Friends,

I thought to share with you, especially Liberians in Minnesota what I assume that most Liberians in the State of Minnesota prefer from what we refer to as a community organization or association.  I know that each one of you have your individual preferences and opinions, but take these as my personal opinions, recommendations, and desires.

When I was in the process of moving to the twin cities from Chicago, my first inquiry related to where I, a single mother at that time, could find information about resources to settle my family of four.  Someone told me to contact specific individual as well as other State organizations; that although there is an organization for Liberians, I would not find such resources there.  Within a week of my arrival, I connected with the Lofa Association, and the President at that time, helped me to find an apartment and identified individuals in the community that took me to and from work until I obtained a vehicle within a month time.  I wonder how many other Liberians have had such support from Liberian organizations or the OLM for that matter, apart from family members, church members, or friends. I was here for about a year when I received information about an OLM meeting and I attended.  The arguments and disunity I experienced surprised and discouraged me from attending future meetings for a long time.

When I was approached by Mr. Wilfred Harris to serve in his administration of the OLM, I agreed to do this under one condition that the OLM will seek to provide vital services and resources for Liberians in the twin cities.  I saw the commitment of the Board and Administration towards such purpose and volunteered first with the Planning Committee chaired by Mr. Kerper Dwayen.  We drafted a new mission statement and proposed the registration of OLM as a 501 (C) 3 entity, the Administration and Board approved the submission.  It was therefore with such anticipation that I accepted to serve as Vice President after the resignation of Wilfred's Vice President at that time.  I consider the 501 (C) 3 status for OLM as a priority for the Harris-Hayes Administration, and with the support of the Board, then candidate Melissa Hortman for Minnesota State Representative, Counselor Coleman, Jr., and others we were able to obtain this status for the OLM. 

Why did we work so hard to obtain a 501 (C) 3 status?  It was for the purpose of minimizing the political perception of the OLM and instead begin to provide services and resources for our people.  The fact that the DRAFT Constitution of 1986 (I am informed that this constitution was never approved by the body) was too political and could not be accepted during the application process, the Early Board took upon itself to complete a Constitution that was submitted in its Draft form with the IRS document.  The last mandate of the community with regards to constitution for the OLM was for a Constitutional Review Committee to be set up to review this draft, refer to as the 2005 Draft Constitution.  This Committee was not set up as the Sinoe-George Administration elected to set up a new Constitution Committee, so has the Dwayen Administration. 

I have read both the 2005 Draft Constitution and the Draft being submitted by the Dwayen administration.  There are some differences, but the significant similarities are the roles of the Board of Directors and Administration; the mission statement; and provisions that allow for those services and resources that have been lacking with the OLM. 

It is my opinion that most Liberians in Minnesota are tired with the politicizing of the OLM and wants to see this organization cater to the needs of its members, yea Liberians in Minnesota.  It is time that we unite and do either one or two things:
(a) Set up a Constitutional Review Committee that would work with the 1986, the 2005 and current Draft Constitutions and within a month, present a document to the body for a referedum - All elections should be put off until this constitution is approved, working with a deadline of November 30, 2009.

(b) If, in fact it can be established that the current Constitution Committee took the two Draft Constitutions (1986 & 2005) into consideration, then this administration should ensure that copies are provided to members, starting with churches and county organizations - the referendum should be postponed to August ending so that everyone has the time to read the document.

I also call upon the Board and other interest groups to work with whichever of the two options that is preferably to make this organization a viable entity of service.

Thank you!

Marie Yarsiah Hayes
Former Board Chairman, OLM