(¯`·._(¯`·......Wha Gwaan in R.A.W......·´¯)_.·´¯) Sunday, August 05, 2007 _/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/ *INDEX [1]Greetings from Guam! Important, Please Read! [2] Recent announcements from Kyle Russell, Interim Executive Director [3] New Board Job Descriptions [4] Email Reminder for 8/4 !!!! [5] Jamaican Independence Day [6] NEW BAMBU STATION COMPILATION "PHENOMENAL" [7] NWWRF 2007 [8] 'Reggae For A Cure" this Sat. @ Chris' New Harbor-Belmont! [9] Reggae Vibes News Bulletin (August 1, 2007) [10] ReggaeCD.com‚s MASSSIVE summer SALE?60-70% OFF IN-STOCK CDs/DVDs [11] Renegade Productions Reggae Calendar for Northern California and Western Nevada. _/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/ [1] *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= >From: Tom Pearson [Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide #33] Subject: Greetings from Guam! Important, Please Read! Date: Sunday, July 29, 2007 11:06 AM From: "Tom Pearson" Greetings! Earlier this year, I had a computer crash, and as a result, I've had to rebuild the RAW database from scratch (give thanks to Challi, our webmaster for keeping a back-up that I was able to use to import much of the data). I am almost done with that rebuilding and should soon be able to send new membership packets and renewal packets to those of you who have been very patiently waiting. With a new computer came a new email service. The one I'd been using since 1994 was a bit overdue for upgrading anyway. I've had to reconstruct the entire R.A.W. mail list as well, and am just about done with that also. I've extracted all the email addresses I found in the new RAW database and included them in this mailing, which has many purposes: - I want to delete any email addresses that are not working. - if you have 2 or more addresses in the database, this message has been sent to all of them. Please respond and let me know which address you would prefer to use for RAW mailings (if you want to use 2 or more, please indicate which ones as well) - if you want to be removed from the RAW mailing list, please let me know NOTE: the mailing list is used by TWO members: myself (used to send out NEW MEMBERS & CHANGES, updates to the Email List, URL List, Discount List & demographics, as well as periodic bulletins from the RAW Board). The 2nd member to use the mailing list is Eric (#1418) who uses it to send out our newsletter "Wha' Gwaan in RAW?" You may choose to be on both lists, one list only or none of them. There will soon be some very important announcements about upcoming elections to the R.A.W. Board that everyone should receive so that they can vote. I also encourage you at this time to update your RAW listing if so needed. I thank everyone for their patience during the past six months while I was unable to get much work done in terms of rebuilding. I've used the last three weeks of my summer vacation to do almost nothing else. Ever forward Tom R.A.W. #33 [2] *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= >From: Kyle Russell, Interim Executive Director [Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide #] Subject: Recent announcements from Kyle Russell, Interim Executive Director Date: Friday, July 27, 2007 3:52 AM From: Kyle Russell, Interim Executive Director Recent announcements from Kyle Russell, Interim Executive Director [1] An open message from the Board to the R.A.W. Membership, 07/19/07 [2] "Getting Intra-it" - 1st steps of the new plan (from Kyle Russell), 7/25/07 [3] New Board Job Descriptions _/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/ [1] >From: ReggaePR@aol.com [Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide #] Subject: An open message from the Board to the R.A.W. Membership, July 19, 2007 Date: Thu, 19 Jul 2007 09:44:50 EDT An open message from the Board to the R.A.W. Membership, July 19, 2007 After having defined & ratified the new R.A.W. ByLaws in 2006, the existing Board has found that holding an Annual Meeting and initiating the Election process has been a task too daunting and time consuming for any one individual, or existing committee to take on additionally to the fulfillment of their basic duties as volunteers for the organization. As a result, the organization as a whole has been on autopilot, and without any particularly defined or achievable goals. Kyle Russell, who's position as Interim Executive Director was to have expired on completion of the ByLaws, presented the Board with a proposal exactly two months ago, that would put the ByLaws into effect AND revitalize R.A.W.¹s place in the industry. We have had due time to debate and approve the plan, and have voted by a majority to accept it. A one-time payment of two thousand dollars has been made through Russell¹s consulting firm KRucial Reggae to proceed with the ost necessary ³prearranged and valid expenses² of his labor & services which will be expended over the next 4-6 months.* Russell is not being paid in his capacity as a volunteer Board member ­ the uties of which he will continue to do gratis & in addition to this project but as an outside management & PR consultant whose labor & services have beend duly ³recognized and approved by the Board and Treasurer,² as autorized in our ByLaws.* [* = 2 quotes from paragraphs 3 & 4 are taken rom the ByLaws] Kyle Russell's commitment: 1. to educate the membership about the ByLaws and future organizational structure. 2. to organize the much needed Elections that will bring in new leadership. 3. to organize an Annual Meeting, even remotely, via the Internet. 4. to give R.A.W. new meaning by having it collaborate in its own promotion with partner organizations, particularly those involved in efforts to achieve global change. 