Teleconference of Southern Region FCS-PL's started shortly after 9:00 am on July 20, 2001.

Meeting Participants:

	Alabama
	Arkansas - Lynn Russell
	Florida - Nayda Torres
	Georgia - Tom Rodgers
	Kentucky - Bonnie Tanner
	Louisiana - Mildred Holland
	Mississippi - Beverly Howell
	North Carolina
	Oklahoma - Regina
	Puerto Rico
	South Carolina
	Tennessee
	Texas - Carolyn Nobles, Kathy Volanty
	Virgin Islands
	Virginia
	West Virginia

The meeting was called to order by Carolyn Nobles. Roll was called by Kathy Volanty. Carolyn noted that John Dooley (Virginia) called to say that he would be on vacation, and Sandy Zaslow (North Carolina) was at a conference and would not be able to attend. No others had called.

Minutes from the April 20 phone conference were reviewed. It was noted that the "d" was left out of "Rodgers".

Motion: Thelma Feaster (North Carolina) to accept the April minutes as corrected. Seconded by Bonnie Tanner (Kentucky).

Old Business: Tom Rodgers (Georgia) reported meeting with Florida and Alabama Extension FACS agents in Fort Walton. Plans and strategies for doing more on a multi-state level were discussed. Specifically, the working poor and economic issues were discussed.

Chair Carolyn Nobles (Texas) reported that the planning for the September FSNEP/EFNEP Conference was going well. Mississippi, Kentucky, Texas, and Arkansas reported that they would be sending teams to participate.

Several states reported having problems with their FSNEP programs. It was suggested that we take time to discuss the FSNEP program in at the Southern Region meeting in Savannah. It was suggested that each state bring a one-page summary report to share (bring enough copies for each state). Report should included a short summary as to where each state is now, concern, and future plans. Discussion will be conducted concerning the progress and current/future requirements of the program. Much concern is being expressed that the program will not be reaching whom it is intended to reach.

Regarding the meeting plans for Savannah. Based on the comments and suggestions from the committee members, the first day of the meeting will be the same as last year. It was suggested that topics for Dr. Hobbs include legislative issues such as the farm bill, current issues, and the new politics/expectations since the new Secretary of Agriculture appointment. Another topic might be the EASE reporting program. It was reported by Nayda (Florida) that Howard Ladewig was supposed to update the PLC on EASE at their next phone conference (July). Nayda agreed to email all of the FCSPL's if there were issues of concern from this phone conference.

Topics for Dr. Margaret Hale and Dr. Linda Willis, FCS liaisons from the Southern Region Director=s group included updates and issues from the Director=s group.

At 4:15 p.m. on Monday, it was suggested that all committees chairs make a short report (please include a written report to be distributed to all attending). Dr. Scutchfield (Kentucky) is confirmed. He will be bringing a speaker from Centers for Disease Control. They will be talking about opportunities for networking with CDC, as well as training and other grants available. It was noted that there seems to be significant resources available through CDC in the health area. They will be on the program from 1:00 pm - 2:15 PM

Bonnie Tanner will be updating us on Dawn Riley=s situation. Riley is the Deputy Undersecretary of Food, Nutrition & Consumer Services. Carolyn Nobles has written a letter inviting her to speak. If she cannot come, they will probably send someone else. It is important to hear from FNS, because of the Food Stamp Nutrition Education Program and other initiatives. It was suggested that the FCSPL=s discuss this issue Monday afternoon so that our questions could be prioritized before hand. They need to know that things are not working smoothly with the FSNEP program.

On Tuesday at 3:50 p.m., all multi-state work groups that had started work at the Puerto Rico meeting last August will be given a chance to meet and then make short reports to the total group. These work groups have the possibility of becoming SERA work groups. Groups are:

Multi-state Work Groups:

Family and Community Health: Martha Johnson and Carolyn Nobles

Aging Baby Boomer: Nayda Torres and Juanita Robinson

Working Poor/Welfare to Work: Sarah Anderson and Gina Eubanks

Accountability Work Groups:

Family Resource Management - Carolyn Carter and Diane Edlow
Nutrition - John Dooley and Carolyn Giesecke
Parenting - Sarah Anderson and Gina Eubanks
Health - Martha Johnson and Carolyn Nobles

Multi-state Accountability Work Groups will meet Tuesday afternoon, if needed. Reports are to be shared by chairs if groups have met and have activities to report. Strategic planning issues will be discussed on Wednesday morning. It is doubtful if Karen Kounzelman will be able to attend because of health issues. FCS issues will be discussed Tuesday afternoon. State updates will be given on Wednesday morning.

A number of the states are planning to be at the NEAFCS meeting in Portland. It was suggested that the Southern Region FCS PL=s could get together. There will be an opportunity for regional breakouts at the Portland meeting.

Tom Rodgers (Georgia) indicated that plans are progressing for the pre-conference in Savannah. The local FCS agent and Eileen Daily are working with Tom on final plans. As soon as the number of people attending is determined, the final plans for the pre-conference can be shared. Temperature will be warm, so dress cool.

Announcements:

Bonnie Tanner (Kentucky) brought to the groups attention a new report from AARP on their website - "In the Middle." It is a national report on multi-cultural baby boomers coping with family issues. Pull it up at AARP.org

Bonnie also requested that each state bring a list of any curriculum materials they might have that are in Spanish or in any other language. An inventory could be compiled and shared. Bonnie mentioned that Kentucky is trying to get a parenting newsletter translated for new families. Florida mentioned that they have a lot of curriculum that is in Spanish. List is on their website.

Carolyn Nobles (Texas) mentioned that they are about to have their Families First Nutrition Education and Wellness Training Conference the last week in October in Memphis, Tennessee. The announcement has gone to FCS Program Leaders. National training will be conducted on curriculum that was developed for food stamp nutrition education audiences in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas. It is being translated into Spanish. The cost of the curriculum is $400. This is the cost of printing.

Carolyn thanked everyone and adjourned the meeting.

Summary of WHAT TO BRING to the SAVANNAH MEETING (40 copies):

1. Your state report (written, if possible)
2. One-page summary of the FSNEP program in your state. Update on progress as well as issues of concern to your state program.

3. Discussion ideas on current FCS issues - don=t need to be written - just in your head.

4. Multi-state report on the working areas if you have had activities since last report (written, if possible).

Respectfully submitted,
Kathy Volanty, Secretary
Southern Region FCS Program Leaders