SCNYED Special Projects Committee Meeting Notes

5/15/09
Present: Joe Sellepack, Allison Alden, Joe Slavik, Daryl Newvine,David Karre, Ron Charsky, Katie McDonald, Mike Kvassay

Joe provided an update from the last meeting of the entire group. He reviewed basic information concerning our interns – Katie and Mike. He noted that it is important for both Katie and Mike to be working together with our group and their projects. Darrel began a conversation about research. What needs to be considered and what might be included in the results. Also, how will this information beshared with the entire group and how can methodology be made useful for smaller NPOs.

We discussed classification schemes. Katie has researched some information and shared that electronically with the group. We again discussed some of the issues relating to the New Hampshire and Michigan studies, noting that the NH study is likely very similar towhat we’d like to do.

We also wondered – have we defined what our “service area” is? NO! Considered it to be 4 counties – Broome, Tioga, Chenango and Delaware

Allison mentioned topics we need to be certain re included: benefits to individual; benefits to organizations, and benefits / inputs to larger social issues, such as short-term and long-term solutions to hunger. Ron mentioned we also need to consider “who is our customer”.Joe S. noted this is important, but we also need to balance “customer wants” with the concept of “public good”. Allison noted we also need to have a “face” to represent the public good. She also noted we need to identify our assets that help us meet our goals. Joe S. mentionedwe need to look at Community events that help us meet our goals, such as SpeidieFest and CHOW walk, etc. It was noted that the Harwood document relates to this issue.

ITEMS TO DO:

• a draft of a 1-page “flyer” outlining the program (David will do)
• a draft of an “ask letter” for financial and organizational support(Joe S. will do)

Allison began a conversation about the funding issue for the project... It was noted that Jerry Putman from Decker noted that foundations will be looking for impact. The idea was also discussed with Donna Hill. She felt it might be a tougher sell than we thought, as foundation’s are more focused on the outcome that might identify where there’s duplication of services which could lead to possible consolidation. She did note however that foundations were open to additional information gathering. Allison noted that it is critical to remember that “shared services” does not mean the same as consolidation. Darrel noted that we may not need foundation funding if enough participants help underwrite the cost of the entire project. David mentioned we also need to look a6t corporate funding, the way NH did.

Darrel began a conversation of the project, noting we have 2 internsfor 300 hours. And he asked – what do we want them to produce? Joe S.mentioned that Broome Council of Churches is looking for Katie to create a framework / design plan to pass on to the next person. Allison noted that Katie’s project is more “qualitative” while Mike’s project with Darrel and Family Enrichment Network is more “quantitative”. It is anticipated that we will need 1 intern in the fall, 1 intern in the spring and 3 interns in the summer to “complete”the project

Darrel asked – what do we want Mike to do re: financial impact? We will need local demographics (population, homes, ethnicity, etc). Allison noted we need to see what has been done and is available sothat we might borrow methodology from that and determine what might be consistent with what we want. Ron noted we need to have interim reports to be sure we’re all moving forward together. Allison wondered what local data might be currently available, and Katie will followup.

Katie noted she’s been reading lots of information / articles and will be posting some to the group next week. Some of these will relate to a “philosophical overview” of such studies.

Next meeting of the Special Projects group will be 6/2 at 2pm atBroome County Council of Churches. The next meeting of the entire group will be 6/16 at 8:30am at AVRE.