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BACKGROUND | REQUEST FROM NCSRC CHAIR | FILES FOR DOWNLOAD | 53 STATE/TERRITORY SRCs HAVE SIGNED ONTO THE RESOLUTION
WELCOME ABOARD TO THE NEWEST MEMBERS OF THE NCSRC
State Rehabilitation Council for New York State Commission for the BlindNebraska State Rehabilitation Council
Background:
In 2005, a handful of people affiliated with State Rehabilitation Councils shared lunch during the CSAVR Conference in San Diego. We began considering the benefits and drawbacks of establishing a national organization. Those present were not elite. Like many of you, some were Governor-appointed volunteers serving on their respective Councils; others were staff with the sole responsibility of working for a Council; and others were agency staff assigned to provide support to their SRC. Some around the table were fortunate to serve on well-resourced Councils; others had no budget. There were representatives from states and territories with both Blind and general programs, and some with combined programs. Despite our notable differences, we had a great deal in common.
Common ground and the power of our collective potential is what led a motivated core of individuals to move us from brainstorming to organizing. A National Steering Committee was formed and they have, with the support of the Rehabilitation Services Administration, convened regular conference calls of State Rehabilitation Councils. At each CSAVR Conference since November 2005, the Sunday SRC Session has focused on strategic planning, including the drafting of a mission and vision statement, core values and bylaws. The organizational documents along with the strategic plan goals and activities have evolved over four CSAVR Conference – Sunday Sessions. As a result of tenacious commitment by a number of SRCs, the hard work was finalized in October at the CSAVR Fall Conference held in San Antonio. The result is seen in a foundation which will position all of us to be more effective within our respective state and as a national entity.
Many SRCs have asked the question – What is in it for us? We (the Steering Committee members) have a variety of thoughts in response to this question, such as: How many Councils across the nation and territories are in the process of rebuilding from scratch without the benefit of much information or support?; Imagine how helpful it could be to have a reliable forum in which to exchange best practices, advocacy strategies, needs assessment and State Plan information; Think about having access to a web site with a focus on SRC practices, protocols, and resources!; and How much more effective could we be if we leverage our collective skill on behalf of the public vocational rehabilitation system and the people we serve with our local legislators and members of Congress?
We do not believe in making decisions in isolation. We are committed to engaging as many Councils as are interested. We are reaching out to build a base. We hope you will join us, and that together we can increase our positive impact. If you have any questions feel free to contact me or other members of the Steering Committee.
Thank you for considering this request.
REQUEST FROM NCSRC PRESIDENT:
On behalf of the NCSRC Board of Directors, I am requesting your support for an emerging effort to build this national coalition. Please note the action steps requested below as well as background information for the consideration of you and you Council colleagues.
REQUEST FROM NCSRC PRESIDENT:
files for download:
Final Resolution - Blank
(To have your SRC become a member and join the NCSRC)