[Mn-abs] Communications Meeting Notes

[Joe Orozco]

Hello all,



Below are the notes of this evening's communications teleconference.  For a 
more comprehensive explanation of any of the points below, please contact me 
or one of the listed participants.  Tonight witnessed a fantastic exchange 
of ideas.  Wednesday's topic  promises to be even more informative than 
ever.  Be on the look out for the reminder on Tuesday.



Regards,



Joe Orozco



Meeting Notes: Communications Team



Date/Time: Sunday, March 2, 2008



Dial-In Number: 712-775-7100



Access Code: 257963



A. Participants:

1. Joe, Comm. Director - Washington DC

2. A. Z., Comm. Assistant Director/TABS President - Texas

3. Amy, Treasurer - Nebraska

4. Arielle, NABS 2nd Vice - Louisiana/Arizona

5. Jacob - Washington State

6. KJ, 2nd Vice - Arizona

7. Steve, President - New Hampshire

8. Tina, President - New Jersey



B. Introductions



C. Purpose

* Build interactive and cohesive communication system inside the 
organization

* Create promotional materials for the purpose of assisting with recruitment 
and sponsorship

* Assist state student divisions with local-level promotion of student 
seminars and other functions



NOTE: These points are limited to the scope of the meeting and do not 
reflect special assignments as they may arise at the request of the NABS 
president.



D. Progress Report



1. Comprehensive Survey:

* Develop membership profile

* Help craft agendas according to membership interests and preferences

* Activate communication campaigns reflective of membership body

* Release date to be determined soon



2. PSA Contest

* Details coming soon



E. Mission Statement



1. Possible Items to Include:

* Organization serves as a network

* The NFB as a parent organization

* Scholarship information

* NFB Training centers

* Mentoring

* Emphasize self-interest pitch for membership and potential sponsors (What 
do they get out of it?)



2. Audiences to Consider:

* Fellow peers

* Corporate enterprise

* DSS coordinators and relevant professionals

* Parents



F. Partnerships



1. TABS Shares Past Experience with Freedom Scientific:

* Communicate clearly the terms of the agreement

* Cultivate partnership with a single contact

* Take care of sponsor, from web site and agenda advertisement to on-site 
treatment



2. TABS Advice on Engaging Local Sponsor:

* Web site is essential in the selling of your organization

* Prepare promotional packet of materials tailored to the interests of the 
sponsor

* Follow up with sponsor post-event to strengthen future contributions



F. Fundraising



1. Grant Writing:

* Extensive review of the funder's web site before submitting proposal

* Distinguish your organization from similar organizations in the field

* Use comparative studies to validate your pitch

* Use application sections as organization-building tools for future 
operations



2. Other Types of Fundraising:

* Special events

* Fundraising campaigns to private individuals

* Use NFB convention to set aside two hours for group envelope stuffing

* December is prime month for solicitations and tax write-offs



G. Database/Internal Communication



1. General Points:

* Current online registration process is explained

* Distribution of state-specific contacts available to verified student 
officers

* SalesForce subscription in process and available in the near future for 
data sharing and e-mail marketing



2. Overcoming Fractures in the Student Board:

* Set next meeting appointment at the end of the current meeting

* Schedule routine meetings like second Saturday or first Sunday of the 
month

* Provide board with multiple options to select a board meeting

* Balance friendship and professional ethic but use both to strengthen board

* Delegation is key

* Use list-serves and other public venues to hold people accountable



H. Things to Do:

* Collect and upload sample mission statements for division use

* Contact Affiliate Action office for agenda samples

* Provide draft survey to NABS board for first review

* Prepare PSA contest for later launch

* Clean up and distribute data contacts for specific states as requested

* Make grant guide available upon request



I. Closing Remarks