5. to put KRucial Reggae¹s promotional machinery behind promoting R.A.W. beyond our existing network, reaching out to lapsed members and asking them back; creating a R.A.W. MySpace page he would administrate; and through his own email network, Newsletters & web site, which currently reach over 10,000 people monthly. The time frame for the achievement of these goals would be: for the project definition & election nomination process to begin immediately, ideally completing by the end of September; and for the balloting & Annual Meeting process to follow thereafter, ideally completing by Thanksgiving. These optimal benchmarks notwithstanding, Russell has pledged to stay in as long as it takes for us to put the Annual Meeting behind us and have ourselves a new Board in place. We believe that these goals, coupled with his other efforts will serve to "reinvent" R.A.W., both expanding and improving our public image internationally, as well as our capacity to ³forward the Reggae vibe every time ³. [2] *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= >From: Kyle Russell, Interim Executive Director, R.A.W. Subject: ..."Getting Intra-it" - 1st steps of the new plan (from Kyle Russell), 7/25/07 From: Date: Wed, 25 Jul 2007 13:19:26 EDT ..."Getting Intra-it" - 1st steps of the new plan (from Kyle Russell), 7/25/07 By now, some or all of you are aware that something new is afoot for R.A.W.. Some have shared concerns over the whether, the how, and the why (now, as opposed to previously), but the fact is: we are moving (and talking) again, and that's a good thing any way you slice it. The part of my plan (posted on the R.A.W. site as "R.A.W. hires KRucial Reggae," 7/19) which relies on your participation (and should ideally be achieved by Thanksgiving) consists of Part A: to hold Elections (for the future and continuing Board); and Part B: to hold an Annual Meeting. Prior to the Elections, we need to 1) educate the membership about the ByLaws in general, and the Election process in particular; and 2) shepherd us through the Nomination procedure. Both of these are handled in this communication. Education first: if you're not familiar with the ByLaws, read them on the site (accessible right off the Home Page). I will work with our webmaster and Membership Director Tom Pearson to ensure that - for those of us who can't get access to them electronically - an offline, hard copy pac will be mailed out including the ByLaws and other pertinent information (such as this communication, and the previous Announcement of 7/19). Much in the ByLaws are pertinent to our discussion, but I will endeavor to steer us toward the stipulations that are particularly relevant at this time for the achievement of Part A of the plan, beginning by defining what positions are in the existing & future Board, and then exploring (and initiating) the Nomination process. Therefore, and once the Nomination process is in motion, we can tackle the balloting and Election process in preparation for the Annual Meeting. Right now, the Board consists of the following members (or "Boardies," as we affectionately call to ourselves). Tom Pearson is performing the functions of Membership Director (managing new memberships, renewals, the database, etc.), and is also holding the title of Assistant Executive Director (and by default, acting as the Online Communications Director). Although he resigned his previous (long-time) position as Executive Director due to his crushing professional work-load, he continues to perform the above duties admirably, including submitting the WGIR updates through another R.A.W. volunteer. Tom would like to continue as Membership Director, and so the Assistant Executive Director & Online Communications Director positions will become available (from within and outside the Executive Board, respectively). Check the ByLaws and information below regarding who may qualify for the Executive Board positions. Kyle Russell, who had originally been (and remains, by default) the Performing Artists Coordinator, accepted the appointment and Board election to become the Interim Executive Director for the sole purpose of breathing life into the actual ByLaws document, which was completed after a laborious & time consuming process just under a year ago. After having expended enormous personal and financial resources (not least of which was his time) hosting R.A.W.'s 10th Annual Conference in 2003, and completing the ByLaws by 2006, Russell has taken on this current project of effecting the Elections & Annual Meeting as an independent management consultant (for those who may not be up-to-date on the who and why of these latest initiative). Almost needless to say, the Performing Artists Coordinator is up for election. The Executive Director position, however, must be filled by a standing Board member (per the ByLaws), in the interests of continuity, and them necessarily knowing the ropes by the time they take leadership. Unless someone else on the Board volunteers for the position (which we wholeheartedly encourage), Russell may present an application to be elected to the slot by the Board itself. What if, however, he doesn¹t? We have some time on this, and the Board itself is grappling with the implications of the various options we¹ll need to explore, should we not receive applications for all the available slots through the existing channels. Per 4.2.D: ³in the absence of adequate substitutes or sufficient personnel to occupy all posts, the Board of Directors may vote to allow certain members of the Executive Board to also serve on the General Board, and vice versa, on either an interim, or extended basis.² Nan Lewis, PR Coordinator, has stated that she no longer has time to hold the position going forward, and was previously charged with writing announcements of this nature. But given that I (Kyle Russell) am responsible for the execution of this plan - and since I'm not speaking for other individuals (or begging their clarification if and when I do) - it falls on me to make these announcements, which I think makes sense, given that I've been charged with expediting the process by which we literally get from A to B. This position is definitely open to the General Membership. These communications are, FYI, run by the existing Board for feedback, wording recommendations, etc., so they are not merely my opinions alone. Susan 'Zipp' Thompson has been the Off Line Communications Coordinator, but has not had Internet access or been able to fulfill her various duties due to health issues. I¹m sure she¹ll agree that this position is available & up for election as well. Mind you, the ByLaws, Section 4.2.D state that ³a maximum of 2 Executive Board members may be elected or replaced in a given year.² But given the much larger size of the new Board, and the extended tenure of the existing Board, it makes sense and is not a misreading of the spirit of the ByLaws to say that while we want to keep as many of the existing Board members on board as appropriate, we also want and need to open up as many positions as possible to ³new blood.