Present: Mishawn Zudweg, Katrina Corwin, Brenda Hall, Jennifer Laskey, David Princer, Susie Batenburg, Susan Sunden, Brenda Greenhoe

NOTES: BIG THANKS to GODS MIRACLE KIDS of Heritage Methodist Church for providing the delicious food and drink!! Great Work!

1.       Welcome! 

·         Two new members! Yea!

2.       Handout: Goals/simple message

·         Goals and Objectives for both sites shared

·         These were gathered in at last month’s meeting

·         They are reflective of ECIC’s parent coalition goal 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 of specific to their local areas of concern and need

·         The group suggested names of local experts who might be willing to do a presentation for our group targeting on identified subjects of interest

3.       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.

·         The suggestion was made that the resource guide and business card be sent home with students

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

·         No one has seen these pocket guides

·         Should be customized to highlight local contacts of service agencies who provide help to families with young children. Parents agreed to forward local resource information to Sue Sunden so these could be included on the card.

·         Parents agreed to seek sponsorship for printing locally, after updates to the list.

4.       Star Power Rally

·         Thursday, May 21^st

·         Current Proposed Schedule for the day shared with group

·         Flags for each county will be provided

·         Opportunity to meet with legislators and view session from the gallery

·         Honors for Advocates Assembly, then Collaborative Circle: What worked, what didn’t, wrap up

·         Parents will check schedules and make plans to attend if possible

5.       Community Service / School Carnival

·         The group is dedicated to provide service to the community in order to get our name ‘out there’ Parents will check schedules and volunteer to man game booths and rotate in to a Great Start Booth at each event. Contact Sue soon to sign up!

·         May 15^th  at McNaughton 5:30pm – 8:30pm, parents will volunteer at booths

·         April 24^th at Sand Lake   5:30pm – 8:30pm with parents assisting at booths

·         GSC parent coalition will be allowed to have a Great Start Coalition booth at both sites. Brenda Hall/Susan Sunden to coordinate contacts with the Sand Lake Boosters.

·         We are searching for embroidered polo shirts for volunteers to wear whilst they assist

·         Suggestion made that we use a new print shop in Howard City for the embroidery

·         The eastside coalition is focusing their volunteer efforts toward literacy and putting books in the hands of all children, Dolly Parton library, Book Drive / Collection of books for give away at Baby pantries throughout the county. Jennifer Laskey will forward information about Scholastic Book opportunities to Sue Sunden. Sue will share this idea with the east side PC members.

6.       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

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

7.       Elevator Speech

·         Rough draft shared with group

·         Montcalm Great Start Parent Coalition

Speaking and Working for Children and Families…..

       Supporting Families Through:

                    Open Communication and Listening

                    Community Involvement and Service

                    Resource Awareness and Referral

                    Parent Support and Education

                       For More Information:

                  www.greatstartmontcalm.org

                       Or Call:   231. 414.2143

8.       Parent Share Time

·         Angel Food Ministries Program

·         Advocating for our children, learning what to do to get what you need for your child

·         Parent Coalition Members are invited to this Educational Opportunity on March. 19, 2009, Parents Advisory Committee meeting in Stanton, 6:30pm: “Making Meetings Work: Effective IEP Participation” RSVP as soon as possible to Sue Sunden at the information below if you are interested in attending.

9.       Other

Respectfully Submitted:

Brenda Greenhoe, Great Start Director

Susan Sunden, Parent Liaison

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231-414-2143