2. Grant Committee Update

2. Grant Update-- Sandy presented an update on grants BBGA is applying for. The $1.2 million Pathways Out of Poverty grant application with the City of Durham has been submitted. The process helped the group get to know each other better, and all NGOs were able to get mention in the final application. Evette was also able to meet with Bell Bill. The city is open-minded, but does not have the funds to support a project. Evette was also able to meet with Chamber of Commerce President. She discussed with both parties to create a pledge to control green washing. She also discussed the need to choose our partners and attract solar manufacturers to Durham. Iris expressed concerns about big business taking over. Sandy also noted that the application was hindered because the federal Department of Labor wanted certification training. However, there is a shortage of certified trainers. The Solar Center in Raleigh, affiliated with N.C. State University, is one of the few certified training centers in the country. Sandy said she believes even if we get grant, we need to train the trainers. Wanda added that the grant will have the city working with a population it has not worked with before, and that it will require more specialized services. Therefore, recruitment needs more money. Nick listed and included what we need. Pete believes we need to clarify BBGA’s responsibilities. Sandy replied that Nick said BBGA members would be on an advisory panel for hiring, while DERC or Durham TRY could serve as intake. Wanda and Pete both noted that BBGA is not a structured entity, and that we should get 501(c)3 status. Evette pointed out that Mayor Bell was a former IBM engineer, and that grants concentrate on youth, seniors, and veterans.

3. Roundtable Discussion- What are the two things we need to do to advance as a group? Each person was asked to list first and second recommendations for action. The following were mentioned. 1. Find our direction 2. Get 501(c)3 status 3. Get 501(c)3 status 4. Get a clear structure, i.e. with elected leaders and bylaws 5. Seek officers and interns 6. External leadership before getting 501(c)3 7. Leadership 8. Organization as soon as possible (tonight if possible) 9. Get interns 10. Get business community support for funding 11. Know, understand, & celebrate who we are and what we each bring to the table 12. Concentrate on children in danger of dropping out 13. Renovate Pinnacle Building (approx $150,000) 14. Improve community green literacy in order to get political clout 15. Get Investment Capital (Frank- look at Grameen as a model) 16. Green Literacy should be focus 17. Build Partnerships, especially with universities 18. Prevent green washing 19. Bring people in and have them invest in the vision 20. Be Strategic; outreach and fundraising should appeal to the felt needs of people in Northeast Central Durham 21. Outreach—not just educating but listening 22. Focus on OneDurham Everybody Eats- specifics 23. Research other Grants 24. Have online collaborative groups 25. Get a project to start with 26. Target a green festival in the spring 27. Have an environmental mobile unit with Marc that targets youth, featuring homemade disaster preparedness kits.

4. President Nomination and Election--Frank nominated Wanda for president of BBGA. Pete seconded the nomination, and a majority raised hand for Wanda. Marc believes president should scrutinize how money is spent. Wes believes there should eventually be a board. Sandy believes president should advocate for BBGA with the city. Alice believes the president should coordinate projects and overall organization. Susan suggested president should have accountability.

Notes & Videos from Workshops:

Policy/Government Current green jobs legislation and policy changes needed to support green economy strategies. Workshop Facilitator: Lynice Williams Special Guests: Rep. Larry Hall State Legislature Paul Quinlan Senior Associate, NC Sustainable Energy Association Fred Yates Mayor of Winfall, NC and Political Action Chair, NAACP Tobin Freid Sustainability Coordinator for Durham City/County

Notes from this session