Team meet – March 7, 2004
Posted on Mar 4th 2010 by Karthi Easwaramoorthy.
Date: 03/07/2004 (Sunday)
Meeting Name: TEAM Meeting – Bloomington
Place: Community Meeting Room
Normal Public Library, Normal
Normal Public Library, Normal
Compered By: Rema Ks
# of Schools selected: 3
Total money distributed: $1500
Total money distributed: $1500
2004 Batch members selected for the 1st quarter:
1. Jayakumar Atchaiah (Jan)
2. Antony Stephen (Feb)
3. Vijayakumar Radhkrishnan (March)
1. Jayakumar Atchaiah (Jan)
2. Antony Stephen (Feb)
3. Vijayakumar Radhkrishnan (March)
Agenda: 1. Welcome Address by Rema Ks.
2. Vandae Mataram by Akshaya Karthikeyan,Hamsika Santanam
3. Presentation on TEAM’s History and its Vision by Senthil.
4. Selection Procedure by Sugum.
5. Video Presentation on TEAM’s projects.
6. Speech on TEAM by Members.
7. Q & A.
8. Member Selection for project execution
9. Vote of Thanks by Balaguru.
10. National Anthem.
2. Vandae Mataram by Akshaya Karthikeyan,Hamsika Santanam
3. Presentation on TEAM’s History and its Vision by Senthil.
4. Selection Procedure by Sugum.
5. Video Presentation on TEAM’s projects.
6. Speech on TEAM by Members.
7. Q & A.
8. Member Selection for project execution
9. Vote of Thanks by Balaguru.
10. National Anthem.
Next Meeting: June/July of 04
Minutes:
1. Welcome Address
1. Welcome Address
Good Afternoon Friends,
I have great pleasure in welcoming you for the inaugural meeting of TEAM in Bloomington. We are here to lend our support for a noble cause.
We the fortunate, have been able to lead a comfortable life here because of the education and work exposure we got back home in India. TEAM gives us an opportunity to show our gratitude to our motherland. Our individual contribution may be a drop in the bucket, but many a drop makes an ocean. Individual commitment for a group effort is what makes TEAM work. Our small contribution will go a long way in providing basic amenities to the less fortunate children in our country.
TEAM is not dependent on any individual. TEAM is a virtual organization and a legal entity and will carry on its mission long after we the current members move on from this location.
We plan to meet every quarter and today’s meeting will be for the first quarter of 2004. We have a list of agenda items for today. You will get to know more about TEAM as the session progresses. We have a Q&A segment so please reserve your questions till that time.
We collected the responses from all about participation in today’s draw. Those who have changed their minds (whether to join the selection process or to withdraw from today’s selection process) can raise their hands and Radhika will collect your new response.
There is a collection box —- and members are welcome to make voluntary contributions. The contributions will be used to cover the overhead expenses for today’s meeting. We request all members to switch off their cell phones during the meeting.
Thank you all for your support.
2.Vandae Mataram was sung by the FUTURE TEAM PLAYERS Akshaya Karthik & Hamsika Santanam.
3.Presentation on TEAM and its vision.
SenthilKumar (2000) and Bala (2003) members of TEAM, helped to initiate TEAM in Bloomington. TEAM achieved one of their major goals by doing this.
SenthilKumar (2000) and Bala (2003) members of TEAM, helped to initiate TEAM in Bloomington. TEAM achieved one of their major goals by doing this.
Senthil thanked everyone and mentioned it is PROUD to be a TEAM member.
In 2000, a group of like minded individuals discussed about doing something GOOD to our MOTHERLAND. They finally came up with an idea to help economically underprivileged elementary schools by providing basic facilities. Hence TEAM was born.
TEAM was started as a Non-profit Organization, with a goal to cover 2/3 districts in TamilNadu. Then it got expanded to all districts of TN. By the end of 2003, TEAM has executed around 250 projects in providing facilities worth of $150,000 approx. to needy schools.
TEAM was started as a Non-profit Organization, with a goal to cover 2/3 districts in TamilNadu. Then it got expanded to all districts of TN. By the end of 2003, TEAM has executed around 250 projects in providing facilities worth of $150,000 approx. to needy schools.
TEAM is taking a big step by expanding its coverage area to the whole Country. Bloomington is leading that initiative and all the members have to help achieve that goal.
Currently there are 56 members in the Bloomington Chapter.
Team’s Vision is to provide Education.
Why Education?
Team wanted to help our society on a long term basis. Its aim is to build great future for Motherland. Providing food can be done for a few days and it will not help our society to build a strong future. But providing education to our children will help them build a bright future for them and for the country.
