May 7, 1987
To: International Frontrunners
From: Craig Rodich
Subject: International Frontrunners Forum Minutes - Saturday, April 4, 1987
Enclosed is a copy of the minutes from the Forum.
Outlined below are some of the critical points:
Each Frontrunner club will re-commit to sending all other Frontrunner clubs a copy of their newsletter and notice of any newsworthy special activity and events on a timely basis.
An informal affiliation of Frontrunners was formed and named: "International Frontrunners". As defined, this informal affiliation will not direct the organization and/or administration of any Frontrunner club. All clubs are welcome to affiliate.
All Frontrunner clubs are encouraged to send a list of any and all information they would be willing to share (archival type information) with other Frontrunner clubs. This information should be directed to New York Frontrunners.
Audio tapes of the Forum are available for approximately $20.00; includes 5 tapes, postage and handling.
New York Frontrunners has agreed to develop a proposal for hosting a International Frontrunners Convention/Competition to be held in the fall of 1988. If approved by a majority of responding Frontrunners clubs, New York will be authorized to proceed with all organizational and administrative details.
The International Frontrunners Convention/Competition is open to all Frontrunners and to non-Frontrunners alike.
This list only highlights some of the most important results of the Forum held on Saturday, April 4. However, do take the time to peruse all the interesting comments, general discussion and actions to be taken. I think you will find these minutes informative and the "how to" hints invaluable.
I would like to personally thank all of the hard-working individuals/representatives; your willingness to listen and compromise were ideal. Thanks to your efforts we accomplished all of the goals; we are putting the name "Frontrunners" on the map, so to speak.
There were many great one-liners and for some you needed to be there to appreciate the humor. However, I do think for our next Forum meeting (scheduled concurrently with the Convention/Competition - fall 1988) we consider this agenda item:
"We're having a SPLASH party! It's an Expression of Desire!" Don't you agree?
Sorry Richard W., I just couldn't resist. As I said you had to have been there, but if your curious, I suggest you contact one of the clubs who sent a representative and let he/she explain.
Thank you again representatives for the beginning to end all beginnings, or should I say begin all beginnings! Success, it would appear, is a foregone conclusion. Each and every one of you must take the credit for that.
Keep up the positive energy; it's contagious!
See all of you (all Frontrunners are invited, remember) at the Convention/Competition in 1988.
Sincerely,
<signed>
Craig Rodich
Enclosure
cc:file
WELCOME TO CHICAGO - Craig Rodich
Introductions: Craig Rodich, David Irvin & John Jones - Chicago
Ron Eldridge - Tucson
Judy Spina, Phillip Blackwell & Richard Walker - New York
Jose Carrasquillo & Bob Willard - Washington, D.C.
Bill Austin & Bill Winkelmann - Los Angeles
Kermit Erbes - Minneapolis
Debbie Chaddock - San Diego
Richard Nelson - Long Beach
Doug Farson, Chris Charette & Bob Rufo - San Francisco
David Wolf & Lee Graham - Philadelphia
Mark Sappington & Wayne Burge - Kansas City
PROCEDURAL DETAILS - Craig Rodich
Craig discussed the contents of the Forum folders: scheduled activities, maps, directories, drink tickets, et. al. Forum parliamentary procedures, as established, were reviewed and no objections put forth by the representatives. Discussion covered a possible tour of the city and a poll of those reps. Planning to leave after the Brunch on Sunday.
Craig explained the loss of most reps.' checks by the bank; Chris C. and Kermit E.'s checks were not lost due to deposit at later date. Reps. were requested to issue stop payment on their checks (exception - Chris and Kermit), deduct $10.00 from amount originally submitted and send (payable to Frontrunners/Chicago) new balance to:
Craig Rodich
5057 N. Winchester
Chicago, Illinois 60640
WELCOME - David Irvin, President - Frontrunners/Chicago
David provided the name & address of a new publication with a national distribution; this publication will print newsworthy items of g/l sports events and related activities free of charge. Cost of a subscription is $12.00/year. For additional information contact:
Guide Magazine
Attention: Richard Brown
432 Broadway
Denver, CO. 80209
303/698-1183
David discussed the schedule fo activities: post-forum cocktail reception, Saturday night bar round-up, Sunday Fun Run & Sunday Brunch. Encouraged all to attend and reiterated that friends of forum reps. were welcome to attend any and all activities.
