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OR211 MINUTES
June 11, 2008
7:30 – 9:00 am
211info office, 621 SW Alder, Suite 810, Portland, OR
ATTENDING: Stephen Guntli; Kathleen McHarg; Jeri Shumate; Liesl Wendt; Howard Klink; June Sedarbaum; Len Hockley EXCUSED: Jimi Smith; Vic Falgout; Mark Tennyson STAFF: Tom Page
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:40. Action items were deferred until a quorum was present.
LEGISLATIVE FUNDING REQUEST
1. June 23: Stephen, Tom and Jeri have a meeting in Salem on Monday, June 23 with Jeremy Emerson, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer at DHS. Discussion followed on what outcome we want from that meeting. We reviewed the DHS Organizational Chart to determine his position and other key leaders with whom we should connect.
NOTE: See attached Org charts for DHS, and for Administrative Services Division
Jeri and Tom presented a cost and funding analysis based on the national 2-1-1 business plan template. The “Annual Budget Projections” page was distributed. Stephen asked about backup to support the numbers, and the entire packet was displayed via LCD projector. It was agreed that the single-page document is appropriate to share after some simplification (remove Years 3 through 5) and with simplified back-up available if needed.
Outcomes we want from the meeting include:
1. Request to be included in their decision package—our $ ask
a. Use SafeNet as example; bring statistics
b. Authorize a long-term analysis of existing 800 lines (not dedicated specialized lines—make specific list of exclusions as starters)
c. Include specific focus on disaster readiness and response
2. Broach subject of multi-departmental strategy (DHS, OHCS, OEM)
3. Dedicated state-level DHS staff for next six months to help build support
4. Request that Dr. Goldberg host a cabinet-level conversation re: 2-1-1
2. June-July-August: Focus on grassroots networking, mining bureaucrats for issues and their support. Build a coalition of supportive individuals and agencies. Be sure electeds learn the message that supporting 2-1-1 is important for their constituents. Focus on issues which will be most important to local electeds: food, gasoline, timber revenue loss.
Immediate next steps:
1. Tom to contact Ken Murphy and Mark Tennyson to request dedicated OEM staff—can Mark be available to do Salem work for OR 211 at 20% for next six months? If so, can Mark also attend June 23 meeting?
2. Have key contacts place preliminary calls to Jeremy Emerson prior to June 23, to prep him by demonstrating support. NOTE: Jeri will provide talking points via e-mail.
a. Liesl to contact Jerry Burns
b. Howard to contact Michael Skeels
c. Jeri to contact Oregon SafeNet team
d. June to contact Lane County DHS official
3. Jeri & Liesl to discuss, then contact Victor Merced about request via OHCS
4. Howard to contact Claudia Black about how to get 2-1-1 in Governor’s agenda
3. September-October-November: Build sense of urgency! Hold event—take wherever we are to leaders with specific asks for their support. Hold a mini-summit day for legislators; piggyback a Lobby Day with HSCO, etc.
Stage an event: “Here’s a scenario. How do you get the help you need?” Give them a phone book, a phone, etc. Invite PDX City Commissioner Randy Leonard, MultCo Chair Ted Wheeler. Make it real to them! Hold it during first week in October. Also in October hold a strategic press event—focus on whatever the need is that surfaces at that time (Disaster Of The Day).
4. December-January-February: The legislative session—all work focused on meeting, networking, messaging, lobbying, advocacy to garner and secure support for funding request.
2008-2009 OR 211 BUDGET
Also urgent to address: how do we survive as an organization through June 2009? We briefly reviewed proposed budget with current numbers. Expressed need for more funding. Specific request now is to extend contracts that expire on June 30; action to approve formal budget was deferred.
ACTION: Howard Klink moved and Kathleen McHarg seconded that we renew current contracts with Tom Page and 211info through August 31, 2008. Passed without dissent.
Stephen directed that Tom and Jeri craft a specific detailed plan that will address how the activities in front of us will be accomplished.
1. Write a plan to secure more money for FY 08-09
2. Write a timeline to accomplish all tasks over the next six months
3. Create a detailed budget to include anticipated costs for events, etc.
APPROVE FISCAL MANAGEMENT POLICY
The proposed fiscal management policy was presented.
ACTION: Howard Klink moved and Liesl Wendt seconded approval. Passed without dissent.
OTHER BUSINESS
Additional action items were deferred due to inadequate time. They will be addressed at the next meeting. Jeri will send out a Meeting Wizard for mid-July.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jeri Shumate, secretary pro tem
Wednesday, May 1, 2008
Call to Order
Meeting was called to order at 7:30am at the 211info office in Portland.
Attending
Stephen Guntli (Chair), Kathleen McHarg (Treasurer), Jimi Smith (Secretary), Jeri Shumate, Vic Falgout, Howard Klink, Mark Tennyson, Liesl Wendt, Tom Page, OR211 Consulting Director, June Sedarbaum (by phone) and Len Hockley (by phone).
Guest
George Okulitch, Tressider Company
Approval of Minutes
The minutes from our meeting on April 3rd were reviewed. Kathleen moved the minutes be accepted as submitted. The motion was seconded by Mark and passed unanimously.
Approval of Fiscal Report
The March 31st Fiscal report was presented and discussed. It was noted this report doesn’t include the $12,000 which has been approved by the NNLM, but which we’ve not yet received. No corrections were noted. Vic moved the Fiscal report be accepted as presented. The motion was seconded by Liesl and passed unanimously.
Updates
Stephen gave George Okulitch, who is a lobbyist, a brief update on the status of OR211.
Tom gave an update on the DHS forum meeting in Portland, at which he was able to chat with Dr. Goldberg. Dr. Goldberg will send someone to our May 30th meeting and wants to meet with 211 in June. It was agreed we should request that Claudia Black from the Governor’s office attend our May 30th meeting, and we will try to schedule a meeting with him for early June as he wants to wrap up his budget development process in June. 211 was mentioned in both of the forum breakout sessions Jeri and Tom attended.
Funding Discussion
We have a 2-3 month window for a three way approach to OEM, DHS, and HCS. A meeting is already scheduled for tomorrow with OEM regarding a dedicated funding stream for disaster preparedness and public safety. If they decline that, we will ask them to support us with future asks to other departments. We’ll meet with Victor Merced at HCS in May. And we will have DHS support at our May 30th meeting.
It was suggested that SafeNet could morph into 211 and we could include a request for support from the Dept of Health, but it was determined this should not be included in our first ask.
George noted that dedicated funding is harder to get. We will need multiple agency buy-in to build more support with the Governor’s office. We need to bring in the legislators early in the process.
We will develop a two part ask:
1. The first part would be for $3.7 million per year to do 211 right, and $xxx as a minimum to provide 211 service. It should include an explanation of what this would provide and why we need it. We will prepare two budgets; one to support the maximum figure (ongoing 211 statewide 24/7/365 service), and a second to support the minimum figure (211 ramp up for emergency response).
2. The second part would be to lay the groundwork for revenue from several agencies in the future.
Planning for May 30th “2009 Pre-Legislative Conference”
The goal of this meeting will be to garner support for our ask and to determine the best route. It will be presented as a launch.
A rough outline of the agenda:
History and status of 211
Timeline of statewide implementation (including costs)
Timeline for legislative ask
Discussion of the specific two part ask and including the budget information
Request for support from this “unlikely coalition of supporters”
The Executive Committee will meet Tuesday, May 13th for further planning.
Database Selection Committee update
The RFP to select an outside contractor to conduct the evaluation and comparison of I&R software packages has been drafted. The timeline anticipates release of the RFP on May 1st, selection of a contractor by early June, and completion of the process by early September.
There is currently $2,900 budgeted for the process, and we could ask for additional match from NW AIRS if necessary. The committee will approach the Board for approval prior to expenditure of any funds. Jeri moved that the Board approve the release of the RFP, and Vic seconded. The motion passed.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:30am.
