Career Nursing Assistants Network of N. Carolina

We love one another, through service to each other

Current Events

DIRECT CARE WORKER ASSOCIATION WORKGROUP MEETING SUMMARY

Details to the forefront —now that the Association is on its way to incorporation, the workgroup must turn its attention to all the little things that will establish the Association’s identity, attract membership, generate support and pave the way for its long-term success.

SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION

After updates on the other two workgroups, the Association’s Founding Board of Directors and its officers were announced. Afterward, the full workgroup identified items that should be included in an Association brochure. The group also discussed with the graphics designer some key elements for the Association’s logo—simplicity, distinct, focus on workers and the statewide nature of the association, among other considerations. After lunch, the founding board met separately to consider membership fees, sponsorship levels and to begin learning more about their responsibilities as Association board members.

DETAILS OF DISCUSSION

The meeting started with a presentation of public education and recruitment materials—“thank you” ad, display board, key chains and pencils—and a report on where those materials had been, and will be, before the public. The workgroup also received an update on activities by the consumer directed services workgroup, whose current focus is the request for proposals for pilot projects which are scheduled to begin on July 1.

Founding Board of Directors

The workgroup learned that due to personal circumstances, Duane Currie would not be able to continue his involvement with the Association. Vice President, Milford Evans, who was unable to attend, communicated that he would, in accordance with the bylaws, accept the President’s position vacated by Duane. Other founding board members are Stephanie Wright and Jallie Daughtry, who have agreed to be secretary and treasurer, respectively; Helen Forte, Tanisha James and Mary Wright, as direct care workers; Carol Teal, as the initial consumer representative; and Jan Moxley, in her role as workgroup leader and liaison with the state the during term of the Real Choice grant.

The founding board members agreed that the ninth board member should be a direct care worker, preferably from the same geographic area of the state (southeastern) as Duane.

Association Brochure

The initial idea was to develop an Association Information Packet. After group discussion, it was determined that all of the pertinent information could be placed in a tri-fold brochure. Items to be included are:

·Logo and slogan that reflects the Association’s identity
·The mission, vision and values statements
·Key points about the Association (information from Frequently Asked Questions)
·Membership information
·Selected points from recruitment/general fact sheets
Membership fees

·Direct care worker membership: $10
·Student membership: $10
·Individual affiliate membership: $25
·Corporate affiliate membership: $100

NEXT STEPS

1.Review logos developed by the graphics designer.
2.Inform interested individuals, groups and corporations of the sponsorship levels.
3.Continue efforts to recruit members.
4.Plan for a Direct Care Workers Institute as part of organizational development initiatives.
5.Continue board member orientation and “nuts and bolts” decision making related to the Association’s operation once incorporation is in effect

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From The President

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services/ Office of Long Term Care reported in a study that North Carolina will need more than 30,850 additional nursing assistants and direct care workers by 2008, particularly to provide long-term care. The Wake Forest University’s School of Medicine panel of experts in August of 2001 concluded that a lack of funding, training and professional respect has hindered job growth in a service that only will expand as Baby Boomers reach retirement age. The report noted that in North Carolina fewer than 300 are enrolled in the state’s community colleges to become certified nursing assistants and/or direct care workers. We as Career Nursing Assistants must do our part in getting the attention of policymakers. Mediciad payment and Medicare cuts are creating staffing shortages and understaffing of Nursing Assistants and Direct Care Workers constitutes Patient and Resident Abuse.

Your Servant and President
Melvin Whitley