CALL TO ORDER: 8:52 AM - Craig Rodich
Minutes taken by: Bernie Sarafian
SUBJECT: FORMAL VERSUS INFORMAL AFFILIATION
Presenters: David Irvin & John Jones - Chicago
Ron Eldridge - Tucson
David Irvin passed out a letter from president of Portland Frontrunners. Basic points were independence of runners, limited financial resources and loose structure thus Portland's preference for informal affiliation.
Formal affiliation defined: established guidelines, rules and structure for all member clubs to follow/adhere to.
Advantages: centralization; promote similar and complimentary activities (e.g. fun runs, races, etc.); cut through local politics; facilitate formation of new clubs, dissemination of information and publicity.
Disadvantages: resistance of small and loosely structured clubs to join; currently each club has unique identity that may have to be sacrificed (names, logos, etc.); could preclude current camaraderie among clubs; memberships among clubs currently differ by calendar year and anniversary date; and politics that accompany large organizations.
Informal affiliation defined: loose network of clubs with no dues or required membership; voluntary association with commitment by member clubs to provide information, input and assistance as agreed upon by the member clubs.
Advantages: affordable; allows for impromptu regional meetings and exchanges; less political; can incorporate most aspects of formal affiliation; ability to gather determine meeting and related requirements based on event-oriented need; no formal requirements to impede beginning organizational development.
Disadvantages: less control; operational difficulties due to no centralized structure; lack of national identity; less efficient at promotion of Frontrunners on national and local level.
Discussion:
The organization chosen should be event-oriented not a f ee-based /membership structure. Should provide assistance to all clubs via coordination of events, dissemination of information and meetings. Informal structure can begin setting ground work for national organization; some clubs do not have dues - national structure could allow for transference of memberships. Initiate annual gatherings to facilitate sharing of information on a voluntary basis. Many of the smaller clubs would not support a formal structure.
Craig Rodich asked for a show of hands supporting formal affiliation:NO SUPPORT!
MOTION 1. I move that an annual Forum be held in conjunction will some type of event/activity.
Made by: Mark Sappington - Kansas City
Seconded by: Bill Winkelmann - Los Angeles
Discussion:
Why not redefine annual gathering as a stand-alone activity; purpose to foster camaraderie on a national level. Regional meetings may make more sense; an annual national meeting requires major cash commitment of which the smaller clubs cannot afford. Let the event drive the need for a meeting; don't set up the meeting in advance. Let the course of today decide if, when and what type of meeting is needed. If there a desire for some type of meeting what will drive it; scheduled or event-oriented.
MOTION 2. I move that we table the motion made by Mark Sappington until later in the day.
Made by: Richard Walker - New York
Seconded by: David Irvin - Chicago
Vote Result: Carried unanimously
MOTION 3. I move that Frontrunner clubs represented and other who so wish informally affiliate as formerly discussed and defined.
Made by: Richard Walker - New York
Seconded by: David Wolf - Philadelphia
Vote Result: Carried unanimously
Clarification: As defined, this informal affiliation will not direct the organization and/or administration of any Frontrunner club.
Discussion
Each club could assign a liaison responsible for reading and distributing critical information from each Frontrunner club's newsletter to the members at large. Each club could re-commit to providing all other Frontrunner clubs with a copy of their newsletter.
RECRUITMENT OF WOMEN RUNNERS -
Presented by: Debbie Chaddock - San Diego
San Diego currently has 38% women. This club was founded by a man and woman. Women seem to join when asked by another woman. San Diego charter has from the beginning called for I - male and 1- female co-chair; this unequivocally communicates that the women have a say in the administration of the organization. It is helpful to advertise and follow through that all abilities are accommodated: beginning joggers and walkers are not left to fend for themselves - they are assigned a partner. Including women's names and phone numbers on the brochures and various listings is helpful.
