Midwest Regional Children’s Advocacy Center

Advisory Board Meeting Minutes

January 2, 2007

1. Do you/your centers participate in the Hill day activities?

- Chapter participation by most, but individual in IL and OH

2. If no, why not?

3. Do you feel confident with materials you receive ahead of time and during the conference?

- Most states provide: larger packet, add NCA info and provide binder of state info

4. If no, how could this process be improved?

- Timing in receiving materials is not ideal for: appointment preparation, etc. Suggested to give materials at registration time, have something separately for NCA and individual states, etc. Preference is to have materials ahead of time by mail or online- then pick up at registration. People want to be as prepared as possible. For new folks it’s a little intimidating- possible workshop at Leadership for new people to attend Hill Day.

5. Do you feel that participation in public policy activities is important?

- Yes

6. What are the barriers you face in actively participating?

- Timing bad- legislatures in many states are in districts already and not in D.C.

- Want to see NCA take a more active role: talking points, VOCA, etc

- A list of policies being represented by NCA so those in attendance know what items have been made familiar to legislatures ahead of time.

7. Do you believe it is important for NCA to provide some type of member services in the area of policy? If yes,

- There should be legislative focus from NCA

8. Please provide at least three examples of public policy services (from NCA) that would help strengthen your centers/chapters public policy activity.

- Identify children and family policy staff out of reps and senators

- Reception on Hill Day: copy of invite to congress-people: allow to send personal note, more concrete to help get congress people to go.

9. Please share any additional suggestions you have to assist centers and chapters in the public policy arena for both state and federal policy.

- Not being able to attend lunch because you have to wait for congress people to come

1. Revise entire agenda for that day-

2. Breakfasts instead of lunches

- Keep CAC’s updated on key legislation at time of Hill Day in particular, but overall throughout the year so everyone’s on same page and keep individual states legislatures on track aside from only Hill Day.