Archive for the 'News - Berriak' Category
Posted on February 25th, 2010 by jguerricabeitia
Proposed changes to Seattle Euskal Etxea Bylaws
In a recent review of the bylaws for Seattle Euskal Etxea the Board has found that the club has been out of compliance with several provisions for some time. The SEE board has compiled a list of changes we are presenting for vote at the Spring Dinner on March 27, 2010. Below you will find the current wording of our bylaws with the proposed changes.
Current bylaw states: Proposed change (if any):
| SEATTLE EUSKAL ETXEA Founded the 19th day of April, 1997 at a lunch meeting at the house of Debbie Coscorosa. PURPOSE This corporation is a non-profit organization and is formed to keep and practice the culture and traditions of the Basque people; to engage in educational, social, and recreational activities to bring together those interested in the Basque people; to support the members in any reasonable manner; and to promote the Basque culture in the greater community. In order to accomplish these goals there shall be a set of rules and by-laws that will be followed as set forth in the following articles. |
No changes for this section |
| ARTICLE I Membership Sec. 1 – Membership will be open to any person having an expressed interest in the Basque culture, including those with or without Basque heritage. Sec. 2 – There shall be two (4) classes of membership in the organization and an annual membership fee for each classification. A. Individual membership, Twenty Dollars ($20). B. Family membership, Thirty-five Dollars ($35). C. Patron of the club, One-Hundred Dollars ($100). D. Honorary membership for those over Seventy (70) years of age, free ($0). Membership fees will be due and payable by the first day of May each year except for the first years memberships which will be due and payable at the time of joining. After the first year new membership only fees shall be pro-rated as follows: January – June 100%, June – December 50%. Fifty cents ($.50) of each membership fee will be paid to the North American Basque Organization (N.A.B.O) for membership dues. Payment of membership fees will give the members and dependent children all the rights and privileges of the organization. Sec. 3 – There shall be at least two (2) general meetings of the members each year. A. One, held the first Saturday of March, for the purpose of electing the open slate in the governing body and receiving the annual report of the Secretary/ Treasure. Only members in good standing will have the right to cast a vote. An audit of records must be completed by the Board by the 15th day of January each year. A review of by-laws will be made and proposed amendments will be submitted and numbered for membership considerations at the same time. B. The second general meeting will be held the second Sunday of August for the purpose of bringing the members of the club together. This will be the Annual Picnic and will also have the purpose of involving the larger community with the club. Sec. 4 – All meetings of the members shall be called by not less than two (2) weeks prior written or printed notice, mailed to the members at their last known addresses shown on the Corporations rolls. Sec. 5 – At least fifty percent (50%) plus one (1) of the membership shall be present for a quorum. Sec. 6 – Membership in the Corporation shall not entitle the members to any interest whatsoever in the assets of the Corporation. In the event of dissolution of the Corporation, only members in good standing will have a say in dissolution proceedings. This may be by written vote or attendance at a special meeting. In order to dissolve the Corporation there must be a 50% plus 1 vote to proceed, at which time all proceeds would be directed as to allocation of funds. Sec. 7 – If any member is charged with conduct deemed prejudicial to the welfare of the organization, the Board of Directors, upon ten (10) days notice to such member of the nature of the charges and after said member has an opportunity to appear before the Board and explain or refute the same, may, by a majority vote, expel said member from the organization; provided, however; that the action of the Board in expelling a member will be reviewed at the next general meeting of the membership for final disposition. Voting at such meeting on the expulsion of a member shall be by ballot and will require the vote of two-thirds (2/3) of those present to reverse the action of the Board of Directors. |
Sec. 2
1) Remove “Patron” member class
2) Remove due levels/set by Board
3) Define membership classes
4) Changed membership to Jan-Dec
5) Eliminate dues pro-rating
6) Minimum voting age set to 18
7) NABO due now reads portion of overall dues
Sec. 3
1) Removed specific language dictating the dates of events
2) Financial audit due date has been removed; requirement remains.
