Sidney Township Hall, 3019 Grow Road, Sidney, MI  48885

Present: Jyll Mitchell, Lisa Lund, Susan Sunden, Brenda Greenhoe

NOTES:

Welcome! 

Handout: Goals/simple message

·         Goals and Objectives for both sites shared

·         These were generated at last month’s meeting

·         They are reflective of ECIC’s Purpose Statements for PC areas

·         The chart shared identified details for each goal area and how the two groups will address the areas

·         The two groups have prioritized activities specific to their local areas of concern and need

·         We have added a number of new collaborative members, yea!!

·         Parent Education: seeking possible options for speakers and topics.

·         Sue shared information from the Dispute Resolution presentation sponsored by PAC on March 19^th at MAISD.  The emphasis was on dispute resolution and meeting facilitation.

·         There is interest focused on the social emotional development of children, fostering resilience, self efficacy.

·         It was suggested that we coordinate our parent trainings with the GSRP teachers group. It is important to keep it flexible for parents. It would be helpful to get as many options out there for parents.

·         Intentional connections with parents.

Resource update

·         Sue shared pocket resource guides these have phone numbers of organizations and resource links to assist community members

·         A quick way to get people services is on a business card shared by Lisa Lund.  It drives people to a web address which lists current resources.

·         Also, parent coalition members would have a few to share with contacts

·         Should be customized to highlight local contacts of service agencies who provide help to families with young children – Angel Food Ministries Helping Hands

·         Stanton Ford / Great Start could print the resource guide customizing it with a focus on early childhood and families. Lisa will forward the template.

Star Power Rally

·         Thursday, May 21^st

·         Current Proposed Schedule for the day shared with group – 9am gather at capitol, lunch with legislator, view from the gallery.

·         Webinar for preparation for April 16^th  8am, April 21^st at 12noon, April 28^th at 1pm , May 5^th at 7pm   

·         The group STRONGLY feels that webinars are not the best way to communicate with parents. Most young families either have no phones or only cell phones – using cell minutes is expensive for families. Sue will work on getting the “Talking Points” handouts to all parents via email and/or snail mail as an alternative to the Webinar offerings.

·         Parents need MORE details.

·         Flags for each county will be provided

·         ECIC requires us to register by April 27, 2009

Community Service / Literacy Project exploration

·         The group is exploring literacy development. Perhaps the Stanton 1^st Baptist church could be the non-profit group to initiate the process for participation in the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.  

·         Perhaps a book drive / collection of books could be gathered and given away at Baby pantries throughout the county. We could possible work in tandem with the local libraries, 8 Cap, the Montcalm County Literacy Council (Elaine Crawford)

Advocacy

·         Postcard / email drive

·         Get parents to go to legislative brown bag luncheons

·         Shared mailing postcard fold outs from Mike Huckleberry’s office

·         Perhaps a craft day activity of parents and children making something that goes to the legislators

·         We could do this at our booth at We Care 4 Kids family fun day on April 25^th

·         Create postcards specifically aimed at our cause to be sent to legislators

Elevator Speech

·         PC cards shared with group, distributed to PC members

·         Montcalm Great Start Parent Coalition

Speaking and Working for Children and Families…..

       Supporting Families Through:

                    Open Communication

                    Community Involvement and Service

                    Resource Awareness and Referral

                    Parent Support and Education

                       For More Information:

                  www.greatstartmontcalm.org

                       Or Call:   231. 414.2143

Parent Share Time

·         Parent Trainings: Love and Logic; 1,2,3 Magic

 Next Parent Coalition Meetings: Sidney: April 28, 2009, 10am-12noon, Sidney Township Hall.                                                               

                                                                Howard City: April 21, 6:30-8pm, Heritage United Methodist Church

Respectfully Submitted:     Brenda Greenhoe, Great Start Director

                                                   Susan Sunden, Parent Liaison, Great Start Montcalm

                                                This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 231-414-2143