Respectfully submitted,
Jimi Smith, SecretaryOR 211 BOARD MEETING
Minutes
April 3, 2008
621 SW Alder, Suite 810, Portland, OR 97205
Present: Liesl Wendt, Mark Tennyson, Jeri Shumate, June Sedarbaum (by phone), Kathleen McHarg, Stephen Guntli
Staff: Tom Page
The meeting was called to order at 7:45 a.m. A quorum was not available until approximately 8:00 a.m. so action on approving minutes was deferred until the next meeting. One correction was noted: the “save-the-date” postcard template incorrectly invites people to a meeting on May 31. The date should be May 30.
Stephen opened the discussion with the need to determine our rationale for government support, preparatory to the May 30 meeting. Basic reasons include:
· State match is needed to strengthen local and private funding
· HB 3443 mandates the development of a statewide 2-1-1 system
Tom announced a new “messaging strategy” that emerged from 211US’s national leaders meeting this past weekend in Indianapolis:
“211 is core infrastructure for social services and emergency response just as 911 is core infrastructure for public safety.”
PROPOSED LEGISLATIVE REQUEST: Discussion followed about the specific amount to be requested and the purposes for which it would be used. Informal agreement was reached that we would request $2,000,000 during the 2009-2011 biennium, to be used for the following purposes:
Our request will include an agreement to provide a $1,000,000 match in Year Two from all other local sources (including support already available), thus providing $2,000,000 in working assets in Year Two.
Existing match to proposed state funding (stable 211info funding)
$240,000/year – United Way of the Columbia Willamette
$100,000/year – Washington County
$340,000 – Total stable funding
+$95,000 (currently in development) from Portland & Multnomah County
$435,000 potential local funding for 211info in FY2008-09
PLANNING FOR MAY 30 EVENT: Discussion turned to logistics for the meeting.
LOCATION: Oregon Childcare Development Coalition office in Wilsonville
TIME: 8:00 am – 9:30 am
INVITEES: We reviewed the list of names generated last month to determine responses to date. We secured a list of Oregon State Representatives and Senators and identified potential invitees. We agreed to establish a deadline of making “first contact” with the original list by Friday, April 11, and to disseminating the new list of potential senators and representatives for feedback on contact opportunities.
A save the date will be sent no later than Wednesday April 16th.
GOVERNOR: Liesl will contact her former boss who now workers for Governor Kulongoski about the best way to assure he is well-involved and that support for 2-1-1 is secured and maintained from his office.
AGENDA: The program for May 30 includes:
Welcome & Purpose
What is 211?
High-level explanation of 2-1-1w/National & State Status – Jeri & Tom
Why are you here? The state ask – John Tapogna (Jeri to confirm)
What we need
Why we need it
Consequences of not receiving state support
**Handout - one-pager with the ask and past 5 year investment in 211– Liesl & Tom to develop
Panel discussion: Why does 211 matter?
(Include people like Donalda Dodson from OCDC, Ian Finch (user), Deb Wallace and/or Jim Moeller as electeds from Washington State)
What is OR 211 asking from attendees?
Personal/organizational support for OR211 ask
2 – 5 legislative champions
Ideas/access to other funding
OUTCOMES:
· Identify legislative champions in Portland, Southern and Central Oregon
· Secure Gov. Kulongoski’s support for 2-1-1 budget request
· Develop partnerships with other I&R service providers
We briefly discussed hoped-for outcomes and determined that our primary goal is to get buy-in from key legislators who can champion the request, and for critical information on how to get onto the Governor’s budget. We want people attending who are able to assure we can get something in front of the legislature. We also want to invite key business professionals who may support 2-1-1 development financially.
With this understanding, we re-visited our invitations list and determined it would be important and appropriate to hold a second event later in the summer for the broader base of key stakeholders. This will include folks such as representatives from tribes and community stakeholders that individual regions may want to bring into their fold.
The national 211US team will be meeting in Portland at the end of July or early August, and we agreed to ask some of those key leaders to be available for this event. Tom will coordinate with 211 US.
FINANCIAL REPORT: Kathleen and Jeri presented a rough budget to demonstrate where we are financially and where we have funds available for development in the next three months and following into our next fiscal year.
CONSULTING DIRECTOR’S REPORT: Tom briefly reviewed his report (see attached) making particular note of the extensive community-based work that happened in March.
ACTION ITEMS/NEXT STEPS
o Confirm arrangements with OCDC location – Jeri
o Arrange catering for continental breakfast - Jeri
o Phone calls to key attendees by April 9 – see attached list
o Stephen & Jeri to review list of state electeds with Howard and/or UWCW lobbyist
o Save the date notice by April 16 – see attached notice and forward to your assigned contacts
o Confirm speakers – Jeri (John Tapogna, Deb Wallace, Ian Finch, Donalda Dodson), Tom (Jim Moeller)
o Develop key partner list (who we need onboard) – Jeri & Kathleen
o Draft presentation – Tom & Liesl
o Draft summary of ask including stable funding and other funding secured in past five years – Tom & Liesl, to be reviewed by Julie Massa
Next Meeting
Thursday, May 1, 2008 from 7:30 am – 9:00 am at 211info
Goals: Finalize what we want to get out of May 30th meeting
Strategy for inclusion of funding request in governor’s budget
Discuss summer meeting for key stakeholders
The meeting adjourned at 9:15 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jeri Shumate, with support from Tom Page
UPDATED KEY CONTACTS LIST – Invitees to May 30 breakfast in Wilsonville
Please note which individuals you have agreed to contact. Respond to Jeri or Tom no later than 12:00 noon on Friday, April 11, 2008 with the status of these contacts.
OR211 Board of Directors
Minutes
March 5, 2008, 4:30 – 6:30 pm
621 SW Alder, Suite 810
Portland, OR 97205
Attending: Stephen Guntli (chair); Vic Falgout; Len Hockley; Kathleen McHarg; Jeri Shumate; Mark Tennyson; Liesl Wendt; Tom Page (consulting director)
Excused: Howard Klink; June Sedarbaum; Jimi Smith
The meeting was called to order at 4:38 pm. It was noted that Julie Massa had submitted her resignation via e-mail earlier that day.
Minutes: Changes to the January minutes included:
Len Hockley moved approval as amended, Vic Falgout seconded. PASSED.
Financial: Kathleen reported that she reviewed the financial status of the organization and found no irregularities. Jeri reported that the bank balance is currently $73,272.31.
Board Structural Changes: It was agreed that existing boards will be encouraged to complete their terms and that additional members will be recruited for a one-year term to the maximum 15 allowed by bylaw. The focus will be to recruit individuals who can help us get funding from the state and do other fundraising. Following the year the status will again be reviewed, and the board will then likely split into a Governing Board made of people of influence who focus on governing and raising funds, and an Advisory Board of programmatic people.
It was determined that Sections 2 and 4 of the bylaws need to be amended to make changes to the board structure. Tom will submit those to board members a minimum of 30 days prior to the next meeting, at which time they will be voted on.
An Open Meeting, with hosted breakfast, will be scheduled for Friday, May 30 from 8:00 – 9:30 a.m. in Wilsonville to invite key leaders and potential board members. Contacts will also be invited to tour 211info during its Open House on May 14. Targeted contacts (and who will place the initial call) include:
The message is below. Immediately after the initial phone contact, Save-The-Date e-mails and postcards will be sent in follow-up to their schedulers:
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Do you want to see 2-1-1 service available for all Oregonians?
OR 211 invites you to a free
Pre-2009 Legislative Strategy Breakfast
Friday, May 30, 2008
8:00 – 9:30 a.m.