Why Education?
Team wanted to help our society on a long term basis. Its aim is to build great future for Motherland. Providing food can be done for a few days and it will not help our society to build a strong future. But providing education to our children will help them build a bright future for them and for the country.
Team’s Mission:
And in the end its not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.
- Abraham Lincoln.
- To bring awareness of education among the rural areas in Motherland
- To improve the infrastructure of schools in rural areas.
- To help the children boost their self-confidence and change their lives.
TEAM plans to extend its services to the other developing countries.
Team’s Goal is to reach more schools. By helping 1 school, at least 100 students are getting benefited. By helping 100 schools at least 10000 students are getting benefited each year.
TEAM Office Bearers:
Senthil Overall activities
Bala Project Execution and related activities
Dilip Web Coordinator
Sugum Finance related activities
There will be one TEAM coordinator (contact point between members and TEAM) for every 10 members. They are responsible to Collect Money and Answer Questions regarding TEAM.
- Abraham Lincoln.
- To bring awareness of education among the rural areas in Motherland
- To improve the infrastructure of schools in rural areas.
- To help the children boost their self-confidence and change their lives.
TEAM plans to extend its services to the other developing countries.
Team’s Goal is to reach more schools. By helping 1 school, at least 100 students are getting benefited. By helping 100 schools at least 10000 students are getting benefited each year.
TEAM Office Bearers:
Senthil Overall activities
Bala Project Execution and related activities
Dilip Web Coordinator
Sugum Finance related activities
There will be one TEAM coordinator (contact point between members and TEAM) for every 10 members. They are responsible to Collect Money and Answer Questions regarding TEAM.
Why 120$? – Senthil explained why TEAM collects contributions annually:
Reduce the workload for the members, coordinators and others. Currently Team has 800 members and it would involve 800 bank transactions and 800 database entries for money collection. If we do it monthly we would need to spend an enormous amount of time in it. Instead, to utilize the time and use it effectively, money is being collected annually.
Thanks for joining Team to work for the noble cause.
4.Selection Procedure:
I. School Selection Process
I. School Selection Process
1. Team believes in team effort.
2. Every Member has equal rights as anyone else in TEAM.
3. Individual members decide on which school to get aid.
4. School to get aid is selected as follows:
i) Assuming that the TEAM has 50 members.
ii) Names of the members are written and dropped in a box for the selection cycle (quarterly).
iii) Names (One name per month) will be randomly picked from the box. This person will have the authority to choose which school he/she wants to do the project.
iv) Typically, members choose an under-privileged school from their native place.
v) The selected members will receive $500 and have the moral responsibility to execute the project in the school they choose.
vi) Once a member’s name is selected, his/her name will not be included in the next selection cycle to make sure that everyone get a chance to do the project.
vii) The selection cycle continues until every member gets a chance and once that completes, a new group selection cycle starts.
2. Every Member has equal rights as anyone else in TEAM.
3. Individual members decide on which school to get aid.
4. School to get aid is selected as follows:
i) Assuming that the TEAM has 50 members.
ii) Names of the members are written and dropped in a box for the selection cycle (quarterly).
iii) Names (One name per month) will be randomly picked from the box. This person will have the authority to choose which school he/she wants to do the project.
iv) Typically, members choose an under-privileged school from their native place.
v) The selected members will receive $500 and have the moral responsibility to execute the project in the school they choose.
vi) Once a member’s name is selected, his/her name will not be included in the next selection cycle to make sure that everyone get a chance to do the project.
vii) The selection cycle continues until every member gets a chance and once that completes, a new group selection cycle starts.
II. Project Execution Guidelines
1. School should be an elementary/higher elementary school.
2. Select the school which does not have basic amenities like black boards, benches, tables, maps, books, flag post, etc, After speaking to the Headmaster of the school decide what is necessary for the school.
3. Once such a school is identified, arrange for the materials to be supplied through a reliable person in your area to provide all materials. Please do not hand over money to the school directly. Only materials should be delivered.
4. Please forward address and phone number of the person in India to whom you have entrusted the work for our project database.
5. The person to whom you have entrusted the work should be thrift in getting the things done. The things should be delivered to the school. (If possible the things can be embossed with the logo of TEAM). If you want to put some more money with this $500, go ahead and do it. It’s at your wish.
6. Once the project is completed, the responsible person is requested to send the following for the records of TEAM :
a) List of facilities offered.
b) Bills of the materials bought.
c) Photographs of the things along with the children who benefited..
d) Letter from the headmaster and people involved in the project. If they specify the amount spent on the school in the letter that will be great. (Preferably in English). It is better to have a hand written letter with signature from the school headmaster along with the school rubber stamp in the letter.
