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United Bong County Association in the Americas, Inc.
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It started with a theory. The theory was tested, not in a test-tube but in the laboratory of life, and we have the test results.
The theory envisioned the creation of an umbrella organization out of Independent Bong County organizations. The hope was to create a single body capable of streamlining our position, retooling our priorities, redefining our vision, aligning our resources, talents and focus in a unique way that would enable us to exert progressive impact on the lot of our people. Our test result is still being refined, but we are confident that we are now several trials removed from the initial steps when in early 1990, a handful of our citizens boldly took the first initiative by traveling from Maryland, USA, to Providence, Rhode Island to meet with others of like thinking.
Providence was selected because it was and still is home Kukatornor, an Independent Bong County Organization at the time. Serving as Kukatornor’s President, Mr. Dennis B. Garsinii welcomed the guests at a called meeting. A spokesperson for the visitors delivered the message of the visit. The message centered on an overview of the aforementioned theory. The speaker tasked the audience to appreciate the benefits of a united front. Questions were asked and a sober discourse followed. The idea found fertile ground and nurturing was the next logical step.
Consequently, several similar trips followed and different states were visited on the East Coast. Some of the states, like New Jersey, already had Independent Bong County Organization in place while other states, like New York had to organize one. A ground swell of support greeted the effort and appropriate action was taken to translate the theory into reality.
Later that year, an Interim Administration was elected to spearhead the formative stage and manage the process. Elected as Interim leaders were: Mr. Jonathan David, President; Mrs. Miatta Sherman, Vice President; Mr. Sam Nushann, Secretary; and Mr. Henry Kollie, Treasurer. The Interim team had a full plate but they performed remarkably well given the pitfalls associated with this kind of undertaking. They established a Constitution Committee Chaired by Dr. J.M. Woah-Tee. The Committee produced a draft, which was scrutinized thoroughly and debated keenly before it was adopted and ratified. The first Election Committee Chaired by Mr. Michael Fitzgerald, conducted elections in Baltimore, Maryland and the United Bong County Association was officially birthed.
As is customary, we had our period of trials and testing. Our presence here today gives testament to the fact that we survived those trials. After the first decade in existence, a few exposed weaknesses in the Association created the need to streamline the Constitution to minimize future hazards. Towards, this end, the President, Mr. Dennis Garsinii, appointed a Constitution Revision Committee Chaired by Mr. J. Baitee Tubah. The Revision Committee submitted a revised document at the 2002 General Conference in Minnesota. The Document was debated, adopted and ratified. Today, the Constitution has continued to chart our course and together we are committed to achieving the highest good for our people. We have not overcome all foes yet, but we cannot fail now because our vision is clear and our hope is anchored in Love for our people.
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