Wilsonville, OR
Location To Be Determined
OR 211 is at a critical point! We need your help as we seek state funding to build a sustainable organization that can bring 2-1-1 to all Oregonians and then assure it remains available as long as Oregonians need it.
Please Save The Date!
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Two planning meetings need to be held prior to the Breakfast. Tentative dates are:
Tom will send out two Meeting Wizards to schedule these board planning meetings.
REPORT FROM TOM PAGE:
Tom has submitted (or will submit within the next few days) the following requests for funding:
a) Earmark for federal funding to Congressmen Wu and DeFazio ($250k)
b) Grant request to MentorGraphics ($7.5k)
c) Grant request to Providence Health ($20k)
d) National Network of Libraries of Medicine Express Grant ($12k)
The larger request to be submitted to the NNLM is due in May, and will require lots of letters of support.
Tom met with Priscilla Gould and June Sedarbaum in Eugene, OR earlier this week. Discussion was held about database concerns.
Tom met with fifteen community leaders in Bend including the United Way, libraries, funders, and the two biggest human service agencies in the area. These represented three counties (Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson) and all are enthusiastic about bringing 2-1-1 to that region. They agreed to provide support to the Database Review Committee.
Tom met with individuals in Columbia County following the flooding disaster in Vernonia this winter.
DATABASE REVIEW COMMITTEE:
Discussion will be held at the next meeting. Kathleen agreed to e-mail the newly-released AIRS criteria for databases to Jimi, for her review against the criteria established by this group last year.
CONTRACTING DIRECTOR:
Tom Page left the room. Stephen announced he will be assuming the supervision role and Tom will report directly to him. Jeri will reorient the tasks performed by 211info to continue to support OR 211, including support for both Stephen and Tom as needed.
The meeting adjourned at 6:35.
Respectfully submitted,
Jeri Shumate, sitting in for Jimi Smith.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 4:30pm at the 211info office in Portland.
Attendance
Stephen Guntli, Susan G Komen for the Cure, Chair
Kathleen McHarg, Multnomah County Aging Services, Treasurer
Len Hockley, White Bird Clinic (Lane County)
Jeri Shumate, 211info (Portland Metro Area)
Vic Falgout, Umpqua Community Action Network (Douglas & Josephine Counties)
Jimi Smith, Community Action (Washington County), Secretary
Tom Page, OR211 Consultant
Previous Business:
All passed unanimously.
Roles of Contracted Consultant and Board:
Goals for 2008:
* If Tom meets a potential Board member, he will discuss the possibility with the person and pass their contact information to the executive committee.
Fundraising Discussion:
State Government:
Other private or government:
Board Meeting Issues:
Board Growth and Advisory Board:
Our next meeting will be March 5th from 4:30-6:30pm at 211info’s office in Portland.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:20pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Jimi Smith, SecretaryOR211 Tech Committee Report
7/15/08
Request for Proposal:
An RFP was written to identify a contractor who could conduct an impartial, in-depth evaluation of the available I&R software packages. At the end of the process the contractor would make a recommendation to the OR211 Board regarding the software which most closely met all our needs.
TMC Solutions report on AIRS networking listserv:
On July 2nd a copy of an “I&A Software Evaluation Report Summary” conducted by TMC Solutions in Santa Monica, CA was circulated on the airsnetworker listserv.
Items for discussion and next steps:
Many questions remain for the Board to answer.
- Jimi Smith, Tech Committee Chair
OR 211 Board of Directors
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 9:04am at the 211info office in Portland.
Attendance
Stephen Guntli, Oregon CCR&R Network, Chair
Kathleen McHarg, Multnomah County Aging Services, Treasurer
Len Hockley, White Bird Clinic (Lane County)
Jeri Shumate, 211info (Portland Metro Area)
Julie Massa, Oregon Food Bank
Howard Klink, United Way of Columbia Willamette
Wendy VanElverdinghe, Community Action Directors of Oregon
June Sedarbaum, United Way of Lane County
Mark Tennyson, OR Emergency Management
Vic Falgout, Umpqua Community Action Network (Douglas & Josephine Counties)
Jimi Smith, Community Action (Washington County), Secretary
Tom Page, OR211 Consultant
Guests were introduced, then excused to tour 211info while we conducted our meeting:
Allison Elliott, Office Manager at InfoLine of Lane County
Michael Conley, Administration in Lane County
Update from the Chair
Due to Stephen’s recent employment change he will only be able to continue working on the Board if we change our meeting schedule and routine. Some of the topics for discussion today will be:
Funding
Tom updated us on the grant request to the NNLM for $150,000 per year for three years. This grant has not yet been submitted. The deadline for submission is February. It will take approximately eight weeks for a decision.
Jeri had previously emailed the Board the good news about the approval of our $20,000 Oregon Community Foundation request, and our $50,000 Spirit Mountain Community Fund request. She has developed a tentative budget which includes $40,000 for salaries.
Julie told us the new Oregon 2008 interim legislature will look at urgent need, but doesn’t want anything new coming at them. Rick Berkobian, staffer for state Representative Carolyn Tomei, has contacted Stephen regarding presenting to the next session of the Women’s Wellness and Human Services committee meeting scheduled for December 10.
An ad hoc subcommittee was formed to work on legislative talking points for the presentation. Julie will lead the committee. Tom will contribute content and nationwide statistical information. Jeri will provide local statistics. Howard and Wendy will work on the planning. Kathleen will help harmonize with the senior service community. The presentation and question period will last about 10 minutes. The committee will also develop an executive summary so the committee will have something to take away.
Examining the nature of our Board
Discussion was held regarding the best way to strengthen the board.
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Jeri moved that for the coming year the Board meet every other month in Portland from 4:30-6:30pm, with the Executive Committee meeting on alternate months, and the Board’s focus for the coming year will be on the legislature, managing staff, meeting grant deliverables, and growth. The motion was seconded by Kathleen. Howard amended the motion to add a focus on targeted Board expansion. The amended motion was seconded by Jeri and passed unanimously.
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Staffing discussion
Discussion was held regarding the best method for completing deliverables of the new grants. Appropriate oversight and contract management need to be established to support both the organization and the contractor.
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Howard moved that OR211 hire Tom Page on a consulting basis for 20 hours per week for six months. The contract will detail the scope or work and deliverables. The motion was seconded by Kathleen and passed unanimously.
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Len moved that OR211 pay 211info for two hours per week of Jeri’s time for oversight of this contracted position and administrative work. The motion was seconded by Wendy and passed unanimously.
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Our next meeting will be from 4:30-6:30pm in Portland on a date TBD in January. Stephen will email the Board with options for the date.
Respectfully submitted,
Jimi Smith, Secretary
OR 211 Board of Directors
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Call to Order
The conference call meeting was called to order at 9:04am.
Attendance
Stephen Guntli, Oregon CCR&R Network, Chair
Kathleen McHarg, Multnomah County Aging Services, Treasurer
Len Hockley, White Bird Clinic (Lane County)
Jeri Shumate, 211info (Portland Metro Area)
Julie Massa, Oregon Food Bank
June Sedarbaum, United Way of Lane County
Mark Tennyson, OR Emergency Management
Jimi Smith, Community Action (Washington County), Secretary
Tom Page, OR211 Consultant
Update from the Chair
Stephen updated us on a planning meeting held by Stephen, Jeri and Tom last week. Stephen would like to hold a meeting of the OR211 Board Executive Committee before our next Board meeting is held. There are two topics requiring further discussion and planning:
1. We need money by the end of the year to pay for consultant/staffing.
2. We need to examine changing the nature of the Board.
Funding needs
Wendy VanElverdinghe has notified us of the willingness of the Community Action Directors of Oregon (CADO) to give OR211 $5,000 which will help get us to the end of November.
The Meyer Memorial Trust has denied our grant request. The Spirit Mountain request may still provide funding before the end of this calendar year.