Session I ended: 10:00 AM - Craig Rodich
Meeting Reconvened: 10:30AM - Craig Rodich
Minutes taken by: Zachary Tobin
SUBJECT: INFORMATIONAL CLEARINGHOUSE
Presenters: Lee Graham & David Wolf - Philadelphia
Mark Sappington & Wayne Burge - Kansas City
1. What information is there?
Purpose: outline what information is currently available among the clubs as well as what is and/or would be needed at a future date.
Discussion: below are the results of the first topic by functional category.
Organizational Info.: When and where are the fun runs of the clubs; how the clubs raise monies ( T-shirt sales, etc.); how clubs promote themselves; what publicity is utilized (N.Y. uses 4-minute slide show & 1-hour stretching video).
News & Newsletters: Newsletters could include important information from other clubs - special announcements re. trophies, fastest times, unusual runs and accomplishments; include race times of all members; reprint articles from other club's newsletters - acknowledge the source; include articles on nutrition, sports medicine, etc.
Club Expertise & Experience: How to put on a race, socials, arrange for ground and air transportation; how integrate with the existing running and gay communities ( volunteer to work races and/or assist with special fundraisers, etc.)
Specialized Activities: Club socials - borrow and exchange ideas ( shopping trips, types of races and fun runs); setting booths at special events; Fun Runs setting up stretching circles - grouping runners of different abilities together; ensure new member has a running partner; how and where to obtain guest speakers for free or minimal cost.
Technical Procedures: How to incorporate (although varies state to state basic starting procedures are helpful); how to establish by laws; utilization of PC for membership directory, mailing labels & spread sheets; obtaining insurance for club, board of directors ( have club join U.S. Athletic Congress-T.A.C.); how to obtain permits; how to recruit, retain and recompense a running coach.
Miscellaneous Items/Needs: Written summaries/histories of other clubs; development of membership recruitment and related brochures; National Frontrunners' directory (all clubs could list all or part of their directories in this directory); how to achieve diversity of membership by sex, race, age and abilities; where and how to effectively list Frontrunner clubs ( local g/l switchboards, newspapers, etc.); list club in white pages and provide recorded & up-to-date information (New York currently is listed - cost $110.00 for installation, $18.00 for monthly line charge and $100.00 deposit).
II. How is the information exchanged?
Purpose: determine the best method for exchanging needed and nice-to-know information on a timely basis.
Discussion: Outlined below are the methodologies and ideas by functional category.
Newsletters and Schedules of Events: each club could send copies of newsletter to all other Frontrunner clubs; establish club liaison to compile and disseminate critical information; bear in mind the major commitment of producing a monthly newsletter before assigning the responsibility - but it is a critical communication piece.
National Publications: get Frontrunners known nationally - use publications like the "Advocate" & "Guide Magazine"; informal affiliation can exert group pressure for national publications to cover Frontrunner events etc.; individual clubs should bear responsibility for obtaining local coverage.
International Frontrunners Quarterly Newsletter: Who will assume the responsibility; how will the cost be distributed (subscription fee how much?); critical items would definitely be noticed by all clubs; serve to publish race times, keep the Directory of all clubs up-to-date; it is a unified source of information.
Computer Network: How to set up a Frontrunner dial-up network via modems; currently there exists large g/I dial-up network (Compu Serve); dial-up network would greatly facilitate the updating of information, production of a quarterly newsletter, etc.; equipment needed - personal computer, modem and dial-up line.
International Frontrunners Directory: Allen Weaver of San Francisco 3 - 4 years ago started the current directory; it lists clubs, when formed, fun runs, etc.; Ron Corona of San Francisco has taken over responsibility and will ensure that each club receives a copy.
Frontrunners Archives: National G/L archives exist - each club could send list and/or information They have to national and local archives; possibility of developing International Frontrunners Archives - each club could send a list of all information available to central location.
Telephone Lines: clubs could purchase line provide a recorded message regarding the clubs current and recurring activities.
