Here is the monthly report that was promised by Sept 10th. This is exciting because everyone is hard at work to improve AADB. If you have any questions, please remember to contact Janie Neal at smokyladytn@yahoo.com she will compile the questions and get them to us. Or you can contact the committee chairs directly.
AADB Board of Directors
5-Year Strategic Planning Committee Report:
Submitted by Mark Gasaway (mark.gasaway@comcast.net) and Karyn Campbell (karynaadb@wowway.com)
We have been having great and eventful discussions on many topics related to this planning. The work is going well and we will plan to work on goals for accomplishing what we would like to accomplish as time approaches. At this point, we are seeking to change the confidentiality forms so that we will be able to get the general membership more involved at the Committee Level of working in and with AADB.
The 5YSPC Mission:
To devise and implement a strategic plan that will improve AADB's standing in the public sector.
The 5YSPC Action Plan:
To work on a one-year plan that can be revised as things go and get better for AADB. We are thinking to make this a one-year or two-year plan and not go for the five-year planning as yet because AADB is on fragile ground. There are two types of planning, goals-based and issues-based, with issues-based being what we decided to go with first as AADB has many issues right now. We decided to take this route after reading information from www.npmanagement.org, which discusses the two types of planning. Issues-based typically is done for a shorter time line than is goals-based. Maybe we can look at goals-based planning in a year when there are not so many issues as we have now.
Here is a list of issues collected by the committee with agreement on them for the most part.
1. Finances.
A. Timelines of financial information.
B. Amount of money AADB has.
2. Communication.
A. With membership.
B. With donors.
3. Trust between members and board and vice versa.
A. Information to members - opening up communications.
B. Involvement of members in committees.
4. Leadership.
A. Need to train new leaders.
5. Board issues.
A. Lines of authority.
B. Fiscal policy.
C. Orientation for new board members.
6. Conduct of meetings.
A. General Business meetings at symposium.
B. Board meetings.
Advocacy Committee:
Submitted by Karyn Campbell (karynaadb@wowway.com) and Scott Davert (aadbscott@gmail.com)
This committee is still forming as two invites still need to go out. We will discuss a mission statement and action plan this month. Anyone who has ideas for issues which need to be tackled separate from the FCC, please contact Karyn Campbell, chairperson at karynaadb@wowway.com with “Advocacy Committee” in the subject line. We will definitely follow up on the NLS issue. Also let us know if there are any issues you are having with VRS in terms of appropriate dress or service. We can take it as an action item to follow up on any issues that are brought to us.
Fundraising Committee, FRC:
Chairs: Bapin Anindya Bhattacharyya (bapintechguru@gmail.com) and Darran Zenger (darranzenger@gmail.com)
With FRC reports submitted, nonprofit organizations are recognized for their accomplishments most desired by members and donors. These accomplishments are yet to be seen and time will demonstrate the success of the FRC’s current and future activities. It is essential for the FRC to cultivate new partnerships with other communities and recognize important donors.
The FRC has decided to focus on four topics of fundraising for the short and medium terms. Those are FCC, SSP, Information Clearinghouse, and Technology.
The following fundraising strategies were discussed and considered:
1. FRC needs to know what type of database with all names of donors AADB currently has. A letter will be drafted and sent along with AADB’s newsletter to each donor close to the time of holidays.
2. FRC is researching on a system for donors to send money to AADB by texting. If a donor is impressed enough about the existence of AADB, he or she can text to a number where 10 dollars will be charged the bill. The collecting company will send a check consisting of all monies donated thus far to AADB on a monthly basis.
3. A poster will be developed and the FRC will ask anyone willing to help with putting up a copy of the poster in his/her community in hopes of attracting potential donors.
These are the first three fundraising projects to push forward in hopes of raising funds to keep AADB operating. The FRC needs to make sure to connect all potential donors to AADB’s mission and its purpose for serving consumers who are deaf-blind. The projected timeframe for raising sufficient funds for AADB’s short-term survival is 3 to 6 months. Results from each fundraising project will be presented in future FRC reports.
In addition, Darran Zenger is currently working with his city for a biker ride fundraiser during the city’s Pony Express Days to be held in Spring of 2012.
Another fundraiser going on is Darran’s $1,000 Challenge for SSPs. This is still going thru October 31st. He welcomes everyone to join in the $1,000 Challenge to get money for our SSPs for the symposium and future conferences.
Law Committee:
Submitted by Maricar Marquez (maricar_marquez@hotmail.com)
Under the new administration of President Jill Gaus and Vice President Lynn Jansen, I have been appointed to chair the AADB Law Committee. The Law Committee consists of two board members: Mark Gasaway and Chris Woodfill. The committee is believed to be well-balanced with various backgrounds of knowledge and expertise.
The committee has briefly discussed the AADB bylaws and incidents at the AADB business meetings in June 2011. Our current goal is to review the current bylaws and changes that were proposed prior to the symposium. In addition, we will review what had been made by active members at the business meetings. If necessary, the Law Committee may make amendments to the current bylaws prior to the next symposium.
I have been in communication with Secretary Debby Lieberman about the suggestions and other items that were passed at the business meetings. At this point, Ms. Lieberman is still working on gathering what is needed for the Law Committee.
The discussion at the recent business meetings at the AADB symposium was the highlight of the proposed bylaws changes. Apparently there were few suggestions to the proposed changes but nothing has been passed. In order for the Law Committee to better understand the outcomes of the business meetings, I am requesting a copy of summary of valid suggestions, motions, or any other items, at all possible, as soon as they become readily available.