It was suggested that Jeri propose to the 211info Board that 211info and OR211 jointly hire Tom.
Examining the nature of our Board
Stephen has taken a new position with the Komen Foundation. He would like to continue working on the OR211 Board, but as 2-1-1 is not a priority for the Komen Foundation, he cannot continue to take time from his work to participate on the Board. Also, in order to attract members with other skills from outside the social service field, we would need to hold our meetings early in the morning, late in the afternoon, or in the evenings when they are more likely to be available.
Kathleen feels we need more State representation on the Board. We briefly discussed the advisability of changing the nature of the Board and where we need the focus of the Board to be.
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Jeri moved that the Executive Committee meet and be empowered to develop a restructuring of the Board and organization over the next six months. The motion was seconded by Len and passed unanimously.
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Update on the California wildfires
Tom provided an update on the California wildfires, some call statistics for southern California 211s, and the nationwide responsiveness within the I&R community.
Update from 211info on TOPOFF4
Jeri said 211 was included in the media for the TOPOFF exercise in spite of the lack of supporting funding. They only received 44 calls, but Multnomah County has approached 211info and forwarded an MOU template to Jeri.
Our next meeting will be from 9-11am on November 28th at the 211info office in Portland.
Respectfully submitted,
Jimi Smith, Secretary
OR211 Board Meeting
By Phone
August 22, 2007
Attending: Jeri Shumate, Kathleen McHarg, Stephen Guntli, Vic Falgout, Wendy Elverdinghe, June Sedarbaum. Consultant: Tom Page
Excused: Howard Klink, Julie Massa, Jimi Smith, Len Hockley, Mark Tennyson
Noted: Stephen will be out of town from today through Labor Day
Wendy will be out starting Friday through Labor Day
Tom will be in Pennsylvania beginning September 16 for an extended period
Meeting began at 9:00 a.m.
Spirit Mountain:
Tom spoke today with staff members who want to have us visit their offices on Friday, September 7 at 3:00 pm to discuss our grant application. Stephen, Kathleen and Tom will go, with Jeri as back-up if someone is unavailable. Stephen noted that Spirit Mountain is also visiting OCCR&RN on Tuesday, September 4 so he will pass along any tidbits that may help us in our meeting later that week.
Providence Health System Foundation:
Howard Klink had previously told Stephen and Tom of a possibility of funding, and Tom has been in phone contact with Priscilla at the foundation. They manage up to eight grants, and it looks like we would be appropriate candidates for two of them. Overall, their focus is general support for health and human services. Under their Providence Community Benefits Grant they have a maximum grant of $20,000 (we would probably ask for $10,000) and under their Providence Stewardship of Mission Grant they fund access to healthcare, transportation, housing, etc. This one has a maximum of $50,000 (we would probably ask for $20,000). Tom will focus on that paperwork in the next two weeks, and will forward Providence’s website link to the board for our awareness.
Meeting with State Seniors & Disabled Persons Manager:
Stephen met with Lee Girard in early August about ways to partner 211 with aging services. Lee is aware of a possible funding option and is making further inquiries. Help might be available by end of September. Kathleen asked Lee for an update today—no change.
Lee also suggested we should have someone from DHS on our board. Kathleen will ask Lee for suggestion. Concern was expressed about avoiding conflicts of interest, which had surfaced in the past with the original OR211 Steering Committee. Wendy may be meeting with Bruce Goldberg or Ramona Foley and could bring it up. It was noted that DHS departments and managerial staff feel resistance when an ask is made by going to “the top,” and then individual divisions are expected to accommodate without being able to participate in the decision. We need all of DHS support.
Wendy announced that OHCS has a pot of Community Services Block Grant money that needs to be spent by September 30. She will ask today about how to access; she believes we could get $5 – $10k, perhaps use to cover costs of previous work that has been done, use some of our previously spent, but undesignated, funds post September 30. We would seek to use it to continue capacity building (i.e., Tom’s work with fundraising).
Stephen still intends to approach PGE in September.
Next Meeting: Scheduled for September 26 in Salem 9:00 – 12:00. Tom will be in Pennsylvania; Wendy in Steamboat Springs; Jeri in Panama. Tom will send out Meeting Wizard for October 3 or 10.
The meeting adjourned at 9:34 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jeri Shumate, filling in for Jimi Smith.
OR 211 Board of Directors
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Call to Order
Meeting was called to order at 9:03am at the 211info office in Portland.
Attendance
Stephen Guntli, Oregon CCR&R Network, Chair
Kathleen McHarg, Multnomah County Aging Services, Treasurer
Len Hockley, White Bird Clinic (Lane County)
Jeri Shumate, 211info (Portland Metro Area)
Vic Falgout, Umpqua Community Action Network (Douglas & Josephine Counties)
Julie Massa, Oregon Food Bank
Wendy VanEverdinghe, Community Action Directors of Oregon
June Sedarbaum, United Way of Lane County
Howard Klink, United Way of Columbia Willamette
Jimi Smith, Community Action (Washington County), Secretary
Tom Page, OR211 Consultant
Guests
Mark Tennyson, OR Emergency Management
Sean Cook, White Bird Clinic (Lane County)
Howard Kopp, Consultant/United Way Volunteer (Lane County)
Approval of Minutes
The minutes from our meeting on May 30th and our conference call on June 27th were reviewed. No corrections were noted.
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Vic moved the May 30th and June 27th minutes be accepted as submitted. The motion was seconded by Jeri and passed unanimously.
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Approval of Fiscal Report
The July 25th Fiscal report was presented and discussed. No corrections were noted.
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Len moved the Fiscal report be accepted as submitted. The motion was seconded by Vic and passed unanimously.
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Introductions
Introductions were made around the room. In addition to our full Board participation (welcome back, Wendy), Seamus (Sean) Cook joined us again from White Bird Clinic in Lane County. Howard Kopp, a consultant who is currently volunteering with the United Way of Lane County, joined us as a guest of June Sedarbaum.
Election of new OEM representative
Also joining us is Mark Tennyson, 911 Program Analyst with Oregon Department of Emergency Management. Mark will be the Board representative of the OEM.
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Jeri moved we suspend the formal application process to bring Mark Tennyson onto the OR211 Board. The motion was seconded by Vic and passed unanimously.
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Relationship between OR211 and OEM
Mark explained the OEM works with the 911 centers across the state. When state tax money comes to the OEM, it is distributed to all the 911 centers based on a set formula. Mark thought there may be a niche for 211 by taking some of the non-emergency call volume from the 911 centers. Stephen suggested Mark connect with the 911 managers in Washington State to explore their relationship before approaching the 911 managers in Oregon.
Update on the new 211Lane
June explained they have received permission from the United Way to use the 211 logo for their web-based 211 service. At this point the 211 service is web-based only and they are not in a position to activating a call center without federal funding. Their emergency management people are interested in 211 serving as a volunteer management. Also, they have met with funders to gear up for the match required by the federal legislation and have determined it will be tough to raise the required match.
Update from 211info
211info has completed the development of infrastructure (business plan, computers, phones, and furnishings) and is now focusing on fund raising. United Way now provides about 20% of their funding. In five years they must have federal funding or they will not be able to continue providing services.
Ted Wheeler, Chair of the Multnomah County Board of County Commissioners, visited 211info recently and was impressed. He wants to meet with Jeri again.
Fundraising Discussion
Tom has completed four grant applications that would bring in $100,000 in year 1, $20,000 in year 2, and $10,000 in year 3.
The NN/LM is very interested in working with 211. The regional office is working with Tom at crafting a proposal for $450,000 over three years to present to the national office. It would be submitted in September with a response by the end of the year. In addition, 211info is talking to OHSU about an NN/LM “Go Local” grant of $25,000.
