well-meaning people of goodwill will adopt. The Urban
League is committed to a better Portland and, under new executive leadership and
stronger direction from the Board, we are going to be tenacious in managing
resources toward achieving our goals. \Ve need now a boost more than ever.
The Urban League needs your assistance with the continued development of its
capital assets. An on-going capital fund campaign can be easily established,
focusing on the success of the Urban League to date -- essentially on its own -and seeking philanthropic assistance for the further revitalization of Portland.
First, we have developed a headquarters, with 24 units of lowincome housing above and commercial rental space below and Urban
League programs housed on the main floor.
Second, we have renovated an "eye-sore' into a 19-unit apartment
building, which is virtually at full occupancy.
Third, the immediate challenge is a facility to house Urban League
programs and administration.
Fourth, a future hope is the creation of a "health clinic" to deal
with the problems of teen pregnancy and elderly health issues.
Thus we have stages one and two completed -- through Urban League initiative
alone. We need assistance of a capital fund drive to complete stages three and
four -- for the betterment of our community and for the betterment of Portland.
(
The Urban League is in dire need of additional space. While two buildings have
been renovated, the one housing the Urban League offices and programs is
Mr. Don C. Frisbee
December 30, 1985
Page 2
extremely pressed. As a matter of fact, the main floor of our first renovation
was overcrowded as soon as it was opened to consolidate the four locations in
which Urban League programs had previously operated. With the expansion now
planned, the present space is wholly inadequate. Fortunately, there is a perfect
alternative.
One block north of our present building is one which needs renovation and would
be excellent for both programs and administrative operations. Already, the Urban
League has secured funding from the Portland Development Commission, private
financial institutions, and an investor to purchase the land. The primary difficulty in all this is the cost of construction. This organization would be left
with a debt service that would prevent adequate cash flow and too severely cripple program budgets. Thus, additional capital is essential.
Don, I wanted you to have this background in preparation for the "walking tour"
we could schedule in January. I would like to schedule this tour for about 11
o'clock, with a luncheon meeting to follow with Mrs. Mentzer, the building owner.
Then, should you decide to accept the mission, Mr. Frisbee, this letter will
self-destruct in 30 seconds! And the real work begins.
War
LAW OFFICES
AITCHIsON, IMPERATI, PAULL, BARNETT
8<
SHERWOOD
A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION
135 SW. ASH STREET - SUITE 600
PORTLAND. OREGON 97204-3540
WILL AITCHISON
THOMAS J. EARNETT
JAMES
S.
(503) 221.0077
COON
ALICE L. DALE
SAMUEL J. IMPERATI
DENNIS OMALLEY
DAVID S. PAULL
January 9, 1986
IN STATE TOLL FREE NUMBER
1.800-22 8. 67 20
OUT OF STATE TOLL FREE NUMBER
1-800.624-3008
PAUL J. KELLY. JR.
OF COUNSEL
CHARLENE SHERWOOD
Herb Cawthorne
Executive Director
Urban League
10 N. Russell
Portland, OR 97727
Dear Mr. Cawthorne:
Thank you for your most thoughtful letter in response to my
queries concerning your statements on a local Portland radio
I spent some time thinking about your letter, and the
program.
It strikes me that our approaches to this issue
points you made.
might not be entirely as disparate as either of us would have
imagined.
At the root of the matter, of course, is the very notion of
prejudice (though other terms such as "racism" may be employed to
describe the same thing). Prejudice may be loosely defined as
making a judgment about an individual on the basis of other than
experience. One may be prejudiced, for example, if one assumes
that an individual has certain characteristics, or will act in a
certain fashion, because of the individual's race. One may be
just as prejudiced if one assumes that an individual has certain
characteristics, or will act in a certain fashion, because of
Prejudice is necessarily demeaning not only to
one's occupation.
the individual who is the focus of the judgments, but also to the
Just as it is damaging, whether
individual making the judgment.
emotionally, physically, or economically, to be categorized in a
certain fashion as a result of another's prejudice, so it is
damaging to make such prejudicial judgments, for it involves a
willingness to shun rational decision making about a person or
group, a process that is in the end self-defeating.
Necessarily, prejudice is all the more devastating when the
individual exercising the prejudice has power. The prejudice of
one without the authority or strength to impact others' lives as
a result of the prejudice may be deplored as unfortunate, but is
not so nearly significant as prejudice that is actually
implemented in a fashion so as to injure other individuals.
I say all of this by way of introduction simply to point out
that I believe that we have very similar concepts in mind when
each of us has referred to "racism" or "prejudice." We part
company thereafter, albeit gently.
4T
Mr. Herb Cawthorne
January 9, 1986
Page 2
(
First, your focus, not only in your letter to me, but in
various statements you have made in public appearances, has been
on racism or prejudice that you believe to be shared by a number
of members of the Portland Police Department. While I think that
issue is important, I believe it is no less important than the
prejudice that has been exhibited by some leaders of the Black
community. As you know, I recently was involved as an attorney
on behalf of the Portland Police Association in what came to be
known as the "T-shirt" case. Prior to the hearing, I made an
attempt to determine what witnesses the City would be calling to
I concluded that the City
defend its disciplinary decision.
would likely summon one or more prominent members of the Black
community in Portland to testify on its behalf. As a result, I
prepared cross-examination for several individuals, and in the
course of preparing the cross-examination, gathered together
newspaper articles concerning public statements those individuals
had made about police officers over the last several years. The
The statements about police officers from
process was revealing.
several individuals (yourself included, though not so prominently
as others) reflected a deep rooted prejudice against police
The number of times assumptions were made that police
officers.
officers were acting in a certain fashion simply because they
were police officers are almost countless. Suffice it to say
that on most occasions, the assumption was made that police
officers were acting in a racially bigoted fashion, when, at the
time statements were made, there was no independent evidence of
such a motivation on the part of the officers.
Anticipating your response, you may contend that since
police officers have historically been used, at least in parts of
the country, by the white power structure as a device to maintain
social stratification, such reactive statements can be explained.
Or, you may contend, as did the City's lawyer in the "T-shirt"
case, that there has been a history in Portland of Black citizens
dying at the hands of police officers, and that therefore
assumptions that police officers are racist or are inclined to
use excessive force, are justified. Without debating the merits
of either contention, I would simply suggest to you that no
factual setting can justify prejudice.
The difficulty with such prejudicial statements about police
officers is that they are made by individuals of significant
prominence in the community, again including yourself. As such,
the statements are not only given significant attention in the
media, but are accepted by individuals who trust the judgments of
the speakers on other matters. As a result, we have a
perpetuation of prejudice by individuals in a position of
responsibility, a condition that is, at the least, quite sad.
Mr. Herb Cawthorne
January 9, 1986
Page 3
The situation is made all the worse when one considers the
fact that far more than 50% of current Portland Police Officers
were not members of the Portland Police Bureau as shortly ago as
The average level of education of a Portland Police
1976.
Officer is now roughly at three years of college, with a
significant amount of committment in the department being shown
toward continuing education. Whatever prejudicial stereotypes
could have been argued to be appropriate in the past about
Portland's police force can not' be justified today. And, as I am
sure you will agree, one who is a victim of prejudice, especially
where that prejudice is unwarranted, can be deeply wounded.
Additionally, I strongly believe that the Portland Police
Bureau is one of the finest in the country, especially with
respect to its relationship with the Black community in Portland.
For example, Portland has one of the lowest rates of utilization
I have
of deadly force of any city its size in the country.
spent a significant amount of my life in areas of this country
other than Portland, and have yet to be in a city, whether that
city be Chicago, New York, Washington D.C., or Los Angeles, where
I have seen less indicia of a racially-biased police force than I
have seen in Portland.
This is not to say that your concerns are entirely
I believe that significant progress can be made,
unwarranted.
and should be made, in the area of the community's relationship
with the Portland Police Bureau. However, before such progress
is made, I believe that both sides must stop calling each other
names, and must start communicating.
I also must fault your judgment that the leadership of the
Portland Police Bureau is more responsive to concerns about
racism than is the membership or rank and file of the Bureu.
In the
believe that actions speak far more loudly than words.
Chief
Harrington
have
taken
one year since Mayor Clark and
office, to the best of my knowledge, not one ongoing program of
community relations, race relations, or interpersonal relations
has been instituted by the Portland Police Bureau, even though
there have been several "springboards" available for such
programs. Whatever it may be that Chief Harrington and Mayor
Clark are saying, it is definately apparent that they are doing
nothing.
If anything, I view the current administration of the Bureai
as having exacerbated those tensions that do exist between the
Black community and the Portland Police Bureau. A simple example
is appropriate. We can all agree that the "T-shirt" incident
should never have happened, and that the judgment of the officers
Mr. Herb Cawthorne
January 9, 1986
Page 4
Mayor Clark and Chief Harrington, however,
involved was wrong.
simply utilized punitive means at their disposal to deal with the
incident - - they fired the officers, knowing full well that the
discharges of the officers would be challenged in an arbitration
process that would likely involve significant publicity. A much
more appropriate way of dealing with the situation would have
been to have used the entire incident as a vehicle for the
launching of the sorts of programs I have described above, a
beginning of such programs with the concurrence and agreement of
the labor organization representing the members of the Portland
Police Bureau. Until all of us begin to stop reacting
emotionally to such incidents, and begin to look in even
unfortunate incidents for vehicles to institute the sort of
change that we desire, I cannot see very much progress being
made.
(
I have, in effect, thrown down the gauntlet in this letter
to you a little bit more than I had intended to. However, the
further I got into the letter, the more I realized that you are
one of the individuals in our community with the ability to
produce some of the changes that I think both you and I would
I would urge you to use that
believe to be desirable.
Demand
responsibility and authority in a constructive fashion.
Portland
Police
Bureau
than
simply
more of the leaders of the
puff - - demand programs with ascertainable objectives and
Be a little bit more careful in your
definite starting times.
public statements - - your message can be conveyed most
effectively without resort to prejudice (though I freely admit
that your record in this regard is much better than other
individuals. For example, my prepared cross-examination of you
lasted only roughly two written pages; my prepared crossexamination of Ron Herndon, who did not testify, lasted roughly
Further, if you believe there to be a
fifteen written pages).
problem concerning racism or prejudice amongst the rank and file
members of the Portland Police Bureau, begin to communicate with
If you believe the Portland Police
those individuals.
Association to be a problem, try communicating with the Portland
Don't content yourself with the platitudes
Police Association.
currently being offered by Mayor Clark and Chief Harrington - if you believe the problem to be at the rank and file level of
the Portland Police Bureau, address the problem at that level.
I realize that as head o'f the Urban League you have many
responsibilities, and that you cannot devote yourself either
exclusively or primarily to the Portland Police Bureau. Any step
in the directions I outlined, however, would be a constructive
one.
Mr. Herb Cawthorne
January 9, 1986
Page 5
Now, as I have thrown down the gauntlet to you, it is only
appropriate that I be willing to accept the same from you.
If
you have any suggestions as to how you believe I could act to
dissipate some of the tensions which currently exist, I would be
more than willing to hear them.
Cordially,
AITCHISON, IMPERATI, PAULL,
BARNETT & SHERWOOD, P.C.
Will Aitchison
WA/ki
IIILFILIBSIIIII
URBAN PLAZA
u.iIibii
10 North Russell Street
Portland, Oregon 97227
(503) 280-2600
Herb L. Cawthorne
Chief Executive Qffice
January 16, 1986
Mr. Will Aitchison
Aitchison, Imperati, Paull, Barnett & Sherwood
Attorneys at Law
135 S.W. Ash Street, Suite 600
Portland, Oregon 97204-3540
Dear Mr. Aitchison:
It was with great appreciation that I received your thoughtful letter of January
9, expressing your views regarding issues raised in my letter of November 26.
I must admit that you have a way of stimulating my desire to respond in detail.
This stimulation is based on a philosophy that is rooted in the notion that
communication is the first stage of progress in any human endeavor and the essential ingredient in the solution to any problem. Your willingness to express your
thoughts so thoroughly not only gives me a chance to appreciate your views, but
it speaks to your goodwill toward the search for solutions to the problems with
which we are both dealing. On this, at least in spirit, we agree.
To "part company thereafter, albeit gently" is the result of two minds attempting
to share perspectives and, indeed, is to be expected. So let me be true to the
expectation and point out the divergence in our perspectives. In doing so,
however, it is with a background that agrees with your general premise:
our approaches to the issue might not be entirely as disparate as either of us
would have imagined."
Our approaches might not be so disparate, but they are influenced by different
experiences, and a drastically different "point of view." Yours is clearly that
of a thoughtful professional who lives in the dominant world but thinks deeply
about the problems of superficial categorization and racial separation. Mine is
the result of a man forced to live with a "twinned vision" -- a black man, an
American; a black man seeking the freedom to affirm his own identity as such and
one who does not want to be denied his Americanism as a result of the affirmation
of his Africanism. This is not a new problem for the black American citizen, but
it is one that I understand and one which you would not, without extraordinary
effort. "Two waring ideals," as Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois put it in 1906, "in one dark
body whose dogged strength alone keeps it from being torn asunder."
As a kind of perverse advantage, this twinned vision -- this double consciousness
-- gives me the strength that comes with knowing, as a mere practical matter of
survival, the dominant white world. Moreover, it forces upon me the hard and
painful realization of the spiritual beating that comes with being the object of
second-class treatment, no matter the integrity of one's character or the quality
of one's deeds. This duel consciousness is forced upon black Americans by a long
history of racism and mistreatment. The fact that black leadership is as careful
Mr. Will Aitchison
January 16, 1986
Page 2
and responsive as it is should be appreciated more thoroughly by whites who have
had, comparatively, nothing but the privilege of rising or falling based on the
relative merit of their effort. We, on the other hand, know that we only rise so
high due to the limitations of racism; but we can fall to the end of eternity,
depending on the depth of the offense to which the white community feels
afflicted.
Your effort at communication and definition is admirable, yet it lacks a certain
appreciation for the long-term historic affects of the constant hammer of racism
and prejudice on the spirit and aspirations of the black community.
I will attempt to elaborate on points related to this divergence in perspective
and, while noting the similarities in our ultimate goals, attempt to create an
appreciation for the principles which guide me in my approach to police/community
relations.
Your definition of prejudice was thorough and thoughtful. Interestingly, it
focused predominantly on the "individual," as opposed to the "group." I thought
it rather noteworthy that you defined prejudice "as making a judgment about an
individual on the basis of other than experience," but proceeded to focus the
application on the black community's prejudice toward police in general. I take
issue, then, not so much with your definition as with the manner in which you
have chosen to apply it.
First, there is no willingness on your part to acknowledge the very thing which
began our exchange, 1. e., that there is racism and prejudice in the hearts and
minds of police officers, just as there are such feelings in all of us who live
in a society which systematically breeds separation among black and white.
Second, as you make this movement to focus on the prejudice among some black
leaders, you begin by misrepresenting my public position quite completely.
My focus has not been on "the racism or prejudice . . . shared by a number of
members of the Portland Police Department." On the contrary, my public pronouncements have focused primarily on policy issues which might prevent the
tragic situations we had experienced from happening again. I contend that, based
on the frustration and powerlessness with which the black community and its
leaders must deal in the face of police misconduct, made more acute by a history
of blatant disregard for black rights and a pervasive assumption that law officers must be correct no matter what they might do, it is amazing to me that you
cannot fully appreciate the restraint and care by which my public statements have
been constructed.
This, then, is the tight rope upon which black leadership must travel. We are
presumed to harbor prejudiced views of the police, regardless of what we say, and
we are presumed to act accordingly, regardless of the details of the situation.
It is as though the white community is terribly fearful of the possibility of the
charge, so they poise themselves to repel it. Being so poised, they may react
before the charge is even made.
A decent, upstanding, hard-working black man is killed. Police procedures
Mr. Will Aitchison
January 16, 1986
Page 3
clearly are not followed. Yes, indeed, we speak out! And, certainly we should
have spoken forcefully and persuasively by way of insuring that such did not
happen again. Under these circumstances, the question, on balance, which you
must ask is, "Do these leaders attempt to attract public controversy or suggest
that police are racist when officers use force against a black person suspected
of criminal activity?" A review of the record would dictate your answer. It
would be 'No!"
