Advocacy and Leadership Committee
DRAFT MINUTES
Thursday, November 19, 2015
3:00 - 5:00 pm
North Raleigh Hilton, Raleigh

Members Present: Caroline Ambrose, Karen Armstrong, Rick Zechman, Lisa Byrd, Mary Edwards, Katie Holler, Cheryl Powell, Clare Shocket, Crystal Foreman, Michael Groves, Ron Reeve

Members Absent:  Lourdes Fernandez, Senator Tommy Tucker

Staff in Attendance: Pam Dickens, Melissa Swartz, Yadira Vasquez,

Guests:  Devika Rao

Introduction:
Welcome:  Chairperson Caroline Ambrose called the meeting to order and welcomed all members and provided an opportunity for members to introduce themselves.  Caroline led a ‘get to know you’ activity to help members learn more about each other.

Approval of Minutes:  Michael Groves made a motion to approve the August 2015 Advocacy and Leadership Committee minutes.  Mary Edwards seconded the motion.   Motion carried.

Initiative Update:
Pam Dickens gave an update of the A & L Committee initiatives:  Sibling Support, Partners in Policymaking, Advancing Strong Leadership in DD (ASLIDD), Safety and Security, and State Chapter of the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals. Committee members asked staff to provide additional detail about ASLIDD prior to February quarterly meeting.

Fiscal Report:
Yadira Vasquez gave a financial overview of the A & L Committee initiatives.  The new format for presenting the information was well received.

Potential RFA Topics: Committee members had a discussion about future RFA topics.  Related to advocacy development, staff will research and present information in February about employment, self-advocacy and communication.

Wrap up and Reminders:
The NCCDD Emergency Preparedness initiative is bringing the functional assessment service teams (FAST) model to NC emergency shelters.  The model advances strategic disaster and emergency sheltering planning for people with disabilities and others. A & L Chairperson, Caroline Ambrose and five other initiative advisors go to California in December for train the trainer education.
Committee members were reminded to turn in reimbursement forms and that the February 11 – 12 Council meeting will be at the Hilton Garden Inn in Cary.

Clare Shocket motioned for the meeting to adjourn.  Crystal Foreman seconded the motion.  The meeting was adjourned.