MUFON Michigan Annual Report - 2008

Magazine Overview

This document is the Annual Report of the Michigan Mutual UFO Network, Inc. (MUFON) for the period June 1, 2007, through May 31, 2008. It details the organization's activities, membership, financial status, and accomplishments during that fiscal year.

Membership and Structure

The report indicates that there were 75 International Mutual UFO Network, Inc. members in Michigan per the central office list, and Michigan MUFON, Inc. had a membership of 101. The organization was supported by 13 State Section Directors who covered 34 of Michigan's 83 counties, with reports from outside these jurisdictions handled on a situational basis.

Investigations

During the reporting period, 107 UFO sightings were reported, and 101 investigations into these sightings were completed. The Chief Investigator, Sunny Young, is credited with motivating the investigative team to achieve this high completion rate.

Treasury and Assets

The treasury section shows a bank balance of $3863.10. Additionally, the organization had $1150.00 in merchandise stock, an estimated $548.14 in office equipment and supplies, and an estimated $2264.00 in library value. The grand total of assets was $7825.24.

Library and Resources

The Michigan MUFON lending library was reported to have 475 books, 38 audiocassettes, 43 CDs, 344 periodicals, and 302 videocassettes/DVDs. The video material includes recordings of hosted presenters and field investigator training.

Income and Disbursements

Income sources included membership dues ($25.00 per mailing address annually), sales from merchandise (clothing, books, video tapes, newsletters), and speaker presentation and luncheon fees. Disbursements covered meeting expenses such as luncheons, speaker fees, newsletter printing, postage, state director expenses, equipment rentals, office supplies, and deposits for meeting venues.

Membership Benefits

Membership dues of $25.00 per mailing address entitled members to receive the newsletter (6 times per year, in paper or PDF format), borrow from the state MUFON library, attend all training sessions (which are 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 in November 2007, January 2008, March 2008, and May 2008. Field Investigator training preceded each meeting, except for the January meeting. Quality speakers were featured in the afternoon sessions. In September, a high-profile fund-raiser event featuring Stanton Friedman was held at Henry Ford Community College in Dearborn. General meeting costs were $13 for MUFON/MIMUFON members, $15 for non-members, and $5 for first-time attendees.

State Officer/Section Director Meetings

These meetings were held concurrently with state membership meetings and focused on planning, finalizing meetings, general business, and reports on treasury, committees, and investigations.

Accomplishments

Key accomplishments highlighted include:

• Maintaining 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, largely due to Wendy Smith's efforts, which facilitated tax-deductible donations.
• A successful and profitable public presentation with Stanton Friedman at Henry Ford Community College, aimed at increasing youth membership and public visibility.
• Chief Investigator Sunny Young's leadership in completing 101 investigations.
• Gary Golem's successful training of Field Investigators.
• Presentations by State Director Bill Konkolesky on MUFON and UFOs at Mystiques West Metaphysical Shop in Westland.
• Assisting the History Channel's "UFO Hunters" for a segment on the 1994 Holland, MI flap.
• Possession of robust audio-visual equipment for meetings and presentations.
• Maintenance of the Michigan MUFON website (mimufon.org) by Jean Waskiewicz and Bill Konkolesky, providing updates on contacts, meetings, news, and facilitating online payments and store purchases.
• Growth of the Michigan MUFON library through donations and recordings of guest speakers.
• Success of the MIMUFON store, managed by Patty Donahue, selling merchandise like t-shirts, sweatshirts, caps, stickers, books, periodicals, journals, and tapes.
• Issuance of laminated Michigan MUFON membership cards for verification and credibility.
• Popularity of the regularly scheduled Field Investigator training sessions held at March, May, September, and November meetings (with an exception in September due to the Friedman presentation).
• Holding meetings in the Flint area, chosen for its geographic concentration of membership and budgetary considerations, at a restaurant offering a centralized location and guaranteed meal costs.
• Continued operation with a management team of state officers.

Goals for the Future

The organization outlined several goals:

• Leveraging 501(c)(3) status for growth, including tax-free meals and soliciting tax-deductible donations.
• Increasing membership in both MUFON International and Michigan MUFON Inc.
• Developing strategies to attract members in underrepresented areas of Michigan.
• Cultivating leadership in counties without a State Section Director.
• Expanding the use of the Computer Management System (CMS) online sighting database.
• Improving the methods for conducting sighting and abduction investigations.
• Promoting professional UFO investigation through communication with law enforcement and media.
• Informing the public about UFOlogy and promoting MUFON through public relations, interviews, and speaking engagements.
• Supporting smaller local MUFON gatherings.
• Updating the MIMUFON store with new items.
• Maintaining a positive administrative attitude and open communication with MUFON International, the International Board of Directors, and all MUFON members.

Conclusion

The report concludes with a statement from State Director William J. Konkolesky, expressing that Michigan MUFON is in strong shape, optimistically geared for growth, financially healthy, and blessed with an active team of officers and members. The organization looks forward to another good year.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this report are organizational growth and development, the importance of membership engagement and training, the diligent investigation of UFO phenomena, and the promotion of UFOlogy to the public. The editorial stance is one of optimism, highlighting achievements, and setting clear goals for future progress, emphasizing a strong financial foundation and dedicated leadership.