It is as though the white community, you included, though you have far greater
potential for understanding the tendency, cannot allow black leadership to draw
the lines of argument around "policy" issues rather than "racial" issues. Furthermore, it is as though black leadership must first disprove its own (alleged)
prejudice before it can proceed with a discussion about, or criticism of, policerelated matters and policies. Such a burden should not be ours. Indeed, no
advocate should face such a burden, yet we in the black community have gone out
of our way to temper and balance our comments when our constituency would have
allowed us far greater latitude than we took. I cannot help but feel that you
see our skins and you note the subject matter and you respond as though the knife
of prejudice has been stabbed into your individual hearts. I believe we are far
more generous with you than you are with us. Again and again, we say "policy .
policy . . . policy." Again and again, y, hear "racism . . . racism .
racism."
You see, Mr. Aitchison, I can acknowledge that Portland's police force is far
better than some in major cities throughout this country. I have done that on
occasions about which you must be unaware. However, it would also be nice if you
could acknowledge that black leadership in other cities is not nearly as sensitive and careful as it is here in Portland. I can acknowledge this because I am
part of the strategy sessions and I know the intent of the public posture of my
leadership.
As for your contention that officers demonstrate less racism than does the administration, let me say that, indeed, "action speaks more loudly than words." The
rank and file continue to elect Stan Peters as their union representative, and
continue to endorse his leadership. Mr. Peters, as you know, is frequently
hostile to black leadership for the sake of public posturing and he even refereed
to some leaders as "racial opportunists" and "vultures." I understood exactly
why he did what he did, politically; and, quite frankly, had he done anything
with restraint so as to contribute to a more harmonious resolution, I would have
been the first to acknowledge him for his statesmanship. As it were, Mr.
Herndon and myself held a press conference a few days after his outburst and
reaffirmed our support of "the majority of officers who do their job excellently
every day." We extended the right hand even in the face of unwarranted criticism. And, I assure you, we would do so again.
At no point did members of the bureau publicly criticize, denounce or express
concern over the T-shirt incident. Instead, we know only that many officers
invested in them.
Having said that, I agree that the administration could implement far more meaningful programs aimed at improving community relations. The mayor's office could
Mr. Will Aitchison
January 16, 1986
Page 4
as well. "Puff" programs can only appease while failing to address the reality
of the problems.
When the chief was developing her "cultural awareness training program," I suggested quite strongly that she was moving down the wrong path; an expedient path
that would create much "sound and fury but signify nothing." I argued that to
proceed without clearer goals, without very specific outlines of both the need
and the instructional process, would only satisfy a short-term political problem
and would not substantively change the understanding of officers. Further, I
contended that a poorly developed presentation, based on a random collection of
"cultural morsels" thrown on the table by different cultural representatives,
would be a thoroughly non-nutritious menu -- one that would have to be force-fed
to the officers and, for good reason, because its simplicity and randomness would
inevitably cause indigestion. The problem is therefore compounded, for who wants
to entertain eating again at the table of cultural training when the last meal
caused such an ill-feeling? The Urban League did not participate on the committee for these reasons. I did not say these things in public but I did let my
opinions be known to several officers with whom I had discussions during the
period.
(
Frankly, Mr. Aitchison, I accept the challenge you have raised, not only with
regard to police/community relations, but with regard to human relations on many,
many fronts. The role of the Urban League is to bridge the gap, to create lines
of communication between black and white that might not otherwise exist. This is
not easy, for sometimes the opening of the lines of communication requires a
frankness that, at least temporarily, seems to restrict rather than expand the
dialogue. It is not easy also because of the burdensome demands with which black
leadership must constantly deal. Yet, it is the work I have chosen and I am
deeply committed to the Urban League vision for a better society.
I suppose I have spent more time discussing these issues with you than I had
originally planned. However, I hope you find the effort worthwhile and beneficial to your thinking on these matters. It is most important that we communicate, not necessarily agree. Your careful discussion deserves likewise from me.
Four page letters are one mode; conversation may prove just as productive.
Perhaps, the latter should be our rext step. In the meantime, I remain,
Herb L. Cawthorne
Chief Executive Officer
HLC/bp
ffiULTflO
CUflT
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE SERVICES
JUVENILE SERVICES COMMISSION
OREGON NATIONAL BUILDING, SUITE 608
610 SW. ALDER
PORTLAND, OREGON 97205
(503) 248-3565
Dn
DENNIS BUCHANAN
COUNTY EXECUTIVE
DEC 241985
December 18,l985
URBAN LEAGUE OF PORTLAND
Herb Cawthorne
Chief Executive Officer
Urban League of Portland
Urban Plaza
10 N Russell
Portland, OR 97227
Dear Herb,
(
As you will recall, the Evaluation Committee recently
conducted a contract compliance review of the APT project. The
review considered information provided by Columbia Research
Center from 1st quarter intake and service delivery data. A
copy of the Committee's report was mailed to you in November.
The Committee presented its findings to the Juvenile
Services Commission on Tuesday, December 10th, and I'm pleased to
The Committee was pleased with its
share with you the results.
review of the APT project at this time and noted vast improvement
in contract performance over last year.
Of particular interest was the increase in individu1,
family and group counseling hours. The Committee fully
understands the issue affecting the networking and skill building
service category and chose simply to footnote the reason the
(The explanation
hours in this category are reported so low.
has ben given that case coordination hours have not been
included in this category due to the Commission's earlier
decision about this service category.) The Committee
acknowledges that when we formulated your contract you had
originally expected to include these hours as part of "networking
and living skills".
The Committee is a little concerned about the general issue
of carryover clients as it pertains to all contracts. It
expects to address this issue at a later date.
On the whole, the Committee was favorably impressed with
Pfl EOUPL OPPORTUnITY EmPLOYER
its review of the APT program and looks forward to your continued
good work. If you.have any questions please do not hesitate to
call.
Sincerely,
Cherie Linge1bách
Technical Assistant
Multnomah County Juvenile Services Commission
cc:
David Gonzales
h©LkWG
LI
FEBRUARY 19, 1986
12:00 NOON
MULTI-PURPOSE CONFERENCE ROOM
URBAN PLAZA
The Urban League of PorUand
URBAN PLAZA
10 North Russell Street
Portland, Oregon 97227
(503) 28O26O0
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
COMMITTEE REPORTS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Finance
Fund Raising
Program and Planning
Personnel
Nominating
REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
REPORT OF THE CHAIRPERSON
ITEMS OF INFORMATION
1.
Financial Report
2.
Letter to Fred Eaton
Urban League of Portland
Board of Directors
January 22, 1986
The January meeting of the Urban League Board of Directors, held
in the Multi-Purpose Conference Room, Urban Plaza, 10 North
Russell Street, was called to order at 12:05 p.m. by Chairman
Adair.
The following Directors were in attendance: Donny Adair, Bobbie
Gary, Tom Kelley, Shirley Minor, Linda Rasmussen, Irwin Starr, Ben
Talley, and Jack Vogel.
The following Directors were absent with excuse: Skip Collier,
Bridget Flanagan, Larry Raff, Joel Smith, and Thane Tienson.
Staff in attendance were:
Carol Lentz, Ray Leary, and Brenda
Polk.
Herb Cawthorne was not in attendance as he was attending the
funeral of Rev, and Mrs. John Garlington.
The minutes of the November 1985 meeting were approved. Since
there wasn't a quorum at the December 1985 meeting, approval of
those minutes was not called for.
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Carol Lentz reported that the Finance Committee did not meet.
financial report for the period ending December 31, 1985 was
mailed with the Board packet.
The
Donny Adair requested a volunteer to serve on the Finance Committee to temporarily (until April) fill the spot left vacant by
Carol Page.
Bobbie Gary volunteered.
Carol asked that any spare copies of the last audit report be
returned to her.
She has run out and the report is a frequently
requested item.
FUND RAISING COMMITTEE
Ray Leary reported that a written Fund Raising Committee report
will be submitted at the February Board meeting.
Ray reported that "An Evening With Dr. King," the production
sponsored by the Urban League on January 15th at Maranatha Church,
was a complete success. Herb's portrayal of Dr. King was excellent, the choirs of Maranatha and New Hope Baptist Church per-
-2formed beautifully, and the over-flow audience was very responsive.
The price of admission to the program was donations of food
and clothing -- over three barrels of canned goods and food and
hundreds of articles of clothing were collected, which will be
used to support the League's Homeless Program.
The Annual Dinner will be held Thursday, April 17th. Herb will
address the audience on "The State of the Urban League," and Obba
Babatunde, a Broadway entertainer, will perform.
PROGRAM AND PLANNING
It was moved and seconded (Adair-Rasmussen) that resolution #85400 (relating to the Urban League's mission statement) be
approved. The motion passed.
PERSONNEL COMMITTEE
It was moved and seconded (Rasmussen-Gary) that Resolution #85-200
(relating to new medical coverage for Urban League employees) be
approved.
Irwin Starr asked how the rebate portion of the coverage works.
Carol explained that the rebate is given in the form
of premium reduction to the League.
Irwin mentioned that at some
point consideration be given to splitting the rebate with the
employees, to provide an incentive to staff to stay well. The
motion to approve Resolution #85-200 passed.
(
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Irwin Starr reported that nominees for the six open positions and
Board officers have been identified.
Contact is being made with
each nominee to answer any additional questions.
The Nominating
Committee has decided to make all six of the- new appointments
three-year terms.
The information booklet which was prepared for recruiting prospective Board members was circulated.
Donny mentioned that basic
information on how the Board is structured and information on
expectations of time and resources was missing from the booklet.
Irwin said this information was reviewed with each nominee, but
could also be added to the booklet.
PRESIDENT'S REPORT
(
Carol Lentz reported that the League received excellent press on
Sunday regarding the Homeless Program, mainly because the League
is the only agency in town that has such a program up and running.
The four families mentioned all have jobs and will be leaving the
oroqram, and four more families will be movinq in.
As a result of
the response to the television coyerage, two gentlemen who own
apartment complexes have offered to donate their vacant apartments
if we provide the same assistance given to participants of our
present Homeless Program.
-3Reported that notification was received yesterday that HHS is
pulling back 20% of the LIEAP dollars. There is $514,000 is
available for energy assistance, rather than $653,000 as originally planned. As a result, the LIEAP program will end at 5:00
p.m. today. A press conference has been scheduled, in conjunction
with the other helping agencies, for Friday morning to notify
clients that the program has ended.
Reported that she is still working on securing funding for the
new building.
The upstairs is being planned as housing (two and
three-bedroom units) and the downstairs as commercial; rehabilitation money is available for housing.
Reminded the Board about the co-reception between the American
Jewish Committee's Board and the Urban League Board, Wednesday,
January 29, at 7:30 p.m.
CHAIRNAN'S REPORT
Reported that the Executive Committee did not meet in December.
Recommended that the vote on the By-Laws and Constitution change
be tabled one more time, since nine people are needed to vote on
the Constitution; the By-Laws can be voted on with a majority
present. The By-Laws need to be voted on prior to accepting the
Nominating Committee's report.
If necessary, the February Board
meeting will be rescheduled to insure that nine Board members can
be in attendance.
Reported that he sat on the star panel for the United Negro College Fund Telethon, participated in the Aging Services Review of
the League's Senior Program, and was Master of Ceremonies at
Whitaker School's King Day Program.
Tom Kelley asked if the Board's liability insurance had been
renewed.
Carol said it had been.
The meeting adjourned at 12:36 p.m.
Submitted by,
Reviewed & Approved by,
BRENDA POLK,
Office Manager
Urban League of Portland
T
ETENSON
Secretary
Urban League Board of Directors
I
TOTAL
McCONNEL-CLARK FOUNATION
Salaries & Fringe
Materials & Services
Total
SENIOR SERVICE CENTER
Salaries & Fringe
Material & Services
Total
COMMUNITY SERVICES BLOCK GRANT
Salaries & Fringe
Materials & Services
Total
ADULT & PARENT TREATMENT
Salaries & Fringe
Materials & Services
Total
YOUTH SERVICE CENTER
Salaries & Fringe
Materials & Services
3,944
1,970
1,974
15,308
12,663
2,645
6,669
5,140
1,529
12,722
10,557
2,165
18,634
14,392
4,242
Current
10,235
2,117
8,118
13,658
11,536
2,122
6,027
4,276
1,751
13,021
10,457
2,564
18,872
15,873
2,999
Monthly
Budget
9
2
1
7
7
- 61
- 76
-
+ 12
+ 10
+ 25
-0-
- 13
.+ 20
-
- 28
-
-
+ 41
-
Financial Report
1/31/86
URBAN LEAGUE OF PORTLAND
59,250
15,352
43,898
99,295
82,503
16,792
55,486
42,023
13,463
88,274
72,259
16,015
123,888
102,049
21,839
Current
58,974
14,819
44,155
95,058
80,294
14,764
55,422
41,116
14,306
91,237
73,199
18,038
132,113
111,117
20,996
Year-To-Date
Budget
1
6
8
4
3
-0-
6
2
3
-
+
+
-0-
4
1
4
+ 14
+
-
+
-
- 11
-
-
+
-
Total
15,615
4,603
3,113
4,846
3,053
15,514
Total
EXPENSES:
Lease
Management
Utilities & Phone
Other
3,715
6,697
5,102
-
32,706
185
-0-
-0--
19,792
12,729
25,958
505
28
19,110
1,391
974
3,950
REVENUE:
Residential
Commercial
Other
URBAN PLAZA
Total
EXPENSES:
Salaries & Fringe
Materials & Services
Membership
Contributions
Fund Raising
Total
United Way
Indirect
Membership
Contributions
Fund Raising
Miscellaneous
GEITERAL FUND
REVENUE:
Current
12,056
4,603
3,436
1,500
2,517
12,478
3,333
6,250
2,895
29,639
-0--
20,900
8,739
-0-0-
29,417
19,105
2,275
3,058
3,729
-01,250
Monthly
Budget
1/3 1/8 6
+ 30
+ 24
+ 10
- 12
URBAN LEAGUE OF PORTLAND
Financial Report
101,546
32,223
26,402
12,448
30,473
90,913
23,440
47,518
19,955
276,297
148,498
82,868
6,904
3,945
34,082
262,l22
133,745
14,802
16,806
47,307
40,576
8,886
Current
91,092
32,223
24,052
9,300
25,517
87,348
23,333
43,750
20,265
262,694
145,465
86,265
6,904
3,760
20,300
243,624
133,745
15,925
21,404
26,100
37,700
8,750
Year-To-Date
Budget
4
5
8
+ 11
+
+
+
The Urban League of Portland
URBAN PLAZA
10 North Russell Street
l503 2S0-22
Portland, Oregon 97227
Herb L. Cawthorne
Chief E;cec.
January 23, 1986
Mr. Fred Eaton, Administrator
Emanuel Hospital
2801 North Gantenbein
Portland, Oregon 97227
Dear Mr. Eaton:
In the neighborhoods of North and Northeast Portland, many young
people are caught in a health care crisis. Victims of poverty,
these teenagers and young adults, many of whom are black, do not
receive adequate medical and dental care. "Health maintenance" is
a meaningless term to them; their families have no insurance.
Thus, preventative health care gives way to crisis health care, as
reflected in the high sums of uncompensated care at Emanuel Hospital and other medical establishments.
(
Moreover, the low-income communities of North and Northeast Portland reflect alarmingly high rates of teenage pregnancy. According to the Multnomah County Department of Human Services, 22
percent of black babies born in 1984 were born to teenage mothers.
Comparatively, less than one-tenth of white newborns have teenage
mothers.
The phenomenon, of course, has grave implications for
the young mothers, the community, and local hospitals:
* Because of poor or non-existent pre-natal care, (up to
40 percent of black pregnant teenagers go without any
pre-natal care) more than one in three black teenage
mothers is likely to have an infant with a high risk
factor such as low birth weight. If severe, this can
result in death.
* Because most teenage mothers (arid fathers)1 are unskilled
and under-educated (80 percent of teen mothers never
finish school) they practically condemn themselves, and
their children, to lives of poverty. Notonly does this
continue the cycle of poverty already prevalent in black
communities, but it promotes other poverty-related
problems, including drug and alcohol abuse. Moreover,
the emotional cycle of lost hope and dignity continues
to erode the esteem of black people as they struggle to
overcome the residual affects of racism and the real
affects of poverty.