3) Communication methods revised to read
“email, website posting or mail,” from “written or printed notice”
Sec. 5
1) Quorum changed from 50% +1 to 25% +1
REVISION ARTICLE I Membership Sec. 1 – Membership will be open to any person having an expressed interest in the Basque culture, including those with or without Basque heritage. Sec. 2 – There shall be three (3) classes of membership in the organization defined as: A. Individual membership-single individual. B. Family membership-Single family of five (5) (up to two (2) adults and three (3) children) residing at the same addressor less., C. Honorary membership for those over Seventy (70) years of age, free ($0). Membership is valid from January through December of that year. A portion of each membership fee (subject to the bylaws of N.A.B.O.) will be paid to the North American Basque Organization (N.A.B.O) for membership dues. Payment of membership fees will give members all the rights and privileges of the organization. Members must be age 18 or over to be eligible to vote in corporate elections or corporate business. Sec. 3 – There shall be at least two (2) general meetings of the members each year. A. One, for the purpose of electing the open slate in the governing body and receiving the annual report of the Treasurer. Only members in good standing will have the right to cast a vote. B. general meeting for the purpose of bringing the members of the club together. This will be the Annual Picnic and will also have the purpose of involving the larger community with the club. Sec. 4 – All general meetings of the members shall be announced by the Board not less than two (2) weeks prior notice to the members. Announcement may take the form of email, website posting or mail. Sec. 5 – At least twenty five percent ( 25%) plus one (1) of the membership shall be present for a quorum. Sec. 6 – Membership in the Corporation shall not entitle the members to any interest whatsoever in the assets of the Corporation. In the event of dissolution of the Corporation, only members in good standing will have a say in dissolution proceedings. This may be by written vote or attendance at a special meeting. In order to dissolve the Corporation there must be a 50% plus 1 vote to proceed, at which time all proceeds would be directed as to allocation of funds. Sec. 7 – If any member is charged with conduct deemed prejudicial to the welfare of the organization, the Board of Directors, upon ten (10) days notice to such member of the nature of the charges and after said member has an opportunity to appear before the Board and explain or refute the same, may, by a majority vote, expel said member from the organization; provided, however; that the action of the Board in expelling a member will be reviewed at the next general meeting of the membership for final disposition. Voting at such meeting on the expulsion of a member shall be by ballot and will require the vote of two-thirds (2/3) of those present to reverse the action of the Board of Directors. |
| ARTICLE II Form of Board Sec. 1 – The Board of Directors, also known as the Board, shall govern the business and activities of the organization. The Board shall consist of a President, Vice-President, Secretary/ Treasurer and four (4) Directors. For the first year, to ease the amount of initial work on the Board, there will be eight (8) Directors. Sec. 2 – Each Director will serve for one (1) year. The President, Vice-President, and Secretary/Treasurer will serve for two (2) years. Terms will be measured from the general meeting at which the Officer was elected. The President and Vice-President will not be elected at the same meeting to ensure a smooth transition between elections. Sec. 3 – Any member of the organization is eligible to be elected to the Board. Sec. 4 – The election of Board members shall be held in conjunction with the meeting of the membership. Nominations for all positions will come from the floor. A simple majority will give the results. |
Sec. 1
1) Split Secretary & Treasurer position.
2) Removed 1st year language
Sec. 2
1) Language updated to reflect Secretary/Treasurer as 2 positions.
Sec. 3
1) Specified voting age to be 18 years.
Sec 4.
1) Election nomintaions can be self-nominate, from the floor or in writing prior to the meeting.
PROPOSED REVISION ARTICLE II Form of Board Sec. 1 – The Board of Directors, also known as the Board, shall govern the business and activities of the organization. The Board shall consist of a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and up to four (4) Directors. An updated list of current board members shall appear on the corporation’s website (if active) and be published in the corporation’s newsletter. Sec. 2 – Each Director will serve for one (1) year. The President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer will serve for two (2) years. Terms will be measured from the general meeting at which the Officer was elected. Sec. 3 – Any member of the organization over the age of 18 is eligible to be elected to the Board. Sec. 4 – The election of Board members shall be held in conjunction with the meeting of the membership. Nominations for all positions will come from the floor or be requested in writing prior to the meeting. Members can nominate themselves. A simple majority of the quorum will give the results |
| ARTICLE III Power of Board, Relation to Members Sec. 1 – Vacancies occurring on the Board will be filled from the membership by a vote of the remaining Board members. Vacancy terms will last until the next general election. Sec. 2 – The Board will have the power to expel a member subject to Article I, Sec. 7. Sec. 3 – The Board will have the power to enact any rules or by-laws deemed necessary to better govern the organization. All new rules, by-laws or amendments will be subject to Article VIII. |
Sec. 1
1) Board majority needed to fill vacancies.
PROPOSED REVISION ARTICLE III Power of Board, Relation to Members Sec. 1 – Vacancies occurring on the Board will be filled from the membership by a majority vote of the remaining Board members. Vacancy terms will last until the next general election. Sec. 2 – The Board will have the power to expel a member subject to Article I, Sec. 7. Sec. 3 – The Board will have the power to enact any rules or by-laws deemed necessary to better govern the organization. All new rules, by-laws or amendments will be subject to Article VIII. |
| ARTICLE IV Responsibilities of Board Sec. 1 – Regular meetings of the Board will be held the first Thursday of February, May, August and November except when such date is not convenient to the majority of the Board in which case the meeting shall be moved to a date as close to the original date and such changes will be entered into the minutes of the prior meeting stating the reason for the change. Sec. 2 – Any member of the organization will be welcomed to the Board meeting as a visitor. Sec. 3 – Four (4) members of the Board will constitute a quorum. Sec. 4 – At the annual meeting of the membership, the Board will give a full report to including a financial report and a report on all activities of the year. Sec. 5 – Every activity, involvement on projects and expenditures will be approved by the Board. Sec. 6 – The Directors, Vice-President and Secretary/ Treasurer shall each have one (1) vote. The President shall vote only to break a tie. |
Sec. 1
1) Removed language specifying the dates of Board meetings; to be held quarterly.
