Spanish-American League Against Discrimination (SALAD)
Meeting Minutes
Versailles Restaurant
September 17, 2005
Board Members Present:
Oscar Baisman, Vice-Chairperson
Oscar Cedeno, Vice-President, Executive Committee
Maria De La Milera, Director
Julio Estorino, Director
Teresita Gyori, Vice-Treasurer
Edwina Hoffman, Director
Sergio Llanes, Director
Rodolfo Pittaluga, President, Executive Committee
Marcos Regalado, Vice-Secretary
Guillermo Revuelta, Vice-President, Executive Committee
Mario Ernesto Sanchez, Director
Josefina Sanchez Pando, Director
Osvaldo N. Soto, Chairperson
Reinaldo M. Valdes, Director
Invited Guests:
Rafael Artiles
Javier Bray, former SALAD Chairperson
Erwin Cot, President, Dominican Republic Architects’ Assoc.
Maria Santamaria, Media Relations, Dade County Public Schools
CALL TO ORDER:
Mr. Rodolfo Pittaluga called the meeting to order at 9:45 am. Chairman Soto stated that Mr. Jaime Perez and Mrs. Luisa Garcia Toledo had called him to excuse themselves from today’s board meeting.
Mr. Pittaluga stated that today was Mexico’s independence day, and as Hispanics we are in solidarity with the Mexican people.
INVOCATION:
Rev. Guillermo Revuelta followed with the invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mr. Pittaluga led the members present in the pledge of allegiance.
WELCOME TO GUESTS:
Mr. Pittaluga welcomed Mr. Javier Bray, a former chairperson of SALAD. Mr. Baisman introduced his guest, Mr. Erwin Cot, President of the Dominican Republic Architects’ Association.
OLD BUSINESS:
Chairman Soto asked Mr. Pittaluga to give a report on the activities with respect to the invitation sent to U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez to be the keynote speaker at a SALAD event. Mr. Pittaluga stated that the AG’s office had tentatively indicated September 26, 2005 because Mr. Gonzalez was scheduled to be in the Miami area on that date, and that a breakfast was being planned due to the short time span. His office later cancelled the date, and recommended that SALAD resubmit the request with six or seven possible dates in February, March or April 2006.
In his report about the Dade County Public School System (DCPS), Mr. Pittaluga offered several press releases sent by the DCPS Office of Information, Media and Public Relations regarding budget, teacher salaries and other matters of interest.
NEW BUSINESS:
Mr. Soto stated that SALAD with follow with interest Dr, Mercedes Toural’s claim of national origin discrimination against Superintendent Rudy Crew and the DCPS.
Mr. Estorino asked about the status of SALAD’s claim of perceived discrimination against employees of Hispanic origin by the DCPS. Ms. Gyori then gave a report of SALAD’s meeting with Superintendent Crew, school board member Rivas-Logan and other DCPS personnel. In attendance were Mr. Soto, Mr. Jaime Perez, SALAD Executive Director, Mr. Pittaluga and Ms. Gyori. At the meeting, Dr. Crew presented a report on the number of Hispanics hired and/or promoted within the DCPS, and claimed that this number had increased from previous administrations.
Mr. Pittaluga stated that a copy of the report would be sent to all board members before the next board meeting.
Mr. Soto stated that since SALAD became involved in this issue, 5 Hispanics have been named by Dr. Crew to management positions. A letter will be sent to Dr. Crew thanking him for the progress with respect to Hispanic representation, but also expressing concern over Dr. Toural’s issue.
Mr. Pittaluga introduced Ms. Maria A. Santamaria. Ms. Santamaria gave a report on the activities of the Office of Public Information, Media and Public Relations for the DCPS. She stated among other things, that SALAD’s interest has been a positive experience for the system.
Christmas Party:
Mr. Baisman suggested that SALAD organize a Christmas party as a fundraiser to cover expenses until the Annual Gala. It was suggested that individual tickets be sold at $50.00, and that each board member bring at least 1 other person. The Bacardi Corporation will provide the beverages. Ms. De La Milera stated she will contact a caterer, Benito Bencomo, and ask for his pro-bono participation. Rev. Revuealta offered a motion to approve the Christmas activity. The motion received a second from Mr. Cedeno, and carried unanimously. The date of the activity is to be determined.
Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund:
Mr. Pittaluga urged the members present to make any donations to the Red Cross in SALAD’s name.
Treasurer’s Report:
The Treasurer’s Report was not given, due to the absence of Mr. Angel De Pedro.
Membership Committee:
Mr. Valdes stated that there are 7 new members. He suggested establishing ties with other organizations such as the Latin Business Club. Mr. Pittaluga mentioned other groups such as the Beacon Council, Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, Latin Builders Association, South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and CAMACOL, among others. The purpose is to have SALAD representation in these organizations and encourage these groups to actively participate in SALAD activities.
Open Forum:
Ms. Maria De La Milera suggested that monthly luncheons with a speaker be considered as another fundraising activity.
Rev. Revuelta spoke about the feasibility of organizing a golf tournament as another fundraising activity. Mr. Cot suggested that Presidente beer be approached for sponsorship of the tournament. Dr. Llanes suggested that a kite tournament be also considered as an alternative for those who do not play golf.
Mr. Baisman proposed that the golf tournament be considered as a major fundraising event, instead of the dinner gala.
A vote of confidence was given by the members present to form committees with respect to the monthly luncheons, and the planning of the golf tournament.
Mr. Javier Bray stated that individuals who had been members of SALAD in the past reincorporate as new members. He supported the suggestions of cooperation with other similarly-minded community organizations, and named Kiwanis of Little Havana and Feria International Del Libro as additional contacts.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:30 am.
END.
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