Given these factors, the teenage pregnancy problem requires imme-
Ott ce
Mr. Fred Eaton
January 23, 1986
Page 2
diate attention if the black community is to emerge from its
impoverished past and reach to its promising future. Babies
cannot raise babies. It's as simple -- and sad -- as that.
Therefore, the Urban League proposes the development of a teenage
clinic that will promote rigorous health care and responsible
family planning. We strongly believe that such a clinic will
reach hundreds, even thousands of young people who now overlook
their health, until a crisis strikes. Such a clinic would intercept young people before they arrive at the emergency room or
pregnancy ward in need of intensive, expensive medical care.
A teenage clinic would act as the single most important factor in
preventing such emergencies. This may sound overstated, but we
make this assertion because of cultural and community realities.
The young black people whom we need to reach most cannot afford
the fees at existing facilities. Nor do they trust existing
facilities -- a fact reflected in the low (4 percent) black client
load at Planned Parenthood.
k
An Urban League clinic, however, would automatically attract a
vast range of young black people, from those seeking birth control
devices or pre-natal care, to those in need of counseling for drug
Because the clinic would be trusted, it would be an
abuse.
important factor in blunting the pregnancy/poverty cycle within
the community, and the emergency/inoneyless cycle within the
hospital. Thus, the Urban League is earnestly seeking the
assistance and/or partnership of Emanuel Hospital in the
development of this important project.
Partnership with Emanuel Hospital
It's no secret that past misunderstandings have resulted in a
tense and sometimes hostile relationship between members of the
black community and members of the hospital staff at Emanual
The tension has been unfortunate. The esu1ts have
Hospital.
Until recently, Emanuel was considered the commubeen chilling.
nity "Grendel," and hospital administrators tended to respond with
Needless to say, no one benefited from this
equal mistrust.
exercise in mutual suspicion.
The Urban League believes this suspicion can be replaced with
respect. Under your direction, the new administrative staff at
the hospital has demonstrated a genuine interest in improving
community relations, and new leadership at the Urban League is
eager to respond. We believe that a clinic partnership could
establish a new era of positive, constructive relations between
two important members of this community.
From the hospital's standpoint, the clinic partnership would
accomplish the following:
Mr. Fred Eaton
January 23, 1986
Page 3
* It would be a visible example of the hospital's intent
to work with the community and contribute to its
growth.
* It would play a critical role in reducing the hospital's
high ($12 million a year) rate of uncompensated care,
much of which is generated by those in need of extended
post-natal care.
* It would serve as a national model in both the medical
and social service communities.
From the Urban League's standpoint, the clinic partnership would
address other pressing probems:
* It would help us serve a population that is in desperate
need of attention, but is now overlooked. Although
teenage pregnancy rates are higher, on an average, in
the black community than in other parts of the city,
there are a shortage of family planning facilities in
the area.
Those that do exist, are not tailored to the
black community.
* The partnership would provide the clinic with the medical, technical, laboratory and personnel services that a
multi-use clinic depends upon for successful operation.
This is particularly important in light of the increasing costs in malpractice insurance.
* It would inspire greater community confidence in the
Urban League's ability to address critical issues.
It
would do the same for Emanuel Hospital.
Clearly, an Urban League/Emanuel partnership would benefit both
organizations and the community in which we operate.
Clinic Features
As stated earlier, the clinic's main goal would be to increase
health care, stop drug addiction, and and reduce unwanted pregnancies among teenagers.
These goals would be reached several ways:
* The emphasis on general health-care "weilness" would be
assured by providing athletic, job and college physicals, immunizations and various nutritional and weightcontrol programs.
These services would broaden the
clinic's appeal and reduce the stigma so often attached
to those clinics that deal only with "family planning."
Mr. Fred Eaton
January 23, 1986
Page 4
* Specific programs, including drug counseling, family
planning, contraception counseling, and pre-natal and
post-natal planning would also be stressed at the cliThese would be important functions, particularly
nic.
when one considers the high levels of teenage sexual
activity -- estimated at 50 percent by the Family Planning Advocates of Oregon.
Family planning and contraception counseling would be guided by a
philosophy that is realistic about this high level of sexual
activity, but one that is also realistic about the results.
Teenagers will be advised to curtail their sexual activity until
they are prepared to have sex in a responsible way. Thus, responsibility will be a cornerstone in the counseling and publicity
campaigns conducted by the Urban League and Emanuel Hospital.
Conclusion
(
As you can see, the Urban League is very excited by this project
and the opportunity it presents for a unique partnership between
our organization and the hospital. We believe it would have an
unprecedented impact on the lives of those we serve. It would
also have a significant impact on Emanuel Hospital. For that
reason, we would like to explore ways in which to pursue this
proj ect.
The first step, therefore, would involve a comprehensive feasibility study. To accomplish this, the Urban League makes the the
following request of Emanuel Hospital: An appropriation, in the
form of a grant, with which to hire a consultant for approximately
five or six months of review. The research goals would be the
following:
a.
To conduct a comprehensive neds
analysis.
b.
To establish a document of proposal.
c
To outline fund raising options and potential project grants.
d.
To determine the feasibility of an
Emanuel/Urban League partnership, based on
the research results.
As envisioned, the project review would require a full-time consultant, at approximately $1800 a month. Additionally, approximately $2000 would be required for travel expenses and up to $3000
for services, supplies and research space. With the appropriation
of these funds, both the Urban League and Emanuel Hospital would
Mr. Fred Eaton
January 23, 1986
Page 5
have a comprehensive document with which to determine the merits
of the proposed clinic project. In our estimation, the project is
vitally important. We hope that you will view it with egual
interest and will agree to the consulting grant.
Until then, thank you for your time.
I realize this correspondence has been lengthy, but I wanted to reveal the depth of our
commitment to this project, and the eagerness with which we view a
partnership with your organization.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Herb L. Cawthorne
Chief Executive Officer
HLC/bp
cc: Thelma Golden, Emanuel Hospital
Donny Adair,, Chairperson, Urban League Board of Directors
Agenda
Council of Board Presidents
Executive Committee
March 8, 1986 - 8:00 a.m
Call to Order
John LeCave
By Laws Revision
Donny Adair
National Conference Planning
John LeCave/Mildred Love
Affiliate Compliance
Mildred Love
Regional Meeting
John LeCave/Mildred Love
Budget Report
Tom Wolf
Future Activities of Council
John LeCave
Old Business
New Business
Adjournment
--.. .------------
---------.--------.-.-
_______.___.__.,.____zj,
------- -
._.__tL_..__
MARCH 19. 1986
12:00 NOON
MULTI-PURPOSE CONFERENCE ROOM
UFBAN PLAZA
flJ]1iii[!Iz.]i&iJ1iFti it
URBAN PLAZA
10 North Russell Street
Portland, Oregon 97227
(503) 28O260O
N
N
-'
)
c
N
)\
(
K)
AGENDA
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
COMMITTEE REPORTS
\i.
\2.
\3.
\4
'v 5.
Finance
Fund Raising
Program and Planning
Personnel
Nominating
REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
REPORT OF THE CHAIRPERSON
ITEMS OF INFORMATION
1.
Financial Report
2.
Nomination Committee Report and Resolutions
3.
Black Leadership Conference Information
4.
Letter to Irwin Starr
5.
Letter to Ed Phillips
6.
Letter to Oscar Turner
7.
Letter from Bonnie Beulelman and response
8.
Letter from Barbarie J. Murphy and response
URBAN LEAGUE OF PORTLAND
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
FEBRUARY 19, 1986
The February meeting of the Urban League Board of Directors, held
in the Multi-Purpose Conference Room, Urban Plaza, 10 North
Russell Street, was called to order at 12:12 P.M. by Chairman
Adair.
The following Directors were in attendance: Donny Adair, Skip
Collier, Bridget Flanagan, Bobbie Gary, Thomas Kelly, Shirley
Minor, Larry Raff, Linda Rasmussen, Joel Smith, Irwin Starr and
Thane Tienson.
The following Directors were absent with excuse:
John Vogel.
Staff in attendance were:
Pauline J. Reed.
Ben Talley and
Herb L. Cawthorne, Carol J. Lentz and
The minutes of the January Board meeting were approved.
(
FINANCE COWvIITTEE - Joel Smith
*
Commented on the Financial Report for the period ending
January 31, 1986 and reported that the Committee recommends
caution be given to monitoring the current revenue and
current expenses.
*
Reported that the Committee is still reviewing the Finance
Officer position.
*
Reported that he met with Oscar Turner, IBM Corporation.
IBM is wanting the League to be involved in some way with
their computer training program. A short discussion was
held on POIC being the current provider of computer classes
and possibly IBM is looking for another agency to provide
this training.
Further discussion was tabled until IBM
formally asks the League to participate with this program.
*
Reported that the Committee has finalized the retirement
provision of the CEO hiring agreement and is recommending
that $2,000 be given to Herb for an individual retirement
plan.
It was moved and seconded (Smith/Gary) that $2,000
be given to the CEO for an individual retirement plan. The
motion passed.
NOMINATING COMMITTEE - Irwin Starr
*
Reported the slate of nominees was completed, however, one
person has relocated to Seattle. The Committee will fill
-2-
this slot and present a full slate at the next Board
meeting.
PRESIDENT ' S REPORT
*
Commented on the general fund budget and reported that
spending has been tightened in the materials & services
category; also, one employee is possibly leaving and the
position will not be filled. Another employee can be
shifted to fill this slot.
*
Reported that Don Frisbee has agreed to assist the League
with a capital fund drive.
*
Reported that discussions are beginning with Emanuel
Hospital on the proposed Health Clinic.
*
Reported that the League is helping facilitate a Black
Leadership Conference to be held on Saturday, February
22nd.
The purpose of this forum is to develop ideas and
±5sU25 which are important to the Black community and
present these to the candidates for Governor to determine
their depth of commitment to issues of vital concern to the
black community.
*
Reported that the Annual Dinner will have a different
format this year.
There will not be a speaker, instead
Obba Babatunde, Tony Award winner, will entertain.
The
theme of this year's dinner is "A Night on Broadway."
*
Reported that the League will do another membership mailing
and will be asking corporations to make an in-kind
contribution by covering postage costs.
*
Reported that the League is ready to approach the Fred
Meyer Charitable Trust with the employment proposal.
*
Reported on the formulation of a new group of volunteers
The Committee of 1000.
(
-
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
*
Thanked the Board members who attended the United Way
Allocations panel discussions.
*
Called for vote on revised Constitution.
It was moved and
seconded (Adair/Gary) that the Constitution be accepted as
amended.
-31
*Callecl for vote on revised By-Laws. It was moved and
seconded (Tienson/Raff) that the By-Laws be accepted as
amndd.
Both motions tassed with unanimous votes from all
resent.
Stated that he had received a letter from the National
Urban League regarding the 9 month evaluation of the CEO.
Reported that Linda Rasmussen has handled this and the NUL
should be in receipt of the evaluation.
*
(
Reported that he will be attending the Council of
Executives in Phoenix, Arizona on March 7th and 8th. One
of the items to be discussed will be networking for other
Urban League staff positions. Presently the only job
openings circulated throughout the country is the CEO
position; other program director openings could be
circulated allowing for upward mobility of League
staffers.
The meeting adjourned at 1:20 p.m.
Submitted by:
Reviewed and Approved by:
Pauline J. Reed
Executive Secretary
Urban League of Portland
Ti ane Tieison
Secretary
Urban League Board of Directors
URBAN LEAGUE OF PORTLAND
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
FEBRUARY 19, 1986
The February meeting of the Urban League Board of Directors, held
in the Multi-Purpose Conference Room,. Urban Plaza, 10 North
Russell Street, was called to order at 12:12 P.M. by Chairman
Ada ± r.
The following Directors were in attendance:
Donny Adair, Skip
Collier, Bridget Flanagan, Bobbie Gary, Thomas Kelly, Shirley
Minor, Larry Raff, Linda Rasmussen, Joel Smith, Irwin Starr and
Thane Tienson.
The following Directors were absent with excuse:
John Vogel.
Staff in attendance were:
Pauline J. Reed.
Ben Talley and
Herb L. Cawthorne, Carol J. Lentz and
The minutes of the January Board meeting were approved.
(
FINANCE COv1ITTEE - Joel Smith
*
Commented on the Financial Report for the period ending
January 31, 1986 and reported that the Committee recommends
caution be given to monitoring the current revenue and
current expenses.
*
Reported that the Committee is still reviewing the Finance
Officer position.
*
Reported that he met with Oscar Turner, IBM Corporation.
IBM is wanting the League to be involved in some way with
their computer training program. A short discussion was
held on POIC being the current provider of comjuter classes
and possibly IBM is looking for another agency to provide
this training.
Further discussion was tabled until IBM
formally asks the League to participate with this program.
*
Reported that the Committee has finalized the retirement
provision of the CEO hiring agreement and is recommending
that $2,000 be given to Herb for an individual retirement
plan.
It was moved and seconded (Smith/Gary) that $2,000
be given to the CEO for an individual retirement plan.
The
motion passed.
NOMINATING COMMITTEE - Irwin Starr
*
Reported the slate of nominees was completed, however, one
person has relocated to Seattle.
The Committee will fill
-2-
this slot and present a full slate at the next Board
meeting.
PRESIDENT 'S REPORT
*
Commented on the general fund budget and reported that
spending has been tightened in the materials & services
category; also, one employee is possibly leaving and the
position will not be filled. Another employee can be
shifted to fill this slot.
*
Reported that Don Frisbee has agreed to assist the League
with a capital fund drive.
*
Reported that discussions are beginning with Emanuel
Hospital on the proposed Health Clinic.
*
Reported that the League is helping facilitate a Black
Leadership Conference to be held on Saturday, February
22nd.
The purpose of this forum is to develop ideas and
issucs which are important to the Black community and
present these to the candidates for Governor to determine
their depth of commitment to issues of vital concern to the
black community.
*
Reported that the Annual Dinner will have a different
format this year.
There will not bea speaker, instead
Obba Babatunde, Tony Award winner, will entertain. The
theme of this year's dinner is "A Night on Broadway."
*
Reported that the League will do another membership mailing
and will be asking crporations to make an in-kind
contribution by covering postage costs.
*
Reported that the League is ready to approach the Fred
Meyer Charitable Trust with the employment proposal.
*
Reported on the formulation of a new group of volunteers The Committee of 1000.
(
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
*
Thanked the Board members who attended the United Way
Allocations panel discussions.
*
Called for vote on revised Constitution.
It was moved and
seconded (Adair/Gary) that the Constitution be accepted as
Th
fl
-3-
*Called for vote on revised By-Laws. It was moved and
seconded (Tienson/Raff) that the By-Laws be accepted as
amended.
Both motions passed with unanimous votes from all present.
*
Stated that he had received a letter from the National
Urban League regarding the 9 month evaluation of the CEO.
Reported that Linda Rasmussen has handled this and the NUL
should be in receipt of the evaluation.
*
Reported that he will be attending the Council of
Executives in Phoenix, Arizona on March 7th and 8th. One
of the items to be discussed will be networking for other
Urban League staff positions.
Presently the only job
openings circulated throughout the country is the CEO
position; other program director openings could be
circulated allowing for upward mobility of League
staffers.
The meeting .adjourned at 1:20 p.m.
Submitted by:
Pauline J. Reed
Executive Secretar3T
Urban League of Portland
Reviewed and Approved by:
son
Secretary
Urban League Board of Directors
NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE
COUNCIL OF BOARD CHAIRPERSONS
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
MARCH 8, 1986
HYATT REGENCY HOTEL
PHOENIX, ARIZONA
PRESENT:
John LeCave, President
Leslie Miller, Vice President, Southern Region
Deloria Jones, Sr., Vice President, Western Region
Howard Dates, Vice President, Eastern Region
Chuck Hendrix, Vice President, Central Region
Donny Adair, Corresponding Secretary
ABSENT:
Thomas Wolf, Treasurer/Myrtle Davis, Secretary
The meeting was called to order at 8:15 a.m. by John LeCave. The committee first discussed
the dinner meeting held the previous evening with John E. Jacob, our N.U.L. President and
Mildred Love, Vice President. The committee was generally pleased with the advice, counsel
and information provided to us by the national staff.
hn LeCave submitted a financial report (enclosed) from Thomas Wolf, Treasurer. The Council
.d financially sound. Thanks to a system. set up by Mr. Wolf with the Rochester Urban League,
dues collected were a record 87% as compared with 53%, 65% and 50% in the previous three
years. A motion (Adair-Miller) to accept the report was passed.