Sec. 4
1) Financial and activity reporting be done at the first meeting
Sec. 6
President can now vote and will be a tie breaker
Sec 7.
Added section regarding N.A.B.O. delegate selection
Sec. 8 Added section which covers reporting from Board members or committee heads on assigned responsibilities.
PROPOSED REVISION ARTICLE IV Responsibilities of Board Sec. 1 – Regular meetings of the Board will be held quarterly as deemed necessary by the Board. Sec. 2 – Any member of the organization will be welcomed to the Board meeting as a visitor. Sec. 3 – Four (4) members of the Board will constitute a quorum. Sec. 4 – At the first general meeting of the membership, the Board will give a full report including a financial report and a report on all activities of the year. Sec. 5 – Every activity, involvement on projects and expenditures will be approved by the Board. Sec. 6 – The selection of delegates (and their number) to represent the organization at N.A.B.O. meetings will be determined by the board. Sec. 7 – Each board member shall each have one (1) vote. In the event of a tie, the President shall be the tie breaking vote. Sec. 8 – At each meeting of the board, the Board will receive a report from each office (or designate) and each Committee leader (or designate) on their assigned responsibilities. |
| ARTICLE V Duties of Officers The President Shall preside at all meetings of the Board and of the members whether general or special. Shall sign all contracts, deeds and other instruments ordered to be executed by the Board. Shall represent the organization on all public relations as deemed necessary by the Board. The Vice-President Shall be in charge of the Club Newsletter and will also assume all duties of the President when the President is unable to carry them out. The Secretary/ Treasurer Shall record all proceedings of the Board meetings and membership meetings. Shall keep the book of accounts showing all receipts and disbursements and will deposit all funds in a bank account assigned and approved by the Board. The accounting will be available to the Board upon request. Shall be responsible for all correspondence deemed necessary and approved by the Board. Will maintain membership roster with current addresses and status. The Directors shall be in charge of all activities. Shall be responsible for all news releases, official announcements and advertising. Shall be responsible for all procurements, equipment, donations and purchases approved by the Board. Shall be responsible for selecting committees and presiding over such committees as needed to accomplish the above. |
1) The VP duties include assisting the President as necessary.
2) Assigned to most able and qualified
3) The Secretary/Treasurer has been split
4) Secretary is responsible for correspondence and recording all Board and membership meetings.
5) Treasurer is responsible for bank deposits and financial record keeping and maintaining the membership roster.
6) Directors shall be responsible for all other activities unless the responsibility is assumed by another board member.
7) Language concerning the formation of committees as necessary was added.
PROPOSED REVISION ARTICLE V Duties of Officers The President shall preside at all meetings of the Board and of the members whether general or special. Shall sign all contracts, deeds and other instruments ordered to be executed by the Board. Shall represent the organization on all public relations as deemed necessary by the Board. The Vice-President shall assume all duties of the President when the President is unable to carry them out. Shall otherwise assist the President as necessary in any non-executive responsibilities of the organization, including, but not limited to, planning activities, tracking membership, organizing communications, or other duties as approved by the Board. The Secretary shall record all proceedings of the Board meetings and membership meetings. Shall be responsible for all correspondence deemed necessary and approved by the Board. The Treasurer shall keep the book of accounts showing all receipts and disbursements and will deposit all funds in a bank account assigned and approved by the Board. The accounting will be available to the Board upon request. Will maintain membership roster with current addresses and status. The Directors shall be in charge of all activities. Shall be responsible for all news releases, official announcements and advertising. Shall be responsible for all procurements, equipment, donations and purchases approved by the Board unless the responsibility is assumed by another board member. Shall be responsible for selecting committees and presiding over such committees as needed to accomplish the above. Committees shall be created by the Board, as it deems appropriate to oversee specific projects or activities of the club, including, but not limited to organization of the general meetings, events, or other activities. |