² Joanie Pearson has been, and would be willing to continue as Treasurer, unless an eager newcomer would like to submit their application for the position (and replace or ³run² against her). Joel Spencer has been, and would continue as Labels & DJ's Coordinator. David Bauman has been, and would continue as Committed Reggae Fans Coordinator. Both are open to new applicants for those positions submitting their applications, as they may choose instead to continue in other Board positions. The ByLaws call for the Board of Directors to include 5 Executive Directors (their duties are laid out in section 5.5): 1. the "Chair," or Executive Director 2. Assistant Executive Director 3. Secretary 4. Treasurer 5. Membership Director. Per the ByLaws¹ Section 4.2.B, positions 1, 2, and 5 must be selected from Board members who¹ve already served 1 or more years. Therefore, position 1, 2, and 5 are only available to someone within the existing Board. Positions 2 & 3, on the other hand, are available to the General Membership (as are several of the General Directors' positions below). Be it known that (per section 4.1.C) anyone desirous of, or sitting on the Board MUST have email access and be continuously responsive to Board-Business emails as a prerequisite to remaining on the Board. The technology exists, and all Board members should have access to it, that would allow real-time chats facilitating meetings-with-minutes, an organizational & accountability assess. We will endeavor to have these be integral to the Board¹s future functioning, and ideally, the successful holding of the Annual Meeting. I would like to submit that all applicants must have read and have a grasp of the ByLaws prior to running for office. Being on a Board of Directors is not simply a forum to voice ones opinion. It requires reading, writing and attendance to detail, which is not in everyone¹s skill-set. The new Board shall additionally consist of the following General Director positions, including: 1. Public Relations & Media Director 2. Web Site Director 3. Online Communication Director 4. Offline Communication Director 5. DJ & Labels Director 6. Performing Artists Director 7. Committed Reggae Fans Director From what I can tell, the following positions are available: 1, 2 (although we have someone performing admirably on maintaining the site now, and they could certainly become an official Director by applying), 3, 4, and 6. As mentioned, we welcome feedback from parties interested in positions 5 & 7, as they may well become available for election. Nominations (see section 4.6) may be made via the Nomination Petition Form, a basic version of which is at the bottom of this email. In the interests of expediting the process, it would be just as easy for applicants and nominating agents to simply list the candidate's name; R.A.W. #; the 1 position they seek; and their qualifications & mission statement (per the form below) and submit that. The applicant may be asked to forward references to the Board per 4.3.1; and must abide by the following, all-important proviso: each petition "must include a verification via signed statement of the nominee that the nomination is made with his or her permission and that he or she will serve and perform as required if elected to the Board" (see 4.6.B). The ByLaws call for the nomination period to be 2 months in duration, and commence 4 months prior to the Annual Meeting "and shall terminate at least 2 months before the Annual Meeting" (4.6.C). In order for us to complete parts A & B of this plan according to the expected timeline, however, I believe we can begin the Nomination process immediately (in July), with the Nomination process ending as early as the end of August. If there are any nominees who for whatever reason are unable to submit their paperwork on time, they should let us know, so we can wait a reasonable time for their submission to be received. Even with snail mails going out by early August, I think 4 weeks should be ample time for a turnaround, especially given that Board members must universally have email access, and would have already received all the information they need as of today. Ballots would then go out as soon as possible, certainly well before the end of September. This will enable all votes to be received & counted (Tom Pearson has already agreed to receive & count votes as they are to be submitted) in October, at which point arrangements will have been made for the Annual Meeting to occur in November, so that we may report on its outcome after Thanksgiving. Per 4.3, "a new applicant (ie. one who has never served on the Board)Šwhose candidacy and qualifications must first be approved by the Board [before running for office]Šcannot apply for more than one position at a time; should there be more than one applicant for any one position, the Executive (or existing) Board reserves the exclusive right to determine eligibility and qualification of the applicants, who, upon approval to run [the Board will publicize the list of candidates in September], may then pursue Election via the established procedure. Should there not be any applicants for a vacant Board position, the Executive (or existing) Board can, at their discretion, make a request to a General Member to fill the vacant position." Almost needless to say, all positions are available only to R.A.W. members, however, it would certainly make sense for anyone interested, from outside the R.A.W. network, to join and thereby qualify to run. Now I (Kyle Russell) have also agreed to use the promotional machinery of my own company KRucial Reggae to publicize and open up this election process to the Reggae industry in general, as well as publicizing other developments of the organization (particularly soliciting partnerships with other non-profits; launching a MySpace presence for R.A.W.; and other email/newsletter announcements through additional avenues of publicity), all of which do not require the same all-important involvement of the membership, except that I invite any and all to give us or recommend to us networks by which we can get the word out about R.A.W.'s new life. In other words, I will be making announcements sponsored by my company which I will send out based on the announcements made within the organization, but without the same submission & editing protocol I reserve for my intra-R.A.W. communications. A R.A.W.