Donny Adair presented a draft and facilitated a review of our By-Laws. The only significant
change recommended was to create a new past president membership, which would allow past
board chairs, who are currently still serving on an affiliate board, to participate on our
Council. This would allow the volunteer leadership to serve longer, and slow costly turnover. A motion (Dates-Jones) to forward the revised draft of our By-Laws to all chairpersons,
and recommend that they adopt the changes at our annual meeting was passed.
There was a lively discussion of the missions purpose and history of the Council of Board
Presidents. An improved schedule of activities for the National Conference was adopted
including orientation for new board chairpersons and training. All board chairpersons who
are planninc to attend the national conference should be nrenared to participate in a
day long session on Friday, July 25, 1986, beginning at 9:30 a.m. The Council will conduct
all of its activities including our business meeting (election of officers, etc.) on that
4i This will allow us to devote the rest of our time to the delegate assembly, plenary
sessions and forums at the national conference,
Regionally, the vice presidents reported that more opportunities for board training have
been slated during the regional delegate assemblies.
Being no further business the meeting was adjourned.
ibmitted Respectfully,
Donny R. Adair
Corresponding Secretary
JOINT MEETING OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEES
COUNCILS OF BOARD CHAIRPERSONS/EXECUTIVES
OF THE NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE
MARCH 8, 1986
HYATT REGENCY HOTEL
PHOENIX, ARIZONA
Board Chairs Council
Executive Council
John LeCave, Memphis
Leslie Miller, Tampa
Howard Dates, Bergen County
Deloria Jones, Seattle
Donny Adair, Portland
Chuck Hendrix, Columbus, OH.
Leroy Coles, Buffalo
Jim Simmons, St. Petersburg
Leonard Benton, Oklahoma City
Earnie Prince, Weschester County
Junius Bowman, Phoenix
James T. McLawhorn, Columbia, S.C.
Chuck Nitchner, Lansing
N.U.L. Staff
John E. Jacob, President
Mildred Love, Vice President
(
The meeting was called to order at 9:20 a.m. There were opening remarks by John
LeCave and Leroy Coles. John E. Jacob shared his experience working with boards
as an affiliate executive. He encouraged the two (2) councils to work together.
not ourselves.
our constituents
He also reminded us of who we were there for
Most of the morning was spent discussing C.E.O. evaluation, recruitment and selection,
turnover, N.U.L. certification procedures, career development, upward mobility,
compensation and benefits. All agreed that these issues were interlocked. Earnie
Prince led a portion of the discussion, based upOn the work of a committee he
chaired. Donny Adair submitted questions and comments, and details on the recruitment process and selection procedures used to fill the C.E.O. vacancy in Portland,
Oregon. After much dialogue members of both executive committees agreed on the
following points:
A.
All Urban League Affiliate C.E.O.'s should have an annual
performance evaluation by the affiliate board of directors
many leagues are not in compliance with the N.U.L. terms of
affiliation requiring annual C.E.O. review.
B.
The Chairpersons Council will work to achieve 100% compliance
with evaluation requirements through meetings and training
sessions during regional assemblies and the national conference.
Evaluations of the boards themselves will also be stressed.
C.
All C.E.0.s should receive appropriate salary and benefits
which will protect them and their families in cases of
catastrophic illness and/or death. (It was surprising to
some attendees that some affiliates do not provide medical
and/or life insurance..)
Page 2
Exec. Committees Councils (Joint Meeting)
D.
The Council of Board chairs will survey benefits and provide
analysis at the annual conference. The survey will include
total budget, number of employees, United Way Budget, salary
and benefits.
E,
Board Chairs and Executives should discuss setting up an
internal hiring system which ensures that current staff in the
Urban League movement receive appropriate consideration for
C.E.O vacancies.
F.
Earnie Prince and Donny Adair will facilitate a discussion about
evaluation and compensation and the selection process in joint
board/executive meetings, at all the regional delegate assemblies
during. April/May 1986.
Mildred Love informed us generally, about affiliates which are facing crisis situations.
There are 17 of the 113 affiliates currently experiencing major problems as determined
by a lack of viable programs, strained relations with funding sources, non-function
boards, boards without clout/resources, poor fiscal accountability, and poor staff
management. These are mostly small under-funded and understaffed operations. N.U.L.
is working with these troubled affiliates by providing review and help from the
regional service centers and national office staff. There are currently some affiliates
in a probationary status; and three to four are facing possible suspension. In the
coming months some leagues may even be disaffiliated.
The final item discussed was the appropriate titles for the top board and staff
positions. All attendees present agreed unanimously that the top staff person
should be called President in all affiliates, and the top board officers will be
called Chairperson. The board chairs present agreed to include the appropriate name
change of the board council in a revised by-law draft which is being disseminated to
all board chairs this month.
The meeting concluded with a feeling of success and achievement shared by all.
Submitted March 11, 1986
//
Donny R. Adair,
Corresponding Secretary
Council of Board Chairpersons
TOTAL
McCONNEL-CLARK FOUNATION
Salaries & Fringe
Materials & Services
Total
SENIOR SERVICE CENTER
Salaries & Fringe
Material & Services
Total
COMMUNITY SERVICES BLOCK GRANT
Salaries & Fringe
Materials & Services
Total
ADULT & PARENT TREATMENT
Salaries & Fringe
Materials & Services
Total
CENTER
Fringe
Materials & Services
SERVICE
- YOUTH
Salaries &
4,148
2,163
1,985
13,255
11,885
1,370
7,107
5,181
1,926
12,597
10,466
2,131
21,912
18,798
3,114
Current
PORTLAND
10,235
2,117
8,118
13,658
11,536
2,122
6,027
4,276
1,751
13,021
10,457
2,564
18,872
15,873
2,999
Monthly
Budget
4
0
3
3
-147
+ 2
- 76
-
+ 3
- 35
- 18
+ 21
+ 10
-
- 17
-
+ 14
+
+ 25
Financial Report
2/28/86
URBAN LEAGUE
63,435
17,515
45,920
112,550
94,388
18,162
62,594
47,205
15,388
100,871
82,725
18,146
145,809
120,847
24,962
Current
69,209
16,936
52,273
108,716
91,830
16,886
61,449
45,392
16,057
107,258
83,656
20,602
150,985
126,990
23,995
Year-To-Date
Budget
1
3
5
4
3
4
8
3
2
4
4
6
-
8
- 12
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
-
- 12
-
-
-
-
Total
Management
Utilities & Phone
Other
EXPENSES:
Lease
Total
URBAN PLAZA
REVENUE:
Residential
Commercial
Other
Total
14,202
4,603
4,493
1,473
3,633
12,321
2,829
6,697
2,795
25,174
50
20,667
4,457
-0-0-
27,632
Total
EXPENSES:
Salaries & Fringe
Materials & Services
Membership
Contributions
Fund Raising
19,090
2,366
512
1,050
2,917
1,697
GENERAL FUND
REVENUE:
United Way
Indirect
Membership
Contributions
Fund Raising
Miscellaneous
I
Current
12,056
4,603
3,436
1,500
2,517
12,478
3,333
6,250
2,895
29,639
-0-
0
20,900
8,739
-0-
29,417
19,105
2,275
3,058
3,729
-01,250
Monthly
Budget
6
1
+ 18
-
- 15
-
URBAN LEAGU OF PORTLAND
Financial Report
1/31/86
115,750
36,828
30,895
13,921
34,106
103,234
26,269
54,215
22,750
307,631
169,165
93,028
6,904
3,945
34,589
289,505
152,835
17,168
17,318
48,358
43,243
10,583
103,150
36,828
27,488
10,800
28,034
99,826
26,666
50,000
23,160
292,333
166,365
95,004
6,904
3,760
20,300
273,041
152,850
18,200
24,462
29,829
37,700
10,000
Year-To-Date
Current
Budget
3
5
6
+ 12
+
+
+
iii
iiiu :1!11E111
URBAN PLAZA
10 North Russell Street
)IIMI1I
Portland, Oregon 97227
(503) 280-2600
Herb L. Cawihorne
Cffief Executive Officer
March 13, 1986
MEMORANDUM
To:
Board of Directors
Urban League of Portland
From:
Irwin Starr, Chairperson
Nominating Committee
Well, here we are at the end of a long process. Your
Nominating Committee is pleased to present for your
approval an excellent slate of candidates for the
Board.
(
We have provided a brief synopsis of
of each nominee for your review and
enabling resolution will be provided
meeting of March 19th, including the
those nominated.
the qualifications
consideratin. An
during the Board
names and terms of
In addition, a second resolution will be offered which
will set the terms of all Board members.
It's time to
rid ourselves of the confusion!
The Nominating Committee also has prepared the officers
slate for 1986-87. That, too, is included for your
consideration in resolution form.
If you have any questions or comments, please let me
know.
IS/bp
Urban League of Portland
Board of Directors
March 19, 1986
RESOLUTION: #86-403
Terms
Office for all Board Members
BACKGROUND: The past process of appointment of members of the
Board of Directiors has been poorly documented with regard to the
length of the terms of office for new nominees. Some were
appointed to fill unexpired terms and, therefore, would be
eligible for two additional terms. However, the documentation
has been difficult to reconstruct. The Nominating Committee has
attempted to decifer the expiration date of each Board member's
term and the number of terms available if continued service is so
desired.
(
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
That the expiration of present terms
and terms available for future appointment of Urban League Board
members shall be as follows:
Expires
Linda Rasmussen
Thane Tienson
Ben Talley
Joel Smith
Bobbie Gary
Tom Kelley
Donny Adair
Shirley Minor
Larry Raff
Irwin Starr
Bridget Flanagan
Jack Vogel
Skip Collier
Nancy Wilgenbusch
Valerie White
Robert Sutcliff
Jeffrey Millner
Avel Gordly
1988
1987
1988
1987
1988
1987
1987
1987
1988
1987
1987
1989
1989
1989
1989
1989
1989
1989
Terms Left
0
1
0
0
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
0
0
1
1
1
1
1
Urban League of Portland
Board of Directors
March 19, 1986
Ii
II] LIII [Ihi ./&{1S
Nominating Committee Recommendations fp 1986-87
BACKGROUND:
It is the responsibility of the Nominating Committee
to offer to the Board of Directors a slate of officers for the
1986-87 fiscal year for the Urban League of Portland.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: The following officers are proposed
and will serve as outlined by the By-Laws for the 1986-87 term:
Linda Rasmussen -- Chair
Thane Tienson -- Vice Chair
Joel Smith -- Treasurer
Ben Talley -- Secretary
Bobbie Gary -- Member at Large
AVEL GORDLY
Avel Gordly has worked for the American Friends Service Committee
since 1983, and is currently the Director of the Southern Africa
Program. She has produced several programs on Southern Africa for
cable television.
She is a former employee of the Urban League of
Portland and has also been a counselor with the State of Oregon
Corrections Division. Avel received her B.S. Degree in Administration of Justice from Portland State University in 1974. In
1971 she traveled two months with Operation Crossroads Africa and
toured through seven West African countries. She worked six weeks
in a Nigerian village helping to construct a maternity hospital.
Avel brings to the Urban League a strong social commitment, a
highly respected knowledge of the community, strong ties with the
Black United Front, as well as a working knowledge of the Urban
League's programs and policies.
JEFFREY B. MILLNER
Jeffrey Millner has been an attorney with the firm of Miller,
Nash, Wiener, Hager & Carisen since October 1980.
He specializes
in school and aviation law matters, including administrative
hearings and litigation at the state and federal level. Jeff has
also been a summer law clerk, and an elementary school teacher.
Jeff received his B.A. at San Jose State University, his teaching
credentials at the University of California at Berkley, and his
J.D. Degree at Harvard University Law School.
Recently, Jeff
served at the moderator of the worksh'op on Law and Justice at the
Black Leadership Conference '86, which clearly shows his involvement in the community. Jeff brings to the Urban League a genuine
commitment to the community, respected legal abilities, and a
willingness to provide strong leadership within the legal profession.
ROBERT J. SUTCI 1FF
Robert Sutcliff has been Vice President and Manager of the Corporate Banking Department of Willamette Savings & Loan Association
since October 1981. He has also been employed by Dan & Russell,
Inc. and First Interstate Bank of Oregon.
Robert received his
B.A. degree in 1967 from Lewis & Clark College.
He is often
called upon as a speaker and moderator of banking and creditrelated seminars and issues. Bob has been known for his mentorship of young black employees at the institutions for which he has
worked. As the leader of Willantette Saving's Corporate Social
Responsibility Group, Bob has instituted a very unique process of
employee involvement in the decision-making effort. The employees
actually get involved in the programs they support. Bob brings to
the Urban League a financial analytical ability, as well as a
strong social commitment.
(
VALERIE L. WHITE
Valerie White has been a banking administrator for most of her
professional career. She has held various positions with U.S.
National Bank and U.S. Bancorp and has been Vice President and
Manager of the Employee Relations Department of U.S. Bancorp since
January 1985. Valerie received her B.A. degree front Whitman
College in 1984, with a major is sociology. Valerie was assisted
by the Urban League shortly after her graduation from college and
has been an active participant in the Career Day for several
years.
She has also been extremely active in the United Way
campaigns of recent years. Valerie brings to the Urban League a
wide knowledge of the corporate world, including the social giving
process, and a strong desire to return to the Urban League the
assistance she has been provided.
DR. NANCY A. WILGENBUSCH
Dr. Wilgenbusch is President of Marylhurst College.
In addition
to her considerable responsibilities at Marylhurst, she also
currently serves an an independent director of Mutual of Omaha
Fund Management Companies. Nancy has served on the boards of many
civic, community, and professional groups and was recently
appointed by Governor Atiyeh to the Oregon State Telecommunications Policy Committee. Nancy holds a Ph.D. in education, specializing in community and human resources front the University of
Nebraska. She completed her master's degree at Texas Women's
University and received her baccalaureate degree magna cum laude
from Catholic University in Washington, D.C. Nancy brings to the
Urban League an excellent knowledge of community and alternative
education, along with a thoughtful commitment to equity for all
people.
URBAN PLAZA
10 North RusseH Street
Portland, Oregon 97227
(503) 280-2600
Herb L. Cawthorne
Ce E\ecutve 011icec
March 13, 1986
MEMORANDUM
To:
Board of Directors
From:
Herb Cawthorne
Re:
Black Leadership Conference
During the interviewing process for this position, I
recall that one major concern among Board members was
how the Urban League might relate its activities to the
needs of the community, particularly in terms of advocacy and leadership. On February 28, a Black Leadership
Conference was held. The purpose of this conference was
to develop a political platform which could be used to
measure the responses of those major candidates for
Governor of Oregon. I am proud to say that the Urban
League played a significant role in this conference.
Our staff completed the administrative work which made
the conference productive. Working from the general
direction of the Steering Committee, our staff developed
working papers which were then refined by conference
participants. As Ron Herndon, who co-chaired the conference with me, said, "The excellence of the work of
the Urban League should be highly commended.
They have
done so much to make this conference a success."
Enclosed you will find the fruits of this effort.
We
can be proud that the Urban League can use it resources
to develop unity and substance within the community.
HLC/bp
Black Leadership Conference 1986
Political Platform
HOUSING POLICY
The affordability of housing remains a critical issue to black
Oregonians. Without a stable base from which to operate, citizens
cannot develop their own lives and the bigger life of the
communities in which they live. Social growth and stability is
dependent upon personal stability. And personal stability is
dependent upon secure and accessible housing.
That is why Oregon must develop a new blue print for a rigorous
and responsive housing policy that recognizes the importance of
affordable long-term housing in low-income areas. This statement
has been made before, but it is now made with urgency: cutbacks in
federal housing programs such as the Housing and Community
Development Program have meant an accelerated loss of subsidized
housing in low-income communities. State leaders must counter
this with the development of innovative and visionary programs
that will address the critical housing needs of poor citizens.
SUBSIDY OUTLOOK
In the low-income neighborhoods of Oregon, home ownership is not a
In the black neighborhoods of Portland alone (where
"given" fact.
75 percent of the state's black population lives) only one out of
Moreover, the
every two houses (on an average) is owner occupied.
