IRIS

VOCAL NEW YORK STATE

Chapter Organization

The basic unit of VOCAL NY is the local chapter. Without the local organization there can be no effective state organization.

A. Business Meeting
Members attend. Led by Chapter Leader... the most important function in VOCAL NYS. The Chapter thrives or withers based on the Chapter Leader's dedication, commitment and understanding. A comprehensive compassion for others while encouraging individual responsibility in the Chapter members is a major undertaking, but can be accomplished with the assistance from contributing members.
Review Business Meeting.

B. Information and Action Meeting
The purpose of the Information and Action (1 & A) program is to inform the public and those others falsely accused of child abuse or neglect. -

Informational segment: Educational in theme and content. Suggested formats might include: Guest speakers, local political representatives, clergymen, pro-family advocates.

CAUTION: There exist many groups out there with nice-sounding names who may make overtures to a Chapter Leader and the Chapter's members and relate that "they too" are trying to "solve the problem" of child abuse... in many instances they are public relations "fronts" for expanding the Child Abuse Industry. A simple test to determine if they're on your side is to inquire of them if they get any public funding or grant money. If so, they may have a vested interest in perpetuating the Industry and may be part of the problem and will not be in agreement with VOCAL's objectives.

Videos and Literature: Frequently, the major networks and Larry King/CNN discuss the child abuse problem. These programs are often acceptable, with clarifying commentary, and are viewed by an interested and informed audience.

Recruiting: Recommendation made for any in attendance wishing to join with VOCAL to do so that evening.

Literature: Display any VOCAL literature prominently and refer to it regularly in the I & A Chairman's commentary. .
Explain how they can order the information.

The Action segment is best undertaken following a I5-minute coffee/snack break after the Information portion.

Action Segment: Letter writing to elected representatives and letters to the editor.

Petition signing.

Leadership Responsibilities of

VOCAL NEW YORK STATE

VOCAL of NYS Board of Directors and Staff

Appoint and train new coordinators,

Supervise coordinators,

Receive and maintain accounting of all membership fees and other income,

Make policy decisions and recommendations for New York State .

Regional Coordinators

Help recruit new members and form new Chapters,

Conduct official VOCAL NY presentations,

Supervise Chapters already established,

Help Chapter leaders implement agenda items,

Appoint and train new leaders,

Process leads and referrals,

Visit Chapter meetings and assist leaders periodically,

Accept and respond to telephone contacts from concerned persons.

Chapter Leader

Organize and faithfully conduct meetings,

Forward state membership dues to State Treasurer,

Recruit new members and provide them with solid training for effective leadership ,

Disseminate educational material to the general public,

Assist falsely accused in their area.

Information Chairman (State or Chapter)

Bring books, periodicals, articles, videos. Invite guest speakers,

Invite press and provide press releases when appropriate.

Action Chairman (State or Chapter)

Provide material for letter writing,

Provide sample letters to copy,

Disseminate addresses of newspapers and/or state legislators,

Mail letters at determined intervals.

Telephone Coordinator (State or Chapter)

Notify and remind local members of scheduled and unscheduled Business Meetings,

Invite prospects to attend Information and Action Meetings.

Revised January 1998 Number 12