HGC Board Meeting 2023

May 20, 10-11 PST

Attending: Karen Zelvinsky, Phil Zuckerman, Cameo Wood, Hank Pellissier, Jesse Smith, Werner Haag, Omar Niage, Susan Kuchinskas

Karen Zelevinsky, Board President, introduces the meeting’s agenda.

Everyone introduces themselves.

Hank presents slide show depicting HGC’s 18 partners - two in Uganda, four in Nigeria, two in Zambia, two in India, two in Nepal, and one each in Chad, South Sudan, Bangladesh, Philippines, DR Congo, and Appalachia.

Hank talks about recent struggles with some African humanists, who are angry and “cancelling” him on Facebook - they are displeased for multiple reasons, generally stemming from his sole decision-making power in funding, not funding, or de-funding candidates.

The Board decides that Hank is targeted as HGC’s “face” and strategies are suggested and approved. A Selection Team will decide, in the future, how HGC funds are allocated, this team will look at proposals and determine who to fund and not fund. This will relieve Hank of the sole responsibility.

A Director of African Humanism has already been appointed to review African grant proposals - Saliu Olumide Saheed (he is currently the Minna Safe House director).

The Selection Team will confer regularly to determine who gets funded and who does not.

Moving on, the Board discusses and approves of Hank’s idea to move funding towards Mutual Aid groups and Community Service groups. There is brief discussion of changing the nonprofit’s name.

The Board discusses possible trips together - Nepal is mentioned and there is interest.