The
housing stock is aging. . .and in some cases deteriorating.
median home value of $36,800 in black neighborhoods lags behind
the city average of $54,900. This disparity can only worsen with
continued cuts in loan and maintenance programs. Therefore, the
foundation of the political platform for housing must be the
creation of an incentive program in the following areas:
continued subsidization of low-income housing; new investment
requirments for public housing authorities; the creation of a
Housing Trust Fund; and new management opportunities for housing
authorities and community-based non-profit organizations.
FEDERALLY SUBSIDIZED HOUSING
L
In the mid to late 1980s, many federally-awarded contracts for
the development and operation of subsidized housing units will
This is a critical housing issue in low-income
expire.
It is very likely that much, if not all of this
communities.
housing will return to more expensive market-value rates if the
This sudden, wholesale
subsidy incentives are not extended.
dismantling of subsidized housing could create a crisis situation
if the state does not intervene. To prevent this crisis, the
following must be undertaken:
* A full-market survey of privately owned assisted housing in
order to determine the projected date of conversion of those
units to private market housing.
* An incentive plan to encourage partnership between the
private parties and the local housing authorities to insure
continuation and maintenance of subsidized units.
* The conditioning of buyouts so that payments in lieu of
taxes are made to reduce the local property tax impacts and
to insure that capital generated for private owners is
reinvested in housing for low and moderate income families.
HOUSING STOCK INCENTIVE
The state must strengthen its commitment to the production of new,
affordable housing units by establishing rigorous investment
policies for public housing authorites. This is particularly
important in Portland where the Housing Authority manages and
maintains over 6,300 assisted housing units with over 11,000
tenants. A substantial number of these projects could be
refinanced to generate more capital for the development of other
assisted housing units. Other major municipalities, including Los
Angeles and Seattle, have successfully used this as a method with
which to meet housing demands. The same type of innovative
investing could generate new housing in Oregon.
HOUSING TRUST FUND
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the percentage of those
Oregonians who can afford to buy their own homes is down from a
traditional 65 percent to only 20 percent. If purchasing and
renting power does not improve, the resulting problems could
undermine the stat&s economic goals. Thus, the state should
a $37
adopt the recently proposed Oregon Housing Trust Fund
million program that would generate revenue from a combination of
real7estate recording fees and the interest earnings on mandatory
property-tax reserve accounts. In turn, the trust would fund
homeLownership assistance programs; single-family mortgage
purchases; renter assistance; and technical assistance to the
private sector, neighborhoods and community developers.
The housing trust fund would help to replace funds once provided
by the federal government and would help to stabilize an
More important, it would signal a
affordable housing supply.
commitment to low-income residents who are now faced with
increasing pressures to leave their homes because they can no
longer afford to own them.
STATE AND LOCAL AGENCIES
Many state and local agencies, whose prime functions are unrelated
to housing, management, have assumed this role.
Such agencies
include the Oregon Department of Transportation, State Housing
Division, school districts, development agencies, etc. For
various reason, these agencies find themselves in an ownership
position, but have not utilized the statewide network of locallybased housing managers such as the housing authorities and
community-based nonprofit housing organizations. Instead, each
agency has added staff and budget to provide for in-house or
contracted property managers. It would be more cost effective to
give such management contracts to housing authorities or
community-based organizations.
Furthermore, a review of state law would be helpful to determine
how local housing authorities and community-based nonprofit
housing organizations could be given priority in assuming
ownership of these units if a decision is made not to utilize
these properties for non-housing purposes.
Additionally, those properties owned by state and local agencies
which are not suitable for occupancy can be included in an "Urban
Housing authorities and communityHomestead" style of program.
based nonprofit organizations would be eligible to buy the houses,
renovate them, and put them back on the market.
ACTION AGENDA
(
* Sponsor a housing survey to determine how many subsidized
housing units are likely to be converted to market-rate housing in
the near future. Counter the conversion with an incentive plan
for property owners.
* Encourage the development of new subsidized housing units by
requiring local housing authorities to evaluate the feasibility of
refinancing existing projects in a manner that will generate
capital for the development of new units.
* Support the recently proposed Oregon Housing Trust Fund.
* Eliminate unnecessary up1ication of management efforts by
giving housing authorities or community-based organizations first
priority in the management of government-owned housing units.
Black Leadership Conference '86
Political Platform
LAW AND JUSTICE
The issues of law and justice are of critical importance to the
black community. The equality in our society is directly
reflected by the equality of our courtrooms, jail cells and police
Are all people equal before the law? In Oregon we
procedures.
must conclude that they are not.
* Although blacks make up 1.2 percent of the state's population,
they represent 14 percent of the state's prison population.
* Access to adequate legal services is severely limited by the
small number of black lawyers engaged in private practice. This
results in over-reliance on Public Defenders and Legal Aid
Assistance.
* tncidents of police misconduct in urban areas continue to be
directed ;indisproportionate numbers against black residents.
* The number of blacks that go through the state's criminal
justice system far exceeds their proportion in the state
The readiness on the part of law enforcement agencies
population.
to assume the guilt of blacks refects deeply racist attitudes.
* Disparities in bail setting, sentencing, probation and parole
practices continue to exist for blacks throughout the state. This
is true for adult and juvenile dependents.
All of these issues require immediate attention if .they are to be
addressed with improved legal services. To do so, the following
is recommended:
PERSONNEL RECRUITMENT
The state is directly responsible for the ethnically-balanced
hiring of professionals at all levels of the justice system, yet
its record is not progressive. The state must initiate a rigorous
recruitment program that will increase the number of black people
serving as parole professionals, penal institute employees, police
officers, lawyers and judges.
SENTENCING PROCEDURES
The number of black people who are incarcerated is grossly out of
The statq must commit itself
proportion to the black population.
Sentencing
procedures and practices
to the eradication of this.
must be reviewed as the first step in bringing about an equitable
sentencing system.
Additionally, a review of the parole and probation practices in
Oregon should be undertaken.
MULTI - CULTURAL TRAINING
Increased training in cultural awareness should be required for
public employees involved in the state justice system. Promotion
opportunities should be tied to the demonstration of adequate
performances in dealing with racial incidents and/or community
members.
ACTION AGENDA
* Launch a recruitment effort aimed at increasing the number of
black professionals in the State's justice system and develop an
educational program at the high school level to encourage
minorities to enter positions in the justice system.
* Support the candidate who will appoint minorities to judicial
positions as they arise.
* Make a comprehensive review of the State's sentencing,
rehabilitation, probation and parole procedures and other judicial
practices with respect to the treatment of minorities.
(
* Initiate multi-cultural training programs for all public
employees involved in the State judicial system. Supplement it
with an evaluation system that monitors the level of complaints
made against those who receive the training.
* Develop a work-release program in the community to effectively
integrate parolees into the community.
* Lobby for State funding of an independent community legal
consortium operated through the offices of a community group such
as the Urban League or the NAACP. The consortium would provide
legal services to members of the black community and would monitor
the adminstration of justice by judges and law enforcement
off icials through courtroom visits.
* Support the candidate who will insist on divestiture of State
funds in South Africa.
Black Leadership Conference '86
Political Platform
In 1980, only 59 percent of the Oregon population had
comprehensive health coverage. In the black communities of Oregon
the percentage was dramatically lower. Impoverished families
failed to obtain health care for all but crisis situations. This
is unacceptable and could be avoidable if the state committed
itself to the following agenda for Health and Human Services.
STATE HEALTH PLAN
The state should undertake an extensive study to determine the
feasibility of creating a State Health Plan. Despite what
skeptics say, a state health plan is a rational rather than
A state health plan would provide comprehensive
radical proposal.
health care for all Oregonians at an annual expense that is less
expensive than existing health care coverage. To do so, the
current health care financing and delivery system would be
restructured to operate on a competitive basis by altering the
economic incentives faced by consumers, providers and employers.
Individual consumer choice of plans, and prepayment for guaranteed
comprehensive benefits are key features of the proposal which, if
enacted, would assure comprehensive health care for all
(See
Oregonians, rather than only those who can afford it.
attached proposal.)
TEENAGE HEALTH AND FAMILY PLANNING CLINICS
In the low-income families of Oregon, preventative health care
gives way to crisis health care -- which is costly, urgent and
To counter this trend, which is prevalent in the
often dangerous.
30 to 40 percent of black families who live below the poverty
level, black leaders advocate the expansion of the state's newly
established health and family planning clinic program for
teenagers.
A network of teenage clinics would be beneficial in several ways.
First, teenagers would receive preventative treatment for
Second, teenagers would receive
a wide variety of illnesses.
family planning counseling before they become sexually active.
National statistics indicate that 70
This is a critical need.
percent of all black children born by 1990 will be born to
teenagers, most of whom are unskilled and unable to raise their
families above the poverty level.
To counter this, the black community must unite itself in a
campaign against teen parenting, but it needs assistance from the
We urge the development of more in-school teen
state to do so.
clinics that offer family planning counseling and contraceptive
Oregon cannot shy away from this issue, despite
prescriptions.
Among all teenagers, sexual activity
its political sensitivity.
is high -- approximately 50 percent. The consequences are equally
high as an increasing number of pregnant teenagers depend upon
state assistance to deliver and raise their children.
STATE FUNDING FOR ABORTIONS
To assure that low-income women are not denied reproductive
rights because they cannot afford to exercise them, the state must
continue its funding for Medicaid abortions. To discontinue such
funding, as recommended by various Oregon groups, would mean a
sharp increase in the number of babies born to women who do not
have the financial means with which to care for them.
WELFARE PAYMENTS: INVESTMENTS FOR SELF-SUFFICIENCY
The State of Oregon spends about $870,000 a month in welfare
payments to the black community, about $10.4 million a year.
These payments could be restructured to assist in the creation of
a long-term employability program, rather than long-term
dependency.
In particular, the program could transfer welfare
payments to community-based organizations and businesses that
would then use the money as "investment capital" for employment
training opportunities. Additional capital would be used for job
placement following the training. In this way, "welfare" would be
transformed into "workfare."
The program has worked in other states; it could easily work here
if operated by organizations and businesses that have a genuine
interest in improving the lives of low-income citizens.
(
MENTAL HEALTH CARE FOR THE INDIGENT
The state needs to develop a mental health policy that would
provide mental health treatment for the indigent population. This
would include those persons receiving Medicare and Medicaid.
It
would also include preventative care to indigent persons who are
not yet identified as chronically mentally ill.
CHILD CARE FOR THE MARGINALLY EMPLOYED
The state must participate in the development of a system that
would provide child care for those parents who could and would
work if they did not have to remain at home with their children.
For the marginally employed, this is a critical issue and must be
addressed if they are to re-enter the labor pool.
ACTION AGENDA
* Implement a state health plan that assures full medicial care to
all Oregonians, regardless of their incomes.
* Proceed with the development of more in-school health and family
planning clinics for teenagers.
* Maintain Medicaid funding for abortions.
* Develop a welfare-transfer program in which the money now being
spent on welfare is transferred to job-training programs for the
unemployed.
* Develop a child care system for the marginally employed.
Black Leadership Conference 1986
Political Platform
YOUTH
Oregon's greatest resource is its children. They will determine
the strength of this state and the communities within it. They
In the
will determine the length of our stride into the future.
black communities of Oregon, this stride is not keeping abreast of
the strides of children in other communities. In keeping with
national trends, Oregon's black teenagers are more likely to
perform poorly in school, to be suspended, to become involved in
crime, to become pregnant and to become desperate in their search
Black teenagers are frustrated and
for meaningful employment.
increasingly cynical about their ability to walk confidently into
Black teenagers need special attention...and they
the future.
need it now.
YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT
(
Youth unemployment is at a crisis level in the black communities
It rages at 40 to 60 percent. The consequences of
of Oregon.
this are all too apparent. Without jobs, teenagers lack esteem.
Consequently, delinquency increases as
They also lack money.
In 1980, 20 percent of
teenagers become involved in lawlessness.
In
juvenile crime in Portland was attributed to black youths.
2000, that figure is expected to climb to 28 percent, according to
Urban League projections based on census data. This is an
alarming and unacceptable trend. It is also avoidable. With
assistance from the state, black communities could make an
aggressive bid to stop this with the creation of several joblinkage programs.
JOB DEVELOPMENT
Black leadership proposes the creation of a state Job-Linkage
program that will create an incentive plan for the employment of
Through tax incentives or
minority youths by Oregon companies.
special job-training funds, Oregon corporations would be
encouraged to sponsor student trainees who had maintained good
Upon
attendance records and good grades while in school.
graduation, students would then qualify for the employment
If created, this job-linkage program would create
opportunties.
an incentive for students to stay in school; to do well in school.
It would also create the incentive for employers to hire minority
students because they had demonstrated performance ability and
discipline.
Some will argue that the state is not needed in this project, but
The state must act as the bridge between local
we disagree.
businesses and black communities to assure that the first steps in
youth employment are taken.
PULL THE PLUG ON DRUGS
Quite simply, the black community wants the state to assist it in
a major campaign against the trafficking of drugs to young
children.
Lethal, debilitating drugs such as cocaine, speed and
heroin are too available in Oregon. Recent reports indicate that
Portland has more heroin available, per capita, than any other
city on the West Coast. This cannot continue. The users are too
often children -- children whose lives are already undermined by
the dibilitating effects of racism, poverty and joblessness.
The flow of drugs must stop.
Drugs that come into the state, end
up on the streets and into the systems of children. We consider
this a critical issue for the black community.
COMMUNITY SERVICE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
As the federal government deepens the cuts in student loan
programs, the state must devise a way in which to assure continued
education for those young people who desire more schooling but
cannot afford it.
To do so, leaders in the black community
advocate the development of a Community Service Scholarship
Program that would include the following components:
* Revenue from the lottery could be diverted to the community
level for local economic development efforts in the form of
community service programs for young high school graduates or
students still enrolled in school. The programs would range
in scope from elderly assistance projects, to an antivandalism projects. Upon completing a designated number of
hours, students would become eligible for scholarships to
local colleges and universities.
* Young people who join the Oregon National Guard could
participate in civilian conservation projects (rather than
para-military operations) that would make them eligible for
scholarships to local colleges and universities.
ACTION AGENDA
* Initiate a job-linkage program that will encourage the Oregon
corporate community to hire and/or train black youth who are
college bound, vocation bound or interested in apprentice
positions.
Funding for this linkage program should be relative to
the percentage of unemployed and under-employed youth in the black
community.
* Launch an aggressive anti-drug campaign that specifically
targets the black community and involves members of the
community.
* Assure that all state commissions and agencies dealing with
youth issues have black representatives who are respected by the
black community and can advocate on behalf of the black agenda.
* Develop a Community Service Scholarship Program in which
students qualify for college scholarships by participating in
community-level improvement projects, etc.
(
Black Leadership Conference '86
Political Platform
EDUCATION
In keeping with the national focus of "excellence in education,"
the black communities of Oregon endorse higher educational
standards that will lead our children to increased economic and
political power. However, we must be sure that the current
educational push for excellence is achieved in an equitable
manner.
Any attempt to dilute the provision of educational equity
to achieve excellence must be opposed.
The following proposals are made to ensure the balance of
educational equity and excellence:
ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS
Funding: Access to quality education for the majority of black
children is still a problem in Oregon since school funding is
still dependent upon the affluence of surrounding communities.
Therefore, leaders in low-income districts believe that the state
must reduce the district disparities with increased support for a
variety of special programs.
They include Headstart, Follow
Through and Title I
all of which are important programs for
black and poor children.
Curriculum: Rigorous efforts should be made to adopt curriculi
that fairly and positively represents the history, culture and
contributions of all groups which make up American society. The
state should adopt specific goals and timelines for achievement
since progress lags in the adoption of ethnically-balanced
materials.
Testing: Properly used, tests measure a student's progress and
where they need to improve. Improperly used, they become barriers
to academic advancement.
This has a devastating affect on black
students.
Schools must be held accountable for the academic
competence of its students and should not place the burden of
failure on students who have received inadequate instruction.
Increased Employment of Black Teachers and Administrators: The
state must become a more rigorous recruiter of black teachers and
administrators so that they can act as role models for black
children. The need is urgent; stronger hiring goals should be
established and carried out, with the possibility of penalizing
those districts that do not comply with hiring goals.