-focused newsletter¹s scheduled for transmission next week. In closing, I present the following take-home message: let us begin with the Nomination process now, using the basic Nomination Petition Form below (you can cut, paste, reprint at will ­ I have provided a Word attachment as well, if that¹s useful), and we welcome all comers for the listed Available Positions... Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide (R.A.W.) Elections¹ Nomination Petition Form [presented July 25, 2007 - may be auto-submitted, or presented by another on your behalf - to be received by designated Board member by the end of August] Available Positions: Executive Board [the ByLaws call for positions 3 & 4 to open to the General Membership; with positions 1, 2, and 5 to be dR.A.W.n from from within the existing Board] 1. the Executive Director 2. Assistant Executive Director 3. Secretary 4. Treasurer 5. Membership Director General Directors [Applications are welcome for all positions, with the possibility that positions 5 & 7 may be retained by existing Board members] 1. Public Relations & Media Director 2. Web Site Director 3. Online Communication Director 4. Offline Communication Director 5. DJ & Labels Director 6. Performing Artists Director 7. Committed Reggae Fans Director Please fill-in and submit all Nomination/Application sections below, either by email or postal service to myself, Kyle Russell at ReggaePR@aol.com or via PO Box 440263, Somerville, MA 02144 (utilizing the Certified, Return Receipt Requested services, unless submitted by Email, to verify receipt). 1. Candidate's Name & Full Contact Information. 2. R.A.W. # (current status may be researched or queried by Membership Director) or membership fee & application form, if candidate is not currently a member). 3. Position Desired: the single (1) position being sought, from the list above. 4. Qualifications, what in your experience & skill-set makes you the right person for the position. 5. Recommendations (to be furnished voluntarily, or upon request). 6. Mission Statement, what you envision doing and contributing to R.A.W. through the position. 7. Verification via signed statement of the nominee that: ³I have read the ByLaws; I have and use email every (or almost every) day; and this nomination is being made with my permission and that I will serve and perform as required if elected to the Board.² Once submitted, Petitions, which will be the basis of your appearance on the ballot, and thus, should not to be amended or rescinded. Looking forward to your Nomination/Applications! Thank you, Kyle Russell. [3] *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= >From: Kyle Russell [Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide #] Subject: New Board Job Descriptions From: Date: Thu, 26 Jul 2007 01:39:27 EDT 4.3.2.B General Director Job Descriptions (based, in part, on those outlined on the R.A.W. web site): 1. PR & Media Coordinator: a. Write and distribute press releases for R.A.W.news, events and projects b. Edit official R.A.W. communications c. Oversee the compilation of a ³R.A.W.-friendly² Reggae media list d. Provide publicity services for R.A.W. Conferences and events e. Provide information on marketing/PR/publicityservices to R.A.W. members 2. Web Site Director: a. Update, maintain and administer R.A.W.¹s website b. Maintain and update the list of R.A.W. Member web sites c. Post and update R.A.W. news and Reggae news items d. Develop and install a message board system and a more thoroughly cross-referenced demographics page e. Develop R.A.W.¹s on-line marketing efforts 3. On Line Communications Coordinator: a. Welcome new on line Members and provide them with updated Email and URL R.A.W.sters, and a list of important contacts within R.A.W. b. Send information packets to On Line individuals who are interested in joining R.A.W. c. Collect on line information (tour schedules, press releases, requests for assistance, etc.) and post them as often as twice weekly within ³Wha¹ Gwaan in R.A.W.? (WGIR)² 4. Off Line Communications Coordinator: a. Welcome new R.A.W. Members who don¹t have access to the Internet (i.e., are ³off line²) b. Provide, upon request, information on possible avenues to get on line (no cost and low cost options are available!), as well as send information packets to Off Line individuals who are interested in joining R.A.W. c. Assemble, print and distribute information and communications between on line members to off line Members; likewise furnishing off line prospective members with interest in R.A.W. with information about the organization (in both cases, budgetary & time constraints may limit what can be done, and how often) d. Provide, with a team of R.A.W. volunteers, the opportunity for off line members to post their communications to on line Members and to the R.A.W. Forum 5. Record Label & Deejay Coordinator: a. Welcome new Record Label & Deejay Members to R.A.W. b. Develop and maintain an up-to-date Member Record Label & Deejay database c. Facilitate communications between Record Labels and Deejays d. Facilitate reporting between Deejays and Members responsible for R.A.W. BUBBLERS e. Distribute a ³New Member Welcome Kit² to Record Labels & Deejays: the Kit will contain useful information on R.A.W. networking, including the effective use of radio play lists and label reports; how to share news and information; detailed methods (for Deejays) on how to obtain promotional music, and effective ways (for Labels) to secure feedback, publicity, and air play for their releases 6. Performing Artists Coordinator: a. Welcome new R.A.W. Members in the Performing Artists category b. Periodically poll R.A.W. artists to arrive at a better understanding of their needs and interests, and learn how the Performing Artists Coordinator can assist the artists c. Suggest ways to utilize R.A.W. Membership and the R.A.W.ster to forward a career as a Performing Artist by networking with Dee Jays, fans, venues, and promoters d. Provide or direct Performing Artists to sample performance contracts, stage plot and technical rider forms e. Provide tips to Performing Artists on booking and advancing gigs, and network with other R.A.W. Members in all categories to update and improve the tips and techniques for Performing Artists. 