NWICC minutes from 3rd meeting held on November 1, 2000
Sixteen people attended the NWICC meeting held at the Fremont Public Association in Seattle. Three were VISTA and 13 were from other AmeriCorps programs.
We went around the room and introduced ourselves as well as talked about our programs and the area we are from.
Tracy Madsen, AmeriCorps Leader for JustServe AmeriCorps in Seattle, defined the purpose of the council:
* Networking opportunity for members
* Outlet for concerns
* Advocate for members ideas
* Our purpose is also open for discussion and more ideas
Hailey reviewed what other councils are doing in terms of committees:
* Communication
* Donation
* Fundraising
* Publication
* Events
* National identity day
* Newsletter
* Trainings/events
Discussed funding of the NWICC
Discussed committee ideas and general ICC questions
Brainstormed what we may want to get out of the NWICC:
* Develop relationships at schools and at sites.
* Find out what other members are doing- "A day in the life of".
* Collaborate on service projects.
* Discuss life after service.
* Recruit alumni members.
* Collaborate with other ICC regions in Washington
Brainstormed possible trainings we would like to have for future NWICC meetings:
* Leadership/communication
* Trainings around service areas such as: Education, mentoring, environment etc.
* Anti oppression / diversity trainings
* Advocacy
* Training for site supervisors
NWICC's next meeting will be hosted by Elizabeth at UIR (Undoing Institutional Racism)in Seattle on Tuesday, November 28th from 10:00am to 11:30am. Representative members from City Year, UIR, and Washington Reading Corps will give brief presentations on what they do. Each attendee will try to bring at least one more member from their sites to our next meeting. We will discuss recruitment, trainings, service projects and possibly set some committees.
Tuesday, November 28th 10-11:30AM
Alaska Building, downtown Seattle
We started the meeting with quick introductions and learned interesting information about brands of toothpaste. 11 national service folks were present.
Tracy Madsen did a brief overview of the previous NWICC meeting.
Then we had Project Show and Tell:
* Elizabeth Alexander shared about her MLK VISTA position at the Undoing Institutional Racism office. She passed on ways for members themselves to get the UIR training.
* Kathleen Wirth and Zeb Walter shared about their role as City Year volunteers. They work directly with foster youth.
* Betsy Davis will share with us at the next meeting about WRC.
Rhean Souders and Wellesley Chapman shared with us all that happened at the Washington Leader Corps regarding ICC. Wellesley explained the goals the ICC action team compiled for the 2000-2001 NWICC:
* compile regional directories
* recruit a more diverse corps of ICC members from different streams of service
* poll members for training topics
* develop regional, member-led and professionally-led trainings
* create a virtual bulletin board to help match assets with needs
* coordinate one statewide service project
* identify regional ICC ambassadors
From there we moved on to discuss the future structure of the NWICC. We talked about the idea of having committees or designating a new facilitator each time the group seemed to feel there was no need to form committees now, but instead to wait until we reach a point when they need to be formed.
Elizabeth led a brainstorm on our goals for the NWICC
* statewide and NW service project
* networking - virtual bulletin board, regional directories, housing resources
* TRAINING - diversity, anti-racism, etc.
* organizing the structure of ICC, public relations
* social support
* recruitment - expanding, getting creative in how to reach out to
a diverse group of people
* vision
* use the ICC to represent national service to the "higher-ups"
Wellesley graciously agreed to facilitate the continuing discussion on developing our goals at the next meeting as we were short on time.
The next NWICC meeting will be held on January 8th from 10am-12pm at the Fremont Public Association.
Rhean ended the meeting with a quick +/delta:
++++
* people enjoyed the meeting
* people left the meeting knowing what their next steps were
* great facilitation by Rhean
* good fluidity of the group - everyone participated
DELTA
* need snacks!
* to help participants feel more prepared - send out agenda prior to meeting
* break into small groups
The meeting ended a little after 11:30am.