POST SECONDARY EDUCATION
(
In Oregon, blacks are still under-represented in the postsecondary educational degree programs that offer the skills most
needed to succeed in today's employment market.
To remedy this,
the following is recommended:
Admission Policies: Since more than half of all black students in
Oregon attend two-year community colleges, the state should
improve its transfer policy between such schools and four-year
institutions. This is particularly appropriate when one considers
the disproportionately large sums spent on four-year institutions.
Black students do not have access to these institutions and thus
are not receiving a fair portion of state-allocated funding for
higher education.
Financial Aid: Inadequate financing remains a major barrier to
the enrollment and graduation of black students in Oregon. The
reduction in federal programs makes it essential that the state
increase its offering of financial aid to low-income students
while pressuring the federal government to curtail its constant
cuts in financial aid programs. Academic institutions, meanwhile,
should solicit funds specifically earmarked for black students.
ILLITERACY
Local and state initiatives should be developed to eradicate
illiteracy among black Americans.
Illiteracy, which affects up to
30 percent of black adults in Oregon, is a major barrier to
economic self-improvement and political participation. Therefore,
the state is urged to assist local organizations in their efforts
to promote literacy through programs and campaigns that can
distinquish Oregon as a state that will not close its books to the
problem of illiteracy among our citizens.
ACTION AGENDA
* Increase state support for economically-depressed school
districts to improve their quality of eduation.
* Improve ethnic representation in curriculi with the adoption of
specific goals and timelines for achievement of this goal.
* Undertake rigorous recruitment efforts to increase the number of
black teachers and administrators in Oregon.
* Improve the tiansfer policy between two-year and four-year
institutions; utilize existing black professionals and programs to
address the retention of students.
* Increase financial aid funding; encourage institutions to
solicit additional aid f or black students.
* Fight illiteracy through assistance to literacy programs in
community organizations.
(
The Urban League of Fortand
I
URBAN PLAZA
1ONorh Russe Street
Portana Orecon 97227
502) 220-20C
HerD L. Cawtnorne
EecC"c
ivlarch 5, 1986
Mr. Irwin Starr
KGW - TV
1501 S.W. Jefferson
Portland, Oregon 97201
Dear Irwin:
It was very kind of you to send me the Washington Post article by Robert Samuelsen
entitled, "New Candor on Race/Black America's Images and Realities.' It was most
informative. Robert Samuelsen, as did Bill Moycrs in the "The Yanishing Family -Crisis in Black America", stimulated thought and hopefully spurred many to action on
the critical issues which affect all young people, and particularly the poor, in
America.
Let me briefly tell you where the Urban League of Portland is on the issue of teen
pregnancy prevention. Basically, most of the time spent on this subject has been in
the area of research. My staff and 1 have met with the Insights Project, the YWCA,
Emanuel Hospital, Kaiser Hospital, and Multnomah County Health Department in an effort
to gather as much pertinent information as possible. After meeting with these and
other organizations, we have come to the conclusion that a Teen Wellness and Responsibility Clinic is terribly needed in Northeast Portland. Planned Parenthood, the
largest organization serving the family planning needs of our youth, notes that only
4% of their clientele is black.
Last year alone in Portland, 11% of all children were b&rn to teenage mothers. For
black women the picture is even more bleak since studies show they are twice as likely
to become pregnant during their teen years than white women. We believe that the
growing need for teen sexual education, counseling, contraception distribution, prenatal care and general wellness services, particularly for blacks, demands that the
Urban League play a major role.
Of course, this is a very ambitious project. It is one which will require extensive
coordination with other agencies and organizations providing these or similar services
and it will require creative financing and an innovative approach. The teen clinic is
possible.
Recently, Gladys Hedgmon, the Director of The Urbah League Northeast Youth Service
Center, and Pam Smith, my Executive Assistant, attended the Children's Defense Fund
Conference (CDF) on Teen Pregnancy Prevention in Washington, D.C.. The information
with which they returned was invaluable. They both left the conference with the
strong feeling that the Urban League of Portland is on the right track in our thinking
regarding a teen clinic.
In addition, the new media campaign created by The Children's Defense Fund is exceptional. I have seen the posters. They are penetrating and each conveys very bold yet
(
Mr. Irwin Starr
March 5, 1986
Page 2
unoffensive mcssagcs.
I am anxious to see the public service announcements for television which will soon be broadcast on NBC and CBS. We have contacted CDF for permis.
sion to use their campaign. I have asked Pam Smith to set a time to meet with you to
discuss ways in which KGW can work with the Urban League to make the issue of teen
pregnancy an open one.
I hope this letter provides you with an understanding of our direction in regard to
adolescent pregnancy. I will keep in touch with you as our planning progresses.
Again, Irwin, thank you for your energy and enthusiasm.
Cordia
yours,
Herb L. Cawthorne
Chief Executive Officer
HLC/ps
The Urban League of Portland
H
URBAN PLAZA
loNorthRusseUStreet
Porfland0regon97227
(503)280-2600
Herb L. Cawthorne
CNe EecuUve OWcec
February 27, 1986
Mr. Ed Philips
Vice President & Manager
Corporate Profitability Management
U.S. Bancorp
P.O. Box 8837
Portland, Oregon 97208
Dear Mr. Philips:
I thoroughly enjoyed meeting with you last week. Our discussion, coupled with
your enthusiasm and interest in the League, has triggered my thinking about ways
in which we might tap your expertise for the benefit of our community. I'd like
to share some of my thoughts with you here, and then, if you're interested,
schedule another meeting to discuss them.
(
As you may know, the Urban League has historically advocated for educational
excellence and equity for Black, poor and other disenfranchised people, both
nationally and at the local level. But now, more than ever before, there is a
critical and urgent need to improve education for the students we represent.
The failures of public education which are threatening the general student
population are having a disproportionately devastating impact on our constituents. And since education is and will continue to be a major tool for the
economic empowerment of low-income and disenfranchised people, the Urban League
has made it a priority on our agenda.
Having been involved in education for over 17 years, I have a particularly
strong and even passionate commitment to it. And despite the complex difficulties we face in achieving equity and racial justice in the educational arena,
I am excited by the possibilities waiting to be developed. I believe we can and
will be able to create better opportunities for our youth, opportunities that
will make the difference between the success and failure of our students,
opportunities that will make a positive difference in the overall quality of
education in the city of Portland.
One of the most interesting programs we are currently working on at the League
is the Whitney M. Young Learning Center. As it now stands, the Learning Center
is an after-school homework assistance program which provides students in grades
7 through 12 from North and Northeast Portland with personalized and small-group
tutoring, academic support and encouragement, and for some, simply a quiet place
to study away from a difficult home situation. It's a very special program with
a committed staff and motivated students who in a very short time have developed
what some of the students call the Whitney Young family."
Mr. Ed Philips
February 27, 1986
Page 2
This program is already making a difference to many students, allowing them to
choose determination over apathy as they are afforded the attention, caring and
supplemental academic assistance which is seldom available to them in overcrowded classrooms and broken homes. The Center's success thrives on the
challenge to create a balance between personalized attention, demanding
standards and the push towards self-reliance.
The Whitney Young Learning Center has the potential to be much more than an
after-school homework assistance program, however, and we are eager to expand it
into an active, community-based learning center that addresses a much broader
range of educational needs. We envision a center that will hold educational
interests for elementary, middle and high school students, as well as adults; a
center that will address the needs of gifted students as well as those who have
dropped out or been pushed out of school. We want a center that can facilitate
such things as a listening skills room, a computer lab, a darkroom, a library
with culturally-relevant materials, and video equipment for student-oriented
projects, such as the teaching of job interview skills.
(
The Whitney Young Learning Center will also implement a variety of programs and
pilot projects, such as a Basic Skills Summer Institute, writing and oral interpretation classes, science, art and other community-based educational activities. In addition, the Center would sponsor workshops and speakers in such
areas as careers, motivation, critical thinking, library and research skills,
test and notetaking skills. It might even serve as a forum for youth
involvement in community issues. One idea in particular that we have in mind is
a combined writing and photography project that would result in a published
booklet with a community theme, all done by students.
The possibilities for the Learning Center are endless, but the concept remains
clear. It must be a program that speaks to the educational needs, interests and
pride of this community; a program that provides our youth with a creative and
constructive alternative to street corners, drugs, television and a sense of
helplessness about themselves and their futures; a program that presents people
with opportunities to see their potential, to experience success and contribute
something to their community.
The Center will be grounded in a philosophy that defines education as selfdiscovery and self-development, a philosophy that views education as the single
most important channel for positive change in all arenas of our society. Education is the tool that empowers people to transform their world, both individually and collectively. Thus, the Learning Center is committed to the kind of
education that generates independent, creative, critical and responsible thinking, that demands excellence from each individual, that elicits a respect for
diversity rooted in cultural pride, that motivates curiosity, self-discipline
and spiritual courage, and that encourages people to participate in, contribute
to and benefit from change.
Mr. Ed Philips
February 27, 1986
Page 3
As you can see, our work is cut out for us. Our vision, commitment and energy
will take us a long way, but we must enlist the help of other community professionals and leaders in order to reach our goals. We need the ideas,
support, connections and perspective of those interested in contributing to the
enhancement of educational equity and excellence in this city. As that's where
you come in, Ed.
What I have in mind is the formation of a Committee to Improve the Learning of
Children. This committee would have 5 or 6 members, with you providing the
leadership. The overall purpose of this committee will be to help us execute
our educational goals by identifying foundations and private funding sources
which are designed to support educational programs. It will also identify other
monies and resources, and assist us in reviewing and submitting proposals to
foundations. By way of further example, the committee might also be involved in
helping to develop a "Sponsor a Kid" program, which would result in the individual solicitation of funds for post-high school education opportunities.
Indeed, the committee's first agenda item might be to help us find and acquire
an appropriate building in the Northeast community to permanently house the
Whitney Young Learning Center.
The committee will be most effective if kept small, and it's goals and direction
clear but flexible. Meetings will be kept to a minimum, perhaps one every 2 or
3 months. I would assign Deborah Cochrane, the Director of the Whitney Young
Learning Center, to act as the committee's staff person. She would coordinate
the committee's meetings, agendas and correspondence, and work more closely with
you between meetings.
I'm inviting you to contribute your expertise and leadership to this challenge,
Please consider it, and let me know what you think. I'll look forward to
hearing from you in the near future.
Ed.
Warmest regards,
Herb Cawthorne
Chief Executive Officer
HC/mlw
cc: Deborah Cochrane
The Urban League of Portland
I
)
URBAN PLAZA
lONorthRusseiiStreet
Por1and.Orecon9227
Hera L. Cavmorne
February 24, 1986
Mr. Oscar Turner
Branch Manager
IBM Corporation
1211 S.W. 5th Avenue
Portland, Oregon 97204
Dear Oscar:
It was a pleasure to have had the opportunity to discuss the
ways in which IBM and the Portland Urban League might work
closely together to improve our community.
I am impressed
with your personal commitment to providing an equal opportunity for all our citizens and, especially, your confidence in
the direction of the Urban League. It is clear that the
foundation of mutual respect and common goals is one upon
which we can build a mutually beneficial relationship. I
look forward to the prospect.
As agreed, I will share with you the vision the Urban League
has developed for its employment efforts in the next several
years.
It is an ambftioüs vision -- one that challenges this
organization to do much more than it has ever done to assist
people in the black community particularly who want to work
but have been unsuccessful in the search for employment. It
is a vision that must utilize the modern methods of management and communication far more successfully than we have
before.
Yet, this vision is within our grasp, if we will
work hard enough and attract the kind of support you seem so
willing to entertain.
THE PAST
The Urban League has a reputation for providing employment
If one walked down the street in the black commuservices.
nity and asked what the Urban League does, most would reply,
Yet, the Urban League has not
"It helps people get jobs."
Only 4% of the budgetary
made employment a priority focus.
resources wera earmarked for employment. In actuality, less
1.5 staff, positions were assigned to the task. There
Page 2
Oscar Turner
was little clerical support, little specific planning, and
even less grant and program development. Under new direction
from the Board, this has changed and, in the coming months,
these changes will materialize in substantive ways.
THE PHILOSOPHY
(
Rampant unemployment is demoralizing.
It is destablilizing
as well.
There is more poverty, crime and delinquency in our
city because of the unacceptable number of individuals who
would be productively employed if they were properly trained
and exposed to the opportunities that do exist. The Urban
League philosophy is centered around the premise that there
are more jobs available to the black community than the
unemployment rate might suggest.
Corporations have responded
well to our challenge. They want a diversified staff. We
know the black conurtunity wants to work in higher numbers than
that which exist at present. Therefore, the Urban League
must do a better job of administration of limited resources.
This is the basis upon which we have approached this new
planning and development of employment services.
THE PROPOSAL
The Urban League will submit soon a major grant proposal to
establish a Center for Self-Development. This center willbe
created for the purpose of bridging the gap between
Portland's unemployed members of the black community and the
corporate enterprises in our city.
The Center will be established with a demand for excellence and there will be no
relaxation in the processing and placement efforts until the
unemployment rate in this community is reduced!
The Center for Self-Development will serve as the core of the
employment efforts of the Urban League.
It will provide the
foundation upon which all other specialized activities will
be erected. The elements of this plan, briefly put, are as
follows:
Recruitment
The notion of "recruitment" is new to the Urban League,
especially in terms of its general employment division.
Page 3
Oscar Turner
In the past, the Urban League employment process began
only when prospective clients arrived at the office.
With the implementation of this proposal, the Urban
League will aggressively seek out those who want to work
and provide them with the assistance and knowledge that
will reverse the cycle of unemployment and poverty.
Using an extensive public information process -- including public service announcements, brochures, posters,
newspaper articles, radio announcements, notices in
church bulletins, and other mediums -- the Urban League
will notify the public of its services and subsequently
attract numerous individuals who need training, specialized schooling, and specific assistance in seeking
permanent employment.
Assessment
(
In the Urban League's Center for Self-Development,
assessment of skills, experience, education, and interest will be the first stage of our comprehensive employment service. Assessment till inform both the counselor
and the applicant of the needs which must be addressed
in order to best assist the individual toward permanent
employment.
The assessment process is, therefore,
crucial, and it must be implemented in detail with the
utmost integrity and honesty.
The process will involve several levels. Initial assessment will consist of (1) an application,, (2) a selfassessment, and (3) an interview. A comprehensive
assessrnentwill include a computer analysis; any necessary testing; and career planning. Once an applicant is
placed in a particular service, the counselor will
continually assess all information, seeking to match
skills with job requirements.
Information and Referral Bank
Once an applicant is recruited and the initial assessment has been completed, the employment counselor will
turn to the Urban League job information and referral
bank.
Page 4
Oscar Turner
The information and referral bank will be a computerized
collection of specific data on training programs, shortterm educational options, apprenticeship opportunities,
and financial resources available to help an individual
find and keep employment. In addition, workshops and
seminars, specialized school programs in higher education, and corporate in-house management training programs will be categorized.
The budget will reflect the
request to gain the computer software capacity to
achieve these ends.
Job Identification
(
A major difficulty of Urban League placement procedure
in the past has been the lack of rapid processing of job
announcements.
Each day, scores of announcements are
sent to the Urban League offices. These job notices
range from manual labor to highly skilled positions.
The employment counselor had a most difficult task, as
both clients and job announcements came to the Urban
League offices in random fashion and were processed
without an adequate system of order to maximize the
information and opportunities. The j
identification
process for the proposed employment program will eliminate these costly difficulties.
During the first year of the program's operation, a
massive mailing effort will be used to inform employers
of the Urban League's program, and each will be asked to
forward all job announcements to the Urban League's
office.
This publicity will add considerably to the
significant nUimber of announcements already received.
Job announcements will be immediately processed within
12 hours after arrival at the Urban League office.
Job Development
Job identification is a "reactive process," whereas job
development is a more "proactive process." To identify
the jobs, one must be prepared to transform scattered
information into an immediately useful system. To
develop jobs, on the other hand, one must be able to
Page 5
Oscar Turner
communicate and plan with businesses in a way that
creates positions where none existed before. This is
the challenge of creative change, and the Urban League
welcomes such a challenge.
