A few words from l'Alliance outgoing president
14 juillet, 2010
Dear members, chers amis,
Two years already and what a wonderful adventure!
I thank you with all my heart for letting me be of service to this wonderful organization. Even though lately I have not been as available as I would have wanted to for Alliance and meeting new members, I look forward to coming events to enjoy the fellowship of l’Alliance Francaise de Tulsa.
I reflect on these last two years and I see: a great team, extraordinary board members, committee members and students, fun, new and interesting events, discoveries, new members, laughter, joy and babies. C’est magnifique non? Some have left us, we hold them in our hearts and will always remember their smiles, their presence and contributions.
One of the projects I personally developed and would like to see continued is the free concert for students; therefore although not on the board for this next term I have offered my help to organize and manage the coming concert this fall. This event represents the best of what Alliance has to offer and last year nearly 500 students benefited from our efforts.
Some members have asked that more cultural events be offered, starting this October, Alliance will offer two Soirees Culturelles a year, at Harwelden, free and open to the public on subjects related to French and francophone culture.
With Terry Cearly as team leader, Alliance and helping members have managed to strongly collaborate to the creation and development of the first French Film Festival of Tulsa, at the Circle Cinema; a great success, two years in a row.
I am also very happy to see how our strong bond with Tulsa Global Alliance is growing and how we collaborate on cultural and educational projects. Alliance is still very invested in the Amiens exchange program and in helping out with our Sister City events.
Once again I am asking for your help and contribution. We are a small organization with a $10,000 per year budget. On a yearly basis, we earn as much as we spend. We earn 60% of our income from classes, which means that we lose money on most of our events.
We offer free events and contribute to scholarships. We would like to continue giving in the spirit of our mission statement. Membership fees are due in September, please give responsibly and contribute at a sponsor level.
I am sorry to be missing our 14th July dinner, I believe it is not only an important and fun evening but also the occasion to decide on the new board for the 2010-2012 term.
These last two years have given us the opportunity to work on and re-actualize the by-laws, please make sure to consult them on our website, they describe the board position responsibilities. I believe we have nominees for the ballot, the latest list being:
Cine Club- Terry Cearley
VP - Communication - Judy Glenn
Education - Deborah Jenkins
President - Cathy Smythe
Secretary - Wendy Sheets
Treasurer - Joelle Byrne
We need a VP, events coordinator, please volunteer, we need your help.
I look forward to the board meeting on August 13th, with former and new members and of course to our Bienvenue Party in September.
Have a great summer.
Alexandra Beeson
AF de Tulsa President 2008-2010