| ARTICLE VI Removal of Officers Sec. 1 – The membership may remove any officer by two- thirds (2/3) majority vote at a meeting called for that purpose. Full disclosure of this action will be reported to the membership ten (10) days prior to the meeting by letter, initialed thru the Secretary or designated person in the event the Secretary is in question. |
Sec. 2
1) Added section to provide a provision for the Board to remove an officer by the unanimous consent of all other officers. PROPOSED REVISED BYLAW ARTICLE VI Removal of Officers Sec. 1 – A quorum of the membership may remove any officer by two- thirds (2/3) majority vote at a meeting called for that purpose. Full disclosure of this action will be reported to the membership ten (10) days prior to the meeting by letter, initialed thru the Secretary or designated person in the event the Secretary is in question. Sec. 2 – The Board may remove an officer by unanimous consent of all other officers of the Board. Full disclosure of this action will be reported to the membership ten (10) days following the Board’s decision, by letter, initiated thru the Secretary or designated person in the event the Secretary is in question. This action may be overruled by two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of a quorum of the membership if this vote occurs within one month of the Board’s vote to remove the officer. |
| ARTICLE VII Visitors Sec. 1 – Visitors and guests accompanied by members may be admitted to the activities except on those occasions as the Board may designate as members only. Members will be responsible for the actions and conduct of such guest. |
No changes for this section |
| ARTICLE VIII Amendments These by-laws may be repealed or amended or new by-laws adopted at the annual meeting or at any meeting of the membership called for that purpose by a vote representing two- thirds (2/3) of the membership present. The foregoing by-laws were adopted at the meeting of members held April 19th, 1997, at the house of Debbie Coscorrosa, and ratified at the meeting of the Board on __. Signed: ______President Blas Pedro Uberuaga ______Vice-President Michelle Errecart ______Secretary/ Treasurer Kristi Hill ______Director Gonzalo Aranguren ______Director Jean Escoz ______Director Miren First ______Director Claudette Mendiola ______Director Virginia Goitia ______Director Nicholas Vroman ______Director Debbie Coscorrosa ______Director John Etulain |
1) Change date to reflect new ratification and attach names of Board members overseeing amendment ratification; Add qorum requirement.
ARTICLE VIII Amendments These by-laws may be repealed or amended or new by-laws adopted at the annual meeting or at any meeting of the membership called for that purpose by a quorum vote representing two- thirds (2/3) of the membership present. The foregoing by-laws were amended at the meeting of members held March 27th, at the house of Nora Leech. Signed and ratified at the meeting of the Board on __. |
Posted in Meetings-Bilterak, News - Berriak
Posted on February 17th, 2010 by jguerricabeitia
- 1. Call to Order
- 2. Preliminary Matter
2.1. Minutes approved w/ minor corrections.
2.2. Treasurer’s report-Grace Manvil
2.2.1. Pelota-Annual Federation Fee is $600. Six (6) clubs have frontons. Each pays $100 annual dues, which directly cover the international federation dues. Jean Leon Iribarren Memorial Fund is applied to pelota.
2.2.2. Mus-Dues are $10/player, minimum of $100 annually.
2.2.3. Educational account- SEE bought 50 calendars. With shipping total was $268.46
2.2.4. NABO dues- $100 per club; $1 member ($0.75 to NABO; $0.25 to Aita Tillous Fund)
3.0 Committee Reports
3.1. Video-Jesus Pedroarena
3.1.1. NABO owns a lot of outdated VHS equipment.
3.1.2. Jesus authorized to dispose of dated equipment as he sees fit.
3.1.3. A few newer pieces of equipment (CD/DVD) will be maintained.
3.2. Calendars-Mary Lou Urrutia in absentia
3.2.1. Going forward clubs will review proofs prior to printing.
3.3. History-Argitxu Camus Etchecopare in absentia
3.3.1. California Basque Heritage Project is looking for immigrant info from 1850 onward. Project to expand to other states upon completion.
3.4. Pilota-Evelyne Etcharren
3.4.1. Pilota Txapelketa will be held in conjunction w/ Jailadi July 29th & 30th; categories will include: Esku Pilota, Paleta Goma (mens/womens) and Women’s Baleen