7. Committed Reggae Fans Coordinator: a. Welcome all new Committed Reggae Fan Members b. Encourage Committed Reggae Fans to use the R.A.W.ster to its fullest potential c. Respond to inquiries regarding R.A.W. benefits, including R.A.W. discounts d. Inform Committed Reggae Fans how to bring more live Reggae music to their home towns e. Provide tips on how to help events be successful f. Show Committed Reggae Fans how to ³adopt² R.A.W. artists in their areas g. Share examples and/or strategies of how Committed Reggae Fans can become members of the industry and support Reggae in a more professional capacity h. Advise Committed Reggae Fans how to increase their involvement in Reggae music through R.A.W. networking, and share philosophies on being a true Reggae Ambassador §5.5 Officers¹ Duties A. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (Chair) ­ The Executive Director¹s vision and actions shall direct the organization in both tone and detail, outlining and pursuing (with the Board & Membership¹s involvement) R.A.W. goals and directions. The Executive Director shall have general charge of the affairs and property of R.A.W., supervising all the organization¹s business and performing all duties incident to the office of the Executive Director (and such other duties as may be determined by the Board of Directors). All Board Members & Committees must report to the Executive Director. The Executive Director is specifically responsible for monitoring and encouraging the fulfillment of goals undertaken by the Dee Jays/Labels Director; the Performing Artists Director; and the Committed Fans Director. The Executive Director may, with any other Officer duly authorized, sign and execute in the name of R.A.W.: deeds, mortgages, bonds, contracts, agreements or other instruments duly authorized by the Board, except in cases where the signing and execution shall be expressly and exclusively delegated by the Board to some other Officer or agent. The Chair shall: 1. Preside at all meetings of R.A.W.. 2. Chair the Board of Directors. 3. Be official representative of R.A.W. in matters involving external groups. 4. Be an ex-officio member of all Committees (except those directly related to the evaluation and compensation of the President¹s performance). 5. Cast vote whenever the Board calls for a vote. 6. Appoint Committee chairs and members. 7. Present a written Annual Report, which will be available at the Annual General Meeting. 8. Develop and supervise programs which are consistent with the purposes of R.A.W. and which are approved by the Board of Directors and shall carry out such other duties as may be directed by the Board. 9. Delegate and/or assume responsibility for the duties of the Public Relations and Media Director should they be unable to perform for any reason. B. Assistant Executive Director (Vice-Chair) shall: 1. In the absence of the Executive Director or in the event of death, inability or refusal to act, the Assistant Executive Director shall perform the duties of the Executive Director and, when so acting, shall have all powers of, and be subject to, all the restrictions upon the Executive Director. 2. Share the Chair¹s responsibilities, and perform such duties as may be assigned by the Executive Director, or by the Board of Directors. 3. Oversee the R.A.W. Web site and its Director, and be responsible for ensuring that the site is functional and updated. This last duty may, by majority agreement of the Executive Directors, be shared with or delegated to another Executive Director. C. Secretary ­ The Secretary shall: 1. Keep the minutes of the meetings of the Board of Directors and General Meetings (with physical and electronic records kept in known locations). 2. Give or provide for the giving of all notices in accordance with the provisions of these bylaws or as required by law. 3. Be custodian of R.A.W. records, official forms, the seal of R.A.W. (when or if such a seal is developed). 4. Provide that the seal of R.A.W. is affixed to all official R.A.W. documents. 5. Perform all duties as from time to time may be assigned by the Executive Director or the Board of Directors. 6. The Secretary oversees and is responsible for the effective fulfillment of duties undertaken by the On line & Off line Communications Directors, as well as the Public Relations & Media Director, and may, if qualified and able, assist in web site management. D. Treasurer ­ The Treasurer shall: 1. Be responsible for carrying out the mandates of the Board of Directors in overseeing the financial resources of R.A.W. including, but not limited to cash, securities, stocks, bonds, and all other property, personal or real, owned by R.A.W.. 2. Cause to be kept all the books of account of the business and transactions of R.A.W. (revenues, expenses, and debt). 3. Chair the Finance Committee and, if required, insure that the annual accounts are properly audited by an independent certified public accountant. 4. Make the organization¹s books available to the Board as a whole, to which the Treasurer is directly accountable. 5. Share responsibility with the Membership Director for the accurate tracking of membership dues (incoming funds from new membership and renewal dues). 6. Maintain records of special funds designated for sponsorships and other projects. 7. Reimburse authorized R.A.W. expenditures 8. Compile and submit an Annual Financial Report. 9. If qualified and able, assist other Executive Directors in their duties or help supervise specific General Directors. E. Membership Director - The Membership Director shall be responsible (along with the Treasurer) for managing the R.A.W. Membership, monitoring expirations, renewals, changes and updates to the Membership, including outlining the organization¹s demographics periodically. The Membership Director may also, by majority agreement, be responsible for the R.A.W. Web site, as would be the Assistant Executive Director. 1. Keep the R.A.W. database up-to-date, informing on line Members of new Member details; membership renewals; changes in members¹ categories/addresses etc., in ³New Members and Changes² updates to be issued at least monthly. 2. Send R.A.W.sters (the full contact information for every R.A.W. Member) to new Members, and updated versions upon Member request (may be subject to cost-coverage fee). 3. Keep the Email R.A.W.ster (the list of all R.A.W. Member Emails), R.A.W. demographics and statistics up-to-date and distribute new versions periodically (at least quarterly). 4. Work in conjunction with R.A.W. volunteers and supervise ny direct outreach (by them) to the R.A.W. database (via Email, phone, or letters). 5. Archive the information of no-longer-active members for future contact. 