Multi-Media Committee
Submitted by: Co-Chairs: Scott Davert (aadbscott@gmail.com) and Kacie Weldy (kcweldyaadb@yahoo.com)
Mission: To provide IT support with the membership database and the AADB.org website. Also, to provide continuous updates, notifications, information, and resources to the members of AADB and all others who have an interest in being involved in the actions and various roles of AADB. These will be provided, but not limited to the following means of public relations, communications, and various media platforms such as: Email, Facebook, Twitter, AADB Blog, AADB.org website, Newsletters, AADB Today, mailings, and any other means deemed necessary.
Subcommittees:
IT committee – This committee provides direct support for the website maintenance and interfacing with the membership database. Also provides support to the board and Executive committee with the decision making processes regarding commitments and system interfaces for credit card transactions and online payments. This committee will also make the use of volunteer outside consulting in regards to technological aspects of setting these processes up for optimal use of AADB resources.
Activities and tasks performed:
1. Requested and acquired majority of Board member bios and started set up of new web page for updated board info.
2. Started set up of updated AADB.org home page.
3. Started set up of Committees web page.
4. Requested information from 2011 Symposium leadership for information to create a highlights web page of the symposium - with various facts and information.
5. Obtained passwords for Convio, Common Grounds, Fusemail, Website Host Server, and performed resets as needed.
6. Began research of various options for on-line payments, membership database management, and email functions.
7. Enlisted the help of a volunteer consultant of web designing to assist with researching options and set up.
Short term goals:
1. Work with the Board and Executive committee to determine and
establish a more cost effective means for maintaining the membership
database, and credit card & on-line payments.
2. Updating the AADB.org and Convio website information with current data.
Long term goals: Timely updates to the AADB website and membership databases and possibly changes to the website for more accessible formats.
PR committee – This committee is responsible for all mailings going out to the general membership, including but not limited to the AADB Today, board election forms, conference general information, proposed changes to policies and procedures, and all other information. The members of this committee will be responsible for compilation and creation of documents to be sent out in all means necessary to be accessible in print or electronic formats. They will then be responsible for setting up the printing, and distribution of these documents either electronically, in braille, or in print. The focus of this committee is to be able to distribute the information in all possible accessible formats.
Activities:
1. Set up AADB Blog on Blogger.com
2. Posting of AADB updates to Facebook, Twitter, and AADB blog.
3. Working with ITC to establish connection with membership database and prepare for a mailing in the near future.
4. Emails sent in attempt of recruitment of members.
5. Receipt of several offers of help to create Braille documents/print large print documents/stuff envelopes.
Short term goals:
1. Facilitate and establish an open line of communications between the Board and Executive committee and the general membership - both on-line members and those not on-line.
a. Set up a team of people to create an informative mailing to be distributed to the membership informing of the changes and happenings of AADB since the Symposium, the proposed bylaw changes, and the financial state of AADB.
b. Distribute this mailing no later than November 1st.
Long term goals: To provide accessible, timely, and routine distribution of information to the general membership.
1. Set up a team of people to create and/or compile articles to go out in the next and future AADB Today.
2. Provide to the general membership timely and informative mailings of board elections and proceedings, FCC updates and technological updates affecting the Deaf-Blind.
Network and Recruitment Committee:
Submitted by Mark Gasaway (mark.gasaway@comcast.net)
Networking and Recruiting. What does that mean? It means the committee will be geared toward:
1) Networking with other individuals or organizations to promote AADB and help with collaboration.
2) Recruiting individuals to become members such as a membership drive and talk about how organizations can become members as well.
The Mission of the NRC:
To promote AADB in terms of networking and recruiting as an organization that can be referred upon to help people with both a hearing and vision loss.
I would like at least two more members from the West or Northwest area. So if you know anyone, please let me know. Makes it easier for us to spread out over the country.
The Action Plan:
We will need to update the membership forms and AADB brochures to make sure we all have the necessary tools and resources to help this committee achieve the goals set forth here.
Some of the goals:
1) Each member try to recruit at least 5 new members to join AADB AND one organizational member in 2 - 3 weeks, perhaps mid-October.
2) Try to attend a meeting where you can network with individuals and organizations, telling them about AADB. It can help if you also mention how AADB has helped you or what AADB has done for you.
I believe these two goals are enough to begin with on the first full month of the committee. But if other members want to share some goals, please let us know.
Thanks all, and if you have any questions or suggestions, please do not hesitate to bring them up!
Office Committee:
Submitted by Lynn Jansen (lynnaadb@aol.com)
The Office Committee has been keeping track of all the Account Receivables and Account Payables, organizing info for QuickBooks, and is still looking into subleasing the current office located in Silver Spring. The goal is to complete the 1st and 2nd Quarter Reports by the end of September.
Also, we are working with the Landlord to try to lease or sublease the office.
Finance Committee:
Submitted by: Mike Reese (mikeraadb@gmail.com)
Since July, this is what have been happening within the committee:
The committee (myself as chair, Jill, Lynn, Dorothy, and Jeff Bohrman) are in discussion on the responsibilities of the FC and developing the mission statement from those.
Some names have been submitted in regards to volunteers to be added to the committee, and are being checked out prior to being invited to be on the committee. Other names will be forthcoming. This will be completed by next month's report.
I have been involved in answering several member and board questions regarding how much $$ there is in our accounts.
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