International Frontrunner Meetings: Encourage all clubs members to serve as information gathers when visiting other cities/clubs; establish an international convention - via works-hops & presentations exchange information and work out problems.
ACTION: Frontrunners/Chicago agreed to prepare a summary article of the Forum and send it to national publications such as "Guide" & "Advocate". Frontrunners/Chicago will also send copies to all Frontrunner clubs and will include copies of an updated Frontrunners Directory.
III. International Frontrunners Forum Action!
Purpose: determine which needs can be met - which are feasible, cost effective and will provide the most benefit.
Discussion
Keep the cost of the exchange at a minimum; let each club be responsible for the dissemination of received information to its members.
MOTION 4. I move that each Frontrunner club strive to exchange its newsletter and/or schedule of events on a recurring basis.
Made by: Richard Nelson - Long Beach
Seconded by: Chris Charette - San Francisco
MOTION 4 (AMENDED): I move that we encourage all Frontrunner clubs to exchange their respective newsletters and/or schedule of events with one another and that each club be responsible for disseminating the information to their members.
Amended by: Lee Graham - Philadelphia
Seconded by: David Wolf - Philadelphia
Vote Result: Carried unanimously
Discussion:
It is important to send special announcements, press releases and related information on a timely basis to all clubs.
MOTION 5: I move that we encourage all Frontrunner clubs to send timely/advance notice of special events to all individual clubs.
Made by: Debbie Chaddock - San Diego
Seconded by: Philip Blackwell - New York
Vote Result: Carried unanimously
Discussion:
An International Frontrunners Directory and/or newsletter can be discussed at the next Forum or similar meeting.
ACTION: By general group consensus, each club will send updated information to Ron Corona of San Francisco.
Discussion:
Establishment of an International Frontrunner Archives should be kept simple; submit only a list of all information each club would be willing to share; must establish one person to serve as the centralized source.
MOTION 6: I move that we encourage all Frontrunner clubs to submit to a central librarian lists of those materials which they will share with other clubs.
Made by: Richard Walker - New York
Seconded by: David Wolf - Philadelphia
Vote Result: Carried unanimously
ACTION: New York Frontrunners will initially assume the responsibility for the administration of the International Frontrunners' Archives, however, this may be delegated to other clubs in the future.
Discussion:
Each club should strive to develop and print an article on one the topics discussed earlier and outline how it was done or reference who may be contacted to obtain additional information. Each club's newsletter will take the place of a quarterly International Frontrunners Newsletter - it is critical to highlight the important information. Encourage committee and individual club members to write up procedures covering how to put together and carry out the various steps of projects, special events, etc.
Session II ended: 12:00 PM - Craig Rodich
Meeting reconvened: 1:15 PM - Craig Rodich
Minutes taken by: Jim Swanson
ANNOUNCEMENT: Craig Rodich
Audio tape copies will be available for approximately $3.00/tape. Projected cost is $12.00.
(Actual cost is approximately $20.00: $15.00 for the tapes - 5 tapes @ $3.00/tape and $3.00 to $5.00 for packing and postage).
Those interested should contact: Craig Rodich
5057 N. Winchester
Chicago, IL 60640
312/681-8024 W or 312/878-7857 H
SUBJECT: INTERNATIONAL FRONTRUNNERS CONVENTION:
Presenters: Bill Austin & Bill Winkelmann - Los Angeles
Debbie Chaddock - San Diego
Doug Farson, Chris Charette & Bob Rufo - San Francisco
Discussion: (many aspects of Session IV, a Track & Field event, were included.)
Holding a convention would help publicize the existence of all Frontrunner Clubs. The early fall would avoid having the convention conflict with all currently know major g/l events while still affording good weather. The convention could be a collage of informational workshops covering a wide range of interests (e.g. women's issues, older runners, etc.). 1988 was mentioned as the most logical time since it would avoid known conflicts with GALA III and G Games III. Combining the convention with a track and field competition would draw both competitive and those more socially oriented entrants. Attracting participants who's basic needs are usually met in their home base is key. A moderate turn-out was anticipated suggesting that holding such an event was both reasonable and feasible.
