MUFON Michigan Annual Report - 2006

Magazine Overview

This document is the Annual Report of the Michigan Mutual UFO Network, Inc. (MIMUFON) for the period June 1, 2005, through May 31, 2006. It details the organization's membership, financial status, activities, accomplishments, and future goals.

Membership and Treasury

The report indicates that the International Mutual UFO Network, Inc. had 81 members in Michigan according to the central office list, while Michigan MUFON, Inc. itself had 80 members. The organization was active in 49 of Michigan's 83 counties, overseen by 12 State Section Directors. Financially, the treasury reported funds on hand of $3482.97, merchandise stock valued at $1428.00, office equipment and supplies estimated at $1048.46, and a library valued at $1565. The grand total for the treasury was $9036.51.

Library and Resources

The MIMUFON lending library is a significant asset, containing 450 books, 8 audiocassettes, 4 CD-ROMs, 254 periodicals, and 158 videocassettes/DVDs, with over a hundred additional items awaiting cataloging. The video collection includes recordings of guest presenters and field investigator training materials.

Income and Disbursements

Income sources for the organization include annual membership dues ($25.00 per mailing address), sales from merchandise (clothing, books, video tapes, newsletters), and fees from speaker presentations and luncheons at membership meetings. Disbursements covered costs such as luncheons, speaker fees and expenses, newsletter printing, postage, state director expenses, equipment rentals, office supplies, and deposits for meeting venues.

Membership Benefits

Membership at $25.00 per year entitles members to receive the newsletter (approximately six times annually, in print or PDF format), borrow materials from the state MUFON library, attend all training sessions (which are also open to all MUFON members), and hear quality speakers at a discounted rate compared to non-members.

Meetings and Events

State membership meetings were held monthly from September 2005 to May 2006, with Field Investigator training preceding most meetings. Quality speakers were featured in the afternoon sessions. The general meeting schedule is planned six months to a year in advance. Meeting costs were $13 for MUFON/MIMUFON members, $15 for non-members, and $5 for first-time attendees.

Accomplishments

Key accomplishments for the year included maintaining the 501(c)(3) non-profit status, thanks to Wendy Smith's efforts. A new State Section Director, Lisa Shiel, was welcomed for the Upper Peninsula. Membership cards were issued for verification and credibility. Local UFO discussion groups were organized by Jean Waskiewicz, Gary Golem, Kathy Doty, and Ann Huff. State Director Bill Konkolesky gave presentations on MUFON and UFOs at local libraries and shops, and was interviewed on radio programs. MIMUFON Inc. hosted a successful public presentation featuring UFO investigator/author Nick Redfern, which attracted new members. The organization acquired new technology, including laptops, a printer, laminator, and projector, to support meetings and presentations. The Michigan MUFON website (mimufon.org) was kept updated with relevant information and facilitated online payments for dues, store purchases, and meeting fees. The library's collection was significantly expanded through donations and video recordings of guest speakers. The MIMUFON store, selling merchandise like t-shirts and caps, continued to be successful, also offering books, periodicals, journals, and tapes. Invitations were sent to all International members in Michigan to encourage participation and increase local membership. Field Investigator training remained popular, open to all MUFON members, including non-Michigan MUFON members who could attend without paying MIMUFON dues.

Operational Details

Meetings were held in Flint due to geographic concentration of membership and budgetary considerations, with an average attendance of 30-40 people. The organization operated with a management team involving state officers in decision-making processes.

Goals for the Future

Future goals include leveraging the 501(c)(3) status for growth, increasing membership both internationally and locally, attracting members in underrepresented areas, developing leadership in counties without State Section Directors, expanding the use of the Computer Management System (CMS) online sighting database, improving investigation methods, promoting professional investigation through communication with law enforcement and media, and informing the public about UFOlogy through public relations, interviews, and speaking engagements. Specific initiatives mentioned include the work of David Twichell with his cable access TV program "We Are Not Alone" and his book collaborations, supporting local MUFON gatherings, maintaining a positive administrative attitude, and ensuring open communication with the International Director and all MUFON members.

Conclusion

The report concludes with a positive outlook, stating that Michigan MUFON is in strong shape, financially healthy, and blessed with an active team of officers and members, looking forward to another good year. The report was respectfully submitted by William J. Konkolesky, State Director.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this report are organizational growth, member engagement, education, and public outreach within the field of UFOlogy. The editorial stance is one of optimism, highlighting achievements and outlining clear goals for future development and community involvement. The organization emphasizes its commitment to professionalism, information sharing, and fostering a supportive environment for its members and the public interested in UFO phenomena.