Date: November 7th 2007

November 7, 2007

My Dear MECDA Members –

It is with great regret that I announce my resignation from the position of Vice President of the Central Board.

MECDA has experienced great division and much animosity within the past year and a half. I have done my very best to mediate and bring unity to our dance community – reflecting the enduring effort and true love of my life.

In April 2007, preceding a very contentious and divisive Central election, President Janet Thomas and I discussed the possible jeopardy that this (and any) election could bring to the Cairo Carnivale – if individuals who lacked the understanding to successfully produce the Carnivale were placed in power. It was agreed that I should trademark the Cairo Carnivale. This was done.

In the post-election July budget meeting, I discovered that MECDA was in financial crisis and facing lawsuits. Instead of discussing other fundraisers, donations, or other ways to continue our services, it was determined (in spite of my strong objections) that we should discontinue the Cymbal Digest within the Chronicles magazine, and also to have NO Central Anniversary celebration …for our 30th year!

As our services decline, so does our membership.

In response to these actions, I devised a proposal to keep the Central Board free of any threat of lawsuits stemming from the Carnivale, as well as ensuring that funds raised from the festival would fund MECDA for years to come, no matter who was on the Board, and despite the decline in attendance and vendors. As the creator and director of Cairo Carnivale for the past 18 years, I have ideas to reverse these trends. No communication or information has been forthcoming from the rest of the MECDA Board.

As a result, I am bringing the materials relating to the office of Vice President to the November 11, 2007 Central Board meeting and will be concluding my service. This may result in a delay in the currently ongoing Chapter elections, a very lengthy process that I have nearly completed.

MECDA has mutated into an entity I barely recognize. I was a MECDA co-founder 30 years ago, and I am still fully committed to the causes and endeavors that were there at MECDA’s foundation: To communicate, unite, educate and inspire one another, wherever we may be. To this end, I pledge take the Carnivale around the USA so all may enjoy it, and to create a Cairo Carnivale website where all information, features and reviews will be available to all for no charge.

Please write marta_schill@yahoo.com with questions, concerns or comments. I hope to see each of you soon, moving together into a bright new future!

Lovingly,

Marta