Livewire Thursday

The Internet has a vital tool in the communication fast tracks. It's allowed everyday folks to become everything from muck rakers to town criers in the blink of an eye. At the beginning of this effort, I didn't make much of it nor did I believe that it would be something that I would continue to produce. Not to mention if anyone would be interested in my musings or the eventual topics that I would address, but I've been pleasantly surprised on many levels to the reaction and acceptance of COP 24/7. If you check out our traffic gadget you can see that this forum is being viewed from much of the U.S. and even globally at some points. Who knew that someone in the Ukraine, Far East or down under in Australia would drop by this site searching for what's up in this neck of the woods. It's amazing to say the least, but of course none of this would be remotely possible without all the latest tech gadgets and gizmo's that allow me to keep it coming. And as long as there are interesting topics, issues and just plain old stuff to talk about, we will do our best to stay on point. Thanks for your support, readership and suggestions to this forum. In the meantime, let's get busy shall we.

Obituary Omission Makes the Rounds

The Obituary omission in Batesville, Arkansas is making the rounds of news agencies from Reuters to the Big Gay News website which made it a prominent blurb. The article stated, that the small newspaper in north central Arkansas was to consider changing its policy on obituaries after a local man complained to local group Center for Artistic Revolution that the Batesville Daily Guard discriminated against him for being gay. Terrence James said that through a funeral home, he submitted an obituary to the Daily Guard for his partner, John Millican, who died on June 11 of spinal meningitis. James listed himself as Millican’s partner on the obituary form. When the free obituary was printed, James’ name was omitted. “I was already in shock and grieving over John’s death,” James told Reuters. “It never even occurred to me I would find my last slap in the face after his death at my local newspaper. The newspaper's owner Oscar Jones stated that the policy cites "unmarried" partners, no matter the sexual orientation would not be listed in the free ads but compensated ads are available for $85. Jones, perhaps because of the phone calls and other expressions of disapproval from HRC, GLAAD, among others, offered that the policy might need a look over since that had not been done in some time. Wow, all this firepower from the big girl organizations ove this mini-tempest in the tea pot. Will all this "contact" make any difference or change anything? Well, we'll take a wait and see attitude on this one. Hold on, there's another shoe to drop and we'll let you know when it does.

Organizations Seeks Board Members

The Living Affected Corporation is seeking interested individuals for it's Board of Directors as the organization continues to assess it strategic development, fundraising and agenda for 2011-2012. According to CEO, Diedra Levi, the organization will be receiving additional capacity building and structural assistance from it's partnership's with Arkansas Department of Health as well as national entities. Board members will be instrumental in formulating the following:

1. Determine mission and purpose. It is the board's responsibility to create and review a statement of mission and purpose that articulates the organization's goals, means, and primary constituents served.
2. Select the chief executive. Boards must reach consensus on the chief executive's responsibilities and undertake a careful search to find the most qualified individual for the position.
3. Support and evaluate the chief executive. The board should ensure that the chief executive has the moral and professional support he or she needs to further the goals of the organization.
4. Ensure effective planning. Boards must actively participate in an overall planning process and assist in implementing and monitoring the plan's goals.
5. Monitor, and strengthen programs and services. The board's responsibility is to determine which programs are consistent with the organization's mission and monitor their effectiveness.
6. Ensure adequate financial resources. One of the board's foremost responsibilities is to secure adequate resources for the organization to fulfill its mission.
7. Protect assets and provide proper financial oversight. The board must assist in developing the annual budget and ensuring that proper financial controls are in place.
8. Build a competent board. All boards have a responsibility to articulate prerequisites for candidates, orient new members, and periodically and comprehensively evaluate their own performance.
9. Ensure legal and ethical integrity. The board is ultimately responsible for adherence to legal standards and ethical norms.
10. Enhance the organization's public standing. The board should clearly articulate the organization's mission, accomplishments, and goals to the public and garner support from the community.

 For immediate consideration please contact, 1.877.902.7HIV or www.livingaffected.org  The Living Affected Corporation is a 501c entity committed to promoting empowerment and inclusion while decreasing the prevalence of HIV/AIDS through education and advocacy. It's the organizations mission to promote positive sexual and reproductive health in marginalized communities.