D R A F T
RE-ESTABLISHMENT OF A DUNHAM GROUP
I would like to propose that we establish an organization to
replace the Dunham Family Association, which for all intents and purposes
seems to be defunct. I would like to see an organization established as a
non-profit group with several related purposes, which I outline below. If any
are interested in such an endeavor, I would like to hear from them. This
organization would require some effort by several individuals for it to succeed
and I would be interested in knowing of them.
I am willing to undertake the organizational effort. I would also be willing to
serve as treasurer and assist in other ways. In the proposal below you will be
able to understand why I mention the treasury particularly.
NAME: While I know of no reason why the name could not be Dunham Family
Association, I would propose it be called
Dunham/Singletary Family Connections.
ORGANIZATION TYPE: I would suggest a non-profit corporation or what in
Montana we designate a “public benefit corporation“. If established in Montana,
it would require an initial establishment fee and an annual filing fee ($20). It
would require a registered agent (resident of the state). I would suggest a
president, secretary/treasurer and a vice president although it might be
desirable to separate the secretary function and treasury function. It would
also require a minimum of three directors in addition to the officers – there
could be more and probably should be.
It would require a federal id to be obtained from the Internal Revenue Service
but I believe there is no cost to do so.
I think the organization should have the following purposes as a minimum and
others may be appropriate:
1. The main purpose would be to foster the development of interrelationships
among Dunham-Donham-Dunnam-Singletary alias Dunham and other close family groups
by undertaking the following activities:
a. Establish a membership
b. Fund worthwhile activities such as genealogical publications and/or studies, DNA testing for worthy potential participants unable to participate and other activities approved by the directors
c. Publish a periodic newsletter, probably electronically
d. Sponsor periodic membership gatherings including state and local meetings and seminars
e. Locate grant funds to assist in membership projects
f. Incorporate the current DNA testing project into its responsibilities
g. Maintain a web site
h. Develop mechanisms for storing information and files from related genealogical researchers so their efforts may be maintained for future use
i. Establish a bibliographic genealogical database for the organization
2. My reason for stating I would be willing to serve as
treasurer is that I currently handle the funds and coordination of the DNA
testing project and I don’t believe it would be unduly burdensome to handle
other financing requirements such as membership checks, etc. I currently
maintain a computerized list of names and addresses in connection with the DNA
testing project and this could be expanded for membership purposes.
The requirement that a registered agent be a resident of the state might be a
drawback here. It would be desirable to have another individual available who
could undertake the task if some untoward event occurred with the registered
agent. There are a few other Dunham’s in the state and perhaps one of them could
be enticed to participate.
I assume the treasurer could be located anywhere.
3. MEMBERSHIP AND FEES: I’m unsure what a reasonable annual membership
fee might be but I would suggest $25 as a starter. Although I am uncertain it
seems to me I saw a $25 annual fee for the Dunham Family Association.
4. KEY INDIVIDUALS: There are at least three functions that require
persons who have the necessary time to devote to the effort. I identified one
(treasurer) and the other two that I foresee is a Newsletter editor and a
meeting organizer. The latter two might be rotating chairs.
5. Miscellaneous: Actions which might be desirable and/or necessary
a. Try to obtain membership list of Dunham Family Association as a starter
b. Ascertain if funds, if any, of the Dunham Family Association might be available to utilize as seed money
c. Obtain a copy of existing by-laws of the Dunham Family Association
d. Obtain whatever files and archives might be available from the Dunham Family Association
Paul C. Dunham
465 Vigilante Drive
Helena, MT 59602-0234
406-443-3283
pcdunham@msn.com
D R A F T
C:\Dunham Fam. Assoc\Proposal\Association Proposal
Revised: 3/21/2004