6. Actively develop & implement membership-expansion drives. [3] *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= >From: Roots-ee [Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide #1418] Subject: The Ark Band - August 3, 4 and 5 2007 Date: Wed, 1 Aug 2007 06:18:28 -0400 From: rlam AUGUST 2007 Fri 3 Peach's Grill - Yellow Springs, Ohio 104 xenia avenue SHOW TIME 10pm http://www.peachsgrill.com Sat 4 Krusty's Summer Sauce Camp Benefit - Cleveland, Ohio SHOW TIME 2-4pm ( Whiskey Island Marina ) Sat 4 Captain's Point - Indian Lake, Ohio SHOW TIME 10pm-2am Sun 5 Shooters in the Flats - Cleveland, Ohio SHOW TIME 4-8pm 1148 Main Avenue ph 216-861-6900 one peace roots-ee http://thearkband.com one love one peace roots-ee --- the ark band http://thearkband.com http://thearkband.com/gigz/index.html http://www.myspace.com/thearkbandmyspace ***no one but ourselves can free our minds*** [4] *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= >From: Native Elements [Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide #] Subject: Email Reminder for 8/4 !!!! Date: Wed, 1 Aug 2007 19:23:45 EDT From: Greetings! Here's an opportunity to hear some of the Bay Area's finest reggae artists under one roof for a very good cause. It's a whole day of music, positive vibes and beautiful people coming together on the Peninsula to help raise money for important medical research. 100% of the door proceeds will go directly to Morquio research and every single musician, artist and technician involved is donating their time and energy to this special gathering. Please come and help us find a cure for our beloved "Ariana" who just turned two years old a few months ago. There is a suggested admission price but whatever you can contribute is well-appreciated. No one will be turned away. Thank you for your blessings. Much love and Aloha to you and your family. Guidance, Native Elements Band Chris' New Harbor & Ariana's Cure present "REGGAE FOR A CURE" First Annual Benefit to Support Morquio Syndrome Research Featuring: NATIVE ELEMENTS (Homegrown Reggae w/ Island Flavor) DUB FX (California Reggae & Dub) BALDREAD & THE RAGGAMUFFIN CREW (Reggae-Soul-Afro Beat) CULTURE CANUTE & THE IRATION BAND (Classic Reggae Covers) + Caribbean BBQ in the Outdoor Patio w/ Chef Fred www.sfcateringconnection.com Saturday, August 4th 2007 Show @ 3pm - 12 midnight suggested donation: $20.00 cover 100% of the proceeds donated to Ariana's Cure for Morquio Must be 21yrs w/ID Positive Vibes Only! @ Chris' New Harbor 150 Harbor Blvd., Belmont (650) 591-1881 www.chrisnewharbor.com From: Scotti B [Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide #] Subject: Jamaican Independence Day Date: Thu, 2 Aug 2007 22:38:42 -0500 From: ScottiB Organization: KC Reggae Reply-To: Jamaican Independence Day celebration Sunday August 5th G¹ Jamaican Quisine 7940 Troost Kansas City, Missouri (816) 333-9566 2:00 pm to Midnight Featuring Green Card Jah Lion Jahration Urban Safari Check www.KCReggae.org http://www.kcreggae.org/ for more shows [6] *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= >From: Scotti B [Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide #] Subject: NEW BAMBU STATION COMPILATION "PHENOMENAL" Date: Tuesday, July 31, 2007 6:33 PM From: "Mt. NEBO RECORDS" IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Chant of the Lion I Is An "Extraordinary Collection" Mt. Nebo Records / 202-321-2263 / contactus@mtneborecords.com (Washington, DC) The leading entertainment media guide ALLMUSIC.com recently featured a review of the new Bambu Station compilation "Chant of the Lions I." The album is set for release on August 15th and will be available online and at retailers throughout America, Europe, South America and the Caribbean. The following article was written by music critic Jo-Ann Greene and the source article can be found at (http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:kcfuxzu5ldfe) "The first of hopefully many more compilations, Mt Nebo Records now brings us "Chant of the Lions I," a set dedicated exclusively to the Virgin Islands' many chanters, toasters and singjays, all in a cultural mode of course. For those unfamiliar with the music bubbling up from this Caribbean island chain, this is reggae with a difference. Although obviously Jamaican influenced, these VI DJs eschew the warp-speed deliveries of their bigger island brethren, and as the raps are virtually patois free, every one is perfectly understandable to northerners. Neither do the DJs feel the need to insert themselves into every open space possible, although backing band and producers Bambu Station's understated, bubbly, roots rockers accompaniments provide ample room to do so. In that respect, the DJs have an 80s feel without the soul- destroying ragga sound. And that VI sound is on the move, as Star Lion Family's exuberant "I-land Hopping" celebrates. The seven-strong vocal tag-team have been garnering acclaim since their debut opening for Sizzla back in 2000, and the group dominate this set, featuring on over half the tracks. Of all its members, Pressure has seen the most success so far, notching up a number of huge hits and popular albums in recent years. His "Firebun Day" is a potent lesson in righteousness, with the rest of The Family providing vocal support. Rafijah showcases his sweet tenor on the comforting "Jah Iz", while Kimbe Don's powerful, emotive vocals demand attention on the apocalyptic "Time Is Up". Kimbe is tough, but Star Lion bandmate Niyo Rah makes clear on "Badness Will Bloody U", "The Almighty is the baddest man." That scorching number echoes of Israel Vibrations, and is far removed from Rah's more soulful "Blues Experience" later in the set. However, of all the Star Lion members, arguably Ickarus is the most eloquent, with a grand turn of phrase, heavy hitting themes, and lethal rhyme schemes, all of which are showcased to best advantage on his two tracks here. Elsewhere, sermonizer/dub poet Sagenjyah uses his words as weapons, stripping away their meaning until only truth remains, a force to equal Mutabaruka. Sagenjyah is not a Family member, nor is the equally impressive Jahman, a veteran artist with an infectious style and a much needed message for the youthman. Ras Bumpa is one of them, an up-and-comer beckoning stardom with "Taste of Consciousness". The catchiest number on the set, on it Bumpa hits virtually every cultural touch stone and shows nuff