UFO Lokal Information - 1987 2

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Lokal Information" (Nr. 2, 1987) is published by Enköpings UFD-förening and serves as a communication channel for UFO-Sweden's local groups. The magazine covers organizational news, financial reports, event announcements, and meeting minutes.

Editorial Content

Letter from the Editor

The editor, Arnold, notes that this issue might be sparse due to a lack of contributions from local groups. He reminds readers of the upcoming "Riksstämman" (national meeting) in Ådalen and mentions a field research course planned for October in Västerbergslagen. He also highlights an upcoming UFO exhibition in Köping that will feature a detailed model of the 1959 Mariannelund case, emphasizing the public drawing power of UFO phenomena. Arnold also references a past contest for short stories that received no entries.

UFO-Sweden's Economy

This section addresses previous comments by Anders Liljegren regarding UFO-Sweden's economy. It clarifies that the organization has faced constant financial difficulties, with losses around 80,000 SEK in 1986. However, significant savings in 1986 have led to a more optimistic outlook. The article details that UFO-Aktuellt is the primary source of income (94% of revenue), and the organization aims to make the magazine profitable. It is noted that color printing is generally reserved for the last issue of the year, with exceptions funded by Nyköpings Tvärvetenskapliga Bokförening. The article includes pie charts showing income and expenses for 1986, with UFO-Aktuellt accounting for the vast majority of income and a large portion of expenses.

Ideellt arbete (Voluntary Work)

This section clarifies that work within UFO-Sweden has always been voluntary. It states that meal costs for volunteers are rarely covered, except for breakfast during newspaper distribution. Travel expenses are reimbursed only in exceptional cases, such as for important investigations.

Project Hessdalen

The article discusses the significant investment of approximately 50,000 SEK in Project Hessdalen, acknowledging it as a unique opportunity to study the UFO phenomenon. It notes that no budget was allocated for Project Hessdalen in 1986, as it was funded by the Hessdalen fund.

Fund for Report Follow-up

A proposal to allocate 5% of the budget annually for investigations is considered a good idea but can only be implemented once the organization is no longer struggling for survival. Continued efforts to increase membership and a "belt-tightening policy" are expected to improve the financial situation.

Budget

The lack of a proper budget in previous years is criticized. A budget for 1987 has been prepared and will be presented at the national meeting.

Support Fund

The support fund exists but has not been actively promoted recently. Its funds have been used to cover UFO-Sweden's losses in recent years, but this is not expected to be necessary in 1987. Mille Milianowicz in Åtorp manages the fund.

Discussion on Magazine Quality and Content

Concerns are raised about drastically reducing the technical quality of the magazine, fearing it could lead to a loss of subscribers. While some "imperceptible" savings have been made, including a reduction in paper quality, the goal is to have 75-80% UFO content per issue, an increase from previous levels.

Project Dalarna

Gudrun from Västerbergslagen criticizes the board's actions regarding the Dalarna project. Although one UFO case was documented and is under evaluation, only Ulf Ekstedt from the UFO-Sweden board participated. The project has provided good PR for Västerbergslagen and UFO-Sweden, and valuable experience for the Västerbergslagen UFO-förening.

International Contacts

UFO-Sweden has been invited to several international congresses in Belgium, England, and the USA. An announcement will be made in UFO-Aktuellt regarding contributions to the support fund to help a person attend a congress, aiming to keep pace with international UFO research.

Protocol of the Planning Conference

Minutes from the UFO-Sweden planning conference held on March 21, 1987, in Enköping are included. Attendees from various local UFO associations were present. Key discussions included:

• District Division: Roland Östlund presented proposals for dividing Sweden into districts to improve contact between groups and potentially reduce costs. Four responses were received from local groups regarding this issue. A trial period of approximately two years was suggested, with a final decision to be made at the national meeting.
• Economy: Ulf Ekstedt presented the budget for the upcoming year. Discussions focused on improving the economy, including participating in fairs and utilizing the Köping exhibition more extensively. Savings of approximately 50,000 SEK are targeted for the year.
• Subscription Increase: Håkan presented methods to increase the subscriber base, such as including flyers in book series and using local advertising. In 1986, 74% of expenses went to the magazine and 26% to other costs. For 1987, 94% of income is expected from subscriptions, with 77% of costs allocated to the magazine and 23% to other expenses.
• Ideology and Goals: The need for a common ideology for UFO-Sweden was discussed. The board was tasked with appointing individuals to contact those interested in starting new local groups. A policy document for new associations, including statutes and goals, is to be drafted.
• Project Dalarna: Criticism was raised regarding the board's involvement in the Dalarna project. The project documented a UFO case and provided PR.
• International Contacts: UFO-Sweden has received invitations to international congresses. The support fund may be used to finance attendance.

Other Questions

• A proposal was made to decide the time and place for future planning conferences and board meetings, as well as a two-year action plan, at the national meeting.
• Discussions included proposals for study packages for schools, potentially using video materials, aimed at youth centers and drivers.
• A message from the Nyköping group regarding the reporting of support fund money was read, emphasizing the need for proper bookkeeping and public reporting of income and donors in UFO-Aktuellt.
• Ulf reminded members to submit their UFO forms, or they would be removed as field researchers.
• Jörgen Granlie criticized the URD system for not providing the desired data and references.
• Regarding upcoming field research courses, Johan Kinneryd is developing a guide, and a course is planned for October in Dalarna.
• Mat's announced that UFO-Sweden will present its activities during a week at the Spiritualist's course center from July 11-18.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the organizational structure, financial management, and operational activities of UFO-Sweden and its local chapters. There is a clear emphasis on the importance of voluntary work, the need for increased membership and subscriptions to sustain the publication UFO-Aktuellt, and the strategic planning for future events and projects. The editorial stance appears to be one of striving for greater professionalism and financial stability within the organization, while acknowledging the challenges of operating as a small, ideologically driven group with limited resources and volunteer time. There is also a focus on documenting and researching UFO phenomena, as evidenced by the discussion of Project Hessdalen and the Mariannelund case.