We currently have enough to retain Tom through mid-September at the latest. We need $10,000 to $15,000 to get through the end of the year with Tom working at the same level.
Stephen will write a one page document for us to use when requesting small grants through corporations which are more flexible and faster turn-around than foundations.
Action items:
Discussion about “Preparing 211 to Respond to a Statewide Emergency
Tom will send four documents pertaining to the part played by 211 during natural disasters which we can also share with potential funders.
Stephen’s concept is to get commitment from several areas around the state who could set up a call center and coordinate volunteers in a time of emergency. 211info, which is set up to take calls statewide if necessary, could start routing local calls to the appropriate emergency call center as needed. These areas would be the first step in developing permanent 211 call centers throughout the state.
Several Board members were concerned that disaster response shouldn’t be the only benefit offered when doing an ask, rather it should be one piece of a larger plan. Howard Kopp expressed his concern that the majority of Oregonians are not particularly worried about disasters as our area is less prone to natural disasters than others.
Howard Klink felt promoting 211 as a portal to benefits as part of (if not the focus of) a larger plan might be an easier sell.
Stephen will work on a proposal that uses the disaster piece as part of a larger plan.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:45am
Our next meeting will be a conference call at 9am on August 22nd. Jeri will send details.
Respectfully submitted,
Jimi Smith, Secretary
OR211
Board Conference Call Meeting
Agenda
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Agenda Items
PRESENT: Kathleen McHarg, Jeri Shumate, Julie Massa, Stephen Guntli, Vic Falgout, Tom Page
EXCUSED: Jimi Smith (visiting new grandson!)
ATTEMPTED TO JOIN (Inadequate conference call capacity): Howard Klink, June Sedarbaum, Wendy VanElverdinghe, Mark Tennyson
1. Impact of budget deficits at 211info and OCCRRN
Both agencies are moving into new fiscal years with deficit budgets, and are expected to raise the difference—requires us to do fundraising for our own organizations as our first priority. Biggest obstacle is competing funding, but even having a good conversation with a potential funder becomes problematic. Jeri could participate in joint asks with OR211 more easily than Stephen and will do so when appropriate. Question: is there a possibility at the state level of joining CCR&R operations with the 211 system? This is not on anyone’s agenda at CCR&R at present, in fact considerable resistance exists. There may be a certain logic to it but there are also strong arguments opposing it coming from the CCR&R System.
OCCRRN is funded primarily by federal Block Grant money, flows through state Child Care Division, in Employment Department and DHS.
2. Discussion on immediate fundraising needs
Current fundraising activities won’t generate revenue ‘til late fall, possibly early next year—nothing available in immediate; contract with Tom Page expires August 13. We determined we’d need an extra $12,000 to keep Tom on through year-end. Tom offered to continue working on a contingency basis through end of September—if funding comes in he gets paid for that time, if not he doesn’t. Summary: Looking for $15-20k to allow for additional expenses. Additional requests during this period to 211info and United Way of the Columbia-Willamette are not feasible.
IF YOU HAVE ANY IDEAS FOR IMMEDIATE FUNDING POSSIBILITIES, PLEASE EMAIL THE ENTIRE BOARD AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
3. Discussion of Stephen’s idea for focusing the fundraising and goals of OR211 around preparing for use of current statewide phone network in an emergency
At the last meeting Jeri told those of us who did not know that when 211info started their service in the Portland area, a phone system was put in place statewide that could be turned on in case of an emergency or disaster in Oregon. We do not currently have in place a system of staffing or volunteers who could answer calls coming in from around the state. This strategy for developing funding support would propose that we get a system in place that would allow us to respond to a disaster through agencies or volunteers available in local communities. This would give us a solid, tangible product we can seek funding for in the next two years. It was noted that energy and insurance companies would find this especially appealing. Significant details need to be worked out before anyone is approached, especially including identification of appropriate local partners while 211 is still in development, presenting them with the opportunity to use the 2-1-1 dialing code during a disaster if it happens. FEMA would likely be available for the actual phone operation costs that would be incurred when a disaster happens, and 211info is bearing the cost of initial set-up as part of its telephone conversion. More discussion will follow. 211info is participating in federal TopOff 4 terrorism response exercise in October, and can offer the experience as a demonstration project for our larger development.
4. Next steps based on these discussions
Ford Family Foundation – may consider joint ask with UCAN that could look at state 211 and possibly state CCR&R.
PGE Company – Stephen will ask
Qwest – Tom will explore
Development Director at OFB will be approached for ideas re: ideas for quick turn-arounds
Tom and Jeri will confer about logical joint asks for capital development support (Collins Foundation, Meyer Memorial Trust larger ask, Paul G. Allen Charitable Foundation, etc)
NEXT STEPS:
Jeri – Meeting Dates for year to be sent out
Stephen – Monday, send out a one page synopsis of #3 above with questions to consider at next meeting
Tom—NNLM by Saturday morning
Jeri – Will secure improved conference call access for August meeting.
Meeting concluded at 9:51 a.m.
Respectfully submitted, Jeri Shumate
NEXT MEETING IS JULY 25 FROM 9 TO NOON IN PORTLAND
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Meeting was called to order at 9:05am at the OEM office in Salem.
Jeri Shumate, 211info (Portland Metro Area), Chair
Len Hockley, White Bird Clinic (Lane County), Treasurer
Stephen Guntli, Oregon CCR&R Network
Kathleen McHarg, Multnomah County Aging Services
Jimi Smith, Community Action (Washington County)
Vic Falgout, Umpqua Community Action Network (Douglas & Josephine Counties)
Excused
Julie Massa, Oregon Food Bank
Wendy VanEverdinghe, Community Action Directors of Oregon
Roy Spurgeon, Umpqua Community Action Network (Douglas & Josephine Counties)
June Sedarbaum, United Way (Lane County)
Howard Klink, United Way of Columbia Willamette
Guests
Sean Cook, White Bird Clinic
Bonnie McCullough, OR Emergency Management
Tom Page, Consultant
Approval of Minutes
The minutes from our meetings on March 28th, 2007 and April 25th, 2007 were reviewed. No corrections were noted.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Len moved the March 28th and April 25th, 2007 minutes be accepted as submitted. The motion was seconded by Stephen and passed unanimously.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The May 25th Fiscal report was presented and discussed. No corrections were noted.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Kathleen moved the Fiscal report be accepted as amended. The motion was seconded by Stephen and passed unanimously.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Roy Spurgeon has retired and will not be continuing to serve on the OR211 Board. Vic Falgout has been nominated to represent southern Oregon on the OR211 Board.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Stephen moved we suspend the formal application process to bring Vic Falgout onto the OR211 Board. The motion was seconded by Len and passed unanimously.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It was determined we need to obtain the formal OR211 Board application paperwork from June Sedarbaum, Howard Klink and Vic Falgout. Jeri will send the Board packet to each of them to be completed.
Bonnie informed us the OEM has just hired a new 911 Program Coordinator. This person will most likely be joining the OR211 Board as the OEM representative after they’ve had a chance to settle into their new job.
Slate of officers
The new slate of officers was introduced with brief explanations about the decision process. The slate of proposed officers is President – Stephen Guntli, Treasurer – Kathleen McHarg, and Secretary – Jimi Smith.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Len moved the slate of officers be accepted as presented. Vic seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A restructuring of the Board is proposed to keep things moving forward. Each Board member will have an assignment based on their area of expertise and the work they are already doing. In conjunction with the restructuring, our meeting schedule would change. Our meetings will be more focused on progress, with less discussion repetition. Board assignments are as follows:
Board Officers
Stephen Guntli: Board Chair, Fundraising
Jimi Smith: Board Secretary, Develop plan for Technology Committee – goals, priorities & next steps
Kathleen McHarg: Treasurer, Lead for State System Development Plan – goals, priorities, next steps, identify who to engage and how at the state and local levels.