respect for his elders to boot. Even Bambu Station's gentle, downtempo backing on his second number can't keep this exciting DJ down. Newcomer Papa Black makes his debut on this disc with a sweet singjay vocal and a gentle delivery that speeds a prayer to Jah on one number, and joined by Jahold delivers a warning to the bad boys on his second. An extraordinary collection of DJs, a phenomenal set of music, and an album that may singled handedly shift roots fans view of the dancehalls." Bambu Station is a roots reggae band from St. Croix and St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. For tour dates and other information visit us at www.mtneborecords.com, www.myspace.com/mtnebo, www.myspace.com/bambustation. [7] *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= >From: Doug Carnie [Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide #] Subject: NWWRF 2007 Date: Fri, 3 Aug 2007 23:57:58 –0700 From: Douglas Carnie Hi All NWWRF 2007 is next weekend August 10, 11, 12 Gates open at 10 AM Friday The big weekend is almost here. Only 5 days until roots comes to the Mohawk Valley. Thanks to all of you who have bought tickets. Sells have been great. Tickets will be available on line until Tuesday ( http://www.mutantarts.com/tickets/ ), at the outlets ( http://nwworldreggae.com/tickets/ ) and at the gate starting at 10 AM Friday August 10th. Check the hotline 503-288-1310 for up to date ticket info all next week. $110 for Three Days with camping $85 for Saturday/Sunday with camping. $35 for Sunday Check the website www.nwworldreggae.com for all of the details The camp site is going to be great. Its like a small Horning's/OCF with great shade and lots of water. See the site for new maps and photos. Remember NO DOGS, No Weapons, No open flames and No charcoal BBQ's For Directions go to http://nwworldreggae.com/maps-and-direction/ Also check out our list of vendors!! Remember we strive to be as green as possible. Pack In - Pack Out We have a real, new recycling center this year. These folks from Eugene know how to make it work, We are glad to have them with us this year. They love gifts!!! Email me if you are interested in Family Camp. Lots of new ones in our family this year. Blessings to all the moms!! HOT SHOWERS will be available this year! $ 5.00 for a weekend pass or $ 2.00 per shower. BIG UP to the MASSIVE SEE YOU ALL THERE REGGAE IN PDX THIS WEEK Sunday August 5 Berbati's Pan 231 SW Ankeny St Portland, Oregon The Twinkle Brothers with Della Grant and the Instigators with DJ Ras Danny Higher Reasoning Sound 21 and over Show at 9PM $13 advanced This will be a great start to our week of Reggae in the Northwest. Come down early and support the Instigators and Della Grant. Thursday August 9 Lola's Room 1332 W Burnside Portland, Oregon Afro Omega and Nuborn with Ras Danny Higher Reasoning Sound 21 and over Show at 9 PM $5.00 at the door Afro Omegas brings a revolutionary blend of global rock and nu reggae. Ras Danny is bringing in these folks , nuff said!! My personal favorite, Nuborn will be opening the show. Sorry I am going to miss this ones as I will be in Marcola!!! Afro Omega will be opening NWWRF 2007 at 3 PM Friday. Nuborn will be there Sunday at 2 PM!! Come get a little taste of what the weekend will bring!! Every Wednesday Mt. Tabor Legacy 4811 SE Hawthorne Portland Oregon Wheel Up Wednesday Reggae DanceHall with Trinity Soundz w/ Cansaman Small Axe w/ YT and Steve Treez 9 PM 21 and over Go check out the New Mt. Tabor. They have just done a major facelift to the old place. Come down and support in our effort to bring the ire vibe back to South East Portland Big Up to all the Folks at the Tabor [8] *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= From: Stamina! Productions [Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide #] Subject: 'Reggae For A Cure" this Sat. @ Chris' New Harbor-Belmont! Date: Wednesday, August 01, 2007 4:08 AM From: Chrisnwharbor@aol.com To: undisclosed-recipients: Sent: Wednesday, August 01, 2007 12:28 AM Subject: 'Reggae For A Cure" this Sat. @ Chris' New Harbor-Belmont! [9] *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= From: Reggae Vibes Productions [Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide #] Subject: Reggae Vibes News Bulletin (August 1, 2007) Date: Wednesday, August 01, 2007 11:34 AM -*- http://www.reggae-vibes.com -*- -*- News Bulletin (August 1, 2007) -*- **** THIS WEEK'S UPDATES AT http://www.reggae-vibes.com **** # TOP 50 of album recommendations for August 2007, compiled by Teacher & Mr. T., with Jah Cure's "True Reflections" at the #1 spot and Mavado's debut set "Gangsta For Life ~ The Symphony Of David Brooks"" as our new "Album of the onth"! # Twenty brand new sound files in our Top 50! Listen to tracks from Natural lack, The Slickers, Elephant Man, Sizzla, Alborosie, Mikey Dread, Lyricson, eenie Man, The Heptones, Jah Cure, Mavado, Lady Saw, Ras Shiloh and 8 more tunes in MP3 format. # Listen to the Snippet-Mix of our new album of the month, Mavado's debut set "Gangsta For Life ~ The Symphony Of David Brooks". # Check our revamped SOUNDS section featuring : - Riddimwize with the "Ballistic Affair", "Gang War", "Rebel Sole" and "Untouchable" riddims. - Showcase Vibez featuring Admiral Bailey and Ky-mani Marley, UK Reggae from El Feco, Macka B, Musical Youth and Tippa Irie, and cuts for the "Desi Rock" riddim. - Crucial Vintage : Classic tunes from Beres Hammond, Dennis Alcapone, Lone Ranger, Phyllis Dillon, The Techniques, The Paragons, Buju Banton, Ambelique, The Tamlins, Johnny Osbourne, and Michael Palmer. # "Your Top 5" of August 2007 is submitted by Bastarix and features tunes from Bob Marley, Burning Spear, Richie Spice, Turbulence and Natural Black. # Jah Cure's new album "True Reflections" contains his recent hits and one new song. # Lyricson is back with his much anticipated sophomore album entitled "Keep The Faith". # Guinean singjay sensation Takana Zion debuts with the Manjul produced "Zion Prophet" album. # The "Caribbean Party" compilation is very promising, but in the end disappointingly just fine and nothing special. # Maimon's latest album offers different styles of music with a reggae flavour. # "Prince jammy Destroys The Invaders" is a nice dub album from 1982. # "None Shall Escape"... Interview with Johnny Clarke... by Peter I # Every Sunday we have a new "Clip Of The Week". This week it's Jah Cure's video "True Reflections"! # Playlist