Coordinating Multiple Programs and Services Canadian School Health Conference April, 2008

National Coordinating Committee on School Health and Safety Initiated early 1990s as Interagency Committee on School Health (ICSH) In 1993, the first Interagency Statement on School Health (US Dept. of Ed., US Health and Human Services, US Dept. of Agriculture) Non-governmental organizations invited by the Deputy Secretaries to participate

National Coordinating Committee on School Health and Safety ICSH disbanded under current administration Governance by permanent federal co-chair plus elected NGO co-chair and steering committee Federal funding (limited) to support meetings and part-time consultant Membership expanded—Federal agencies and NGOs  Now 6 Federal Agencies plus branches within the agencies  64 NGOs

National Coordinating Committee on School Health and Safety The primary point of intersection between the federal government and NGOs working to advance the health and safety of all children and adolescents and promoting their academic success.

National Coordinating Committee on School Health and Safety Sample Activities  Published series of articles in the Journal of School Health on the connections between health and academic achievement  Influenced the US Department of Education regarding access to research  Strategic plan process—focus on the whole child  Provides networking opportunities  Two meetings a year

Friends of School Health Established in 2000 by an ad hoc group of NGOs—non-partisan Governance and funding—informal Promotes coordinated school health programs Sponsors Congressional briefings, news conferences and other events

Friends of School Health Facilitates communication and information sharing across NGOs on advocacy issues (e.g. Farm Bill, S-CHIP) Provides formal testimony on “the Hill” and meets with members of Congress Meets by regular phone calls and one face-to-face planning meetings

Strategies for Success Initial Development Compelling reason to exist Secure strong leadership and a champion Leverage existing successful alliances and partnerships Intentionally diversify the membership base Create an operating code or agreement Determine the decision-making process Identify the appropriate representatives

Strategies for Success Ongoing Operation Attend to and respect member priorities and needs Be intentional about providing benefits Set annual priorities and jointly prepare and annual plan of activities Obtain staff support Do regular check-ins and evaluations

Resources Journal of Health Promotion and Education-XII/3-5 (Potts-Datema, W. et al., pp National Coordinating Committee on School Health and Safety