MOTION 7: I move that we as a group would like (an expression of desire) to hold some type of convention/track and field event sometime during 1988.
Made by: Lee Graham - Philadelphia
Seconded by: David Irvin - Chicago
Vote Results: Carried unanimously
Discussion:
Frontrunner membership is not that large nationally and only a segment from each club could be expected to attend. A quick poll of the representatives regarding the estimated attendance by their members was 400. A university was mentioned as a good site for a convention; the possible use of lecture facilities as well as the track and field facilities and equipment were pluses. It would be possible to use the g/l student body as a primary contact and use their help for the publicity and promotional. Splitting the combined event over a two day period with lectures/discussions and competitive events divided equally on both days would be key.A $20.00 entry fee was decided to be workable and most likely to be accepted by the participants. New York was mentioned as a possible host city.
MOTION 8: I move that we commit ourselves to have this event, it should be held in the fall of 1988.
Made by: Debbie Chaddock - San Diego
Seconded by: Doug Farson - San Francisco
Vote Result: Carried unanimously
Session III recessed 2:30PM - Craig Rodich
Meeting reconvened: 3:05 PM - Craig Rodich
Minutes taken by: Bill McElwain
Discussion:
Chicago was mentioned to be ideally located regarding the Convention. Chicago stated that it would be willing to host such an event but lacked the experience. New York stated it would be willing to supply their information, statistics and expertise as needed. New York also indicated they would be willing to look into the possibility of hosting such an event.
MOTION 9: I move that New York investigate the possibility of hosting a convention/competition in the fall of 1988.
Made by: Richard Walker - New York
Chris Charette - San Francisco
Vote Result: Carried unanimously
Discussion:
A committee should be empowered to make decisions to develop a counter proposal if the original guidelines prove to be too expensive or unfeasible. Proposals would be subject to vote approval by all member clubs. The event would be sponsored by Frontrunners Internationally; the various clubs would be responsible for specific topics, seminars, etc. The host city should submit a proposal covering the cost of such an event and if approved by member clubs be empowered to act within the guidelines put forth in the proposal.
MOTION 10: I move the New York submit by June 30, 1987 a proposal for a convention/competition to be held in the fall of 1998; which will include a budget, schedule of activities and related logistical statistics to be voted on by all Frontrunner clubs by the fall of 1987.
Made by: Mark Sappington - Kansas City
Seconded by: David Wolf - Philadelphia
Vote Result: Carried unanimously
Discussion:
If a club decides to vote against the proposal, an explanation should be given to New York to see if a bona fide change is warranted and/or necessary and can or should be made. A majority of responding clubs votes would serve to pass te proposal. New York would be able to determine if sufficient response and support, based on the vote results and comments, were present to proceed.
MOTION 11: I move that upon receipt of a simple majority of member clubs' ballots approving the proposal, the New York Frontrunner club have the authority to plan, organize and administer the convention/competition in the fall of 1988.
Made by: Chris Charette - San Francisco
Seconded by: Bill Winkelmann - Los Angeles
Vote Result: Carried unanimously
MOTION 12: I move that member Frontrunner clubs agree, if the convention - competition is effected, to encourage their members to participate and provide as much assistance as possible, and will follow through on those responsibilities to which they have committed themselves.
Made by: Lee Graham - Philadelphia
Seconded by: Richard Walker - New York
Vote Result: Carried unanimously
SUBJECT: TRACK AND FIELD EVENT
Presenters: Philip Blackwell, Judy Spina & Richard Walker - New York
Jose Carraquillo & Bob Willard - Washington D.C.
Discussion:
The field events would be open to lesbian, gay and straight athletes and would encourage participation by non-Frontrunner affiliated individuals. It should be identified as lesbian and gay event to stimulate camaraderie and a broader base of generalized participation.
MOTION 13: I move that the Frontrunners convention/competition be predominately promoted in the gay and lesbian community but be open to everyone. Further that the promotional materials will read "Lesbian and Gay" in that order.
