Community Relations Commission

APPROVED Community Relations Commission: Youth Forum Subcommittee July 17, 2013 Terrace Room, 6:30pm The meeting was called to order at 6:45p.m. in the Terrace Room at the Northbrook Village Hall by Community Relations Commission chair Ray Wehr. CRC Members present: Bruce Doughty and Dr. Rochelle Singer. Also present: Nancy Vaccaro, Joy Start, Amy O’Leary, Sari Glazebrook, Village Manager Rich Nahrstadt, and Staff Liaison Kendal Maltas. Discussion/Review of June 19, Youth Summit: From those present who were able to attend the meeting on June 19, the overwhelming response was that it was a great turnout which garnered great information. All School Districts were represented (one late cancellation, but followed-up with Chair Wehr after the event). There was also a strong representation from the Houses of Worship.  Nancy Vaccaro noted that while she is aware of much of the information and recourses available, this is information that most parents do not have. This is information which should be distributed.  Many in attendance suggested that this be an event that is repeated every other year.  Schools are often considered the first resort, but they cannot be the last resort.  There should be an online resource guide, which should be promoted. o The site should include important information regarding the agencies, but not be too lengthy. The important information needs to be easy to find.  What do they do?  How do I get there?  How much does it cost?  The youth need to be involved in the planning of events. Amy O’Leary stated that the summit was a great way to share information. She also noted that in talking with the schools, they do not have enough manpower. They are realizing the role of a school social worker versus a clinical provider. As service agencies, we need to identify what our niches are so that Northbrook Cares or the schools can know where to refer those in need. Sari Glazebrook noted that she was able to make several connections at the summit for the NCDAA’s new youth commission—KOOL. Discussion/Next Steps: Website:  Chair Wehr mentioned that he was going to work with the Youth Commission to see if they would assist in creating a logo as well as reviewing the layout of the website.  As a subcommittee, we need to determine what information we want captured on the website.  Community agencies should all link to the Northbrook Cares website.  Information to be included on the website should be: o Name, website, primary function, phone number. o Fee schedule and insurance acceptance. o Each page should follow a template. Page 1 of 2  o We should reach out to the agencies to see what they want us to include on the website—we are not speaking for them, but helping to get their information out to the public.  Service providers should come together to better define the services they provide.  If possible, the website can filter by service categories. o The information should be quick to read, perhaps in bullet point format. o The Village’s Senior Resources Guide is a good example. o Website Next Steps:  Pull together agency information.  Develop draft website.  Bring draft to agencies and a few select others for review.  Obtain the www.northbrookcares.com domain name. Events:  The subcommittee also needs to determine what, if any, events Northbrook Cares should participate in. o Service providers should be invited to the events. o We should be selective about the events we choose to attend. o At the events we should be providing the connection to the service providers, we are not providing the service. o We should ask the schools and organizations which events they want us to attend. o We should start to document and date events coming up. o The subcommittee is not planning own events currently, looking at joining/partnering with other events. Next Steps:  Obtain domain name and develop website.  Develop a list of resources may be needed in the future. o Budget (Fundraising? Sponsorship? Grants?)  Work with School Districts on institute day—provide resource information.  Commit to having a summit every other year (sooner if necessary).  Look at working with other Commissions and local youth groups.  Next Meeting: Late August/Early September. Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:35pm. Respectfully submitted, Kendal Maltas, Staff Liaison Page 2 of 2