MUFON Michigan Annual Report - 2011

Magazine Overview

This document is the Annual Report of the Michigan Mutual UFO Network, Inc. for the period June 1, 2010, through May 31, 2011, submitted to the International Mutual UFO Network, Inc.

Summary of Activities and Status

Membership

The report indicates that there were 80 International Mutual UFO Network, Inc. members in Michigan listed by the central office, and the Michigan MUFON, Inc. had a membership of 113.

Current Officers

The key officers for the reporting period were: William Konkolesky (State Director), Gary Golem (Assistant State Director - Administration, Chief Investigator), Wendy Smith (Assistant State Director - Financial, Librarian), Robert Nolan (Deputy Chief Investigator), David Twichell (Director of Public Relations and Newsletter Editor), Linda and William Murphy (Consultants), and William Konkolesky (Webmaster). Librarians included Wendy Smith, David, and Darlene Bleicher.

Investigations

During this period, 225 UFO sightings were reported, and all 225 of these sightings were investigated and completed.

Treasury

The organization's bank balance and cash on hand were $4,175.66. This figure did not include the value of library items, store merchandise, or office equipment. Income sources included membership dues ($25.00 annually per mailing address), fundraising (charitable gaming), sales of merchandise (clothing, books, video tapes, newsletters), and speaker presentation and luncheon fees. Disbursements covered membership meeting expenses (luncheons, speaker fees), newsletter printing and postage, state director expenses, equipment rentals, office supplies, and meeting place deposits.

The $25.00 annual dues provided members with the newsletter (delivered in paper or PDF format), access to borrow from the state MUFON library, attendance at all training sessions (open to all MUFON members), and discounted rates for speakers at meetings.

Meetings

State membership meetings were held in September 2010, November 2010, January 2011, March 2011, and May 2011. Each meeting included Field Investigator training prior to the session and featured quality speakers in the afternoon. The general meeting schedule was made available in advance.

General meetings cost $14 for MUFON/MIMUFON members, $16 for non-members, and $5 for first-time attendees. State Officer/Section Director meetings were held concurrently with state membership meetings for planning and business.

Accomplishments

Organizational Status and Donations

Michigan MUFON Inc. maintained its 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, largely due to the efforts of Assistant State Director Wendy Smith. This status allowed the organization to receive tax-deductible donations for library materials, office equipment, and funds.

Training and Investigations

Field Investigator training, led by Chief Investigator Gary Golem, remained popular and was open to all MUFON members, including those not affiliated with Michigan MUFON, without requiring them to pay Michigan MUFON dues. The organization's investigators, bolstered by new members, successfully completed investigations for all 225 reported sightings.

Public Outreach and Technology

State Director Bill Konkolesky delivered presentations on MUFON and UFOs at public libraries and other venues, which were generally well-attended and positively received. Michigan MUFON possesses a range of technology hardware, including laptops, projectors, audio equipment, and a fax machine, to support its presentations and meetings.

Online Presence and Resources

The Michigan MUFON website (mimufon.org), managed by Bill Konkolesky, was kept current with officer information, meeting details, and news. The website also facilitated membership dues payments via PayPal. The Michigan MUFON members' lending library, containing over 1000 items (books, tapes, DVDs), continued to be popular and was maintained by librarians Wendy Smith, David, and Darlene Bleicher.

Merchandise and Membership

The MIMUFON store, managed by William Murphy, saw continued success with sales of new and used books, periodicals, and journals. Membership cards were issued and laminated for durability, serving internal verification purposes and promoting organizational credibility.

Meeting Location and Attendance

Meetings were consistently held in the Flint area, chosen for its central location relative to the membership concentration and budgetary considerations. The average attendance was approximately 40 people. The facility hosting the meetings committed to a regularly scheduled program, including meal service.

Management and Decision-Making

In 2010-2011, the organization operated with a management team that included many state officers involved in decision-making processes.

Goals for the Future

Growth and Membership

Goals included leveraging the 501(c)(3) status for growth, increasing membership in both Michigan MUFON and MUFON International, and identifying methods to attract members in underrepresented areas of Michigan.

Investigation and Public Information

Objectives involved promoting professional investigation of UFO sightings and abductions through communication with law enforcement and media, and informing the public about UFOlogy and MUFON through public relations efforts, interviews, and speaking engagements. Newsletter Editor David Twichell's local UFO radio program, "We Are Not Alone," was highlighted as an example of these efforts.

Community and Fundraising

Plans included supporting smaller local MUFON gatherings, developing and implementing new fundraising tactics, and updating the MIMUFON store with new merchandise.

Internal Operations and Communication

Goals also focused on maintaining a positive administrative attitude, ensuring full participation from all members and officers, and maintaining open communication with the International Director, the International Board of Directors, and all MUFON members.

Conclusion

The report concludes with a positive outlook, stating that Michigan MUFON is in strong shape, geared towards cooperative growth, healthy financially, and supported by an active team of officers and members. The organization looks forward to another good year.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The report consistently emphasizes the organization's commitment to professional investigation of UFO phenomena, public education, membership growth, and maintaining strong internal communication and financial health. The editorial stance is optimistic and forward-looking, highlighting the dedication of its officers and members. The organization actively engages in public outreach through presentations and a website, while also focusing on internal development through training and resource management (library, store).