Monday, January 8th
10am-1pm (meeting and potluck)
FPA in Seattle
I. Welcome and Introductions (13 people in attendance)
II. Rhean Souders did a quick review of last month's meeting and an overview of what the ICC is.
III. Site Presentation: Betsy Davis and Lisa Cogen presented on their corps. They work in the Federal Way school district. They shared about Washington Reading Corps (WRC), VISTAs in the schools and the USA team.
IV. NWICC Goal Overview: Rhean, Wellesley Chapman and Tracy Madsen briefly explained the purpose, opportunities and concerns of the six goals for the NWICC that were developed at the December meeting.
1. Perform a statewide and/or regional service project
2. Develop networks
3. Training sessions
4. Social support
5. Develop/expand recruitment
6. Use the ICC to represent national service to the "higher-ups"
V. Discussion: From there, we talked about which ones we wanted to focus on. We thought narrowing in on 2-4 goals and working on them in small groups would be the most effective way to actually get things done this year. Group the group discussion, we narrowed down our focus to goals #1, 2, 3 and 6. We then split into small groups according to what people wanted to work on. Each group developed a work/action plan to keep them busy until the next meeting.
Here is a list of the small groups:
Service Project
Kim Stetson
Lisa Cogen.
Wellesley Chapman
Networks
Heather Rupert
Betsy Davis
Tina Neogi
Sara Houck
Wellesley Chapman
Training
Oliver Park
Tracy Madsen
Rhean Souders
Higher-Ups
Ai Endo
Danny Stratten
Rhean Souders
VI. Next Meeting: Monday, February 12th from 10am-1pm at the Fremont Public Association in Seattle.
VII. Guest Speaker: Brandon Rogers, who is a financial aid counselor at Evergreen State College and also an Americorps Promise Fellow, spoke with us about the taxation of the education award. He gave lots of helpful hints for those who will be applying to college and how to use their ed award correctly. He also talked about the matching award program at Evergreen. His e-mail is RogersB@e... for those who have more questions.
VIII. For those national service members who were able to stick out the entire meeting, it was time to socialize and enjoy our potluck.
February 12, 2001
10:00am-1:00pm
Fremont Public Association in Seattle
Fourteen members were present and ready to go at 10:000am so we started the meeting on time!
I. Introductions and icebreaker - as a group we played "I Have a Link" as a way to get know names and other interesting facts about each other.
II. Rhean Souders did a quick review of the NWICC and what went on at the January 8th meeting.
III. Wellesley Chapman gave a great presentation on his site - SeaMar Community Health Center. From his presentation, some great networking and sharing of resources took place!
Heather Rupert and Kim Stetson agreed to share about their site at the next meeting.
IV. Each action group had the opportunity to share with the group an update and receive input/suggestions from members on how to move forward with their project.
A. Service Project - We talked about the pros and cons of doing a statewide service day in April during National Volunteer Week and established that too many sites already have their own service day planned and to add one more would be counterproductive. Then Karen Fortuna and gang from Cowlitz AmeriCorps presented their big service weekend to the group. Overall the group was very excited about the prospective of having one big event with lots of the planning already done. There was much discussion about many aspects of this - we agreed to keep in contact with Karen and have further discussion at the next meeting.
B. Contact with the "higher-ups" - Rhean gave a brief update on how to express member concerns appropriately and respectfully to the "higher-ups." She asked for any specific help or suggestions as she currently is taking this on mostly by herself.
C. Trainings - Basically we have a great opportunity to have NWREL train us in a variety of topics that would then allow us to train members at our own sites or within our own corps (this is called the train-the-trainer). It is also a great opportunity for the ICC to get some recognition for the planning of an event. We just need to vote on a few trainings, pick some days and NWREL will take care of the rest of it, for the most part.
D. Networks - Ideally we would like to reach every member in the state, but realistically there are only so many methods of outreach that we can use. The networks group has chosen to focus on building the listserv and creating an ICC website. Wellesley talked about going "on tour" to advertise ICC to as many folks as possible.
Essentially lots of great discussion developed throughout the meeting even though we did not have time to get into small groups to further action plan.