Board members & consultant
Jeri Shumate: Logistics coordinator, demonstration projects for 211
Howard Klink: Fundraising, especially corporate funders & corporate end-of year-giving
Vic Falgout: Southern Oregon Plan for launch, assist Kathleen with State Plan.
Julie Massa: Develop Advocacy Plan with goals, priorities & next steps
Wendy VanElverdinghe: Work with Kathleen on State System Development Plan, engage Community Action Programs
Len Hockley: Lane County Plan for launch, assist Kathleen with State Plan.
June Sedarbaum: Coordinate with United Ways across Oregon to determine their role and interest in 2-1-1—work with Kathleen on State Plan
Tom Page: Fundraising
Bonnie McCullough
(OEM Rep): The
board asked Bonnie to work with OR211 to clarify relationship between OEM &
OR211; initiate and pursue dialogue with Washington EMD
It was proposed we change to six bi-monthly meetings to be held from 9am to 12noon on the fourth Wednesday of January, March, May, July, September and November. Three of these meetings are to be held in Salem at the OEM and three will be held in Portland at 211info. We will each provide a written report on our Board assignment. On the fourth Wednesday of each alternate month we will hold a one hour conference call from 9-10am for a brief progress report on assignments. Jeri will develop and distribute a meeting schedule. After brief discussion, all agreed this schedule would give us more time to work on our assignments between live meetings, while the conference call check-in will help keep us on task. With consensus on these changes, our next meeting will be a conference call on June 27th at 9am. Our next face-to-face meeting will be held at 9am on July 25th in Portland.
Stephen presented his first draft of a fundraising plan for our discussion. It was agreed we desperately need some short term solutions and we need them by August. It was felt the most likely source for a short term solution would be from individual donors. There was discussion about potential funders. Tom will take the list of potential funders and begin researching the specifics for each such as their key focus for grants, application process and deadlines, etc.
Stephen would like all of us to focus on next steps, looking for small ideas that move us forward instead of big ideas that don’t go anywhere.
Tom will be sending a template for a letter of support to accompany the OR211 grant application to the National Networks of Libraries of Medicine.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:30pm
Our next meeting will be a conference call at 9am on June 27th. Jeri will send details.
Respectfully submitted,
Jimi Smith, Secretary
Meeting was called to order at 9:05am at the 211info office in Portland.
Jeri Shumate, 211info (Portland Metro Area), Chair
Roy Spurgeon, UCAN (Douglas County), Vice Chair
Len Hockley, White Bird Clinic (Lane County), Treasurer
Stephen Guntli, Oregon CCR&R Network
Julie Massa, Oregon Food Bank
Kathleen McHarg, Multnomah County Aging
Howard Klink, United Way of Columbia Willamette
Jimi Smith, Community Action (Washington County)
Tom Page, Consultant
Vic Falgo, UCAN
The March 28th, 2007 minutes will be reviewed at our next meeting.
The Treasurer’s report was not available for approval, but Jeri presented a couple of highlights. Wendy Van Elverdinghe got approval from the CADO Board for the $1,000 donation to OR211. Our budget total is now $15,686. We have reached the amount required to offer a consulting contract to Tom Page. A contract for 50 hours of work per month for four months was drafted and signed on April 12th.
It was determined our existing business plan will be a good marketing tool, and that it is not time to rewrite it. Tom felt the one time investment figure of $626,000 listed under Funding Requirements on the single page “Business Blueprint” was reasonable. Stephen pointed out that taking into account 211info’s $1.5 million budget plus the budget from Roseburg shows the reasonableness of the net funding need. It was pointed out that pages 52 and 53 of the Business Plan should reflect the financial analysis of the start up costs for the other regional areas, and that we need to clean up the regional breakup of the state as southern Oregon is not recognized at all. We should take elements of the existing plan and make them more realistic.
Stephen noted that on page 25, there are five bullet points. He feels the first two are not something that OR211 might realistically do, but the other points are useful.
Kathleen pointed out that the mutually beneficial partnerships referred to several times in the Business Plan may be the key to success, and that we need much greater discussion with partners and the specialized I&Rs – collaborations and MOUs need to be developed. The development of the 211 statewide system can’t succeed as “them” vs. “us”, but must be a coordinated effort.
Jeri wanted to make sure we convey this is not about “the old” and “the new”, because “the old” works and “the new” will just make it better.
Julie noted that in her discussions with legislators about the many programs that are being cut and the lack of resources, they want to know what is available and stable. 211 fits into this category and provides an entry point for everyone.
There was some question about the purpose of having an Advisory Committee. It was suggested an Advisory Committee, made up of the people who came together for the November retreat could gather once a year (any other meetings would be conducted as conference calls) prior to the legislative session for an overview update. We could ask for their support in an advocacy role. They would work to get State and local support. Potential members might include David Foster, Ellen Lowe, and Lowell Greathouse. Leadership of this group may be a good role for Liesl Wendt.
It was noted that Julie has assisted in scheduling an advocacy meeting on May 21st with Julie, Jeri, Tom and Jon Stubenball, and she would be a good fit for the Advisory Committee.
When action alerts come out or legislation is pending, the committee would activate to raise support. Jeri expressed concern that the LGAC (Local Government Advisory Committee) appeared to be frozen by lumber industry issues, and felt we needed to be careful about how we approach the counties. Tom suggested we tie 211 into the timber loss as an assistance tool. Howard suggested the committee be structured like the United Way Campaign Committee on which each member has five (time limited, specific) assignments each year, and that is the extent of their duties. Len suggested including George Grosch to capture the history of OR211.
On April 24th, the OR211 Board and guests met with Kenn Allen, President of Civil Society Consulting Group, for a dialogue about next steps as measured against our original business plan and against our anticipated future written strategic plans. After a brief review of the notes (Appendix A) taken by Tom during our meeting with Kenn, we discussed some of the pros and cons for OR211
We next reviewed the Two Year Plan for Growth of OR211 written by Stephen (Appendix B). It was agreed we need to develop an advocacy program to assist with securing funding. We also need to work on a request for funding from the State legislature, and develop the framework to deal with any future state or federal funding. Call centers need to be identified and assisted in preparing to provide 211 services in their communities. Outreach to Oregon’s rural areas is key. The legislature needs to be informed of our collaborations and partnerships. We need to develop a relationship between 211 and 911 service providers statewide, and work on other disaster/emergency responder relationships such as OEM, Sheriff’s Association, the Association of Counties. Then we could create joint agreements, messages, and presentations. Our message should reflect the “continuum of care”.
Stephen felt the vaguest of the five specific goals is the third one. What are we trying to do? How are we trying to do it? It was suggested Kathleen and Tom create an outline (structure) to be presented at our June meeting.
In regards to the fourth goal - The first meeting of the Database Selection Committee will be held following this Board meeting to review the selection process and identify the software criteria. 211info is exploring switching to UCN’s phone system which could be expanded to provide statewide call center service as it does in Washington. Julie Harrelson’s input will be needed at our next Board meeting.
The fifth goal is already in process.
The National Networks of Libraries of Medicine regional office in Seattle has 10 grants available in our five state region over the next five years. They are transitioning to human services connections which provide easy access to health services. Tom has talked to NNLM regarding a three year grant of up to $150,000 per year for OR211 which would begin the end of this year. The grant request would be due May 25th, and we should have an answer in 3-4 months. In addition to Oregon funding, they would like to look at a northwest regional (OR, WA, and ID) integration concept paper outlining a fully integrated and shared I&R system.
It was noted Tom’s contract ends in August and we need to raise the funding needed to keep him working for OR211.
Many additional funding options were discussed:
* Stephen will look into the deadline for the Northwest Health Foundation.