7. After collecting this let us know.
2. Select the school which does not have basic amenities like black boards, benches, tables, maps, books, flag post, etc, After speaking to the Headmaster of the school decide what is necessary for the school.
3. Once such a school is identified, arrange for the materials to be supplied through a reliable person in your area to provide all materials. Please do not hand over money to the school directly. Only materials should be delivered.
4. Please forward address and phone number of the person in India to whom you have entrusted the work for our project database.
5. The person to whom you have entrusted the work should be thrift in getting the things done. The things should be delivered to the school. (If possible the things can be embossed with the logo of TEAM). If you want to put some more money with this $500, go ahead and do it. It’s at your wish.
6. Once the project is completed, the responsible person is requested to send the following for the records of TEAM :
a) List of facilities offered.
b) Bills of the materials bought.
c) Photographs of the things along with the children who benefited..
d) Letter from the headmaster and people involved in the project. If they specify the amount spent on the school in the letter that will be great. (Preferably in English). It is better to have a hand written letter with signature from the school headmaster along with the school rubber stamp in the letter.
7. After collecting this let us know.
III. Project Reporting Guidelines
1. After executing your project, please complete the required forms and send to the TEAM address. The address of the TEAM is available in our web-site or you can contact our secretary, Balaguru Paramasivan who will help you with that.
2. Along with the forms, please attach the following details
-Receipts of all the items bought for the schools. If you can’t get a receipt for certain miscellaneous items like labor wages, etc., please get a signature on the revenue stamp for that particular expenditure.
-All receipts should be addressed to “Team for Educational Activities in Motherland, USA”.
-Pictures of the projects executed.
-Appreciation letter from Head Master/School with school’s stamp/seal.
3. Please provide evidence of execution as soon as possible. (Recommended to complete within 3-4 months from your selection date). US charity laws are strict and since we are 100% incorporated as a non-profit organization; we require records of how the money was spent.
2. Along with the forms, please attach the following details
-Receipts of all the items bought for the schools. If you can’t get a receipt for certain miscellaneous items like labor wages, etc., please get a signature on the revenue stamp for that particular expenditure.
-All receipts should be addressed to “Team for Educational Activities in Motherland, USA”.
-Pictures of the projects executed.
-Appreciation letter from Head Master/School with school’s stamp/seal.
3. Please provide evidence of execution as soon as possible. (Recommended to complete within 3-4 months from your selection date). US charity laws are strict and since we are 100% incorporated as a non-profit organization; we require records of how the money was spent.
5. Video Presentation was screened to demonstrate 2 Team projects and the required documents for Team on completion of a project. It gave a good idea to all the members on what projects to execute.
6. Team members volunteered to share their opinion on TEAM:
- Santanam mentioned that Literates are Prejudice and Illiterates are exploited. Illiterates are the biggest killer and they get cheated. Literates need to educate them. He mentioned that on hearing about Team, he felt they have an agenda and a vision. He also said that “In 1970, Coastal Districts in Orissa (Balasur, Paradesh) got affected by Cyclone and Flood. They did not have warning system.Schools got washed up and No Schools from then on. Some schools were used for flood relief work. Things didn’t get improved yet. Kids get displaced and lost time and year.”. - Yuvaraj mentioned that he knows about the schools in Village and he also mentioned that some schools do not have even walls. - Ramkumar mentioned that he wanted to do some charity work, like helping homeless, diseased people etc., and when Senthil shared about Team, he thought let’s do this. On discussing with his friends in India, they have felt what to do with Rs.25000; but he mentioned that the presentation gave a better idea. He mentioned that we should not limit within Team and should improve ideas.
- Santanam mentioned that Literates are Prejudice and Illiterates are exploited. Illiterates are the biggest killer and they get cheated. Literates need to educate them. He mentioned that on hearing about Team, he felt they have an agenda and a vision. He also said that “In 1970, Coastal Districts in Orissa (Balasur, Paradesh) got affected by Cyclone and Flood. They did not have warning system.Schools got washed up and No Schools from then on. Some schools were used for flood relief work. Things didn’t get improved yet. Kids get displaced and lost time and year.”. - Yuvaraj mentioned that he knows about the schools in Village and he also mentioned that some schools do not have even walls. - Ramkumar mentioned that he wanted to do some charity work, like helping homeless, diseased people etc., and when Senthil shared about Team, he thought let’s do this. On discussing with his friends in India, they have felt what to do with Rs.25000; but he mentioned that the presentation gave a better idea. He mentioned that we should not limit within Team and should improve ideas.