We planned the next meeting for Monday, March 5th from 10:00am-1:00pm at the Fremont Public Association and then broke for a potluck lunch!
(Top of page)
March 5th, 2001
10:00am-1:00pm
Fremont Public Association
Introduction and Icebreaker - Rhean Souders led the intro and icebreaker. We had a great turnout for the meeting - 25 members!!
Review of NWICC and 2/12 Meeting - Rhean gave an overview of what the ICC is and briefly went over our last meeting.
Presentation on Kitsap Community Resources - Kim and Laura shared with the group what they do and upcoming events through the KCR. They brought handouts to share with the group.
Website: Tour, Plus/Delta - Wellesley Chapman gave a tour of the most recent version of the WAICC website that has been created by Oliver Park. Luckily we had a laptop so everyone had the chance to see the set-up. We then brainstormed possible changes or things to be added to improve the website as it is still very much in its forming stages.
We took a quick break and made room for a newcomers!
Service Project Update - Karen Fortuna from Cowlitz Americorps updated us on the planning progress of the statewide service project that will be taking place the weekend of July 6th-8th. They are making great strides towards creating a great service weekend. For further information, contact Karen Fortuna.
Training Update - Tracy Madsen shared the latest on the possibility of ICC trainings. We are collaborating with NWREL down in Portland, OR, to create a day or two of trainings in which any and all national service members and program directors can attend. The first training planned will be taking place on May 23rd (most likely here in Seattle at the FPA). The topic will be Career Transitions. The first half of the day will be a training on how to facilitate and run a meeting/training. After lunch the training will focus on Career Transitions. Good timing for this as members are nearing the end of the their year.
Outreach at the WSC Member Development Institute - We thought it would be good to advertise and promote the ICC at the Opportunities Fair at the MDI. Some WSC members at the meeting agreed to help man the table at the fair.
WSC service gear information - Rhean shared some info regarding the WSC gear. Apparently some of the WSC clothing is made in countries where child labor laws are broken and sweat shops are established. WSC is trying to find a new company to work with.
We set the time and place for the next meeting, April 16th from 10-1pm at the FPA in Seattle, and then we broke for networking and our usual potluck.
Monday, April 16th 10am-noon
Fremont Public Association in Seattle
We had a small meeting this month (8 in attendance), but it was a strong eight and a good meeting. Rhean Souders opened up the meeting with introductions and an icebreaker. Then the usual review of the NWICC and our previous meeting (3/5/01).
Next Rhean and Tracy attempted to give a website update. Many changes have been made with still more to come. Anyone can check it out at http://www.scn.org/waicc
We gave a quick update on the Cowlitz County service project via an e-mail from Karen Fortuna.
Tracy talked about the Train-the-Trainer day happening on May 16th. We have 20 folks signed up so far and are still taking RSVPs. The morning portion will consist of a facilitation training and the afternoon will be a training on Career Transitions. To RSVP, contact Tracy Madsen.
Rhean gave a brief overview on WLC news that's related to ICC. There is strong support for the creation of an ICC handbook that would help ease the transition from year to year as members come and go. It was also mentioned that a directory of programs should be included in the handbook.
Finally (while enjoying all the yummy food everyone brought) we somewhat talked about the decentralization of the NWICC leadership. Due to the smaller size of the group this month, we tried to just lay the groundwork as to how anyone can take part in the planning, facilitating, advertising, etc. of the meetings. ICC is a group for the members by the members and we are hoping more members will take some leadership roles on. Something very encouraging is that between our group, members' end dates vary from July to January so not everyone will be finishing their service year at the same time and there will be a chance for carry over.
Our May meeting is a special meeting!! On Monday, May 21st, we will begin by meeting at the Miller Community Center in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood (we will send out directions closer to the meeting). From 10am-12 noon at Miller, we have the opportunity to take part in a free HTML (website design) training that is being provided for ICC members. This is a fabulous opportunity that no one should pass up!! Then for the second half of the day, we will return to the Fremont Public Association and have our regular monthly meeting from 1-3. This will allow folks to have a lunch break in between.
