AMTI -- National Mock Trial/fundraiser

I don't even know where to begin on this post -- but I got the distressing news last week that the folks organizing AMTI (the invitational nationals we were planning to attend) have decided to no longer hold their competition. Now that the other national organization has decided that they WILL honor religious convictions, AMTI feels it is no longer necessary to offer the other opportunity. I am very disappointed, as I would imagine many of you are. I am very proud of all of you, and had looked forward to taking you to Nationals.

That makes the fundraiser we were planning to do next month not as critical -- but I would strongly recommend we go ahead and do it -- we could earn money towards Youth Leg and next fall's Mock Trial activities IN ADVANCE!

I'm sorry to end the year with such bad news, but figured now that we're past Christ-mas, sooner was better than later.

Practices for Nationals

Before we get the case (probably January -- March), we will have two practice times: Wednesdays from 4 - 5 p.m., and the 2nd and 4th Wednesday mornings from 10 -12. Everyone going to Nationals needs to come to at least one of those time slots (either the Wednesday afternoons or the Wednesday mornings). Anyone not going to nationals is also welcome to attend -- we will be working on general, keep Mock Trial fresh, types of things during that time.

Once we get the case (usually about April 1), we will practice on Thursdays from 10 - 2, and expect that everyone will be able to make it to at least an hour and a half of that time frame. We can decide then whether the Thursday practices are in addition to or instead of the Wednesday practices, but I'm guessing we're going to want to do both times!

Nationals Fundraiser

Joel is getting information on a fundraiser where we will sell coupons in January for family photographs (probably to be taken in February). We can potentially cover the entire cost of Nationals with this fundraiser!

He should have more information at the CHRISTmas party in a couple of weeks.

We really need a volunteer to help set up the scheduling for the pictures. I do not have time to do that. Any volunteers?

Youth Leg

I need a head count by the meeting on January 6 for who's going to Youth Leg in February. And it would be a good idea to get on the www.alyig.org website by then and pre-register, because the price goes up the following week.

Upcoming Govt Club Meetings/CHRISTmas party

One "meeting" left for December -- it is December 16th -- CHRISTmas party from 10 - 2. Please bring a $5 wrapped gift for the Dirty Santa exchange, and a food/drink to share.

We will have two meetings in January ---January 6 & 20, and should be on the usual, 1st & 3rd Wednesdays for the rest of the spring (through April).