Module V: CAC Development Tools Goal of Module: The goal of this module is to facilitate a discussion around strategies to enhance the work of your CAC through organizational tools and recruitment and retention ideas. Objectives of Module: This module is designed to be a resource, rather than an instructional tool, in assisting the CAC explore its organization and development. The exercises in this module may be helpful to you at different points in the development of your CAC. For example, if you already have by-laws, you may want to spend time going over the by-laws with your new members, or perhaps you would like new and existing members to take a look at the sample by-laws provided with an eye toward updating your own. Note to Instructor: There is no “Criterion Check” for this module. This module is meant to facilitate discussion around strategies to enhance the work and the make-up of members of the CAC. Module Outline Introduction (5 min.) Topic 1: Organizational Tools for your Committee (10 min.) Topic 2: Recruitment and Retention Strategies (10 min.) Summary (<1 min.) Questions & Comments from Participants (10 min.) Preparations: Materials for Module V: Note paper Pens Copies of the PowerPoint slides Flip chart paper Instructor and Module Evaluation Administrative Details: Review content of module and make notes for yourself Review agenda and time line for module Discuss instructor and module evaluations Hand Outs: Copies of the PowerPoint slides Instructor and Module Evaluation Sample By-Laws Sample CAC interest brochures Consumer Advisory Committees: Recommendations for Meaningful Participation of Individuals with Disabilities and Families Beyond Tokenism: Partnering with People with Diverse Abilities on Consumer Advisory Boards Best Practice Guide Alphabet Soup for Consumer Advisory Committees Begin Slides. Topic 1: Organizational Tools for your Committee Slides #1-2: Introductions: Explain that the purpose of this module is to help CAC take a look at how they are organized and offer strategies on how to make the work of the CAC more effective. Do introductions. Slide #3: Topics of Presentation: Review the topics to be covered in Module V. Have a discussion about how you organize your CAC. If you have by-laws, go over them. If you do not, have a discussion about how ways to organize the work and function of your CAC. Recommended reading is provided in the appendix for instructor and as a handout for CAC members before having this discussion: Sample By-Laws Consumer Advisory Committees: Recommendations for Meaningful Participation of Individuals with Disabilities and Families Beyond Tokenism: Partnering with People with Diverse Abilities on Consumer Advisory Boards Best Practice Guide Slides #4-6: Organizing the CAC: Explain that many meetings have a specific purpose and rules for what is talked about and how people in the meeting should talk to each other. Discuss how the CAC can make sure that members are included in discussions. One way of doing this is to designate someone the “Keeper of the Respect.” This is usually an individual who is not on the CAC. They make sure everyone gets a voice. For example, if the CAC is discussing something that is complex and they may be leaving some people out who do not have the background information they need, the “Keeper of the Respect” stops the discussion to make sure everyone is on the same page. Discuss how the members can become prepared for the meeting beforehand. This may mean sending out materials at least a few days before the meeting and allowing members to come to the meeting 30-45 minutes early to prepare with a UCEDD staff member or CAC coordinator. Topic 2: Recruitment and Retention Strategies Slides #7-10: CAC Membership: Explain you will review the DD Act requirements for the make-up of your CAC in the next two slides. Review the requirements Slides #11-12: Recruitment of CAC members: Discuss your membership needs. Brainstorm with the group on how to recruit new members. Explain to participants that the best way to get people involved is through personal connections. Discuss recruiting people with disabilities or family members that do not have experience serving on committees or boards in your state. Explain that the opportunity to serve on the CAC for a UCEDD is a way to develop leadership skills and new voices help make sure the UCEDD can better understand the needs of people with disabilities in your state. Slide #13: Invitation for CAC Membership: Explain your UCEDD’s process of inviting someone to join the CAC. Slide #14: Interest Brochures: Ask participants what would have they wanted to know when they were first told about the Committee and the UCEDD. Hand out sample interest brochures. Have a discussion about how you could improve your brochure. If you need one, brainstorm about what words you could use to get people interested in joining the CAC. Slide #15: CAC Retention: Explain that “retention” means “keeping CAC members on our committee.” If people feel included and respected, they are more likely to want to come back. One way of doing this is to designate someone the “Keeper of the Respect.” Discuss strategies for helping people to be involved (for example, preparing for the meeting beforehand, coming to the meeting early to prepare with a UCEDD staff member or CAC coordinator, or communicating between meetings). Encourage members to keep an eye out for your fellow members to make sure everyone is involved in every meeting. Topic 3: Welcoming New CAC Members Slides #16-17: Alphabet Soup: Explain that a major step toward feeling that you are a member of group is understanding and being able to using lingo or acronyms comfortably. Prepare a list of common acronyms used in the disability field in your state. Have a discussion about how best to teach acronyms to individuals new to your CAC. Note to Instructor: Have participants take out their copy of Alphabet Soup for Consumer Advisory Committees. Summary Questions & Comments from Participants Note to Instructor: There is no “Criterion Check” for this module. This module is meant to facilitate discussion around strategies to enhance the work and the make-up of members of the CAC. Consumer Advisory Committee Orientation Curriculum Instructor’s Manual Consumer Advisory Orientation Curriculum Instructor’s Manual