0 SILC Membership Development: Recruiting, Orienting and Supporting Council Members A National Webinar/Teleconference Presented by: Camille Pansa & Shelly Emery Monday, March 8, :00 PM – 4:30 PM EST SILC-NET Presents…

1 SILC Membership Development: Recruiting, Orienting and Supporting Council Members A National Webinar/Teleconference Presented by: Camille Pansa & Shelly Emery Monday, March 8, :00 PM – 4:30 PM EST SILC-NET Presents…

2 Introduction and Objectives Describe effective strategies to strengthen SILC member recruitment processes that will result in committed, highly engaged council members, while reducing turnover. Identify the elements of highly effective member orientation sessions that result in greater knowledge of the IL field and a higher comfort level among members as they begin their new roles. Utilize effective “best practice” tools and techniques for improving the ongoing support and development of SILC members.

3 Typical Problems Poor attendance Quorums not met Lack of knowledge about the SILC and the overall IL program Members uncomfortable in their roles and responsibilities Member turnover

4 What are the geographic and demographic realities that your SILC needs to consider? Is it feasible to do direct, in-person outreach and recruitment, or do you need to do recruitment via other methods (public service announcements, etc.) and through partnership networks? Can members readily attend on-site trainings, or would this be an expensive and time consuming endeavor?

5 What are the geographic and demographic realities that your SILC needs to consider?, contd. Is your SILC membership large or small? Do you have plenty of well-informed members with the time and ability to mentor new members, or do new members need to be supported by a few individual members &/or staff?

6 Rhode Island Demographic Impact Smallest state, ranked 43 rd in population The 4 largest population centers are within 18 miles of each other Opposite regions of the state can be reached in a little more than an hour

7 Rhode Island Demographic Impact, contd. There are two CILs in the state, with no unserved areas. Impact: Possible to do in-person outreach Possible to do in-person training/meetings Low population from which to draw qualified and knowledgeable members

8 Oregon Demographic Impact 9 th largest state, but ranked 27 th in population There are 4-5 main population centers, with the majority of the state being rural Can take 6-9 hours to get from a SILC meeting location to other locations across the state

9 Oregon Demographic Impact, contd. 14 of 36 counties without an IL Center Impact: Difficult to do in-person outreach Costly and time consuming to have in-person training/meetings Difficult to locate new, qualified members with disabilities in some areas, who have IL knowledge and are not connected to a CIL or state agency

10 Recruitment – What has worked? Rhode Island – –Planning Written recruitment process List of volunteer opportunities Application Interview Sheet Letter of welcome and acceptance

11 Recruitment – What has worked?, cont. Broadened Recruiting Base Networking Advertising Council members Formal Interview with ED Membership Committee Review and Approval Nominated for Council membership after one year of active participation

12 Recruitment – What has worked? Oregon Recruitment Tool sent to CILs and directors of disability organizations (lists SILC responsibilities, types of members needed, and how to apply) Targeting specific organizations where desired representation may be found (through member/staff involvement in advisory group meetings & direct requests for representation)

13 Recruitment – What has worked?, contd. Good vetting process Interview & reference checks Meeting attendance Potential committee participation prior to membership

14 Recruitment – What has worked?, contd. Vetting Process – Interviews Do they understand the SILC’s responsibilities? Do they have any conflicting personal agendas? Do they live out the IL philosophy, even if they don’t know the terminology? Do they have the time to participate? Do they have any knowledge about CIL services? Do they have any affiliations that will help with SILC collaboration?

15 Recruitment – What hasn’t worked? Rhode Island Poorly planned processes Doing recruiting at Centers for Independent Living Immediate nominator for SILC membership Oregon Recruitment brochures at conferences/events Notices in SILC newsletter or on our Web site Recruitment announcements at SILC meetings Not publishing clear information about the SILC’s specific role

16 Other Recruitment Ideas Free Public Service Announcements on radio and television, in targeted areas Notices in targeted local newspapers Notices in newsletters of partner organizations Visits to disability organization offices Communication with disability support group leaders

1717 Questions & Answers

18 Orientation - What Has Worked? Rhode Island Active participation on a committee Completion of five in-person training sessions   Independent Living Philosophy   Centers for Independent Living   The SILC   The SPIL   Tour of a Center

19 Orientation - What Has Worked?, contd. Attending a quarterly SILC meeting Demonstrated ability to be an effective council member

20 Oregon Attending a SILC meeting during vetting process Self-Paced Training Modules – Basic Orientation module available prior to appointment (in desired format, and on the Web) Orientation Packet – Contains reference info handbook and orientation process checklist Self-Assessed Knowledge on Key Topics with Follow Up Review of Correct Answers   SILC 101 Orientation - What Has Worked?, contd.

2121 Questions & Answers

2222 Ongoing Training Potential Training Methods Self-paced, in depth topical training modules In-person training days, or topical training during segments of SILC meetings Shadowing those with experience Periodic Knowledge Assessments to evaluate growth

2323 Ongoing Training, contd. Potential Training Methods Knowledge Assessment Fact Review – At SILC meetings Targeted ILRU Courses – In person, online & transcripts Targeted Conference/Training Events – Related to member assignments A-Day-At-A-CIL

24 Potential Training Topics History and the IL Movement Foundations of the IL Doctrine Political Response to Disability Rights Activism – The Rehab Act Relationship of Rehab Act to Workforce Investment Act – WIA

25 Potential Training Topics, contd. Significant Rehab Act Amendments & Rehab Act Titles Title VII – IL Services Title VII Implementation in your state

26 Potential Training Topics, contd.   Elements of the SPIL   Section 704   IL Service Regulatory Documents   Current SPIL Goals & Objectives   Current SPIL Funding   Section 705 – SILC Duties   SILC Budget   SILC Operations Title VII Implementation in your state

27 Potential Training Topics, contd.  Bylaws & Policies  Committees  Chapter One – Part B (potential and current uses)  Chapter One – Part C (potential and current uses)  Section 725 CIL Assurances  CIL Core Services Title VII Implementation in your state

28 Potential Training Topics, contd. IL Services from Past to Present – Related to Your State (e.g. CIL history, funding history, etc.) Relevant IL Acronyms for Your State

29 Keeping Members Engaged & Involved Involve members in committees, specific tasks & ongoing education Utilize small work groups – helps the quiet members have a voice

30 Keeping Members Engaged & Involved, contd. Involve members in networking activities, outreach, workshops, gathering of needs assessment input, etc. Connect members with mentors, if needed

31 Keeping Members Motivated Communicate regularly so that problems can be addressed Use periodic surveys or group discussions to gather input on program improvements and what seems to be working well for members Periodic check-in with members by chairperson, staff, etc. to take the pulse of members

32 Keeping Members Motivated, contd. Always have chairperson, staff, etc. check in with members when level of activity changes Plan occasional social/ice breaking events for members to build relationships Provide feedback and recognition

3333 Questions & Answers

34 Wrap Up and Evaluation Click the link now to complete an evaluation of today’s program found at: g42b7b g42b7b g42b7b g42b7b

35 SILC-NET Support for development of this Webinar/teleconference was provided by the U.S. Department of Education, Rehabilitation Services Administration under grant number H132B No official endorsement of the Department of Education should be inferred. Permission is granted for duplication of any portion of this PowerPoint presentation, providing that the following credit is given to the SILC-NET project: Presented as part of the SILC-NET, a program of the IL NET, an ILRU/NCIL/APRIL National Training and Technical Assistance Project.