* Stephen will look into getting into the fall cycle for the Penny Family Fund
* Howard will look into the Rural Development Initiative as a possibility
* Stephen will start to work on Meyer Memorial Trust
* We all need to watch for, and follow up on any $5,000-6,000 options
The Board’s next meeting date will be determined later and will be held at OEM in Salem.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:00pm
Respectfully submitted,
Jimi Smith, Interim Secretary
_______________________
1. Secure $100,000 and know where remaining $150,000 will come from
Committee: Stephen, Roy/Vic, Jeri, June, Howard
· $15,000 secured, need to raise additional $85,000 by end of 2007
2. Advocacy program planned and ready to launch
Committee: Julie, Jon, Tom, Wendy, Liesl(?)
a. Julie’s boss as advisor
b. Meeting on May 21 with Jon Stubenville(?), also invite Lowell & Liesl
c. Development of Advisory Board/211 Brain Trust – Recruit Lowell Greathouse & Liesl Wendt?
d. Work with Julie’s contacts to develop Action Alert list
e. Identify key partnerships to develop for successful advocacy, e.g. Police & Fire Associations, Human Services Council, Business Council, LGAC, Corrections, CCRR,
3. Plan in place to develop the plan for preparing Oregon communities for a statewide 211 system.
Kathleen to lead process and work with Tom to draft a plan by May or June board meeting.
Be prepared for 1 or 2 more sites to become operational (need to determine actual timeline)
a. What’s required in order to accept calls
b. Criteria and process for designation as call center
c. Funding to move to professional(?) staffing
d. Realistic assessment of resource gap
e. Appropriate local planning to grow into regional center
f. Framework of state plan confirmed
g. Set priorities for development
h. Standardization of data collection
i. Plan for OR 211 to help it happen
j. Deal with OEM - Jeri
Use this “plan to plan” to have Tom develop a concept paper
· Basic proposal
· Contacts with funders
· Follow up and follow through
· Board participation à organizational position(?)
· Plan for extending 2-1-1 coverage
· Fundraising & marketing(?) strategy
4. Decision regarding strategic development and selection process of telephony system.
Committee: Stephen, Whitebird (Len ?)
*Julie Harrelson offered to do high-level overview of telephony technology
5. Decision regarding database software platform. Define criteria for selecting system, identify consultant to facilitate selection process.
Committee: Jimi, Kathleen, Len, June
6. Set time to do 2008 planning -- 11/07
a. Creation of a board development strategy
i. Interim opportunism
ii. Affirmation of willingness to transition board when appropriate
iii. Interim opportunism
· OR 211 received its 501c3 status
· 211 service is good in Portland – model for Douglas
o “warmline”
o Need to revisit database
o Jackson County I&R, partnership with Douglas County
· Bits of funding success
· General public unawareness of 211
· Lane --> online database – “211 Lane Online”
· Bend - -> stalled a bit
· Lack of contact and information about what might be going on elsewhere
· Partners remain fragmented – different platforms
· Legislative authorization for 211 & link with OEM
· 211info working across state Oregon/Washington border
· Positive relationships with Washington & Idaho
· 211info Safenet contract
· Infrastructure in place to go statewide in emergency
Positive
Negative
External Environment
· Federal legislation still alive
· Legislative authorization from OR
· DAS issues resolved
· Effect of Katrina, etc.
· OR is a high-tech region
· Blue state in a red country
· Lack of leadership in state government
· Lack of $$ in state government
· Regressive tax structure in Oregon
· Lack of legislative champion
· Urban/rural divide
I&R/211 Providers
· Increasing collaborative spirit
· Growing understanding of that we can’t have duplication
· Support of other 211s outside Oregon
· XML has not proven itself
· Death of some I&Rs
· Limited capacity to provide 211
· Limited resources: people & money
· Reluctance to expand coverage area
OR 211
· Jeri’s leadership
· Incurable enthusiasm
· Moved from Steering Committee to incorporated organization with board
· Still has beginning of plan
· Demonstrated success in Portland
· Resources for advocacy
· Moved from Steering Committee to incorporated organization with board
· Foggy memory
· Openness on part of funders to support OR 211
· Energy going into response to deterioration of education system
· State budget has hit bottom and is starting to bounce back
· Increased need for 211
· Change/increase in use of technology
o Used to using what 211 can bring to tech table
· Knowledge available from existing 211s nationwide
· Give, get or get off: commitment to support OR 211 financially and bring in other support
· Willing to take on work responsibilities outside of board meetings (Transition board)
· Ability to influence people in power
__________________________
Two Year Plan for Growth of OR211
April, 2007
At an OR 211 Board planning meeting on November 1, 2006, participants agreed that professional level staffing will be needed to move forward as an organization. We have received a commitment from the United Way of the Columbia-Willamette to serve as a fiscal agent and administrative home for a staff person and office. Through a small fundraising campaign coordinated by the Board, we have raised enough funds to hire a consultant for a four month period beginning April 12. We have hired Tom Page, who has provided the leadership to create a 211 system in the state of Washington. At a recent OR211 Board meeting, we established five specific goals for the coming year:
Meeting was called to order at 9:10am at the Oregon Office of Emergency Management in Salem.
Jeri Shumate, 211info (Portland Metro Area), Chair
Roy Spurgeon, UCAN (Douglas County), Vice Chair
Len Hockley, White Bird Clinic (Lane County), Treasurer
Stephen Guntli, Oregon CCR&R Network
June Harris, United Way (Lane County)
Julie Massa, Oregon Food Bank
Kathleen McHarg, Multnomah County Aging
Jimi Smith, Community Action (Washington County)
Tom Page, Consultant
A brief update was provided on Wendy Elverdinghe’s successful surgery.
The January 30th and March 6th, 2007 minutes were reviewed. No corrections were noted.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Julie moved that the January 30th and March 6th, 2007 minutes be accepted as submitted. The motion was seconded by Len and passed unanimously.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Treasurer’s report for the period from 7/1/06 through current was presented. Jeri explained the increased amount of income in “Board and Friends Donations” includes one pledge which has not yet been received. It was noted that Wendy has not had an opportunity to ask the CADO Board for additional funding due to her recent health issues.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jimi moved that the Treasurer’s report be accepted as amended. The motion was seconded by Roy and passed unanimously.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As Jeri explained to the Board in her 2/14/07 email, the 211info Board has approved a matching grant of $5,000 to OR211. This grant is to be made available to OR211 upon its successfully securing an additional $10,000 in committed funding no later than March 31, 2007. Jeri noted that we are currently only $900 away from reaching the $10,000 goal, but only have a few days left in which to raise the funds. She felt the 211info Board would probably be willing to grant us a two week extension if necessary.
Two changes in Board officers have recently come up. Roy will be retiring and will not be able to continue as Board Vice Chair. He will bring his replacement to the April board meeting for introductions. Wendy would like to continue on the OR211 Board, but will not be able to continue in her capacity as Board Secretary. Jeri proposed that we generate a slate of prospective officers for discussion at our April meeting, and voted on the slate of officers at the May meeting.
Jeri asked that we clarify what OR211 can do to support the regional efforts and call centers. Three areas of support were identified: 1) legislative support, 2) technical assistance, and 3) generation of funding.
Roy indicated they continue to be dissatisfied with ServicePoint and would support changing to another I&R software. Also, the legislative support would be a key area of support for their area.
June felt that re-addressing the OR211 recommended software selection would be helpful as Lane County would like to align its regional system with the statewide system.
Jeri, Stephen and Tom met on Monday the 26th to discuss what preparations are needed to get ready for requesting funds from the State Legislature. They determined we need to build a plan outlining what is up and running, and what areas need further development.
