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Dear Friends,
Today marks the first day of summer and witt that often comes a fresh outlook on life for many people. It also marks the beginning a busy summer of rededication for the Caribbean Association of Columbus. There has been no shortage or interest in and inquiry about the status of the Caribbean Association of Columbus.... especially online. It is certainly warranted because there has been an overwhelming amount of interest in establishing a caribbean organization here in the Columbus area for some time .
In fact similar and commendable endeavors has already been attempted and undertaken in the past. In 2002 a few visionary members of Columbus' small but proud, caribbean community established, The Columbus West Indian Association Inc., it was established for the purpose of "Produc[ing] resources necessary for the preservation of the West Inian Culture and to promote the welfare of the community [it] serves" . The response then was tremedous and initially was very well received by all accounts. The organization's status is currently inactive however but there is still an interest in "coming together" that is constantly being discussed now. We think it is time to move forward.
Over the last two years there has been a concerted effort to maintain some sense of community among people of Caribbean descent and those who support the culture in Columbus. Various gatherings by groups of friends and entrepreneurs alike have made it possible for there to be a loosely knitted "association" of sorts. Picnics in the park, dances, concerts and members meeting at their respective place of worship , have been all means of staying in contact.
The Caribbean Association of Columbus was thus born our of the idea that this loose association , needs to be formalized, and in a renewed way. The first step was establishing a means of communication and networking. The website, www.columbuscaribbean.org and the affiliated blog Columbus Caribbean Voice are a part of that effort. Online networking sites such as facebook and myspace as well are other means we've used to "keep everyone in the loop" .
The site's establishment also achieved an important secondary goal which was to help assess the true level of interest in establishing a Caribbean/West Inidan association. This marked the greatest success of this effort. The site has received over the last few months hundreds of ever increasing visits. There have been active participation in online polls, emails, subscription to our email newsletter. One such poll in which we asked visitors to tell what country they were from had 152 respondents and showed some very intriguing results. [see results here]
With this in mind Articles of incorporation as a Non-Profit have been filed with the office of the Ohio Secretary of State. Up to this point CAC has been operation as essentially as a unincorporated association. ie., in name only with very limited status. General bylaws have been established but rules and protocol for attaining membership, fund raising and establishing a formal board needs be done. Some of these activities will require your participation. This important step will 1. Establishing the organization as a non profit in Ohio 2. allow the organization to be able to apply for an attain Tax exempt status through the IRS (IRS doc) .
These steps taken now will ensure that as a community organization we can now and in the future 1. Accept and solicit charitable donations 2. Accept membership and collect dues 3. Apply for grants that will enable us to meet our goals of full civic participation, education attainment and business success for our memebers 4. Purchase or lease property. and
We anticipate having regular meetings beginnnig in July 2008. By the time of the first official meeting the general membership organizational formed. Membership applications will be available and ready for acceptance. Initial rules and bylaws will be made public. There will be a motion to establish several commitees immediately with the primary goal ensuring the longevity of the organization.
The committees will be 1.Fund raising 2. Event planning 3. Building and Lease Committee and 4. Educational committee. We will be asking for volunteers to help to plan and raise funds for our first major event to be held this fall/winter, as well as planning smaller social events and or educational events beginning this summer. We believe that this organization can be established and maintained for the long term by adhering to the principle of careful planning, focus and dedication to goals we all have in common.
Lastly I would like to acknowlege the fact that it is not only those who are directly from the Caribbean who are being invited to be a part of this organization. The caribbean culture has always been one that embraces all . There have been many from the local African community , Columbus' American community, and in general , people of all races and creed, who have embraced and supported Caribbean culture here in Columbus. Every one should feel free to join our efforts in the goal of seeing this continue and expand for the benifit of the entire community. Where ever we have gone, people of Caribbean descent have done things to enhance the well being of their community and Columbus is no exeption.
We look forward to working together. Thank you for your interest. If you have any questions or comments you may leave it below or email columbuscaribbean@hotmail.com
Board of Directors : Caribbean Association of Columbus
