January 17, 2001, Minutes of the Board
Rosemary's Thyme Bistro, Washington, DC

In attendance:
Members and Friends: Mike and Judie Jerald (T-08), Oya Bain (ATA Vice President), Jean Stern Lavid Fromberg (T-08/09), Ken Hill (T-09), Dave Weinman (Staff, T-01), John Wintrol (T-02), David Hopkins (T-01)

Board Members
Ed Block (T-08), Linda Scheffer (T-08), Sandy Comstock Anderson (T-13), Marcia DemkowiczGnuse (T-13), Peggy Gall Hanson (T-01), Mike Metrinko (T-16), Lin Lougheed (T-16), Mike Jewell (T-01)

A. Treasurer's Report
Linda Scheffer reported that as of January 17, we have $1,893.80 on hand and no outstanding expenses. This figure includes $475 dollars earmarked by our members for Arkadaslar projects. It does not include an additional $4,485 for our earthquake relief fund. This money will be allocated when we reach $5,000.
We anticipate an additional $6,000 in membership dues and additional contributions to our projects (see below).

B. Search for Listserv/Database/Webmaster managers Lin Lougheed called the meeting to order with a plea for volunteers to relieve those Arkadaslar members who have been performing valiant functions for the organization. Sandy Anderson has been managing our membership database without a break since the beginning of Arkadaslar. In addition, she organized, promoted, and now monitors our listserv. She is ready to share the fun.

Since none present could take on the tasks, Lougheed charged the Board with finding volunteers to take over the listserv, database, and Website. He pointed out that these jobs could be done anywhere in the world. Anderson will write up a job description so we can tell people what is involved. The person who takes over the database will receive a free computer with the appropriate software donated by Anderson.

C. Potential contribution recipients
Lougheed passed around a letter of gratitude received from Dr. Yavuz Renda for our contribution of $500 to the C. Erik Olson Memorial Fund at Hacettepe Medical Faculty. Our other grants were to the Beekeeping Project that received $750 and Sevinc Abla which received $1,500.

In past meetings, we had determined our gifts would go to organizations with social development or educational goals and that we should give seed grants and not long term grants. Therefore, when we sent the contributions to our three charities this year, we advised them that we were reviewing our policies and that our contribution level may change.

To find potential recipients, Lougheed has been in contact with various Turkish organizations to solicit their advice. So far, he learned about these possibilities.

1. " Universite Ogrencilerine Yardim Dernegi" Mustafa Soykan and his family established an Association called " Universite Ogrencilerine Yardim Dernegi" (UOYD) in Biga (a small town near the Dardanelles "Canakkale"). The "Association for Assistance to University Students" currently finances 11 students providing each with a $50/month stipend which is more than 65% of their student resources. (Excerpts from a letter from Dr. Soykan is appended to these minutes.) When Lougheed made his report to the board, he did not have the letter from Dr. Soykan. Lougheed was under the impression that the scholarships were for K-12 students. John Wintrol thought that supporting university students would be a better use of our funds than supporting K-12 students. The other board members agreed. Fortunately, UOYD is a university grant program.

2. Leukemia
A leukemia organization had been suggested, but our board felt that this did not fall under our guidelines. Sandy Anderson felt that any monies given for medical reasons should stay with Hacettepe.

3. Izmir University Student
A representative of the ATA in Seattle wrote suggesting we consider helping a young university student who lived in Adapazari until the earthquake and then moved to Izmir. He has been disabled since he was born and has developed chronic kidney disease. He goes to the university but must receive continuous dialysis treatment. He and his family had financial difficulties after the earthquake compounded by these medical expenses. The student has requested assistance to buy a new wheelchair and to support his university training.

Lougheed questioned whether we should support an organization or support an individual. Jean Fromberg pointed out that by helping one person, you indirectly helped others. The Board felt that we should consider this option. Lougheed proposed having one of our friends in Izmir drop by the family to discuss the level of need (i.e. how much is a wheelchair?)

4. Kizilay
The Turkish Embassy reports that "The Turkish Red Crescent's operations with direct regard to the 1999 earthquakes are virtually over. Nevertheless, you may make a donation to the Turkish Red Crescent specifying that it should be used for any remaining activity they may be carrying out with regard to the earthquakes."

5. University scholarship for earthquake victims We were given an address for a program that aids these students, but we have no other information at this time. Lougheed will check on it.

6. Universities Cultural and Educational Foundation This group requested $5,000 to be used for homeless students who have been the victims of the Aug 17 and Nov 12 earthquakes. They currently give $45/month to 13 students. This NGO organization was founded in 1971 to promote and "develop cultural, social, and intellectual relations between Turkish people and the peoples of the world." (see appended letter.)

When we see how much money we have to donate, we will determine how to allocate our resources. Mike Jewell likes the idea of working through Turkish organizations here in the States because they can more easily watch over the funds and it builds ties between them and us.

