Articles from prior issues of The Advocate

May/June, 1996

“Can We Talk?”
by Leslie Hendren, CCP Chairperson

THE PROMOTION OF COMMUNICATION, COOPERATION and interaction will all NADE members is of primary importance to the NADE board. A number of communication avenues are currently in place and others are being developed. These avenues are designed to maintain an active relationship and to result in continuous dialogue, participation and influence with our membership. Association members who are as fully informed as possible on all NADE activities are a formidable asset. The following current means of communication have been identified:

1. The NADE Advocate. This Association newsletter is published bi-monthly. It is the policy of NADE to publish well written, even though controversial articles. Members are encouraged to submit articles as well as letters to the editor for publication.

2. Memoranda from the President. The NADE President is responsible for keeping the membership informed of the progress and activities of the Association. This usually take the form of executive memos to the board and the President’s column in the Advocate. In order for the President to adequately represent NADE, he/she must rely upon the express interest of NADE members. Direct communication from individuals and chapters is encouraged.

3. Communication from the Regional Directors (RD’s). Each of NADE’s seven regions elects one RD for a two year term who will represent the region and vote on the NADE board. The RD is the conduit for all communications from the region’s chapters to the board, and from the board to the regions. The bylaws direct that the RDs “maintain written communication with each chapter within his/her region a minimum of at least once per yearly quarter.”

4. Communication from the Council of Chapter Presidents (CCP). The CCP Chair is charged with coordination of regular correspondence to the CCP membership. This correspondence is currently on a bi-monthly basis. Any CCP member, NADE board member or committee chair is encouraged to utilize this communication avenue.

5. Distribution of board meeting minutes upon request. These minutes may be requested by any member from the NADE Secretary.

6. Annual reports and other information presented at the Delegate Assembly. The Delegate Assembly is that part of each annual conference in which Association business is accomplished. Each conference attender is a delegate and may voice opinions and questions there. Minutes from the Delegate Assembly are also available to any member upon request from the Secretary.

7. Open board meetings. All members are entitled to participate in local, regional and national board meetings. Voting privileges are retained only by board members, however.

8. Correspondence from Committee Chairs and other NADE representatives. Committee Chairs prepare a report of their work twice yearly; at the board meeting, at the annual conference, and at the mid-year board meeting. Copies may be requested from the Secretary.

9. The NADENET. This technologically oriented group had its inception on the Internet approximately one and a half years ago. Informal group leaders include Dale Foot (MI) and Tony Smith (MO). Approximately 22 NADE members are currently on the mail list. Content of discussion is NADE oriented, from legislation and news stories to how to work a difficult case. Some of the group communicate almost daily. The whole group receives communication about twice weekly. Some are “silent letters”. A core group of supervisors sometimes are quite frank with their comments. Any NADE member is welcome to utilize this communication avenue. Web site 74132.2400@compuserve.com will reach Dale; tsmith@services.dese.state.mo.us will reach Tony. Additional methods for gaining input from the membership include resolutions and amendments. A resolution is a formal expression of opinion, will or intent. Any member may submit a resolution to the Resolution Chair. The Chair will then present the resolution for action by the members of the Delegate assembly. Likewise, an amendment to the Constitution and Bylaws may be proposed by any member of the Delegate Assembly at its annual meeting.

NADE members do have a variety of methods in which communication can be accomplished. Now the question is utilization. By making communication an important priority, the goals and objectives of NADE will be more effectively accomplished.