Job development at the Urban League will be triggered
during the assessment process, when specific
and
aptitudes will be identified. These
and aptitudes will become the basis of career planning; and job
development may begin to occur.
skills
skills
Employment Insurance
This portion of the Center for Self-Development will
involve in-house programs that train prospective employees about the intricacies of job development and the
importance of developing positive and responsible work
attitudes. Most clients will be required to attend the
training, although seine, according to the assessment
process, will be exempt for having demonstrated excellent skills and employment savvy.
(
The program will assist clients with the basics in job
search training.
The client's level of participation
will be determined by their level of experience in the
job market.
Thus, the program will be multi-faceted and
will focus on the following components:
1.
2.
3.
4.
skills
The
needed for basic job readiness.
The complexities of finding a job and then keeping it.
The importance of establishing personal goals.
The value of becoming an active, motivated participant.
CONCLUS ION
±
Oscar, as you can see by this brief statement of our vision
for the basic foundation of the employment service, the Urban
League is taking a much more aggressive approach to helping
those who want to work. In the next few weeks, a full proposal will be submitted to a major foundation.
We hope it
will prove a successful one.
Page 6
Oscar Turner
As to other possibilities, it will be much easier to add
specialized training elements to this foundation. The Urban
League will consider new projects based on the capacity of
our administration and the need within the community. Of
course, it would be of special interest to this organization
to strengthen our historically positive relationship with
IBM.
Again, thank you for your interest in learning more about the
Urban League's employment division. I hope this discussion
serves to stimulate your thinking and will lead to further
conversations.
I look forward to them. In the meantime, I
remain,
Cordours,
Herb L. Cawthorne
Chief Executive Officer
HLC:pjr
cc:
Joel Smith
Vern Chatman
JU\UOR ACHEVEENTCOLUBIA EMPRE, NCU
1426 SE. HAWTHORNE BLVD. PORTLAND, OREGON 97214-3683
JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT 503/238-6430
iairman.Board of Directors
President
ROBERT SPROUSE II
President
Sprouse Reitz, Inc
EPHEN L, TAYLOR
resident
Cummins Northwest
First Vice President
CD, HOBBS
Vice President
Corporate Planning
Portland General Electric
Vice President
ALLAN GROSS
Manufacturing Manager
Hewlett Packard
Secretary
SYDNEY T. BROWN
Vice President
Personnel
The Oregon Bank
Treasurer
JOSEPH R. SMITH
Senior Vice President
Northwest Natural
Gas Company
FRANK LAROCHE
E,iecutive Vice President
February 26, 1986
Mr. Herb Cawthorne
Presi dent
URBAN LEAO[JE OF PORTLAND
Urban League of Portland
10 N. Russell Street
Portland, OR 97227
Dear Mr. Cawthorne:
Thanks, in part, to your involvement, APPLIED ECOMONICS is experiencing tremendous
growth this year.
Your employee, Sayta Gabriel, is a consultant to one of the
many APPLIED ECONOMICS classes in the Portland/Vancouver area.
APPLIED ECONOMICS is the Cadillac of the growing family of quality economics
education programs of Junior Achievement. The classroom program is a semester
high school course which offers students ninety hours of class time.
The
class is taught four days a week by the teacher, and the fifth day by a business
consultant. Elements of the course include a student operated mini-manufacturing
company, a computerized management simulation which allows students to compete
for market share, and readings in traditional economics.
Sayta is making possible this partnership between education and business by bringing his real life experience in business to his students at Jefferson High School.
I'm sure you are as proud to have Sayta represent your organization as we are to
have Urban League of Portland sponsor Junior Achievement.
Thank you once again.
Si ncerely,
Bonnie Beukelman
Senior Educational Services Manager
cc
Sayta J. Gabriel
Bob Derby
i_ft _.0 I
OREGON DIVISIOtI
HEADQUARTERS
I
LID
BUSINESS
IiIfti'i
.
fl
ppked
APPLIED MANAGEMENT
DIVISIONS OF JUNIOR ACHIVEMENT
-
The Urban League of PorUand
URBAN PLAZA
lONorthRussetlStreet
Port'and, Oregon 97227
(503) 2S02600
Herb L Cawthorne
Chief Execulive Offrcec
March 5, 1986
Ms. Bonnie Beukelman, Manager
Senior Educational Services
Junior Achievement - Columbia Empire, Inc.
1426 S.E. Hawthorne Boulevard
Portland, Oregon 97214-3683
Dear Ms. Beukelman:
I appreciated receiving your kind letter. Your compliments regarding Satya Gabriel are deeply appreciated.
(
As the Director of our Financial Services Technology
Academy, the school within a school at Jefferson High
School, Satya Gabriel has performed an excellent service
to this community. He is a very sound educator, and
demonstrates his commitment to students with energy and
enthusiasm.
It is always good to have the skills and efforts of our
staff acknowledged by others.
I will ensure that your
letter finds it way to Satya's personnel file, and I
will also take the opportunity to share it with my Board
of Directors.
Again, thank you very much for taking the time to encourage one of our employees.
I realize how important
such encouragement is to the health and vitality of an
organization, and I thank you for giving us such a
boost.
Cordi fly,
Herb L. Cawthorne
Chief Executive Officer
HLC: pj r
FEB 24 1986
kr.Herb Cewthorn
URBAN LLGUE
.jlo NE Russell St
LJ
URBAN LEAGUE OF PORTLAND
February 21,1986
Fortland,regon 97227
Dear Sir;
Iou are not acquainted with me.I am a 56 yr old NE widow,now
unemployed the past three inths;and trying to exist upon 59.00 a wk unemployment componsation.This has brought me into contact with URi3-\N LEAGUE
offices, which have been a real heir to me
ll the people met have been pleasant,but I thought that you
would enjoy the names of emrloyees who seemed to give more-than--expected,
kindly and cheerfully;moking my lot less miserable.
By the SNOJ, about Feb.11th I realized I must apply for some energy
assistance...but when I be3an meking telephone calls to numbers handed to
me by Dept.Of Human Resouroes,I found many incorrect, defunct, or the people
reached did not help me with a 'source' .1 was pretty upset by time I had
the good fortune to reach a 'Dorothy'in your offices. This lady could not
help me either, as she waS working with'seniors';so she stayed on the telewas much aided by
phone to help me with OTHER numbers, other
this kindness.La tar I found her name to be Dorothy
asset to you
Thru that last lady I found myself with Buena Jacson,in Union
Ave., offices; another women woo is capable of' tending to business in a
kind and cheerful rnawner.She saw to it an oil allotment was made to ice.
lour secretary,a i..is Reed is a ray of sunshthe to anyone who makes
contact with her.
I are currently working with Nancy Hardy, of your offices, as she
struggles to find some employment for xne;she seems very
Thank you for having such flice people for us to deal with
resources0l
Prentiss0n
helpful0
(
H
iarbarie J.urpoy
2317-NE
42nd ave
Portland,Oregon
281-0484
97213
IiiiITh.iIiiiiS1i1EiIit
URBAN PLAZA
10 North Russell Street
Portland, Oregon 97227
(503)280-2500
Herb L. Cawthorne
Ch!eI Executvo Off!cr
March 5, 1986
Ms. Barbarie J. Murphy
2317 N.E. 42nd Avenue
Portland, Oregon 97213
Dear Ms. Murphy:
I greatly appreciated your kind letter of February 21st.
I apologize for taking such a long time to respond,
however, I suffered from a bout with the flu which kept
me out of the office for an extended period.
So often we hear criticisms and complaints.
It is very
nice for someone like you to take the time to compliment
the work of our staff. The Urban League of Portland is
proud of the quality and commitment of the people who
work here.
It is extra special when a person whom we
have served takes the time to express appreciation.
Your letter is deeply appreciated.
Again, thank you so much for your kind words. Our staff
will be very appreciative to know of your thinking, and
I will be certain to share your letter with them.
Cordially,
Herb LCawthorne
Chief Executive Officer
HLC:pjr
I1I9
IT
APRIL 1, 1g86
PtiiI[SII1
MULTI-PURPOSE CONFERENCE ROOM
Lii1 ;Y
The Urban Lcague of Portiand
URBAN PLAZA
10 North Russell Street
Portland, Oregon 97227
(503) 280-2600
AGENDA
APPROVAL OF HINIJTES
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Finance
Fund Raising
Program and Planning
Personnel
Nominating
REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
REPORT OF THE CHAIRPERSON
ITEMS OF INFORMATION
1.
Employment Concept Paper
2.
Letters from Art Marshall and Don Frisbee
1
URBAN LEAGUE OF PORTLAND
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MARCH 16, 1986
The March meeting of the Urban League Board of Directors, held in
the Multi-Purpose Conference Room, Urban Plaza, 10 North Russell
Street, was called to order at 12:15 P.M. by Chairman Adair.
The following Directors were in attendance: Donny Adair, Bridget
Flanagan, Bobbie Gary, Shirley Minor, Larry Raff, Linda
Rasmussen, Irwin Starr and Jack Vogel.
The following Directors were absent with excuse:
Joel Smith, Ben Talley and Thane Tiensori.
The following Director was absent without excuse:
Tom Kelley,
Skip Collier.
Staff in attendance were:
Herb L. Cawthorne, Carol J. Lentz, E.
Ray Leary and Pauline J. Reed.
The minutes of the February meeting were approved.
(,
The Financial Report for the period ending February 28, 1986 was
mailed in the Board Book and Carol Lentz briefly discussed same.
FUND RAISING COMMITTEE - JACK VOGEL
*
Reported that everything is going well with the Annual
Dinner. All invitations have been received and 142 tickets have been sold to date.
*
Circulated the Fund Raising Committee's Preliminary Plans
for 1986-87 and discussed same. The plans are not as
aggressive as discussed at the Retreat, but are ones that
are realistic -- the $135,000 goal is achievable for '86'87.
Shirley Minor asked if there would be a tennis tournament
this year.
Donny replied that if there was, he would need
assistance in putting it on and he would have to go
through the channels set up by the Fund Raising Committee.
NOMINATING COMMITTEE - IRWIN STARR
*
Reported that there are five nominees to be voted upon to
fill vacant slots.
The sixth slot is still open because
Fred Stickel declined to serve due to having a heavy
calendar this year. The committee would still like to
-2have a representative from The Oregonian serve on the
Board and asked for the consensus of the Board to offer a
special one year term to Bill Hilliard, after which time
Mr. Stickel will again be asked to serve. The Board gave
their consensus.
*
It was moved and seconded (Rasmussen/Gary) that Resolution
#86-401 nominating Avel Gordly, Jeffrey Miliner, Robert
Sutoliff, Valerie White and Nancy Wilgenbusch to serve on
the Urban League Board of Directors be accepted.
There was discussion about the committee providing a list
of all names considered in the filling of the vacant Board
slots.
Irwin will put together a list for the file as a
part of the record and this list is not for public knowledge.
After discussion, the motion passed.
*
It was moved and seconded (Starr Gary) that Resolution
#86-403 listing the terms of off ce for all Board members
be accepted. The motion passed.
It was moved and seconded
#86-402 listing Board off
The motion oassed.
Starr/Raff) that Resolution
ers for the year be accepted.
PRESIDENT ' S REPORT
*
Reported that the employment proposal is almost finalized
and will be submitted to the Fred Meyer Charitable Trust.
The League is asking for $500,000 to $1 million over a 5
year period.
*
Reported that the Adult and Senior Service Division is
applying for the North and Northeast Senior Service contracts.
*
Reported that the Youth Service Center and the FST Academy
proposals are being worked on.
*
Reported on his meeting with Ken Johnson, Portland Trailblazers. Ken has agreed to take on the responsibility
among the Blazers for the acquisition of a facility to
house the Whitney M. Young Learning Center. The goal is
to have a house which would be called "The Blazer House."
The next step is to involve Ed Phillips, U.S. Bancorp (see
letter in Board Book) and others on a committee that will
help identify foundation funding and other funding for the
Learning Center.
*
Gave thanks to Donny for support and guidance during his
first year as Chief Executive Officer.
*
Shirley asked about the articles in the newspaper indicating that LIEAP agencies have received additional funds to
-3operate the energy assistance program. Carol explained
that there is LIEAP money designated for the City of
Portland totaling approximately $40,000, however the Urban
League has not officially been notified that it will
receive any of this money.
The League could spend another
$20,000 if the timeline were extended to April 15th.
There are no administrative dollars for hiring staff, but
through the Adult and Senior Service Division's counseling
and advocacy service, the money would be used for energy
assistance.
*
Shirley asked if the Urban League received $8,000 to help
the gas explosion victims.
Carol reported that the League
received $3,000 to provide outreach and $5,000 to repair
windows.
The $5,000 has been set aside for the time being
and the windows will be repaired through the Senior Repair
Project.
After all windows are repaired and if the $5,000
is not needed, Carol has negotiated with Margaret
Strachan's office to use the money to help repair other
damages on buildings.
Carol further reported that PDC has
made a commitment to assist with new construction in the
places where houses were demolished.
Quite a large sum of
money is being targeted for restoration of other homes
within a two-street area.
The $3,000 for outreach is being used to gather information from the explosion victims. Data will be collected
on the social needs of those living in the area and the
city can possibly develop a needs assessment from this
information.
(
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
*
Reported on meetings of the Council of Board Presidents:
There are seventeen affiliates not in good standing with
the National Urban League; two probably will have been
disaffiliated by the time of the National Convention.
Research will be made on a better and shorter process of
CEO certification. There was also discussion about having
an internal search for 60 to 90 days prior to going outside for new applicants to fill CEO positions.
There will be more training for Board Chairs at the National Convention.
All affiliates will standardize the titles of the top
staff person and the top Board officer. The top staff
title will be "President" and the top Board officer will
be "Chair."
-4--
1:
The Council of Board Presidents' name will change to "The
Council of Urban League Board Chairpersons."
Since this is his last meeting as Chair, Donny thanked all
Board members who have served with him and commented that
he has grown personally and professionally by serving on
the Board.
The meeting adjourned at 1:13 P.M.
Submitted by:
Approved by:
jYA4
Pauline J Reed
Executive Secretary
Urban League of Portland
Thane Tienson
Secretary
Urban League Board of Directors
0
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Ii.iiiHJIini *1!,iT
SUARY OF JOINT MEETINGS OF
AFFILIATE BOARD CHAIRS/EXECUTIVES
1986
Introduction
On March 8, 1986, the Executive Committees of the Councils of Board
Chairs and Chief Executive Officers held their second annual joint
meeting in Phoenix, Arizona. Mr. John E. Jacbb, President and Ms
Mildred L. Love, Vice President for Progrqms & Field Services of the
National Urban League were also participants of this session. It was
determined that joint meetings of Board Chairs and CEO's at each
regional delegate assembly should take place again this year. The
focus for discussion would.be CEO recruitment, selection and certifi-cation, as well as compensation and benefits.
(
The basis for the joint meetings were questions about the timeliness
and objectivity of the certification process. There were also concerns
regarding upward mobility. The Executive Committees agreed to discuss
benefits to determine if an appropriate minimum level of coverage for
all Urban League employees and: their families could be. established.
Other facts/situations used in laying the foundation for joint meetings
will not be discussed in any detail in this report. However, it should
be noted that catastrophic illnesses and deaths have adversely affected
some affiliate employees and their families, who were not.protected by
medical insurance, life insurance or retirement plans.
The Executive Committees of these two (2) Councils are aware that the
Fie1d Services Committee of the National Board of Trustees and national
staff (Regional Directors and Administration) are also reviewing these
important issues. It is felt that the perspectives and opinions of bo.ard
chairs and executives nationwide should be documented and considered by
these bodies during their deliberations. In fact, the Councils hope that
all factions in the Urban League movement will come together to continue
improving opportunities and quality of life for Urban League employees
and their families.
The possible end results of dialogue between board chairs and exeu,itives
could result in submission of a joint resolution to the delegate assembly
to revise the certification process and/or establish minimum benefit
standards for employees as part of the Terms of Affiliation.
The Process & Participants
Joint meetings of affiliate board chairs and executives were conducted
at the Western, Southern, Central and Eastern Regional Delegate Assemblies
in Tucson, Tampa, Indianapolis and Princeton respectively. During each
r'
J
Page 2
Summary of Joint Meetings
meeting DonnyAdair, Corresponding Secretary for the Council of Board Chairs
was the discussion leader. Members of the Executive Committees served as
panelists and resource people. Those people were Deloria Jones-McWashington,
Seattle; Thomas Dixon, Tacoma; John LeCave, Memphis; Leslie Miller, Tampa;
Jim Simmons, St. Petersburg; Leonard Benton, Oklahoma City; James McLawhorn,
Columbia, South Carolina; Chuck Mitchner, Lansing; Chuck Hendrix, Columbus,
Ohio; Howard Dates, Bergen County; Earnie Prince, Weschester County. Regional.