Lougheed mentioned that he had received a request from NPCA for donations to support their activities. We decided that we would rather have our small funds focused on Turkey-specific projects.

D. Public Relations for Peace Corps/Turkey
A discussion was held on to what extent Arkadaslar should be involved in working on public relations for Turkey. For example, our listserv is one PR source. The Peace Corps Week educational packet is another. We could also get more involved by writing letters to Congress.

It was felt that we should not get involved in the political arena, but should promote an understanding of the history of Turkey and its people.

To that end, we should consider developing the curriculum for school presentations that focus on our service in Peace Corps and our personal relations with the Turks. Lougheed has been in touch with the DC American Turkish Association to see how the curriculum they use for their school visits can be adapted for our use.

E. Plans for Sept Reunion in DC
John Wintrol, Mike Metrinko, Judie Jerald, Peggy Hanson and Lougheed will serve on a committee to organize the activities for the Sept 20-23 reunion in DC. Some of the activities we will be concerned with are: safe haven for groups to meet with break out rooms, flags for parade, dinner at embassy, doner kebab picnic at the DominionHills Area Reacreation Association (DHARA) arranged by Katheryn Markley Scruggs (T-02), photo album by group, speakers on Turkey today.

F. Plans for 2002 Reunion in Turkey
David Hopkins and Mike Jewell talked about their plans to organize a reunion for 2002. Hopkins came to DC to meet with Arkadaslar Board members to learn how the reunion was planned in 1999. Oya Bain made contacts for Hopkins at the Turkish Embassy. So far 35 people have expressed interest. Anyone with any suggestions should contact Hopkins or Jewell. Linda Scheffer sent Hopkins copies of correspondence pertaining to the 1999 reunion in Turkey.

G. Suggestions for Buralarda content
If anyone has any articles to submit or ideas for articles, they can e-mail them to Marcia Gnuse or Lin Lougheed. We need articles on our past bayram dinners, stories about the recipients of our contributions, and our plans for next September.

H. Other
Dave Weinman pointed out that at this particular board meeting, every president of Arkadaslar was present. He proposed a toast to these presidents, Mike Jewell, Ken Hill, Sandy Anderson, Jean Stern Lavid Fromberg, Ed Block, and Lin Lougheed, and to the spirit of Arkadaslar.

John Wintrol, in turn, proposed a toast to Dave Weinman thanking him for all he's done for that spirit.

APPENDIX A
Excerpts from the letter from Mustafa Soykan

Dear Mr. Lin Lougheed:
    What a pleasant surprise to get your E-mail. I liked the name "ARKADASLAR" that you gave to the returned Peace Corps Volunteers of Turkey.
    Ms. Oya Bain also wrote to me that you were interested to know more about my small initiative aiming to help pre-university successful Turkish students who have capacity but no means to continue for their higher education.
    I would like to underline that I am real believer on education and after so many years of experience through the World Bank in Africa, I sincerely believe that sustainable development of any country could only come through appropriate education.
    My real objective here was to set up a system to help students who have graduated from high school (LISE) with recommended academic records who are also admitted to quality universities but because of lack of financial resources, are unable to continue their studies.
    In that context, we established an Association called " Universite Ogrencilerine Yardim Dernegi" (UOYD) in Biga (small town near Dardanelles "Canakkale"). This "Association for Assistance to University Students" with 25 board members received some support from the Governor, the Mayor, the Principal of "Biga Lisesi" as well as all friends and relatives of my family who actually lives in Biga. My ultimate dream is to create a Nationwide Foundation that can support thousands of students but that dream is now far away!
    This year is our first year of experience and so far we selected 17 students eligible for our criteria (selection process is rather strict) and raised about US$ 4,650.00 for 11 students. Starting on October 2000, we are now financing 11 students. Based on our research, each good student could receive from different resources some small amount of money but the amount is really small and not enough to even survive. Based on that knowledge, UOYD allocates $50.00 per month to every selected student during 8 months (university study time) in order to complement their resources. It turns out that US$ 50.00 represent more than 65% of each student resources. Each student receives US$ 400.00 per year.
    The selection of each student for a scholarship has been made by a panel. The panel has 5 Association members selected by the Board of Directors.
    The following criteria are guiding principles in selection process:

1. The first step in identification of potential candidates comes from the Principal of Biga High School (Biga Lisesi) and his teaching staff. The principal, Mr. Kani Demirbas and his teachers propose potential candidates based on the academic performance and clean background of each student;
   
2. Each eligible candidate should prove that he/she has been admitted by a well established quality University;
3. In order to be eligible, students and their related family should have a real need for financial resources. This important part of the investigation is initially made by Biga Lisesi followed by the Mayor's office, different members of our Association and police.