So mark your calendars for May 21st. You are welcome to come to the morning, the afternoon or both!!
I think that is it for the April meeting minutes.
Monday, May 21st
HTML Training: 10am-noon at Miller Community Center
Monthly Meeting: 1-3pm at Fremont Public Association
Wade Englund facilitated the HTML training folks were given a basic understanding and hands-on tips to creating a website whether for personal or work-related use. Everyone agreed the training was helpful and some folks are hoping for some sort of follow-up training in the future. Ten people attended which meant everyone got their own computer!
We did a quick welcome and intros at the meeting and then moved right into an evaluation (plus/delta) of the HTML training.
HTML Training Plus/Delta
Plus
- Good group size
- Content appropriate and useful
- Handout helpful
- Good introduction
- Feels able to help others learn
- Participants had solid background in Windows
Delta
- Classroom difficult to work with (try library or city tech department)
- Projection device and laptop as teaching aid
- Know in advance who is coming (for preparation)
- Interest in follow-up training--intermediate level
- More time on design and style
- Longer training (2hr. blocks)
- Check with WA eCorps for free venues
Next there was a report on the Train-the-Trainer session that had happened a few days prior to the meeting. We handed out training materials for those who were unable to attend the training. Then we did an evaluation of the website:
Web site: Plus/Delta
Plus
- Well organized
- Simple
Delta
- Use thumbnails for images
- Networking/contact list
- Add link to WCNCS directory
- Yahoo map
- Add handbook
- Featured projects on front page
- Incorporate security with updating
Folks need to contact Karen Fortuna directly if they have questions regarding the Cowlitz County Weekend of Service.
For the majority of the meeting we focused on the accomplishments of the NW/WAICC, the future of the group and evolution of future leadership. First we brainstormed the accomplishments from this past year.
Brainstorm: NWICC/WAICC accomplishments 2000-2001
- HTML training
- Monthly meetings
- Networking that has happened and more to come connecting with other national service folks
- WAICC listserve (how to reach out to people without internet access?)
- Facilitation of the service project
- Making our voice heard--"higher ups"
- Work to overcome "reinventing the wheel."
- Web site (banner free!)
We talked a lot about how to keep the group going throughout times of major transition like the summer when many people's service year is over and new members start. We really don't want each year's ICC having to reinvent the wheel, so we would like to do whatever we can now to help prevent that for next fall. We had a really good discussion...nothing was formally resolved, but lots of ideas were generated with hopes of continuing the conversation at future meetings.
Our next NWICC meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 18th from 10am-1pm a the Fremont Public Association. That's all for the meeting.
Monday, May 21st
HTML Training: 10am-noon at Miller Community Center
Monthly Meeting: 1-3pm at Fremont Public Association
Wade Englund facilitated the HTML training...folks were given a basic understanding and hands-on tips to creating a website whether for personal or work-related use. Everyone agreed the training was helpful and some folks are hoping for some sort of follow-up training in the future. Ten people attended which meant everyone got their own computer!
We did a quick welcome and intros at the meeting and then moved right into an evaluation (plus/delta) of the HTML training.
HTML Training Plus/Delta
Plus
- Good group size
- Content appropriate and useful
- Handout helpful
- Good introduction
- Feels able to help others learn
- Participants had solid background in Windows
Delta
- Classroom difficult to work with (try library or city tech department)
- Projection device and laptop as teaching aid
- Know in advance who is coming (for preparation)
- Interest in follow-up training--intermediate level
- More time on design and style
- Longer training (2hr. Blocks)
- Check with WA eCorps for free venues
Next there was a report on the Train-the-Trainer session that had happened a few days prior to the meetingWe handed out training materials for those who were unable to attend the training. Then we did an evaluation of the website:
Web site: Plus/Delta
Plus
- Well organized
- Simple
Delta
- Use thumbnails for images
- Networking/contact list
- Add link to WCNCS directory
- Yahoo map
- Add handbook
- Featured projects on front page
- Incorporate security with updating
Folks need to contact Karen Fortuna directly if they have questions regarding the Cowlitz County Weekend of Service.
