Articles from prior issues of The Advocate

January/February, 1996

CCP Survey Voices Communication As Priority
by Leslie Hendren, CCP Chair

THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF DISABILITY Examiners (NADE) supports a number of mission statements in the development and execution of the Long Range Plan. Mission statement three is to “Provide an Atmosphere of Fraternity,” (Chapter Services Manual, Section 1, Page 7). Objective four directs the Council of Chapter Presidents (CCP) to survey the memberships annually to obtain feedback from the Chapters as to what activities they have been involved in and which activities have been successful.

This survey was developed and placed in all National Conference Packets in Portland, Maine in October, 1995. Fifty-five surveys were returned. Thanks to all of you who participated in this survey.

There is a great deal of diversity among our Chapters and membership. This is certainly demonstrated in the following survey results.

Respondents indicate that 91% of their Chapters hold regularly scheduled meetings. Twenty-six of the 55 (47%) hold at least monthly meetings. Eight of the 55 (15%) meet quarterly.

Approximately 50% of these Chapters utilize a formal budget process. The budget amounts vary from $1100 to $7500. (Many members were not aware if their chapters have a budget or not).

More than 96% of respondents are members of Chapters that both raise funds for activities and support local charities. Fund raiser activities vary from the perennial bake sale to phone surveys, boat rides and spare penny collections. Food sales were dominant, however, with candy, pizza, bagels, ice cream and jambalaya mentioned. Many of the charities involve holiday sponsorships of families, donation of toys and food, as well as the Salvation Army, Hospital and Hospice groups, Transplant Fund, Oklahoma Disaster Fund and Blood Drives. A majority of respondents, 32 of 55 (58%) relate that their local Chapter sponsors regular social activities for its members. These activities include parties, picnic luncheons, volleyball and bowling.

Twenty-nine of 55 members responding (52%) belong to Chapters that are active in Legislative efforts. Twenty-one of 55 (38%) indicate that at least some of their members utilize the internet for NADE communication. Sixty-two per cent of respondents feel that communication among the NADE Board and Local Chapters is adequate. A number of interesting comments/suggestions were made and are listed below.

“Most of the news that I receive is through the CCP. There needs to be improved communication between the NADE board and local Presidents. We receive info months after it has happened and by the time I pass it along to my members, its old news.”

“Suggest communication to local Chapters via internet.”

“If there is communication between the NADE board and Local Chapters, not much filters down to the membership. What we get is from the ADVOCATE.” “Not all Chapters have E-mail; some Chapter Presidents don’t share CCP mailing info; not all regional directors disseminate info timely.” “Some kind of fax or letter to keep us up to date on what is happening Nationwide. The ADVOCATE is good but is not frequent enough to be the only mode of communication.”

“Access to legislative updates, NADE position papers, etc. should be faxed to Chapter Presidents ASAP.”

“I feel the NADE board is out of touch with what we are going through. We get very little, if any, support.”

“Regional Directors have not communicated to the Local Chapters.”

“I’d be in favor of an outreach effort to include anyone with internet access in the NADE net. Someone at the meetings suggested creating a home page-good idea! The editors of the ADVOCATE are to be commended for their reporting skills.”

“Very special people are involved with NADE-I’m most appreciative of my membership.”

“Regional Director works in our office and keeps us informed. I will try to communicate better as it is a two-way street.” Most respondents have attended only two National Conferences in the last five years (27%). Twelve per cent have attended all five. On a Regional level, 30% of respondents have attended two of the last five conferences; and 24% have attended five. One member has attended ten.

When asked about the most important benefits of NADE membership, several themes were repeated. The following comments are representative.

“Having a voice in the Legislative process; being kept up to date on the latest in the re-engineering process; Networking with members and exchanging practices, being recognized as a professional and continuing education.”

“Communication; Education; Mutual support, social activities.”

“Access to the Legislature--SSA is never going to deal with the issues; we have to make the end run to congress.”

“Professional growth, leadership experience, social contacts, travel and tours, excitement.”

“Insight into changes within the system and ability to participate in and affect those changes to protect the integrity and effectiveness of the system.”

“1)Conferences: Meet and exchange ideas

2)ADVOCATE: Bob Burgess’ analysis of discrepancies between DDS and ALJ decisions was worth the price of membership

3)Legislation: I support NADE’s efforts and hope my chapter will be more active

4)Certification: May save jobs with redesign.”

Survey results demonstrate that NADE is a valuable and useful organization for most of our members. It is also evident that there are areas that could be improved. All levels of membership must make communication a priority. It only takes one weak link to break off an entire group. With the strength of communication, we could easily increase the impact of our legislative efforts.

If any member is interested in more detailed survey results, do not hesitate to contact the CCP Chair.