Continued on page 3 O ne of the pressing issues amongst Libe- rians currently residing in the United States is membership in the Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas (ULAA). For those who are not familiar with the organiza- tion, ULAA serves as an umbrella group for all Liberian organizations in the United States. The association was formed in 1974 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. As stated on their web site, ULAA's principles are to promote and encourage national reconciliation, integration and unifica- tion, preserve and protect Liberian culture, his- tory and traditions; uphold and defend funda- mental rights; cultivate and harness the energies and resources of Liberians to improve the quality of life for all Liberians abroad; and advocate and advance the cause of constitutional democracy and sustainable national development in the Re- public of Liberia. These are indeed principles that every Liberian should aspire to, however ULAA has failed to maintain the trust of the com- munity it aims to serve. Years of mismanage- ment of funds and unscrupulous individuals has tarnished the original aim of the association. The pros and cons of ULAA membership must be given thorough consideration. Our decision should not be speculative or social, but objec- tively concrete. The new administration of ULAA under the lead- ership of President Emmanuel S. Wette has brought forward the promise of a fresh opportu- nity for change. ULAA is currently attempting to reach out to state and local Liberian organiza- tions in order re-establish ties and move forward with positive progress for the Liberian agenda. Initial contacts between ULAA Mid-West regional Vice President, Gaye Sleh and LAI President, Trocon Karmo were established in early 2006, prior to the visit of President Ellen Johnson- Sirleaf to Chicago, Illinois. Discussions about LAI membership in ULAA began and continued throughout the year, with President Karmo being invited to a ULAA program in Columbus Ohio. President Trocon Karmo emphasized the need to have ULAA come before the membership of LAI in a general meeting in order to make their appeal for membership and to also hear the con- cerns of Liberians in Indiana. Vice-President Gaye Sleh attended LAI’s Janu- ary 21st general meeting in 2007 to make a case for ULAA. Mr. Sleh began by giving a historical account of the organization; highlighting goals, achievements and problems of the past. The main topic was ULAA’s efforts in regards to the Temporary Protective Status(TPS) of Liberians living in the United States. Mr. Sleh gave a very detailed and comprehensive analysis of the TPS situation including what steps should be taken by state and local Liberian organizations. Accord- ing to Vice-President Sleh, ULAA is pursuing a two prong approach; 1) Converting TPS to per- manent status or 2) Extending TPS. He stressed the need for united action in order to compel lawmakers to consider our issue. Many questions where asked regarding TPS by partici- pating LAI members and the answers were forth- coming. Everything seem to circle back around to membership in ULAA. It would be through membership that the benefits of a coalition ap- proach could be realized. Mr. Sleh explained all the requirements and the compelling benefits of Written by Varnie N’jola Karmo F or those who are not aware, the Libe- rian Association of Indiana has entered into a partnership with the African Center of Indianapolis. A memorandum of understand- ing was signed by both organization as frame- work or guideline to our partnership. This is a non-binding agreement and both parties can walk away from it without penalty. Liberian Association of Indiana appointed two repre- sentatives to serve on the African Center board. On February 28th, 2007, the African Center launched the African Health Net and Social Services project. I attended this event with Mr. Alfred Lincoln. So far three Liberians have volunteered their services at the African Center: 1) Facia Hilton as Registered Nurse 2) Alma Smith as co-chairperson of the 2007 African Festival Planning Committee and 3) Dr. Momo Fahnbulleh as Youth Director. In related news, Diamond Medical Services is providing free health care to African commu- nities with a pass card provided by the African Center. This partnership requires active participation from the community. Through positive inter- action we can be represented alongside other Written by Trocon Tora Karmo All Liberian businesses involved in shipping are encouraged to conduct business with care and cus- tomer service in mind. I have received many calls from Liberians regarding disputes in services. A successful business endures when it strives to establish and satisfy the expectations of its customers. Long range health and growth of any business is nurtured only by a loyal customer base. The Valentine Day Dinner was a success. Approximately 40 people attended the program. With the goodwill donations, we raised $190.00 Our special guest speaker Mrs. Clara Samba spoke about love and how it is permeates our community and family. (317)388-1535[ home ] (317)213-1403[ cell ] Lupu Essou and Pipchient Kardee cordially invites you to a house warming and birthday party for her daughter Barbara Teah on April 28th, 2007 Starting at 8:30pm 4256 Village Bend Lane Indianapolis, IN 46254 membership. Still the question of trust lingered in the air, throughout the meeting. The executive committee of the Liberian asso- ciation later pondered the membership issue and identified three key points that are obstacles to LAI membership in ULAA. 5013c Status ULAA currently has no 5013c status. Why is this important to LAI? When an organization is able to establish 5013c status, it gives them a since of credibility. It projects to the public that the organization has gone through some financial scrutiny at a federal level. It also shows that the organization is subject to some regulations to maintain credible account of donated funds. Some may argue that the Liberian Association of Indiana also does not have its 5013c. This is very true. Both ULAA and LAI need to pursue this in the future. ULAA however is seeking our membership and they are an older and broader organization. ULAA is a parent organization representing Liberians on the national and inter- national stage. It is not unreasonable to request a 5013c status, considering the responsibilities that ULAA will be faced with. When networking with Mayors, State and Federal Legislators, Presidents, CEOs, etc., a non profit 5013c status is expected by default in order to be considered seriously. If LAI already had a 5013c status how would that make the parent ULAA look? Can you imagine asking for donations from a Fortune 500 company and trying to explain why the ULAA does not have 5013c but one of our sub- members has it? Financial Transparency: Financial transparency helps to build trust by