BAC Independence Pre-Proposal

[Jay Blas Jacob Cabrera]

Hey Mel & Heather,

To summarize the Proposal purpose, is that Bay Area Creative (BAC) is applying to a grant that requires them to be an independently functioning organization within our Umbrella Non-Profit. From my understanding this means that it must have its own Board, its own Bylaws, and other functional attributes that make it independent from CLN. So the proposal is to graduate BAC from sponsored project, to independently run program within the non-profit umbrella.

So everything isn't perfectly done at this point, but it is 75-80% there, and a LOT has been completed, and I feel that even if we aren't ready to approve the proposal, that at least we are ready to see the proposal, and hopefully we will be ready.

Overall I'm leaning towards passing it, as the goal here is simply getting a grant, which is good for everyone, and that is what we want. Simply by getting the grant, it will further establish BAC as independent from the CLN Board so I think it is a win win either way.

So here is the Pre-Proposal: To establish the Bay Area Creative (BAC) as an independently run program within the non-profit instead of just a fiscally sponsored project. The % admin revenue will be 8-10%. 

BAC is working on a final proposal at this link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yp-yRVpM9DAzjRaDVaInlWfDnJzYvXDyYWN83Dcjgjw/edit

But I wanted to make sure you had a heads up, as we are on a very tight timeline. I will let you know when the final proposal is done.

I am also pushing them to finalize the % revenue for Digital Storytellers and Berkley Poetry Slam Support, but I have NOT gotten any interest.  This could be a good time to force them to finalize everything all at once, but they are already behind on getting everything finalized according to their timeline so I feel like I would need major interest in pushing that from you guys to be successful. We could at least push to have a finalized deadline for when they will establish their % revenues to be permanent. 

Approving this proposal also is approving the BAC bylaws, which you can see at this link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/10M07LKT4CvgqO4eL1TloGM9QA-0ESvVw6rcmMzFVC6o/edit 

Ok that is it for now, let me know if you have questions.

J

Jay Blas Jacob Cabrera

831-332-2486

http://CommunityLIFEnetwork.org

[Jay Blas Jacob Cabrera]

OK, here is the official Proposal: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yp-yRVpM9DAzjRaDVaInlWfDnJzYvXDyYWN83Dcjgjw/edit 

Linked and also pasted below.

J

• BAC Main Doc

Bay Area Creative (BAC)

Proposal to CLN Board for Independent Status

Proposal: To establish the Bay Area Creative (BAC) as an independently run program within the non-profit umbrella, instead of just a fiscally sponsored project. We are also simultaneously approving the BAC Bylaws, 2016 Budget, sending a letter to foundations regarding BAC independent sponsorship, and re-approving all the sponsored programs as part of BAC.

Description:

• The Mission of Bay Area Creative is to connect dynamic arts programs to underserved schools, local professional artists and community businesses. The desired impact of these programs is to enrich communication skills, develop social awareness and hone writing proficiency. We value project based learning, community involvement and social/emotional learning. Our programs focus on providing on campus residencies based on multiple urban art forms.    

Leadership:

• BAC Council: Patrick, Kevin, Mike, Jay, Mel, Jaz
• BAC Board: Mike Taylor, Patrick Ohslund, Jacob Ganville Phd, Catherine Clobucker, Jay Blas Jacob Cabrera, Melissa Vo
• Note: the Board has to be 51% or more unpaid volunteers.

% Revenue:

10% (can’t change without new sponsorship proposal)

Links to Supporting Information:

• Bylaws
• 2016 Budget
• Draft Letter of Independent Organizational Sponsorship

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Projects & Programs within BAC:

• Digital Storytellers:
• Description:
• The mission of Digital Storytellers is to engage a new generation of informed, skilled and creative leaders capable of harnessing the power of media to preserve their community's voice, share heritage and culture through the development of spoken word based documentaries. We are building a reputation as innovators of service-learning and media technology education by facilitating in-class writing workshops where we also provide hands on instruction in the production of community strengthening and poetry themed documentary films..
• Leadership:
• Leadership Committee: Patrick & Kevin
• % Revenue: 3% (can change at anytime until finalized as unchanging by the DS Leadership Committee)
• SPARC Poetry:
• Description:
• SPARC Poetry is a program that teaches spoken word to youth. The Program’s goals are to get kids comfortable with public speaking, proficient in writing, and active in critically thinking about the world they live in. SPARC started out in 2009 as a volunteer project in one classroom, and has since spread to six schools in Pacifica, Ca. Most instruction is held during class-time, but there are also a number of after-school clubs and evening events geared towards community involvement.
• Leadership:
• Leadership Committee: Mike, Jay, Mel
• The program is run by nationally ranked slam poet, Mike Taylor. He has a passion for teaching. After graduating from San Francisco State, he turned his volunteer poetry project into a successful district-wide program. Casey Gardner, is an accomplished bay area writer and performer. She also graduated from San Francisco State, and has since positively affected the Honey Hive Art Gallery, where she is the Artistic Outreach Coordinator. Aside from teaching, she is a dedicated activist for women and minorities.
• % Revenue: 5% (can’t change without new sponsorship proposal)
• Poetry Slam Support
• Description:
• Berkeley Poetry Slam has been in existence for 15 years as the longest running weekly spoken word event in Northern California.  They decided to get support with a 501c3 non-profit and have co-founded Bay Area Creative together with Digital Storytellers.  
• Leadership:
• Leadership Committee: Jaz & Jay
• Jason Bayani will be Berkeley Poetry Slam Director, and has been involved for over 10 years.  Graduate from St. Marries MFA program. Author of the book Amulet, which was published by Write Bloody Press. Together with Patrick Oshlund, they will run the Bay Area Creative.
• % Revenue:
• 0% (can change at anytime until finalized as unchanging by Poetry Slam Support)

[Jay Blas Jacob Cabrera]

Hey Mel & Heather,

We should definitely get this BAC proposal finalized ASAP.

For me I am really a 6.5 out of 9 on this. My primary concern is getting Digital Storytellers and the Poetry Slam Support to finalize their % admin costs.  Additionally I'm not too impressed on the appointments of the officers, and I myself did most of the structural work, which took TONS of time. Overall BAC is 85% complete on paper, and it could take months and years for them to be actually functional as an independent entity, but I'm willing to help. My main amendment if necessary would be to force them to choose a date to finally their % admin fees, but that really isn't necessary, and overall if they do get the grant it will be good for everyone.

So lets get this vote done with, we are already very late on this as they needed it right away, and then we can see where we are as far as moving forward.

Jay Blas Jacob Cabrera