for Reggae Vibes Radio Show ~ Thursday, August 2, 2007. **** AND DON'T FORGET... **** # You can win a free copy of the compilation cd/dvd "Reggae Gold 2007 ~ Treasures of The Caribbean", compliments of VP Records. We're giving away three cd's. Contest ends on Wednesday 8th August. # In association with Makasound, the premier French reggae label, Reggae Vibes Productions NL have set up a huge contest. Every two/three weeks you can win a FREE copy of a Makasound CD or DVD, and this time it's Winston McAnuff's "Pick Hits To Click". Contest ends on Wednesday 8th August. # Submit your personal top 5 tunes! Every month we'll pick a winner and post his/her top 5 complete with full length soundclips on the Reggae Vibes website. # 'Reggae Vibes SoundStation' brings you the sounds of yesterday, today & tomorrow. Push the PLAY button of the player on top of the homepage to get it started! And... you're even able to request a tune! New tunes are added twice a week (Tuesday and Saturday). # "The Official UK Dancehall Top 10" and "Jamaica's Weekly Top 20 (Singles) Hit List" - both with full length soundclips - are featured on our site. Also check Teacher & Mr. T's "Hot'n'Fresh Top 15", where you can vote for your favourite tune. THIS AND MUCH MORE AT : http://www.reggae-vibes.com (c) 2007 Reggae Vibes Productions [10] *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= >From: ReggaeCD.com [Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide #] Subject: ReggaeCD.com‚s MASSSIVE summer SALE?60-70% OFF IN-STOCK CDs/DVDs Date: Wed, 01 Aug 2007 20:55:27 –0400 From: "Ejaness.com" This is your once in a lifetime opportunity to buy TOP ARTISTS‚ CDs from ver 700 frontline CD titles at BELOW WHOLESALE COST. No other online store an match this UNBELIEVABLE SALE!!!! YES?Over 700 in-stock CD titles from all the MAJOR LABELS & ARTISTS, including recently released titles have been reduced by up to 70%; now with n average price of only $5.99. CDs regularly priced at $15.95 now only 5.99 and less. You name them, they are all here? EVERY MAJOR REGGAE ARTIST and Every MAJOR REGGAE LABEL ?and tons of various rtists CDs also available. Supplies are LIMITED so place your orders IMMEDIATELY!!!! Click the link below: http://www.reggaecd.com/store/mresults.php?Specials=YES Note: Sale priced CDs are not eligible for any other discounts of free offers. One Love... Customer Service EJANESS INTERNET STORES www.Ejaness.com www.ReggaeCD.com www.ReggaeRags.com www.ReggaeKing.com www.DVDTrail.com www.HealthyLivity.com 229-19 Merrick Blvd., Suite # 237 Laurelton, NY 11413 Tel: (718) 362-1711 Fax: (563) 405-8641 CustomerService@Ejaness.com "A GLOBAL LEADER IN REGGAE AND SPECIALTY MERCHANDISING" ReggaeCD.com http://www.reggaecd.com/ [11] *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= From: Kaati [Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide #] Subject: Renegade Productions Reggae Calendar for Northern California and Western Nevada. Date: Wed, 01 Aug 2007 14:12:55 –0700 From: Kaati Renegade Productions Reggae Calendar for Northern California and Western Nevada. Www.renegadeshows.com 530-583-2801 Friday, August 3 ZIGGY MARLEY Also Dub Conscious Truckee River Park Amphitheatre Truckee, CA $25 advance Gates 5:00 /Show 6 pm until 10pm All ages Saturday, August 4 MIDNITE Also the Abysinnians $25 Truckee River Park Amphitheatre Truckee, CA Gates 4:30 /Show 5 pm until 10pm All ages Tuesday, August 7 STEEL PULSE Also Keyser Soze Grand Sierra Resort, Reno, NV Doors 8/Showtime 9 $27.50 All ages Thursday, August 16 PREZIDENT BROWN River Ranch Lodge, Tahoe City, CA Doors 8:00 pm/Showtime 9:30 pm $15 advance 21 and over Saturday, September 1 TRUCKEE REGGAE FESTIVAL THE ENGLISH BEAT EEK A MOUSE Truckee River Park Amphitheatre Truckee, CA $25 Gates 5pm/Music 6pm until 10pm All ages Www.renegadeshows.com 530-583-2801 [12] *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= From: Jesse Dawn [Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide #] Subject: The Wisdom of Rasta Jesse Dawn (see bio www.hawaiireggae.com) Date: Fri, 3 Aug 2007 17:02:14 -0700 (PDT) From: jessetheone (1) THE WISDOM OF RASTA JESSE DAWN: Sample verses from his latest songs (for bio see www.hawaiireggae.com) THE WISDOM OF RASTA JESSE DAWN SAMPLE VERSES FROM HIS LATEST SONGS: From ³THE RUB-A-DUB CHURCH²: ³Too much MAD COWBOY CHURCH--- Leading to DISASTER--- But JAH-JAH NATURE Will ABIDE EVER AFTER--- Instead of a TV-FEATURED ARMAGEDEON‹ We¹ll step into a FUTURE of GETTING IT ONŠ YEAH...² From A PEACEFUL CULTURE: HELP our PEACEFUL CULTURE RULE--- IT¹S what they should TEACH IN SCHOOL‹ Instead of CAUGHT INSIDE A TEL-LIE-VISION‹ Heading for a BRAIN COLLISION‹ A WAR MACHINE ON EVERY SCREEN‹ FIGHTING AGAINST OUR PEACEFUL MISSIONŠ From THE MYSTIC FLIES AGAIN (July 2007) I¹ve tried to teach people how to reveal, great mysteries of life, and true powers to heal, I¹ve tried to teach how to enjoy the whole Earth, via writing and music, and true ways of rebirth, As I lift up my head, and look straight ahead, forwarding this great journey, so spiritually led... (Selah)Š From BEEN THROUGH IT ALL (July 2007) As again I recall--- that I¹ve RECOVERED from it all--- from the lowest of the low--- to so high I COULDN¹T fall--- From lowly Vietnam trenches where I WANTED to die--- with skin rotting off my body---and malaria fever so high--- where errant bombs kept falling from the sky--- But I, too TOUGH to die--- Too MAD to cry--- REBEL enough to ask WHY? Why is my life such a test‹ where I keep escaping death? But as years went by--- I let my crazy anger die--- fully transcended now--- whereby high is TRULY high--- where again I fly--- from the dark womb of the night--- standing UP for my rights--- RECOVERING my sightŠ SelahŠ There you have some of my latest tidbits, bredren and sistren. And let me give a shout out to some of the bruddah Rastas that I met and gave maximum Respect to while producing their shows In Hawaii: STEEL PULSE (especially DAVID HINDS AND SELWYN BROWN) ZIGGY MARLEY THE WAILERS (especially DRUMMIE ZEB & ASTON BARRETT) SKELLY AND WISS (OF ISRAEL VIBRATION) PREZIDENT BROWN ANTHONY B AND ERIC I MIDNITE Special THANKS AND BLESSINGS TO THESE WONDERFUL RASTASŠŠ.SelahŠ.. *********************************************************************** In the abundance of water, the fool is thirsty Forward the Reggae Vibe...Every Time ! Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide Tom Pearson (R.A.W. #33)