2003 Committee on Affiliates
November 15-19, 2003
San Francisco
AGENDA ITEM-REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON AFFILIATES (CoA)
I. Description of Issue
The Committee on Affiliates (CoA) wishes to report on its activities since the last Annual Meeting.
II. Discussion
The report of the Chairperson, Sylvia H. Bookbinder, immediately follows.
III. Major Point(s) Requiring Action
The Council will be asked to receive this report during the session.
Committee on Affiliates Annual Report
2002-2003
1. Introduction
The Committee on Affiliates (CoA) was formed to promote efficient and effective communication and coordination of affiliate activities and affairs with APHA. The CoA recommends, monitors and coordinates ways in which APHA and its affiliates can mutually strengthen and benefit each other. It also maintains a working relationship with the Intersectional Council (ISC), Executive Board, Committee on Membership, Action Board and the Governing Council. The affiliate representatives on the Action Board serve as ex officio members of the CoA.
The Committee consists of fifteen (15) members. Ten (10) represent affiliates (called regional representatives) and are elected from among Affiliate Representatives to the Governing Council (ARGC) in each of the ten (10) regional areas of the DHHS (Department of Health & Human Services). The Executive Board appoints the remaining five (5) at-large members. The leadership of the Committee on Affiliates is elected by its members and includes the Chair, the Chair-Elect, and Immediate Past Chair. The CoA Chair serves as an ex officio member of the Executive Board.
2. Activities/Meetings
The Chair of the CoA attended all APHA Executive Board meetings, participated in Executive Board conference calls, and made a presentation about the CoA at the affiliate presidents-elect meeting on June 2. On April 6-9, the CoA held its mid-year meeting at APHA headquarters, with a portion of this meeting being a joint session with several representatives from the ISC. Of concern to both groups was the establishment of better communication between section experts and affiliates.
The CoA participated in two affiliate conference calls initiated by the APHA Executive Director. These calls helped improve communication with affiliates. Issues raised included: affiliate infrastructure, joint dues and assistance with list servs and grants.
In addition, the CoA held two conference calls to discuss timely and ongoing issues, such as its strategic plan. The CoA strategic plan, developed and adopted in 2000, was updated in 2003. The CoA continues to work on the implementation of the priority objectives. Priorities in development are: a CoA Staff Guide to complement the existing CoA Users Manual; an orientation for Affiliate Representatives to the Governing Council; a mentoring program for new CoA members; functional guidelines for affiliates; and enhancement of the affiliate web page.
At the APHA Annual Meeting, the CoA hosts its annual Affiliate Leadership Day, a joint meeting with the ISC which is attended by the Executive Board, two business meetings, a candidates' forum, an awards reception, a scientific session (on "social capital"), an affiliate poster session, and a student poster session/contest. The student poster session/contest gives public health students from around the country an opportunity to present their activities and research at a national conference. The winner receives his/her annual meeting registration costs plus a $100 cash award.
The CoA sponsored awards reception is primarily funded by affiliate donations. This reception serves as an important venue for the CoA and other APHA leadership to meet in an informal setting to discuss important issues and to socialize. The CoA awards are: the Award for Excellence, the Outstanding Affiliate Award, and the Chair's Citation. In addition to the three CoA awards, the reception provides a forum for presentation of the Annual Roemer Award, which is sponsored by Ruth Roemer and presented to an agency/person for outstanding local public health work.
3. Summary
This has been an active year for the Committee on Affiliates. CoA members have participated in a myriad of APHA activities and provided significant input from the affiliate perspective to the important work of APHA. CoA members have served on the task forces and work groups of APHA, contributed a great deal to the accomplishments of APHA, and look forward to working on the issues which are before us. I thank all of the Committee on Affiliate members and the APHA staff for their hard work and support over the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
Sylvia H. Bookbinder, MPH, CHES
Chair, Committee on Affiliates