Joyce White, Grantmakers of Oregon & Southwest Washington
Jeri and Tom recently met with Joyce as an introductory step. Joyce understands and supports the need for 211. She was impressed with Tom, and felt that hiring Tom is what OR211 needs at this time. She indicated now is the time to get back to funders like the Ford Family Foundation, Meyers Memorial Trust, Oregon Community Foundation, etc. She felt we need to develop relationships in the business and emergency response communities. A few potential contacts are Duncan Wiese, President of The Business Alliance, Bill Thorndike with Medford Industries, and John Gray who is an individual with ties to the Oregon Community Foundation. Tom mentioned the importance of connecting to the emergency response community due to the recent focus on homeland security.
Joyce suggested looking into legacy projects we could initiate in 2009 during Oregon’s sesquicentennial. Sue Densmore was identified as a possible contact.
We discussed Joyce’s suggestion about gaining validation by partnering with Portland State University’s School of Social Work for data research. She further suggested we connect with One Economy-The Beehive.
Tom will contact Sue Mazio regarding the best approach for a funding request at the Boeing Employees Community Fund. Julie may also have a contact there – Mike Whitehead. She will give his contact information to Tom for follow-up.
Len asked about partnering with the Red Cross. Tom mentioned the Red Cross has a national directive to work with 211. We discussed the structure and feasibility of partnering with the Red Cross.
Jan Kennedy, Murdock Trust
Jan was not very encouraging due to their past experiences with Idaho, but our relationship with Joyce White and recent progress may improve her Board’s perspective. Stephen suggested we develop a one page, two year plan and send it to Jan within the week. It would give her time to think about OR211 and begin to work with her Board.
Ellen Lowe and Kay Sohl
Jeri and Tom hope to catch Ellen briefly between sessions. Nothing is expected to happen in this session, and they feel OR211 needs to pay for the services of a lobbyist. Julie has been encouraging others to include 211 (by name) success stories in their testimony. It was suggested we contact John Mullin, and Stephen mentioned he knows of a few funders who pay for lobbyists.
Jeri has scheduled a meeting with Kay Sohl on April 13th so she can meet Tom and they can update her on OR211 activities.
Kenn Allen re: Strategic Planning
Jeri reviewed Kenn’s history and involvement with 211. She has scheduled a meeting for the afternoon of April 24th in Portland.
Mary Hogan re: Database Development
Jeri gave a brief rundown of Mary’s background. Mary recently resigned from her position as Vice President of the Connecticut 211 which is a statewide system including CCR&R, Maternal & Child Health, etc. Jeri is trying to schedule a meeting for the afternoon of April 25th. Jimi will be reactivating the Technology Committee. Since the recommendation that OR211 use ServicePoint was made almost three years ago, we would like to conduct a new the database selection. We would like the Tech Committee to meet with Mary to discuss the best process for this future database evaluation.
Jeri mentioned 211info will be moving to the UCN phone system. They are having a meeting to discuss conversion by June 30th of this year.
We need to begin creating community relationships and identify mission relationships. Stephen feels we need a current two year plan that includes:
1. Advocacy – in the form of hiring a lobbyist.
2. Preparing for statewide 211.
3. Providing assistance for the current 211s.
4. Fundraising to include a) private sector seed funding to work with the plan and get the statewide effort off the ground, b) start working in ’08 in order to take a funding request to the legislature in ’09, c) OR211 must be ready and established as the entity to manage the federal funding prior to its arrival, and d) support local efforts to acquire and sustain local funding. Seed money would be used to hire a full time director and a .5FTE admin assistant. In order to show our readiness to manage federal funds, we need to prepare a funding formula. We may need to use 211info data resources to make a case to support local efforts in acquiring sustainable funding.
Brainstorm item: The funding community has its own taxonomy. Maybe we could find the common ground between the I&R taxonomy and the funding community’s taxonomy to create pertinent data for the funders.
Julie indicated that data is quantitative, and that we also need to include the qualitative piece which would be the client stories. We all need to work on gathering those stories.
Tom felt we should be clear about exactly what 211 can do. For example, the fact that 211’s phone number is listed on all the electric bills does not mean 211 can give everyone money to pay their bills.
Jeri mentioned clarifying the marketing message to avoid incorrect messaging as we heard about at our last meeting (the opinion column written by Rene Mitchell for the Oregonian).
Stephen felt we need a realistic picture of what we can do to prepare for statewide 211. He felt we are in a good position to do a one page, two year proposal (one project/one service) and disburse it to everyone.
Jeri mentioned a potential new model for the more rural areas. This model uses a “one stop” approach with community health, CADO, CCR&R, mental health and aging and disability resources all sharing resource and call center duties while maintaining their particular specialization and keeping the services locally focused.
211 needs to be presented as the means to a more effective coordination for service delivery. We need to identify existing models to share. We also need to find agencies open to exploring partnerships starting with statewide groups such as mentioned above. These groups should have statewide help lines and a functioning network. These groups should be open to new modes of service delivery and would be good candidates for the one page, two year plan.
We need to develop and communicate a role for 211 in disaster, and we need to be clear and maintain the focus on OR211’s mission.
We need a mission statement that incorporates:
- An understanding that every Oregonian can dial 211 at any time to get help
- Creates support for 211 network
- Educates and gains support for 211
- Develops a unified system
- Coordinates and collaborates
- Is a channel/conduit for resources and awareness
- Technical resource for 211s and possibly other I&Rs
- Explores and develops partnerships for more effective and efficient service delivery
We need to give some thought to statewide organizations that should be included. Kay Sohl may be able to provide a list. We determined we are not at a point where we need to include particular entities due to their area of expertise (lawyer, human resources, fiscal, etc) yet.
Funding is nearly completed in order to offer Tom Page a contract. The Board needs to empower 211info to draft a contract for Tom’s services.
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Katleen so moved. The motion was seconded by Roy and passed unanimously.
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The Board’s next meeting will be April 25th from 9am to noon at OEM in Salem.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:00pm
Respectfully submitted,
Jimi Smith, Interim Secretary
OR 211 Board of Directors
Meeting was called to order at 9:10am at the Oregon Office of Emergency Management in Salem.
Jeri Shumate, 211info (Portland Metro Area), Chair
Roy Spurgeon, UCAN (Douglas County), Vice Chair
Len Hockley, White Bird Clinic (Lane County), Treasurer
June Harris, United Way (Lane County)
Stephen Guntli, Oregon CCR&R Network
Kathleen McHarg, Multnomah County Aging
Jimi Smith, Community Action (Washington County)
Ken Keim, Oregon OEM
Julie Massa, Oregon Food Bank
Tom Page, 211 Leadership Council
Welcome and introductions were made. The Board is joined by Julie Massa from the Oregon Food Bank and Ken Keim from Oregon Office of Emergency Management. Introductions were followed by a couple brief announcements.
A brief update was provided on Wendy Van Elverdinghe’s successful surgery.
Jeri Shumate explained that Jonathan Brock has resigned the OEM. Ken Keim, who is very familiar with the work of OR 211, will be joining our Board meetings until another OEM person is identified as a permanent Board member.
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Len moved that Ken Keim be accepted as a voting proxy on the Board until a permanent OEM replacement is identified. The motion was seconded by Roy and passed unanimously.
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The approval of the January 2007 minutes will be tabled until our next meeting as not everyone had a copy of the minutes for review.
The Treasurer’s report for the period from 7/1/06 through current was presented. It was noted that we have not yet received official approval on the $5,000 grant from the United Way of the Columbia Willamette.
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Ken Keim moved that the Treasurer’s report be accepted as amended. The motion was seconded by Roy and passed unanimously.
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211info
Jeri introduced the opinion column written by Rene Mitchell for the Oregonian regarding a crisis caller who was unable to locate help, and a follow-up article detailing a “secret shopper” call made to 211info by Rene Mitchell. Although both calls were handled correctly, the first article implied a lack of appropriateness in 211info’s response to the caller. The second article was clearer about the fact th