demonstrating to the public that an organization has nothing to hide. Just like the 5013c status, it gives would be donors and members a sense of comfort and accountability in regards to the proper use of funds acquired by the association. Social/Political Projects Any organization must have plans and on going projects. This is especially true for ULAA, based on its goals and aspirations. Presenting a road map and reports on implemented projects, in- spires all membership organizations to follow ULAAs lead. Opportunity for project collabora- tion increases the effectiveness of our efforts. ULAA: Expectations and Accountability (Continued from Front page) An African Folktale "Help me," the old man begged. The paramount chief gladly listened. It pleased him that others recognized his wisdom. "What exactly is the problem?" questioned the chief. "My neighbor stole my goats. I'm a poor man, too poor to replace them." "And what do you have to say?" the chief asked the man's neighbor. "I don't know what he is talking about," answered the neighbor. "I have many goats but none of them belong to this man." This would not be an easy problem to settle. The paramount chief would have to rely on his wisdom. "Whoever passes my test will own the goats," an- nounced the chief. I want to know what is the fastest thing in the world. Do not return until you have my answer." The two men left shaking their heads. The old man repeated the question to his daughter, Siah. She was as beautiful as she was wise. Right away, she whis- pered the answer that would please the chief. The old man returned to the chief the following morning. The chief was surprised. "You already have an answer for my question?" "Yes," replied the old man, "it was not difficult." "And what is the fastest thing in the world?" "Time," answered the old man. "We never have enough of it. It always goes too fast. The answer amazed the paramount chief. "Who helped you? Who gave you these words?" demanded the chief. "They are my own words, my own thoughts," lied the old man. "There is no one else who helped me." "If you are not telling the truth, I will punish you," warned the chief. Afraid for his life the old man confessed. "It was my daughter, Siah, who gave me the words". The chief demanded to meet Siah. Not long after that the old man presented his daugh- ter Siah to the paramount chief. If the chief was amazed with her wisdom, he was captivated by her beauty. "You are indeed a wise and lovely woman. I would be honored to have you as my wife. Will you marry me?" "The honor is mine," smiled Siah. Although the chief was pleased, he was also concerned about having such a wise wife. He did not want her to inter- fere with the problems brought before him. He didn't want to share this honor with anyone, not even his wife. "Everything in my house is yours," declared the chief. "I only have one rule for you. You must never involve yourself with the problems brought before me. This is your only warning. If you break this rule, I will punish you," warned the chief. "It was Siah!" cried the boy. "She knew you'd understand the wisdom." The chief, furious his wife had broken his only rule for her, called her before him and scolded, "Didn't you know all that I have is yours? You have broken the only rule I had for you. Now, go back to your father's home." "Before I go, may I fix you one final meal?" asked the woman. "Then, I will take what is mine and go." "Yes," answered the chief. "Make whatever you want. Take whatever you want. Just be sure that you do not remain here tonight!" Siah prepared the chief's favorite meal. She served it with a generous amount of palm wine. Be- fore the meal was finished, the chief became very drunk and quietly fell asleep. Siah's plans worked ex- actly as she had hoped. With her family's help, she car- ried the paramount chief to her father's home. They placed him on a bed and he slept soundly through the night. In the morning the chief's voice boomed through- out the house. "Where am I? What am I doing here?" he demanded. Siah entered the room and grinned. "You said I could take whatever I wanted from your house. I wanted you and so I took you." "You are certainly a wise woman," smiled the chief. "Come return with me to our home. Only a fool would send away such a woman." "And you, my chief, are no fool," whispered the clever wife. General Meeting Dates January 21st March 18th (special time 4pm) May 20th All General Meetings will be held at 5pm St. John's Episcopal Church 5625 West 30th Street Speedway, IN 46224 July 15th Members are encouraged to stay engaged and active by paying dues. Membership dues can be paid monthly $5 or yearly $60. Make your check or money order payable to: Liberian Association of Indiana or you can make a deposit in the Union Federal Bank in the account of the Liberian Association of Indiana and mail the deposit slip to: Liberian Association of Indiana, P.O. Box 20483, Indianapolis IN 46220 This publication was prepared by the Information and Research Committee, with oversight from the Executive Board of the Liberian Association of Indiana All submissions must be received by April 25th for the next Newsletter. LAInews@yahoogroups.com or call Committee Chairman Anthony B. Carter Sr. (317)881-0580 Exec board Meeting Dates January 13th May 5th February 3rd June 2nd March 3rd July 7th April 7th All Executive Board Meetings will be held at 5818 Brobeck Lane until further notice. All Executive Board Members and Committee Chairs are required to attend. Next Women’s Meeting Date - To Be Announced - Contact First Lady Sando Karmo 317-293-7540 send you from my house." The chief's new wife only smiled at his command. Things went well for quite some time. The paramount chief continued to hear people's problems while Siah kept herself busy without becoming involved. Usually she agreed with his decisions. One day, however, the chief gave one of his puzzles to two boys who argued over a sheep. Siah knew she shouldn't help the boy who really owned the sheep, but he was so upset. She finally asked him to explain his problem. "The chief asked for the impossible," he sighed. "He gave us an egg and said that whoever could hatch the egg by tomorrow would own the sheep." Siah knew she shouldn't help but the solution was so obvious. "Take some rice to the chief," she instructed. "Tell him to plant it today so that in the morning you will have rice to feed your chicken. He will know that it is just as impossible to grow rice in one day as it is to hatch an egg that quickly." The boy ran to the chief with the rice. He said exactly the words he was told. The chief was not impressed; he was angry! "Who told you this? Who gave you the rice?" he ordered. "These words are too wise for one so young." "They are my own words, my own thoughts," said the boy too afraid to speak the truth. "There is no one else who helped me." "If you are not speaking the truth, I will