Advocacy Development Committee
DRAFT MINUTES
Thursday, November 17, 2016
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Hilton Garden Inn, Cary, NC

Members Present: Karen Armstrong, Eric Chavis, Mary Edwards, Jason Faircloth, Katie Holler, Cheryl Powell, Nessie Siler

Members Absent: Wendy Boyd, Rep. Verla Insko, Clare Shocket,

Staff in Attendance: Melissa Swartz, Chris Egan, Yadira Vasquez, JoAnn Toomey

Guests: Lauren Borchert, Paula Coppola, Danielle Matula

Welcome and Introductions:
Committee Chairperson Nessie Siler called the meeting to order, and welcomed all members.

Approval of Minutes:
Mary Edwards made a motion to approve the August, 2016 Advocacy Development Committee minutes. Eric Chavis seconded the motion. The motion was approved.

New Topic Presentation:
Executive Director Chris Egan opened discussion about the Web-based portal to receive unsolicited proposals. Members asked clarifying and additional questions.

Initiative Update Inclusive Leadership Development Initiative:
Ms. Siler provided an update on the Inclusive Leadership Initiative. Ms. Siler introduced Lauren Brochet, one of two co-coordinators of the NCCDD In-House Inclusive Leadership Initiative. The second co-coordinator has not been identified. NCCDD staff will continue the interview process with intent to identify the second co-facilitator by mid-December.

The NC DD Network Self Advocates met on October 14 and participated in the PATH strategic planning process. The NC DD Network Self Advocates are self-advocate board members from NCCDD, Disability Rights North Carolina, and the Carolina Institute on Developmental Disabilities. The NC DD Network Self Advocates will meet again on December 16.

NCCDD Staff Chris Egan and Melissa Swartz offered clarifying information and responded to additional questions. Members discussed the initiative further.

Initiative Update First in Families of North Carolina (FIFNC) Sibling Support Initiative:
In August the Advocacy Development Committee members expressed interest in the sustainability plan for the FIFNC/Sibling Support initiative. Committee members received the year 3 of 3 application to review in advance of the November committee meeting. Initiative staff Betsy MacMichael, CEO FIFNC and Bryce Coleman, project coordinator will provide an update presentation to the committee in February. Members discussed the initiative further.

Initiative Update: Partners in Policymaking, Advancing Strong Leaders in Developmental Disabilities, and the Stakeholders Engagement Group

The February Council meeting will include a panel discussion from coordinators and participants of the Partners in Policymaking, Advancing Strong Leaders in Developmental Disabilities, and the Stakeholders Engagement Group initiatives.

Initiative final reports and potential roles with the Inclusive Advocacy Development initiative will be part of the panel discussion.

Adjournment:
Motion to adjourn was made by Jason Faircloth. The motion was seconded by Mary Edwards. The motion was approved.