Conference minutes,
September 21, 2004,
Washington Marriott, Washington, D.C.
Present:
Donna Ashworth (WVA), Donald Dew, Ph.D. (GWU), Ralph Pacinelli, Ph. D. (RSA), Frank Ruzycki (GA), Sue Shaffer (MD), Gail Jones (AR),
John Wyvill (AR), Donald Rullman (PA), Dick Luck (VA), Dennis Hart
(MI), Carolyn McKinley (Consultant)
Welcome and Recognition of New Directors
Chairman David Holmes extended greetings and welcome to all in
attendance along with special recognition and introductions of the newest center directors Gail Jones (Arkansas), Donna Ashworth (West Virginia), and Donnie Rullman (Pennsylvania).
Dr. Dew announced that there were 90 people registered for this year's training forum.
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Review of By-Laws
Treasurer Dennis Hart distributed copies of the by-laws of the NC-SOCRC along with
four proposed changes to Article IV of the by-laws for all members to review and
discuss in preparation for a vote on the suggested changes. The proposed changes
to Article IV are:
- Change from "500 annually" to "up to $1000 annually, based upon meeting the financial needs of the consortium, beginning in July…."
- Change "designated chairperson" to "designated treasurer"
- Change "requiring the chairperson and one member's signature" to "requiring the signed authority of the chairperson and the treasurer to issue a disbursement of any expenditure over $500."
- For disbursement under $500 change "chairperson signature" to "written authority of the chairperson."
Motion: Moved by Donald Dew to approve the changes as recommended, seconded by Ruzycki. Motion passed unanimously.
Treasurer Hart also reported that the Woodrow Wilson Center Foundation continues to maintain funds for the NC-SOCRC. He further indicated that the number of expenditures has been few in number to date.
Additional topics discussed were:
- Editorial name changes of the Center names as contained in the by-laws
- Using the term dues vs. assessments
- Should the provision of waiving members dues on a 1 year basis be considered
A number of 510 C (3) discussion points were reviewed by Treasurer Hart, which will be discussed further at the next meeting of the NC-SOCRC.
Dr. Dew reported that Bill Tanzey indicated that the NC-SOCRC Operations Manual had been completed. Dr. Dew will send copies to each member in the near future.
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Learned Optimism Research Project
Dr. Dew reported that Dr. Seligman's, University of Pennsylvania, research
indicates that one can be trained to be an optimist. GWU RRCEP has trained 54 vocational
rehabilitation counselors in this concept. There is potential for the members of the
NC-SOCRC to be participants in a grant project using Dr. Seligman's techniques.
There will be more information on this opportunity following the RSA grant award.
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CERMUSA - Future Relationship/Future Direction:
Don Rullman reviewed a discussion that he had with Eric Muncert and
Barbara DeMuth and indicated that:
- NTSS is interested in maintaining and continuing a relationship with NC-SOCRC
- Reviewed projects that NTSS and NC-SOCRC members are involved
- 147 NC-SOCRC staff members have received CEU credits
Key question - What should our future relationship entail?
After discussion, the group felt that the NC-SOCRC should define its future needs and
then invite Dr. Bates to visit and discuss our needs and their capacity to help meet our
needs.
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NC-SOCRC Follow-up Meeting:
Dr. Dew recommended that the NC-SOCRC should set a future meeting date within 2 to 3
months following the National Training Forum. Attendees all agreed. The date will be
determined and members will be notified.
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International Update:
Mr. Spooner, Director of the European Platform on Rehabilitation, indicated that he would
not be able to attend this years Training Forum. He also indicated that the chair of the
European platform is from Italy. Dr. Dew also provided a review the history of the
NC-SOCRC -European Platform relationship.
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NC-SOCRC Website:
Chairman Holmes indicated that Lee Dayton, Hiram G. Andrews Center, has done a great
job in getting the website upgraded with the information that was provided by
each member center. He further indicated that the site looks great and thanked Lee
publicly for the great work done.
He then asked the Secretary to provide any updated NC-SOCRC calendar information to
Lee Dayton in order that the website remains current.
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Future of NC-SOCRC and Rehabilitation:
Dr. Dew reviewed the principles that underpin the successful experiences of the state
operated comprehensive centers:
- Uniqueness of the 9 NC-SOCRC member facilities within the public/state vocational rehabilitation program
- Growth was in programmatic developments
- Comprehensive centers have always been attached to the public VR program
- Sharing and exchanging of people and information has been a key component
- Relationship with the RSA Commissioners Office has been strong
Dr. Pacinelli reviewed the history of the relationship between vocational
rehabilitation and comprehensive centers beginning with Mary Switzer through the present day.
He recommended that the focus for the future should be to identify those things that we
want to accomplish within the definition, as it may be revised, of the NC-SOCRC.
Discussion ensued regarding the need to either reaffirm our current direction or change
the direction. Flexibility will be a key ingredient.
A consensus evolved that the strategic plan should be reviewed at the next meeting as a
result of this discussion.
It was also suggested that the NC-SOCRC consider bring on an external consultant to
help facilitate a discussion of our future goals, objectives and plans for the future.
Adjournment
Business meeting was adjourned at 11:45 AM.
Respectfully submitted,
Barry H. Newill
Secretary
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