Made by: Doug Farson - San Francisco
Seconded by: John Jones - Chicago
Vote Result: Carried unanimously
Discussion:
The type of events brought up for consideration were road races, track events, field events, relay races, race walking and marathons. San Francisco questioned whether field events were beyond the scope of this event, given the limited experience and resources of most clubs in this area of competition. Grouping participants by age was discussed as appropriate and logical.
MOTION 14: I move that we limit the scope of events to road races of 10k or less, track and race walking.
Made by: David Wolf - Philadelphia
Seconded by: Wayne Burge - Kansas City
Vote Results: Carried by majority.
Opposed: Jose Carrasquillo - Washington D.C.
Rationale: Felt strongly that a half and/or full marathon should be included and wouldnotbe unfeasible or poorly attended.
Discussion:
Washington D.C. wanted the planning committee to investigate the possibility of a 15K or half-marathon. New York, by general consensus, would include these races in their investigation. It was also discussed that the planning committee should investigate the availability of housing. An exact date for the convention should be carefully thought out so as to avoid conflicts with well-known and previously scheduled national and local (New York) events. Financial support should be shared by all participating clubs. Several methods of spreading the financial responsibility were discussed; basis for distribution must be reasonable and equitable.
MOTION 15: I move that the following guidelines be included in the proposal submitted by New York Front Runners to all Frontrunner clubs: the financial burden of the convention/competition will be pro-rated on the basis of club membership, i.e. the number of members in good standing.
Made by: David Wolf - Philadelphia
Seconded by: Richard Walker - New York
Vote result: Carried unanimously
Discussion:
New York, as the host club, would require assistance from guest club volunteers to assist in the planning, coordination and general administration of the convention/competition. Philadelphia indicated their willingness to assist New York in any aspect needed and which they were able.
Discussion led to what amenities should be included; the gamut covered was T-shirts (regular and singlets), awards, a closing party, advertising and promotional pieces (souvenirs, etc.). T-shirts had the support of all representatives and was definitely recommended.
New York stated that Medals (with engraving) would cost around $2.00/piece; bowls and plaques would run approximately $5.00 to $20.00 based on style and composition. Medals were, by general consensus, the preferred choice for awards.
A T-shirt exchange was mentioned and received full participant support.
Media sources and cost for the promotion and advertising would be included in the proposal submitted by New York . Whenever possible free publicity will be utilized. It was felt that responsibility for the advertising of the convention/competition on the local level be handled by the member clubs (each club will ensure that proper coverage and advertising of the events is provided for in the local g/l newspaper and related media).
Topics for the possible inclusion at the convention were: sports medicine, nutrition, Marathon/Triathlon training, interval training, recruitment of women, shoes/clothing (which would include a fashion show), membership (recruitment and retention), writing by laws and articles of incorporation, how to achieve tax-exempt status (varies state by state), Personal Computer Utilization (mailing labels, directories, spread sheets, etc.), psychology of running, running strategies, how to hire and utilize a coach, proper pacing, stretching, and Frontrunners' history. Depending upon enrollment topics would be included, deleted and/or combined.
MOTION 1 (AMENDED): I move that representatives fo the various Frontrunners clubs reconvene during the convention/competition to be held in the fall of 1988.
Amended by: Mark Sappington - Kansas City
Seconded by: David Irwin - Chicago
Vote Result: Carried unanimously
MOTION 16: I move that we name the informal affiliation of the Frontrunner clubs as follows: "International Frontrunners". (Please note that "Frontrunners" was determined to be one word).
Made by: Richard Nelson - Long Beach
Seconded by: David Irvin - Chicago
Vote results: Carried by majority
Opposed: Jose Carrasquillo - Washington D.C.
Rationale: Washington, D.C. Front Runners feel very strongly about their identity and would want to maintain the name "Front Runner" as two words.
MEETING ADJOURNED: 5:15 PM - Craig Rodich
All contents were transcribed and subsequently condensed from the audio tapes and notes as taken by the 4 recording secretaries. Any errors and/or omissions were unintentional; if needed an addendum will be submitted to all concerned parties.
These minutes are respectfully submitted by Craig S. Rodich - May 7, 1987.
<signed, Craig S. Rodich>