Directors were present and actively involved at each meeting. Mildred L. Love,
Vice President for Programs & Field Services, also participated.
Certification
The required certification process for the position of affiliate chief
executive officer as discussed in depth. It was stated by board chairs and
executives that the process was vague, lacked objectivity, and often very
slow. Some executives feel. that the certification process should be changed
to incorporate preferential consideration. for current executives, who would
like to apply for executive positions in other Urban League affiliates. Board
chairs' opinions differed sharply. Most stated their opinion that boards have
an obligation to hire the best qualified candidate, regardless of previous
tJrban League experience. It is generally believed by most current board chairs
that previous Urban League experience is not necessary or even preferred to
qualify for affiliate executive posts. Although Urban League experience is
preferred and stated on each vacancy announcement, many new executives without Urban League experience have been hired in recent years.
Why should a current Urban League affiliate executive have to be recertified
for another executive position? This question was raised in each discussion.
Many, feel that current executives have already been certified as meeting or
exceeding the basic requirements for any CEO vacancy. Since he affiliate
board makes the final decision, and if performance evaluations are conducted
according to NIJL Guidelines, there may not be a need to recertify. This
posture does not address NUL Administration's concern that each job (each
city or area) is unique, and may require skills or management experience
which were not necessary for success in the previous CEO position. Some
critical differences include the size of the United Way Budget, total budget
and the status of the affiliate board and programs. NUL staff is discussing
the possibility of certifying candidates as qualified to be hired as an
affiliate executive according to a league's size. NUL staff is also discussing the feasibility of certification for a definitive period of time (i.e.
five (5-) years). After expiration of the time period recertification would
be necessary.
The objectivity of the criteria for certification was questioned and maligned
by almost everyone who participated in the joint meetings between board
chairs and executives. It was suggested that more detailed criteria and
perhaps ratings of candidates by NUL Administration would be more helpful
to affiliate search committees and boards. Some of the specific criteria
suggested were fiscal management, personnel, community organization and
fund raising to name a few.
Reference checks, verification of education and experience by the NUL
Personnel Department was also discussed thoroughly. The length of time it
Page. 3.
Summary of Joint Meetings
takes to complete these activities was questioned. Examples of what some
board chairs termed inefficient performance of these tasks included l)a
candidate's certification took four (4) months and was held up because
one reference did not respond to the personnel department's inquiry;
and 2)the personnel department will not accept any verifications of
education forwarded from the local search committee. It was suggested
that references were often not critical since they are usually friends
or associates who will not reveal anything negative. It was also proposed that the personnel department develop a reasonable time period or
expectation for completing applicant screenings, verifications and. reference checks.
The screening of candidates for affiliate executive jobs by the director
of each regional service center was discussed. There was no consistent
objective measurable process stated by all four (4) directors. However,
it was interesting to note that one regional director viewed, her role as
an endorsement. decision. She stated that she reviewed each .applicant.to
ensure that the minimum qualifications required by the certification
procedures are met. If those qualifications are met, then she will f orward the information to NUL for certification. Other regional directors
were not as clear about how they handle their role in the process,. Some
board chairs and executives suggested that applications and resumes should
be sent directly to the NUL Personnel Department from affiliate search
committees. The initial verifications and screening could be conducted
first. Administration could then determine the need for involvementof the
appropriate regional director for comments, interviews, etc.
Current Procedure
(After announcement of vacancy by NUL Personnel Office)
oep .L
Board Search
Committee
Recruiting
Screening
Send finalists'
materials to
Regional Service
Center.
tep '4
dministration
- Review
- Certification
decision.
.JLp
3
Regional Service
Center Director
NUL Personnel
Department
- Screening
Reject applicant
(notify applicant)
Send finalists'
materials to NUL
Personnel Dept.
- Verify education
an& experience
Reference checks
- Send materials
to Administration
J
Regional Service
Center
- Notify applicants
of certification
or rejection
Notify Search
Committee
DL
)
oard Search Committee
H. Final recommendation
to affiliate board
of directors
Page 3
Summary of Joint Meetings
Suggested Procedure
(After announcement of vacancy by NUL Personnel Office)
step i
Board Search
Committee
- Recruiting
- Screening
- Send finalists' materials to NUL
Pers. Dept.
tep i
4
Administration
NEIL Personnel
Department
Review
Objective
ratings
Certification!
- Verify education ançl exper.
- Reference checks
- Send materials
to Admin.
step 4
Board Search
Commit tee
- Final
recomnienda-
tion to affil.
board of direc.
rej ection
,
- Notification
to applicants
and Search Comm.
Regional Service
Center
- Comments and
personal interviews as requestd
by Admin.
There was a consensus that the certification process should be streamlined.
Many feel that this can be accomplished without compromising the need for
very close scrutiny of applicants. Moreover, if objective ratings are
implemented, the quality of the screenings and selections may be enhanced.
Compensation & Benefits
The dialogue concerning compensation and benefits produced more philosophical
agreement between board chairs and executives. While the initial thrust was
on health plans, life insurance and retirement plans for executives, there
was concern and discussion about employee benefits at all levels in Urban
League affiliates. It is estimated that 25% to 30% of Urban League affiliates
do not provide health, life and retirement benefits. Most board chairs
agreed that they would not work for an organization which do not provide
these benefits. Then why would you hire someone and not provide these
benefits? This question came up at each joint meeting, but was never answered.
Obviously these meetings were not conducive to sharing individual problems
(i.e.. possible budget constraints, non-functioning boards, etc.). A clear
majority of board chairs and executives expressed agreement that a minimum
standard of benefits should be mandated.
What can the National Urban League do to help extend benefits to all employees
in each affiliate? The past history of national benefit .programs was reviewed.
In the past the-NTJL administered a retirement program open to affiliate
executives. Due to non-payment and deliquent payment practices by a signif icant number of affiliate participants, this program was withdrawn. In spite
of past failures such as this, board chairs and executives feel that NUL
should conduct research to determine if a cost effective national benefit
package can be offered as an option to all affiliates.
A NEW VISION: EMPLOYNENT SERVICES WITh IMPACT
The Urban League of Portland
March, 1986
The Urban League of Portland is looking at unemployment in
the black community with a critical and unaccepting eye. In
contrast to previous organizational efforts that acknowledged
the seriousness of unemployment but did very little to
address it, the Urban League has re-dedicated itself to the
battle against the indignities, injustices and inequities of
unemployment in Portland's black community.
To do so, the Urban League has shaped a new vision for our
employment division
an ambitious vision that challenges
this organization to do much more than it has ever done to
overcome cultural barriers to employment. Already, we have
restructured personnel, hired a new director and developed
plans for the computerization of the employment service. But
more importantly, we have introduced a new spirit of
determination in our agency - - a determination that refuses
to accept the 25 percent rate of unemployment in the black
community of Portland.
The Urban League has a reputation for providing employment
services.
If one walked down the street in the black community and asked what the Urban League does, most would reply,
"It helps people get jobs."
Yet, the Urban League has not
made employment a priority focus.
Traditionally, only 4
percent of the budgetary resources have been earmarked for
employment.
In actuality, less than 1.5 staff positions have
been assigned to the task. There was little clerical
support, little specific planning, and even less grant and
program development. Under new direction from the Board,
this has changed and, in the coming months, these changes
will materialize in substantive ways.
THE PHILOSOPHY
Rampant unemployment is demoralizing.
It is destablilizing
as well.
There is more poverty, crime and delinquency in our
city because of the unacceptable number of individuals who
would be productively employed if they were properly trained
and exposed to the opportunities that do exist.
The Urban
League philosophy is centered around the premise that there
are more jobs available to the black community than the
unemployment rate might suggest.
Corporations have responded
well to our challenge.
They want a diversified staff. We
know the black community wants to work in higher numbers than
Therefore, the Urban League
that which exist at present.
is undertaking the following employment service programs; the
Center f or Self-Development; the Rosa Parks School of Modern
Communications; a restaurant service and management training
program; a banking seminar s aries; and an agenda for youth
employment.
THE PROGRAMS
The centerpiece of the Urban League's employment service will
be the Center for Self-Development. As envisioned in the
proposal, which is nearly completed and will soon be
submitted to a major foundation, this center will attempt to
bridge the gap between the unemployed members of the black
community in Portland and the city's corporate community.
The Center will be established with a demand for excellence
and there will be no relaxation in the processing and
placement efforts until the unemployment rate in this
community is reduced.
The elements of this plan, briefly, are as follows:
Recruitment
(
The notion of "recruitment" is new to the Urban League,
especially in terms of its general employment division.
In the past, the Urban League employment process began
only when prospective clients arrived at the office.
With the implementation of this proposal, the Urban
League will aggressively seek out those who want to work
and provide them with the assistance and knowledge that
will reverse the cycle of unemployment and poverty.
Assessment
In the Urban League's Center for Self-Development,
assessment of skills, experience, education, and interests will be the first step taken with clients.
Assessment will inform both the counselor and the
applicant of the needs which must be addressed in order
to best guide the individual toward permanent
employment.
The assessment process is, therefore,
crucial, and it must be implemented in detail with the
utmost integrity and honesty.
Information and Referral Bank
Once an applicant is recruited and the initial assessment has been completed, the employment counselor will
turn to the Urban League job information and referral
bank.
The information and referral bank will be a computerized
collection of specific data on training programs, short-
term educational options, apprenticeship opportunities,
and financial resources available to help an individual
find and keep employment.
In addition, workshops and
seminars, specialized school programs in higher education, and corporate in-house management training programs will be categorized.
Job Identification
During the first year of the program's operation, a
massive mailing effort will be used to inform employers
of the Urban League's program, and each will be asked to
forward all job announcements to the Urban League's
office.
This publicity will add considerably to the
significant number of announcements already received.
Job announcements will be immediately processed within
12 hours after arrival at the Urban League office.
Employment Insurance
This portion of the Center for Self-Development will
involve in-house programs that train prospective employees about the intricacies of job development and the
importance of developing positive and responsible work
attitudes. Most clients will be required to attend the
training, although some, according to the assessment
process, will be exempt for having demonstrated excellent skills and employment experience.
(
As you can see by this proposal, our vision for the Center
for Self-Development is ambitious and aggressive. No less
will do if we are to offer the types of employment services
that will make a difference in the lives of those we serve.
The Rosa Parks School of Modern Communication
Our new vision for a comprehensive employment service
includes other ambitious programs. We have drawn a blue
print for an Executive Secretarial and Word Processing
Training Facility that will offer certified courses in modern
communications skills.
Specifically this program, which will be called the Rosa
Parks School of Modern Communication, will accomplish several
important things:
First, it will address the 30 percent
unemployment rate among women in Portland's black community.
Second, it wLll give those women dignity which they in turn
will give their families. And third, it will help meet the
growing demand for experienced certified secretaries and
administrative assistants who have word processing computer
experience.
In keeping with our employment vision, the proposal is bold
and will will be operated with the highest standards of
excellence.
We do not want participants to fail when they
leave our services for the offices of the real working
world.
Restaurant Service and Management Training Program
Another venture that the Urban League is planning in its
efforts to curb unemployment is the development of a training
program for those interested in restaurant management
careers. To address this interest, we are launching a
community-based venture in which the unemployed would be
trained in food preparation, food service and restaurant
management -- all within a restaurant facility that would
serve as a showcase for the skills and talents of those in
training.
As envisioned, the facility would be developed in Northeast
Portland by the Urban League and would be managed by a food
service corporation. Several Portland companies have
expressed interest in the project that would bring new jobs
A capital fund drive is being
and skills to the unemployed.
coordinated in order to secure the money needed for
construction of the facility.
Banking Seminars
(
Banking is also an area in which the Urban League can unite
with the corporate community. Thus, we have initiated
contact with members of the banking community in order to
establish a series of banking seminars that would introduce
prospective employees with the rigors and rewards of banking
as a career, and to make them well versed with preliminary
information about the profession.
A Planning Committee is being formed to assist in the
development of major concepts to be 'addressed in the
Once completed, the Urban League will recruit
seminars.
participants from the community and will retain the
supervisory and adminstrative responsibilities for the
In order to pursue this project, funding will be
program.
sought from many institutions, thus lessoning the burden on
any one corporation.
Agenda for Youth Employment
With nearly 60 percent of all black youths unemployed, the
Urban League is compelled to establish an employment agenda
It is not an easy task. In a depressed
for young people.
job market, youths, and particularly minority youths, are
To counter this,
often the first to experience joblessness.
the Urban League has initiated several youth projects. They
include the following:
A series of job-readiness "Saturday Seminars" are scheduled
each month for ycung job seekers. Participants are briefed
on the importance of appropriate dress, conduct, interviewing
skills, resume development and follow-up procedures.
Meanwhile, Urban League counselors have a Job Development
agenda in which they contact Portland businesses and
corporations about opening skilled positions for youth. So
far, counselors have established positions within the banking
industry, state and local government, the bonneville Power
Administration and community agencies.
Additionally, counselors are concentrating on Career
Development strategies for youth. In conjunction with the
Portland Police Bureau and the Portland Community College
system, young people are entering a police ride along program
to help them understand the intricacies and demands of police
This exposure is an important step in inspiring them
work.
to enroll in the FCC law enforcement program. Similar
programs are being planned with the Fire Department.
FUTURE PROJECTS
In years to come, it's not inconceivable for the Urban League
to develop a temporary hiring agency similar in structure to
Kelly Services. By using a pool of unemployed, but skilled
applicants, we could connect them with employers at an hourly
rate that is competitive with or less than present market
rates. There are many skilled office workers in the black
community who will work in part and full-time positions if
the coordinating structure is put into place. If developed,
such a program would very likely generate profits for other
components of the Urban League employment service.
CONCLUSION
As you can see, these proposals represent the first steps in
realizing our vision for a community in which all who want to
These proposals
work are given the opportunity to do so.
represent a vision for an employment service with impact.
The potential is unlimited if we marshal our energy,
commitment and resources with the desire of those in our
community who want to marshal their energies toward a
productive place in the workforce.
C
-
,J
'
IFOOD SEr\IKE
5001 North Lagoon Avenue
4rc
Portland, Oregon 97217
Phone (503) 285.9874
7i98/
n)
j
VRRij LE;!
The Honorable Victor Atiyeh
Governor of Oregon
The Governors Office
254 State Capitol Building
Salem, OR 97310
Dear Governor Atiyeh:
I am writing this to confirm that I have been working with Herb
Cawthorne of the Urban League of Portland. We are excited about
the possibility of a hospitality training program.
A hospitality training program could be a major step in not only
putting people to work, but also teaching them communication
skills.
Our hope is that done properly, this program would help
our industry while helping to integrate our society. If this can
be accomplished, it should also improve our public assistance
costs.
If
I
can be of any help to you or your staff on this issue,
please feel free to call on me.
Respectfully yours,
r
1, Jr.
Director
Tiffany Food Service
AM/siw
cc Herb Cawthorne'
$i PiC I F Co i
CHA
B51 SW SIXTH AVENUE PORTLAND, OREGON 97204 (503) 243-4700 TELECOPIER 243-4774 TWX 910-464-1584
M,4R 241995
March 24, 1986
URa4j L4G;j
OF
The Honorable Victor Atiyeh
Governor of the State of Oregon
254 State Capitol Building
Salem, OR 97310
Dear Vic:
Herb Cawthorne tells me that he had an enthusiastic response from Kay Toran
relative to the Urban League's plan for expanding training opportunities and
I have been following the Urban League's
other services in the Portland area.
planning process and I am impressed.
I expect to play a role in helping them
achieve their objectives.
I wanted you to know this relative to their request for seed money from the
I am optimistic that such seed money would be a key factor in
lottery fund.
helping to raise the additional money needed for this valuable program. As
you know so well when state funds are used in ways that then multiply their
effectiveness, we have the best of all worlds.
This is one of those.
Sincerely,
DCF: St
cc:
Herb Cawthorne-'
PACIFIC POWER & LIGHT COMPANY
NERCO, INC.
PACIFIC TELECOM, INC.