3.5. Udaleku-Valerie Arrechea/Kate Camino
3.5.1. Application online; due May 1
3.5.2. Tuition $300; Aita Tillous Financial Aid available; App due April 1st
3.5.3. Dates: June 21st-July 2nd
3.5.4. Questions: Kate Camino kcamino@unr.edu
3.5.5. Udaleku 2011 SF, CA June 19-July 2nd; Udaleku 2012 ID or WY?
3.6. Beti Gazte-Vasco Bilbao (in absentia) presented by Tyler Smith
3.6.1. Beti Gazte will hold 1st event July 3rd 4-8pm in Elko, NV in conjunction with Elko festivities.
3.6.2. Target demographic: 15-25.
3.6.3. NABO voted to give Beti Gazte $1000 in seed money.
3.6.4. Clubs asked to publicize.
3.6.5. To get involved e-mail: Vasco Bilbao-Bastida at bilbao@post.harvard.edu , with “Attn: Beti Gazte”
3.6.6. Looking to create a commemorative scarf/bracelet.
3.7. Mus Tournaments- Pierre Etcharren
3.7.1. June 12th; names due by June 1 to etcharren@msn.com
3.7.2. International Mus Tournament 2010
3.7.2.1.http://nabasque.org/LA-MUS-2010.htm
3.7.2.2.Hosting country (US) allowed 2 teams
3.7.3. San Francisco has mus cheat sheets
3.8. Euskara-Martin Goicoechea/Izaskun Kortazar
3.8.1. Logo is being created; current idea is “EITB” formed to Euskal Ikasi
3.8.2. Basque Singles website: www.kaixomaitia.com
3.8.3. Several Basque teachers are interested in summer exchanges
3.8.4. Bertso Jaialdia 50 urte Celebration in S.SF March 13th 2010
3.8.5. NABO won the 2009 Eusko Ikaskuntza (for Basque) from Eusko Jaurlitza.
3.9. Kantari Eguna-Noel Goyhenetche
3.9.1. Will be hosted by Iparreko Ibarra Basque Club in October; info to follow.
3.9.2. Children encouraged to participate; all clubs encouraged to participate.
3.9.3. NABO will provide airfare for singers (Errmanu Marticorrena+)
3.10. Basque Governement/Diaspora-Benan Oregi
3.10.1. New General Secretary vested Reno in July 2009
3.10.2. No cuts have been made to Diaspora funding; all others affected (e.g. 20% cut in culture funding)
3.10.3. Gaztemundu will have a new format with extensive travel all around Euskadi (July 18-30th)à Promote image of the Basque country abroad.
3.10.4. Jailadi Committee has requested plane tickets for performers (cultural tour)
3.10.5. General grant info will be published in March.
3.10.5.1. New receipt list will require (expense, CK# & date); audit only some.
3.10.5.2. Extreme need grants exist
3.10.6. World Congress is discussing having upwards of 600 attendees. 3 delegates per club (NABO is US club).
3.11. NABO Facilitator’s Report-John Ysursa
3.11.1. Euskaltasunaren Erronka “Basque Continuity Challenge”; Our challenge to continue the promulgation of Basque culture.
3.11.2. UNR has Basque Online Bookstore
3.11.3. Hartza-Hybrid dance group from all over US
3.11.4. Iparhaize II
3.11.4.1. Ages 16-??
3.11.4.2. Return to Mar del Plata
3.11.4.3. App Due March 15th
3.11.5. Singing/Songs-Provided on flash drive to Danielle-Will copy
4.0 Old Business
4.1. Ellis Island $1000-Approved (SEE supported)
4.2. Global Association-Approved continued discussion w/o any additional cost (SEE supprted)
4.3. 2011 trip to Euskadi-Anita Anacabe is organizing atrip to Euskadi 2011
4.4. NABO Flag/Pilota Flag-US Flag was used; similiar to other countries. No NABO other flag was created.
4.5. Finance Committee
4.5.1. Will review general fund
4.5.2. TBD
5.0 New business
5.1. NABO meetings 3 meetings to 2 a year? Failed-SEE voted against (still 3)
5.2. Raise NABO president spending limit from $500-$1000-Approved (SEE voted against)
5.3. Bizi Emankorra Nominations-3 selected
5.4. New club applications-Miami approved
5.5. Should NABO try to continue Lokaria info (births, deaths, weddings, etc)-Failed. Much discussion alluding to difficulty of task and Aita Tillous unique position in gathering and fulfilling the role (SEE voted against).
5.6. Future meetings discussed; 2012 convention in Elko; 2013 convention in NYC.
5.7. Open items
Posted in Events-Gertakariak, Meetings-Bilterak, News - Berriak
Posted on January 12th, 2010 by jguerricabeitia
Cooks Are Kings For A Day
Join us on Wednesday, January 20th at TXORI for our 3rd Annual Tamborrada Fiesta!
From 5pm to 11pm we’ll have pintxos at the ready as servers weave their way through the festive throng with platters full from which to order. Drummers clad in chef’s whites will be marching through Belltown from 6pm to 9pm, and we will all don chef toques and be cooks for a day!
At 9pm we will be serving a special txoko communal dinner in the back room. $45.00 per person plus beverages, tax and gratuity. Seating is limited. Last year this dinner sold-out in 2 days! Reservations are required. Please call TXORI at 206-204-9771
Tamborrada is THE festival of San Sebastian, Spain — the bars of which were the inspiration for TXORI. One legend says it began in the 19th century. The city was about to be invaded so all of the cooks and chefs of the city left their kitchens and joined the drummers of the regiment which was defending the city. As they beat on wine casks and pots and pans in concert with the military drummers, the invading army was convinced that the force defending the city was considerably larger than they had expected and then retreated. So, the cooks saved the city!