1. The scholarship is given without any payback obligation;
2. The duration of each scholarship is in general for 4 years, until the student finishes the university;
3. Each student has to provide at least once a year, preferably each semester (depending on each university system), university transcripts about their academic success;
4. A lack of academic success without any valid reason will immediately terminate the scholarship;
5. Any proven criminal activity will also stop automatically the scholarship.

APPENDIX B:  Excerpts from the letter from Ayse Cebesoy Sarialp

Dear Mr. Lin Lougheed:
    Thank you very much for your e-mail dated December 15, 2000. It was a pleasure to hear from you and learn that the returned Peace Corps Volunteers have graciously collected and distributed donations to earthquake relief projects in Turkey.
    I personally have always admired the work achieved by the Peace Corps volunteers especially in the remote areas of Turkey. Back in 1960's I had the opportunity to meet most of them and have developed several cultural programs with them. I still remember how we enjoyed listening to their chorus which sang American folk music, and pieces from American musicals.
    During their assignment in Turkey, I know that they have made friends with many Anatolian families. Anyway, thanks to the late President Kennedy who had started this international peace and friendship.
    Speaking of the earthquake calamity which fell on many families, created educational problems especially for the children and youth. As the Universities Cultural and Educational Foundation we have set aside an extra scholarship fund for those homeless university students. At the present time we have 13 who receive 45 dollars per month which of course is not sufficient but nevertheless is a help and better than nothing.
    To give you a satisfactory idea about the foundation,, I here with am sending you a brief data on its history, goals and objectives and its activities.
    We should appreciate your considering the Universities Cultural and Educational Foundation for donation of 5000$ which will be used for the students who have been the victims of the August 17 and November 12 earthquakes.
    Best wishes for a wonderful holiday season .
                                          Sincerely,
                                          Ayse Cebesoy Sarialp
                                          General Director

Below please find the Foundation's bank account number, in case you plan to forward the donation:

Address: D__Bank-_i_li Branch
(Universities Cultural and Educational Foundation)
(Üniversiteliler Kültür ve E_itim Vakf_)
(Account number: 311030-0119)
Istanbul-Turkey
Swift Code (Disbtrissis)

History:  The Universities Cultural and Educational Foundation was founded in 1971 under the provisions of the Turkish Law of Foundations numbered 903 by fifty two Turkish and American educators, businessmen and other professionals. The fifty third founding member of the organization is the Turkish-American University Association who by the decision of the General Assembly taken on March 16, 1977 unanimously voted to give the association's real estate and movable property to the Universities Cultural and Educational Foundation. At the same General Assembly meeting it is also unanimously decided to contribute to the Foundation each year its excess of income over expenses.

Status: The Universities Cultural and Educational Foundation is a non- governmental and non-profit organization.

Headquarters: Istanbul-Turkey
60-62 Rumeli Caddesi,
Titiz Building, Floors 1 and 2
Osmanbey (80220) Istanbul-Turkey
TELS: +90 (212) 240 26 07
+90 (212) 247 57 85
+90 (212) 247 21 88
FAX: +90 (212) 230 43 80

Goals and Objectives: The main goal of the Foundation is to reflect a true image of the Turkish cultural heritage by fostering and promoting the abilities and the endeavors of organizations who are involved in different phases of education and culture on a purely democratic basis. Under these goals the Foundation's objectives can be enlisted as follows.

1. To provide and develop cultural, social and intellectual relations between Turkish people and the peoples of the world.
2. To provide Turkish and English language teaching programs with the belief that language is a very important key to educational and cultural understanding among people.
3. To give scholarships to those needy but highly qualified university and high school students (including earthquake victims)
4. To organize tours and excursions with the aim of introducing the historical, Archaeological and natural values of Turkey which is internationally acclaimed as an "OPEN AIR MUSEUM"
5. To develop and organize cultural, artistic, scientific and educational lectures and symposiums, as well as seminars.
6. To welcome visitors from abroad (in groups or as individuals) on its premises to offer them orientation programs on various aspects of Turkey including history, archeology, education, economics and various other topics of importance. Such programs are being arranged within the scope of the demand of the visiting groups or individuals. Under the supervision of the Foundation such programs are presented by individual authorities who are highly eligible in furnishing the audience with first hand knowledge on the concerned topics.
7. To organize panels, symposium and seminars on national and/or international levels
8. To sponsor local or foreign cultural and artistic works on history, archeology, arts and education.
9. To publish authentic works on history, archeology, arts and education.
   

1. To celebrate the Turkish Independence Day and "Fourth of July"
2. To organize commemorative ceremonies for Atatürk, the Founder of the Turkish Republic.
3. To recognize "INTERNATIONAL DAYS "SUCH AS WOMEN, LIBRARIES, UNITED NATIONS, etc.
   

All correspondence is requested to be directed to the General Director.

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