Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide
www.reggaeambassadors.org


RAW Board Recognizes Kyle Russell (RAW #238)
For Outstanding Commitment to RAW

August 22, 2003 - The Board of Directors of Reggae
Ambassadors Worldwide (RAW) recently convened via e-mail to
discuss recognizing Kyle Russell (RAW #238) for his
outstanding contributions to RAW. 

Russell, also a Board member, single-handedly took on the
massive project to organize, coordinate, and supervise the
RAW Conference ("RAW03") in Boston in late June. RAW03 was
held in conjunction with the KRucial Roots Reggae Festival,
also produced by Russell. 

RAW03 events included daily presentations and discussions
regarding RAW's 10 year history, its present status, and
goals for its future, as well as evening concerts featuring
RAW performing artists. It is important to note that Russell
opted to financially back RAW03, except for minimal
financial assistance from RAW for the printing of flyers and
new membership applications - both of which can be used by
RAW in the future - and some postage costs.

By unanimous Board decision, it was agreed to:

- reimburse Russell for a portion of his financial losses
for RAW03. The amount selected was an average of the Board
members' suggestions, and 

- award a tangible expression of RAW's appreciation. On the
final day of RAW03, Russell was presented with a lawn chair
with red, gold, and green macramé. The chair was made by
Joanie Pearson (RAW #693).

Tom Pearson (RAW #33), RAW's Executive Director, spoke for
the entire Board of Directors when he said, "It's
heartwarming to see how much one RAW member can do for the
organization! Kyle took on a huge project, and with
determination and professionalism, he put together an
excellent RAW Conference & Showcase." Pearson continued
that, "Because of Kyle's efforts, RAW membership doubled in
Massachussetts and South Carolina, and the first members
representing Rhode Island and New Hampshire joined RAW.
New life has been breathed into the organization, and I'm
looking forward to continued discussions about developing
regional RAW chapters, which will continue to Forward the
Reggae Vibe - Everytime!"

A review of the RAW03 Conference will be posted on 
www.reggaeambassadors.org (under "RAW NEWS" on the right 
side of the home page) in the near future.

             # # # # #

-Nan Lewis (RAW #72)
Board of Directors, PR & Media Coordinator