CKSCP Emergency Board Meeting
March 9, 2022

The meeting was called to order at 7:30 pm by President, Bob Herring. Also present at the ZOOM meeting were Mike Burns, Bob Derge, Bob Derge Jr., Frank Clark, Sasha Etlin, Steve Hirschberg, Ann Lampe, Gail Bason, Guennadi Maslov, and Susan Neaman. Jin Kong attended the meeting as a special guest.

Bob Herring previously distributed an agenda via email.

(Please note that I experienced some problems throughout the meeting with my Zoom connection, so I have just done my best to summarize everything I heard)

UPDATES

Potential Fundraising Partners:

· Susan Neaman reported that there are three different Red Cross base organizations internationally and the Ukrainian Red Cross has a regional presence in Kharkiv. Konstantin (?) is then head of the Kharkiv Oblast Office. CKSCP representatives are scheduled to talk with him tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. via a Zoom connection. It does appear that we can directly funnel donations to this organization. There will be an update on this option after the meeting.

· Mike Burns reported on his correspondence with Matthew 25. He advised that he called them and emailed them but has only been able to connect through emails. The generally work through other partners in the country they are assisting, and they seemed reluctant to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with CKSCP.

· Frank Clark reported on his research related to the World Central Kitchen which typically sends in a team of first responders to set up food service operations.

· Ann Lampe reported on her research related to CARITAS, but the Secretary missed most of this review.

o After discussion, Susan Neaman made amotion to pursue a partnership with the Kharkiv Regional Red Cross organization to direct donations. The motion was seconded by Steve Hirschberg and passed by unanimous voice vote.

· Susan Neaman and Bob Herring provided a report on conversations with Chuck Hollis regarding Ukrainian refugee status. The Secretary also missed most all of this report.

· Bob Herring reported that CKSCP has received $2,675 in donated funds so far and expected to also receive a check from Munich Sister City Partnership.

FYI

· Bob Herring reported on an interfaith prayer service for Ukraine at Christ Church Cathedral Sunday, March 27^th at 7:00 p.m.

· Bob also shared some thoughts from Jody Grundy regarding the compilation of a spreadsheet detailing donors pertinent information. After discussion, it was determined that we needed more information before adopting Jody’s suggestion. Bob will circle back with her.

· Susan Neaman advised that Lauren O’Brien who formerly worked for Council member Amy Murray is now working for Congressman Steve Chabot. She has reached out expressing support for any efforts aimed at aiding Ukraine.

· Bob Herring reported that he spent some time with 7^th and 8^th graders at Seven Hills School talking about the situation in Ukraine.

· Bob also reported support from the Bulgarian Association of Cincinnati.

· Bob reported on a conversation with a UC scientist named Judy Kleiner who was looking to promote the emigration of Ukrainian scientist to teaching positions.

· Bob also advised that Crossroads Church was sponsoring a Prayer for Peace event on Wednesday, March 16^th and there will be an Art Exhibit this Saturday from 1-4 p.m.

· Guennadi Maslov provided additional background on the art exhibit. He will be participating.

UP NEXT

· Bob Herring advised that available CKSCP board members would be meeting via Zoom with Konstantin regarding the Red Cross needs at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 10^th.

· Bob announced that Guennadi Maslov will be part of a UC-World Affairs Council program on US-Russian relations on Friday, March 11^th. A link is available on the CKSCP website.

NEXT MEETING

The next regularly scheduled CKSCP board meeting will be 7:30 p.m. on Monday, March 14^th. The meeting will be virtual on Zoom.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:45 p.m.

Submitted by Michael Burns, Secretary