Beginning at the stroke of midnight each January 20th cooks are honored as the event is reenacted. Groups of drummers dress as chefs and march through the city drumming for 24 hours straight! To learn more, click here:es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamborrada_de_San_Sebasti%C3%A1n
Winter Schedule of Classes and Chef Dinners
Chef Joseba is offering a new series of cooking classes and chef dinners at Txori and The Harvest Vine. Prices do not include sales tax. Beverages included in classes held at The Harvest Vine. Please call for more information or to reserve your spot.
At Txori Saturday, January 23rd at 11am: Cooking Class: Seafood in Donostia, fine pintxos $40
At The Harvest Vine Saturday, January 30th at 10 am: Cooking Class: Spanish breakfast $60
At The Harvest Vine Tuesday, February 9th at 6:30 pm: Chef’s Dinner: Cuisine from the Catalan Region 5 courses $75.00 + tax, gratuity and beverages
At Txori Saturday, February 13th at 11 am: Cooking Class: French Basque cuisine $40
At The Harvest Vine Wednesday , February24th at 6 pm: Chef’s Dinner: Dinner in Bayonne 5 courses $70.00 + tax, gratuity and beverages
At The Harvest Vine Saturday, February 27th at 10 am: Cooking Class: Paella $60
Posted in Events-Gertakariak, News - Berriak
Posted on December 30th, 2009 by jguerricabeitia
America is a nation of democracy. The Founding Fathers designed it so; Alexis de Tocqueville praised it. During the last half century America solidified this democracy such that every American man, woman and child was given the right to affect their lives through an equal right to vote. Still, for a nation which often touts its democratic roots as one if its hallmark characteristics, the idea of direct worker involvement in US corporate affairs is often branded as leftist, socialist and sometimes even categorically painted with the wide, red-brush of McCarthy’s communism.
Here in Washington state, where commercial aeronautics was born under the Boeing banner, some have argued that worker unions and their collective bargaining recently drove the big “B” to establish its second 787 Dreamliner production line in South Carolina, where amongst other things workers are not unionized.
This makes the increasing popularity of worker driven cooperative business models within the US, all the more interesting. Most notable has been the decision by the United Steel Workers Union to court and co-opt the Basque, worker-owned cooperative model of Mondragon Cooperative Corporation (MCC). The United Steel Workers Union, is after all, North America’s largest industrial trade union.
Following an age of corporate outsourcing and off-shore manufacturing plants US workers have looked to the world to find a sustainable model for future US growth and have landed right in our Aitxitxe (grandfather) and Amuma’s (grandmother’s) backyard. The US Steel workers have looked at the example set by the Basques of Mondragon and decided that the very same could be done here, and why not?
As Americans we are a nation of do-it-yourselfers (DIY’ers). We live by, “if you want something done right, do-it-yourself.” We are a proud nation of entrepreneurs, so well known for our creativity and that which is often described as the American Spirit, that every year foreign nationals inundate us with applications for work, and study visas. This spirit, is ingrained in us and has driven the proliferation of big-box DIY chains like Lowe’s and Home Depot. As Americans we swap home and automotive repair tips like baking recipes with our friends.
As Basques we are hard-working, family-centric people. We know our neighbors. In Euskadi and throughout the diaspora we have earned a reputation of ingenuity, pioneering spirit and hard work, all traits that carried us into new worlds either by boat or by plane, wherever there was work and opportunity available. Always with us we brought our traditions, our language and often times our families.
Mondragon’s cooperative work model is simply one of the oldest traditions, repackaged: the baserria. Like the ever-disappearing baserritarra (traditional farmer from a baserria [farmhouse]) could tell you the baserria was and in some cases still is a modern day worker-owned cooperative. Often centralized around families this microcosm of sustainability, traditionally revolved around farming and ranching but newer generations have hybridized this tradition by allowing the older generations to continue to farm and ranch as their forefathers had done, while the youth have pursued greater educational opportunities and a chance to join Euskal Herria’s burgeoning manufacturing and business sectors.
The “baserriak” cooperative model is not “new” to the US, only new to US workers. The cooperative model has always been with Basques even in the diaspora in the form our Euskal Etxeak or Basque Centers, where the economy of currency has been swapped for heritage and tradition, sport and dance, language and culinary delights.
To our American brothers and sisters we say, “Ongi etorri!” or Welcome! May the cooperative model work as well in for Americans as it has done for so long with the Basques.
Garaipena, neke askoren ondorena
“Success is the result of a lot of hard work.”