7. Question & Answer
Q. Distribution of selection within 56 members. (Raja Adikala)
A. Senthil mentioned that the basic rule is one member per 50 members. So, if there are 56 members, one person would be selected for the first 8 months and 2 persons would be selected every 9th month.
Q. Distribution of selection within 56 members. (Raja Adikala)
A. Senthil mentioned that the basic rule is one member per 50 members. So, if there are 56 members, one person would be selected for the first 8 months and 2 persons would be selected every 9th month.
Q. Can one person take 2 memberships?
A. Senthil mentioned that it is allowed. You could also do one time contributions.
A. Senthil mentioned that it is allowed. You could also do one time contributions.
Q: Can members join Team till end of the year? (Yuvaraj)
A: Senthil mentioned that it is possible.
A: Senthil mentioned that it is possible.
Q: What will be done if a member leaves to India within that 5 year period?
A: Senthil discussed the various options:
a. Remaining money could be paid and you could have executed the project earlier or you could execute the project on selection later. You would be communicated.
b. You could find a person to replace you.
c. If you cannot find a replacement, then TEAM will find a replacement.
Under options b anc c, if you have got the selection chance already, then we will do one extra month selection to give your replacement to get their chance.
A: Senthil discussed the various options:
a. Remaining money could be paid and you could have executed the project earlier or you could execute the project on selection later. You would be communicated.
b. You could find a person to replace you.
c. If you cannot find a replacement, then TEAM will find a replacement.
Under options b anc c, if you have got the selection chance already, then we will do one extra month selection to give your replacement to get their chance.
Q: Is TEAM maintaining any suggested list of Schools? (Ramkumar)?
A: No. Yuvaraj mentioned that he can help provide list of schools.
A: No. Yuvaraj mentioned that he can help provide list of schools.
Q: Instead of helping schools, can we provide education to kids directly? (Ramkumar)
A: Senthil mentioned that right now, TEAM is helping schools to help all the children benefit from that. We are not helping any children individually.
A: Senthil mentioned that right now, TEAM is helping schools to help all the children benefit from that. We are not helping any children individually.
Q: Is any preference given to a member in selection, if he is visiting India?
A: No. If a selection member is willing, they could exchange with them.
A: No. If a selection member is willing, they could exchange with them.
Q: Is there any limitation on the execution period on selection? (Dilip)
A: Suggested 3-4 months.
A: Suggested 3-4 months.
Q: Is receipts in local language acceptable? (Ramesh)
A: It is OK.
A: It is OK.
Q: Can I communicate school list to Team? (Vijay)
A: Yes, it would help and could be used as guideline, if required.
Discussion went on about the Basic needs of Schools. (Santa & Ramkumar).
A: Yes, it would help and could be used as guideline, if required.
Discussion went on about the Basic needs of Schools. (Santa & Ramkumar).
Q: Can I execute project ahead of schedule (Before Selection) and use that when I get selected? (Jayakumar)
A: Yes.
Discussion went on about the Basic needs of Schools. (Santa & Ramkumar). Discussed about the Local Community Contribution. (Babu Thangaraj).
A: Yes.
Discussion went on about the Basic needs of Schools. (Santa & Ramkumar). Discussed about the Local Community Contribution. (Babu Thangaraj).
8. Selection for 1st quarter. So far, money is collected from 51 members and the collection made is $5600. 39 members have opted to participate in the lot and 17 members wanted to try later. Kids gracefully accepted to select the lot.
a. Prithiv selected Jayakumar for the month of Jan’2004.
b. Oviya selected Antony for the month of Feb’2004.
c. Arnika selected Vijayakumar Radhakrishnan for the month of March’2004. 9. Vote of Thanks:
Bala mentioned it’s a Great Honor to Thank the Team members. All of your presence indicates your eagerness to help our motherland. Thanked all the contributors. Thanks go to Normal Community People for the hall. Good Luck to Winners. Can contact us for help.
a. Prithiv selected Jayakumar for the month of Jan’2004.
b. Oviya selected Antony for the month of Feb’2004.
c. Arnika selected Vijayakumar Radhakrishnan for the month of March’2004. 9. Vote of Thanks:
Bala mentioned it’s a Great Honor to Thank the Team members. All of your presence indicates your eagerness to help our motherland. Thanked all the contributors. Thanks go to Normal Community People for the hall. Good Luck to Winners. Can contact us for help.
Cheers, TEAM News Groups.
