FUFOR - 1988 10 - Minutes - Elaine Douglas scan

Magazine Overview

This document consists of the minutes from meetings held by the Fund for UFO Research on October 15, 1988. It details discussions from both a brunch meeting and a Board of Directors meeting, along with a Treasurer's Report for October 1988.

Brunch Meeting

The brunch meeting, led by Chairman Bruce Maccabee, followed a two-hour telecast titled "UFO Cover-Up?...Live." The primary discussion revolved around the question, "Where do we go from here?"

Richard Haines, a National Board member, observed that the UFO question is evolving into a social movement that might pose a threat to the public. He described the situation regarding abduction cases as an "epidemic of information" for which psychologists are unprepared. Haines recommended that the Fund inform the American Psychological Association about the scope of the problem and suggest guidelines for treating abductees. He also advocated for establishing contacts in the USSR and China.

Dr. Rema Laibow highlighted the need for meetings among psychiatrists to address the psychological aspects of abduction cases. She proposed that the Fund organize a scientific symposium specifically for therapists in the near future and support research published in scientific journals.

Budd Hopkins suggested that the Fund distribute papers authored by Dr. Laibow and Dr. Lisa Slater to individuals who believe they are abductees.

Betty Cash pointed out that the medical field generally requires more education on the UFO subject, citing her own physical injury case as an example.

Howard Hoffman suggested that alerting Members of Congress is a necessary step in addressing the government cover-up aspect of the UFO phenomenon.

Stan Friedman proposed a workshop focused on abduction cases.

An audience member raised the idea of creating a support group for abductees, similar in structure to Alcoholics Anonymous.

In a private meeting with Executive Committee members, Dr. Haines announced his intention to soon submit a proposal for hiring a professional film/video producer, Ron Lakis, to create a series of programs for a training class aimed at abduction case investigators and counselors.

Board of Directors Meeting

Bruce called the Board of Directors meeting to order at 2:30 PM. The attendees included Executive Committee members Don Berliner, Rob Swiatek, Larry Bryant, Fanny Phillips, Dick Hall, and Fred Whiting, as well as National Board members Robert Hall, John Carlson, and David Schwartzman. Elaine Douglass, Bob Oechsler, and Stan Friedman were also present.

Bruce reviewed the proposals that had been discussed during the brunch meeting. He also noted that the results from the OMNI surveys still needed to be entered into a computer.

There was an extensive discussion regarding Dr. Laibow's proposal for a seminar for therapists specializing in abduction cases. Bob Hall suggested conducting a survey of clinical psychologists. No definitive decisions were made on these matters.

Fred proposed sending a letter to the Fund's contributors of $50 or more, soliciting support for Stan Friedman's proposal to conduct follow-up research on MJ-12. There was general agreement to support this idea, provided it was made clear that contributions would not be exclusively earmarked for that specific project.

Bob Oechsler mentioned that Allen Feinstein had requested a letter from the Fund outlining goals for research projects and had expressed a willingness to solicit contributions for the Fund through his newsletter, which has a circulation exceeding two million. Fred agreed to draft this letter.

Dave Schwartzman inquired about the possibility of sponsoring a UFO/SETI conference. Bruce also suggested that the Fund should offer support for U.S. participation in the Tunguska project, which involves collaboration with the Soviet Union.

The meeting was then adjourned.

Treasurer's Report - October 1988

• Income:
• Contributions: $292.50
• Sales: $1,405.00
• Total Income: $1,697.50

• Expenditures:
• Mail services: $988.71
• Supplies: $16.20
• Phone: $75.09
• Books: $250.00
• Meeting: $333.80
• Other (refund): $25.00
• Total Expenditures: $1,688.80

• Assets:
• Checking Account: $3,511.96
• Savings & Loan: $1,484.37
• Dreyfuss Account: $715.58
• Total Assets: $5,711.91

• Liabilities:
• Roberts grant: $250.00
• Abduction group: $250.00
• Total Liabilities: $500.00

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The minutes reveal a consistent focus on the need for professional and scientific engagement with the UFO phenomenon, particularly concerning abduction cases. The Fund appears to be actively seeking to legitimize UFO research by encouraging publication in scientific journals, engaging with psychological and medical professionals, and potentially alerting governmental bodies like Congress. There is also an emphasis on fundraising and expanding the organization's reach, including international collaborations. The editorial stance, as reflected in the discussions, is one of proactive research, education, and professionalization within the field of UFO studies.