For the majority of the meeting we focused on the accomplishments of the NW/WAICC, the future of the group and evolution of future leadership. First we brainstormed the accomplishments from this past year.
Brainstorm: NWICC/WAICC accomplishments 2000-2001
- HTML training
- Monthly meetings
- Networking that has happened and more to come connecting with other national service folks
- WAICC listserve (how to reach out to people without Internet access?)
- Facilitation of the service project
- Making our voice heard--"higher ups"
- Work to overcome "reinventing the wheel."
- Web site (banner free!)
We talked a lot about how to keep the group going throughout times of major transition like the summer when many people's service year is over and new members start. We really don't want each year's ICC having to reinvent the wheel, so we would like to do whatever we can now to help prevent that for next fall. We had a really good discussion...nothing was formally resolved, but lots of ideas were generated with hopes of continuing the conversation at future meetings.
Our next NWICC meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 18th from 10am-1pm a the Fremont Public Association. That's all for the meeting.
Monday, June 18, 2001
10:00am - 1:00pm
Freemont Public Association
A small group met at FPA for a meeting facilitated by Charles Silva.
The meeting began with a introductions around the table and a review of our May meeting.
Next on the agenda was a discussion of the "ICC Toolbox," a project intended to smooth the way for future ICC members by creating both an archive of past work and helpful guides to the many tasks involved in maintaining the ICC.
Pieces of the Toolbox include:
The Toolbox is in process and will be available on the WAICC web site. Pieces of the Toolbox are available already; elements will be formally gathered under one heading on the front page of our site. Comments and contributions to the Toolbox are welcome. Please send them to wellesleychapman@yahoo.com
We followed that conversation with an update of the Cowlitz service project, July 6-8. Contact kfortuna@hotmail.com for more information.
Charles distributed a "WAICC Accomplishment" flyer, created by Rhean Souders. The flyer will soon be available in PDF format on our web site.
Continuing the thread of accomplishments, we discussed where we would like to take the ICC next. A rambling exchange ensued, followed by lunch at a nearby restaurant.
The next NWICC meeting will be held on July 23, from 10:00 - 1:00 at Freemont Public Association. Directions are available on the web site at http://www.scn.org/waicc/meeting.html
July 23, 2001
10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Freemont Public Association
The July meeting of the NWICC was convened at the Fremont Public Association at 10:10am. After brief introductions and a review of the previous month meeting the following topics were discussed:
AmeriCorps Weekend Challenge: By all reports the Challenge was a resounding success! With the Cowlitz AmeriCorps Network spearheading the project and support from regional ICC's and local community groups in the Longview/Kelso area, some 100 participants built playgrounds, wheelchair ramps, painted fences, landscaped parks and generally reveled in a weekend dedicated to community service. The consensus from meeting attendees who participated in the project was that this was an endeavor worth the time and effort expended and definitely worth repeating in the future.
Website Update And Tour: Wellesley Chapman gave a tour and update of the continually improving WAICC website. Recent additions include an overall new look, photos from the AmeriCorps Weekend Challenge, new documentation for the WAICC Toolbox, an archive of regional WAICC meeting minutes and a link to provide feedback to the webmaster for suggestions on improving the site or submitting content to be included. The site address is: http://www.scn.org/waicc/
National & Community Service Conference/ICC Meeting: Rhean Souders attended this nation wide conference of community service organizations during which some 10 people representing 7 ICC councils held a side meeting to discuss issues regarding forming and sustaining ICC groups. Despite a challenging early morning start time much was accomplished in sharing ideas and challenges associated with ICC development. Rhean noted that our 'WAICC Accomplishments Flyer' (available through the WAICC website as a pdf document) is now posted on an information board at CNS headquarters in Washington DC. And the seeds of support on a national level for ICC's through CNS were planted at this meeting.