References
In Cleveland, Worker Coops Look to a Spanish Model By Judith D. Schwartz from Time.com; 12/22/09; Accessed 12/28/09
US Seeks Inspirtaion in Basque Cooperative Model By I. H. – E. S. from, eitb.com; Published 12/28/09; Accessed 12/28/09
‘One Worker, One Vote:’ US Steelworkers to Experiment with Factory Ownership, Mondragon Style By Carl Davidson from, SolidarityEconomy.net; Published 10/27/09; Accessed 11/25/09
Posted in News - Berriak
Posted on December 21st, 2009 by jguerricabeitia
2010 NABO Calendars have arrived!
Featuring scenes from the Basque country and festivals in the United States the 2010 N.A.B.O calendars are $8 each plus any additional shipping costs. Please contact Amaya at 321-662-8049 or amayakm@yahoo.com to order. Checks should be made payable to Seattle Euskal Etxea and mailed to Gaizka Mallea, 2602 NW 59th Street, Seattle, WA 98107.
Posted in News - Berriak
Posted on October 28th, 2009 by jguerricabeitia
Central to all that is Basque are our culinary traditions. It is difficult if not impossible to conjour up a Basque memory without recalling the food that accompanied it. Wherever we have landed our recipes have come with us.
Since 1998 Seattlites have been able to experience this culinary tradition at local Basque restaurant Harvest Vine and later at Bar Txori, run by husband and wife team Chef Joseba Jimenez de Jimenez and Carolin Messier de Jimenez. ‘Txori,’ a Belltown bar, is named for the word for bird in Basque. Like its namesake the patrons of Txori have been chirping about the future of Txori and Harvest Vine in light of rumors of divorce between co-owners Joseba & Carolin.
A recent Seattle Times article spoke to both Carolin & Joseba to discuss the rumors and the future for both of these Basque Seattle establishments.
Although it is true that Joseba and Carolin are parting ways, SEE is happy to know that the tradition of their culinary delights will continue to be available to Seattle patrons. We wish Joseba and Carolin the best of luck in both their future personal and professional endeavors. Ondo segi eta besarkada bat.
Posted in News - Berriak
Posted on July 13th, 2009 by jguerricabeitia
This past Saturday 41 teams of two squared off in Chino, CA for the annual NABO mus tournament. Representing SEE were Jose Maria Guerricabeitia of Boise, ID and me, Joe M. Guerricabeitia of Seattle, filling in for Fidel Michelena of Port Angeles, who with my father won the Spring tournament in April of this year.
Each team played 9 other teams in their randomized bracket for a best of three series. Mus play started at 8:30am and broke for lunch at 12:00pm. After a rocky start with a two match loss, SEE was 2:2 at lunch. Following the wonderful meal of chuleta, chorizo, morcilla, tortilla, ogia and ardaua (can you have a Basque meal without wine and bread?!?) SEE continued winning with a 3 match streak and were leading the bracket with a record of 5:2. Ultimately SEE’s team ended with a 5:4 winning record in a 3 way tie below the winners of the bracket. Not bad considering that I haven’t played a single hand of mus in 2009 and haven’t played with my father in even more time!
All of the mus players were very friendly. Sadly many were not aware Seattle or WA even had a club, a fact we hope to change by holding the 1st WA based NABO meeting this October and by continuing to attend events like the annual mus tournament where club members, not just board members, meet face-to-face.
At 7:30pm the national mus champions were announced. Two women from Winnemucca carried the title and will be representing NABO in the international tournament which will be held this Fall in Bizkaia Spain. Second place went to Jean Flesher (the lead of the band entertaining the evening at 9pm) and his partner of Salt Lake City. I am unsure who 3rd place went to. Fourth place was held by Jose Maria Artiach and Xanti Alcelay of Boise, ID.
When the results are published by NABO I will post the final standings. Zorionak to the team from Winnemucca. Not only is this the 1st female team to win a NABO tournament, but I think this gives pause to all of us to realize our Basque women can bluff and bs just as well as the men 
Posted in Events-Gertakariak, News - Berriak, Uncategorized-Askotako
Posted on July 13th, 2009 by jguerricabeitia
The SEE web page has recently undergone some revisions, primarily adding more features to help members better access information on our website. Here is a quick summary:
Under the heading “Pages”
Event Calendar-Now the 1st permanent link on the left-hand side of the main web page links to our new Event Calendar. Here we will post all of the SEE events and any Basque events we know about in our general vicinity that SEE members might want to participate in. If you have events that you would like added to the SEE calendar e-mail any of the board members and we can post them on the site.
Under the heading “Post Categories”
Meetings-Going forward SEE will be publishing the meeting notes in this section so members can stay informed about what items the board is working on.
Newsletter- A new category for newsletters that should make searching them easier as well.
Under-
Post Calendar-This shows which days during the current month new posts were published on. Also by clicking the days posts were made (days shown in blue) you can jump directly to the posts.
Archives-SEE web posts are now archived by month so if you have a general idea when an older post was published you should be able to find it quickly!
Admin-The admin area helps the board jump directly to the website features that allow us to post and make web changes.
