Present :

Sandy Zaslow, Convener
Margaret Hale
Thelma Sanders-Hunter
Diana Edlow
Shirley Hastings
Nayda Torres
Deborah Thomason
Jorge Atilles
Evelyn Crayton
Ellen Murphy
Beverly Howell

The meeting was convened by Sandy Zaslow.

Sandy asked for an update on Lynn Russell. Nayda informed the group that Lynn had undergone surgery. Her plans include attending the meeting in August. A discussion arose regarding sending something to Lynn to let her know the group is thinking of her. Nayda agreed to send flowers from the program group.

The group approved the minutes and it was agreed that Thelma Sanders-Hunter agreed to send the corrected minutes to everyone.

There was a discussion of the meeting that took place in Washington, DC in March. Nyada indicated that she had submitted a draft agenda for the August meeting in Puerto Rico.

Tornados, terrorism, wildfires, and flooding are topics that could be considered at the August meeting.

Sandy suggested that the committee think about video clips rather than individual presentations. Perhaps LSU housing specialist could be used.

Jorge asked about county faculty from Puerto Rico. They could be recruited to come to the states. Nyada stated that undergraduates could do their practicum experiences in Extension offices. Also taken for advisement was the future of Extension.

Margaret inquired about portfolio for MTL state leadership - coordination of indicator programs. There could be Plans of Work related discussions. Nyada inquired about how data are being aggregated.

Margaret was asked about existing data. Jorge replied that there is. He was unsure about available portfolio. An inquiry can be made of Mary Gray. Portfolio includes 4-H. It showed that good direction is being taken.

Jorge indicated that he and Thelma were to work on the housing issue. Ellen indicated they have a report on the issue. According to Ellen, their Extension Director moved housing and it is now under the auspices of biological and agricultural engineering. Nyada indicated that once houses are constructed, county agents can conduct housing programs.

Sandy said to include on agenda for state sharing - what we can do. Margaret indicated that the directors have to submit theirs ahead of time. They can go to the website and print the report. States can do this ahead of time. This would alleviate transporting a lot of handouts. People can go directly to our links.

Per Jorge, there can be exchange of ideas regarding state reports. They can be simplified through headings. There can be reports for particular regions. Per Beverly Howell, this was attempted a couple of years ago using housing templates.

There are four items to be accomplished:

• Joint programming on obesity with 4-H
• Housing (Jorge)
• Increase CCEP Awareness (Ellen)
• Staffing Survey (Lynn) - Beverly will follow up on this

The question was asked about whether the housing module has been developed. It was stated that the Extension Housing Specialists are to meet at Cornell in the fall. There are different modules. Housing, according to Jorge, has different competencies.

Nyada indicated that she will talk with Bob Relis ( spelling ). Per Ellen response to housing is May 16-19. Nyada suggested to piggy back on CYFAR Conference in Atlanta. Instead of having it all day, shorten it to one-half day and have the module teams to meet. The only group completed so far is Texas. Other modules are incomplete. Another option is to set another data in June at the Ritz Carlton in Buckhead. The question asked: "Should we move on the date at hand or look at an alternate date?

It was stated that Sharon Robinson set the May date. She may not be available now. Ellen suggested May 16 looking at the a.m. and afternoon. On May 17, look at p.m. and on May 18, look at a.m. Ellen asked to keep group updated about their financial status.

Margaret stated that she attended the National Extension Directors Meeting. Community of Practice (CoP) will be formed. Specialists will be called upon to help in this effort.

Measuring excellence and benchmark data were discussed. Also, Create 21 received funding. Eldridge Dickey will be attending an upcoming meeting.

According to Ellen, CSREES and NASULGC have formed a community of partners on obesity. Ellen is serving on the national committee. CoP is to be developed for eXtension.

Jorge suggested that we reserve time on Friday at the NAEFCS meeting in Denver.

Nyada has seen a position announcement for the position that Anna Mae is vacating. Encouragement needs to be given to someone from the state level to apply.

Deborah from Clemson indicated that she needs information developed for maintaining endowed position in state.

Sandy discussed the FCS foundation in North Carolina. The endowment is for approximately one-half million dollars.

Sandy requested additional items to be discussed. Following that, the meeting was adjourned.

Recorded and Submitted by: Thelma Sanders-Hunter