Advocacy and Leadership Committee
DRAFT Minutes
May 14, 2015
2:00 to 3:45 pm

Members in Attendance: Caroline Ambrose, Karen Armstrong, Rick Zechman, Lisa Byrd, Mary Edwards, Katie Holler, Cheryl Powell, Clare Shocket, Deborah Whitfield (via phone)

Members absent:  Michael Groves, Lourdes Fernandez, Crystal Foreman, Joshua Gettinger, Senator Tommy Tucker
Visitors:  Bryce Coleman

Staff in attendance: Pam Dickens, Melissa Swartz, and JoAnn Toomey

Introduction:

Welcome:  Chairperson Caroline Ambrose welcomed all members and provided an opportunity for all members to introduce themselves. Caroline reminded members to fill out their financial forms for reimbursement.  If members are interested in attending a conference, let Cora Gibson or Letha Young know at the Council office.  They will forward the request for final approval.

Approval of minutes:  Chairperson Caroline Ambrose made a motion to approve the February 2015 Advocacy and Leadership committee minutes.  Cheryl Powell seconded the motion.   Motion was carried.

Initiative Review:  Sibling Support
Bryce Coleman provided an update on the activities of the Sibling Support initiative and answered questions.  
He reported their ultimate goal is to develop a NC Chapter of the National Sibling Support Network.

Initiative Review:  Partners in Policymaking
Deborah Whitfield presented via teleconference to answer questions from the group.  Healthy discussion was held about the budget and the future of Partners in Policymaking.

MOTION:  Mary Edwards made a motion to continue funding to First in Families of NC for the NCCDD Sibling Support initiative for up to $50,000 with a required minimum of 25% non-federal matching funds ($16,667), for Year 2 (of 3) from October 1, 2015 to September 30, 2016.  Rick Zechman seconded the motion.  The motion carried.

MOTION:  Mary Edwards made a motion to continue funding for continuation funding to Advocacy Institute, Inc., for the Partners in Policymaking initiative.  Year 3 (of 3) funding will begin on October 1, 2015 and end on September 30, 2016, for an amount not to exceed $185,000 with a required minimum of 25% non-federal matching funds ($61,667) for Partners in Policymaking.  Katie Holler seconded the motion.  The motion was carried.