Last but not least I added a tiny compressed version of the Washington state/ikurrina symbol that Blas Uberuaga created for the club as what is known as a “favicon” or favorite icon. This is now proudly displayed in front of the web address when you access the SEE site and is also shown on the web page tab if you are using tabbed browsing.
~j
Posted in News - Berriak, Uncategorized-Askotako
Posted on June 8th, 2009 by jguerricabeitia
A new book by Euskalduna Joxe Mallea chronicles American Basques of the Western Sierra Nevada
From www.bn.com:
Thanks to DNA research, the Basques of the Pyrenees Mountains are no longer the “mystery people.” Thirty-five thousand years ago, they traveled from Central Asia to Western Europe, where they still live, speaking a language unlike any other. After helping Columbus discover America, Basques spread out from the Pampas to California and beyond into the Sierra and Reno, Nevada. For a century, they were the sheepherders of the West and documented their lives in a prehistoric manner on trees. Now settled in towns, they celebrate their heritage every year with colorful costumes, dancing, weight lifting, wood chopping, and hearty food that endures in their popular restaurants.
More Reviews and Recommendations
Biography
Author Joxe Mallea-Olaetxe grew up in Euskal Herria (the Basque-speaking country), where as a boy he heard stories about Idaho, Nevada, and California told by returnee ex-sheepherders. After receiving a Ph.D. from the University of Nevada, Reno, in 1985, he began video-documenting the history of the Basque community. He has recorded 27,000 arborglyphs in several states and hundreds of hours of Basque picnics, dancing, improvised verse singing, and interviews with sheepherders, which have resulted in several publications. He continues working with federal agencies that manage the public lands where a century of Basque history remains carved.
Posted in News - Berriak
Posted on May 19th, 2009 by jguerricabeitia
Kaixo Lagunok,
Here is our new program for the Basques from the Diaspora. As we’ve done
in previous years, we are once again offering you the possibility to come
and enjoy the Basque Country in a trip full of emotions, especially
dedicated to the Euskal Etxeak.
Basque Eusk 2009
This summer you would like to come to the Basque Country. But you still
don’t know if you would come by yourself, how long you would stay and
where to start your journey?
Perhaps you’d like to learn more about your roots? But how could you find
the place where your ancestors used to live? Do you still have some family
living there?
Or maybe you’re just eager to discover more about the Basque gastronomy,
its folklore or its festivals?
Where are you going to sleep? And what about transportation?
Do you know the best spots where to relax and have fun? Where are the good
places to have lunch or dinner?
You don’t speak Basque well, nor Spanish or French? Would it be a problem?
Well, if you’ve asked yourself these questions before, you now have found
someone to answer them.
HERE IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR ROOTS WHILE HAVING A GOOD
TIME!!!
To find out more, have a look at our web page on http://www.basque-eusk.com/
And click on Basque Eusk 2009. If you want to sign up, you can do it
directly through our web page or print out
And fax the PDF application form to +34 94 465 60 03
June 15th is the deadline to sign up
So, hurry up!
For more information, please contact: Matt
Basque-eusk@bideak.info
Kaixo Lagunok,
Hemen duzue Diasporako Euskaldunentzat gure programa berria.
Urterolez Euskalerria ezagutzeko aukera paregabea eskaintzen dizuegu,
bereziki Euskal Etxeetako lagunentzako sortua
Basq Eusk 2009
Uda honetan euskalerria bisitatu nahi duzue?. Baina ez dakizue
bakarrik etorri ala ez? Zenbat denbora eta bidaia non hasi ez dakizue?
Arbaso euskaldunei buruz gehiago jakin nahi duzue. Baina, nola
aurkitu dezaket nire arbasoen etxea? Agian familia izango dut
oraindik Euskal Herrian?
Gastronomia ezagutzera etorri nahi duzue, folklorea, jaialdiak,
ardoa…
Non egingo duzue lo? eta, Nola bidaiatu Euskal Herritik?
Euskararik hitzegiten ez baduzu ezta frantsez edota espainolik .
Arazo bat izango da?
Aurretik galdera hauek egin badituzue, ORAIN ERANTZUNA DUTE
ORAIN AUKERA PAREGABEA DAUKAZUE ARBASOEI BURUZ IKASTEKO.
HARTU DENBORA!!!
Gehiago jakiteko , gure web orrian klik egin http://www.basque-eusk.com/
eta bertan Vasc Eusk klikatu, erregistratu nahi baduzue zuzenean webean
egin eta PDF aplikazio orria FAX + 34 94 465 60 03 bialdu
Ekainaren 15erarte erreserba dezakezue
Beraz, ANIMA ZAITEZ!!!
Informazio gehiagorako MATTekin harremanetan jarri
basq-eusk@bideak.info
Posted in News - Berriak, Uncategorized-Askotako