Commission Update: Danika Best announced The AmeriCorps Launch scheduled for October 19, 2001 at Tacoma's Temple Landmark Theatre. All members are invited and encouraged to attend. Danika also announced Northwest Leader Corps training to be held during November and February at Ft. Worden State Park. Contact her directly for more information.
WAICC Logo Development: Charles Silva put out a call to all to explore their artistic side in designing a logo for the WAICC and/or their regional ICC. More information and prototype logos will be available shortly on the WAICC website.
Continuing Support For NWICC: It is the time of year when many members will be leaving active service with AmeriCorps. This does not mean, however, that your support for NWICC needs to end as well. As alumni your contributions and ideas will always be valued and a chair at our meeting table will always be open to you. Soon to be alumni are encouraged to visit the WAICC website and listserv regularly to keep in touch with the group that they helped build and make successful. If the e-mail address you currently use will become invalid, please be sure to list a new address so that you may continue to hear about the great things your ICC will be doing.
Advisory Board Discussion: The group then engaged in a lively discussion of the formation of an ICC advisory board. Is such a body needed? What form it should take? What responsibilities would it have? After batting about many differing opinions it was decided to take the discussion to a larger audience. So a discussion was begun on the listserv with Rhean outlining the discussion as it was covered in this meeting and we invite all to post their ideas as the discussion evolves.
AmeriCorps Launch/Incoming Member Recruitment: The preceeding discussion evolved into a discussion about how to make the existence of ICC known to incoming members. The following were decided upon as the most promising avenues to pursue: 1. Make a presentation at the AmeriCorps Launch. Danika suggested that a short presentation at the launch would be possible as well as a supporting info table to distribute to new members. Highlighting our accomplishments, especially the AC Challenge Weekend, could be particularly effective. 2. Individual program orientations. Enlisting the help of individual program directors to spread the word about the ICC 3. October MDI. Establishing a greater visibility during the October MDI.
Set Time & Date for August Meeting: The group decided on August 20 as the next meeting date. To be held at the Fremont Public Association building at 10:00am. The meeting adjourned at the scheduled 12:00pm time and attendees shared a marvelous selection of dishes brought by group members.
NW WAICC
Meeting 11/21/01 Fremont Public Association, Seattle, WA
9:00am-11:00am
I. Welcome and Introduction (11 people attended)
Trisha Matthieu - Washington Reading Corps (FPA) Seattle
Rachel Howard- Washington Reading Corps (FPA) Seattle
Rhean Souders- WAICC Alum, Olympia
Catherine Booth- Washington Service Corps, Olympia
Charles Silva-E-Corps, Tacoma
Mary Rauker- SeaMar Community Health Center, Seattle
Elaine Harrington- Youth Connection, Mukilteo
Glenn Puckett- MLK Vista Leader (FPA) Seattle
Wellesley Chapman- WAICC Alum, Seattle
Jennifer Newman- WRC Leader (FPA), Seattle
Perri Powell- WRC Leader (FPA), Seattle
Michael Tamayo- JustServe Americorp Leader (FPA), Seattle
II. Review of 2000-01 WAICC Accomplishments (Rhean & Wellesley)
4 Goals/Components
1. Training
2. Communication
3. Statewide Service Project
4. Representation to Commission
-Q&A Period for new members
III. NW Leadercorps Update (Trisha, Mary, Michael, Catherine)
IV. Reviewed ICC Structure
-Washington Association of Inter-Corps Councils
-communication solely through e-mail
-Sustainable structure
-keep open chains of communication throughout ICC's
-reps from each corps keep in contact instead of one listserve?
V. Action Plan
-Send a letter followed up by a call to coordinators of Nat'l Service Programs in Western Washington
-Invite service leaders to participate in NW WAICC
-Information about the ICC, member benefits, trainings
-Create a kind of solidarity among service members
-Advocates for policy changes (representation to the commission)
- Send out by December 4th
- Review Tasks for NW Leadercorps activities
VI. Wrap-Up
-Next meeting January 23rd at the FPA 10-1 (Potluck from 12-1)
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