AIRS 2008 Work Plan: Final Update

This document contains the goals and objectives of AIRS for 2008 as approved by the AIRS Board on January 22, 2008. Over the course of the year, some additional projects emerge and are added to the work plan.

Responsibility Objectives/Deliverables and Status

Board/Executive Committee

Chair: Jamie Moore

Georgia Sales, Richard Stahl, Tim Sylvia, Roberto Armijo, Faed Hendry

Overall objectiveTo exercise the powers of the Board when the Board is not in session, except those powers that the bylaws of the Board require to be exercised by the Board itself. To oversee the strategic planning process, responsibility for which is delegated to the Vice President. To coordinate activities of AIRS Committees

Staff support: Charlene Hipes To monitor the goals of the new AIRS strategic plan for AIRS.

Status/Activities: Strategic planning chart received from consultant and reviewed by related AIRS committees. Both AIRS Executive and Affiliates suggested that the process needed some ‘wrap up’ at the May meetings and this was completed.

Staff support: Charlene Hipes and Clive Jones To enhance Board and Committee recruitment through the

implementation of recommendations from AIRS Executive Committee and Board.Status/Activities: Only 2 people appointed to Board in May in order to allow time to implement suggested changes in nominations and selection process following Board Development session at the May Board meeting. A Board Development Committee was created and held meetings later in the year.

Staff support: Charlene Hipes and Clive Jones To monitor the performance of STAT against contractual

responsibilities and to update the Board on results (including conducting membership customer service surveys in March and October)Status/Activities: Membership satisfaction surveys held in April and October. 27% Extremely Satisfied with AIRS services over past 12 months (compared to 16% in October 2007 and 7% in April 2006); 54% Very Satisfied (compared to 56% in October 2007 and 60% in April 2006); 19% Somewhat Satisfied

(compared with 21% in October 2007 and 29% in April 2007; and 3% Dissatisfied (compared to 4% in October 2007 and 3% in April 2006). Complete

To develop new contract with STAT by December 2009 (begin discussing issues earlier)Status/Activities: Complete

Staff support: Clive JonesTo conduct annual review of By-Laws Status/Activities: Changes made to consolidate the independence and further define the relationships between the Board, Standards Committee and the newly renamed Accreditation and Certification Commissions. Complete

Staff support: Charlene Hipes and Clive Jones To encourage and facilitate the continued development of

211US in partnership with the United Way of America, the 2-1-1 Leadership Council and all 2-1-1 providers.Status/Activities: Attended regular teleconference planning meetings for 211 US and face-to-face meeting in Indianapolis in April and Seattle in September. Participated fully in drafting of documents and other partner responsibilities. Oversaw re-launch of www.211.org web site and the creation of www.211us.org web sites in partnership with UWA. Complete

Staff support: Charlene Hipes To address any issues relating to AIRS name, logo, trademark,

copyright.Status/Activities: Talked with attorney regarding the use of “AIRS” by another organization that is in a totally separate filed, but causes some confusion as they do Certification and training. It was decided we would continue to monitor and to not take any action at this time.

Staff support: Charlene Hipes To ensure that all legal requirements for non-profit corporate

registration are undertaken: D&O Insurance (February) General Liability Insurance (February) Corporate Tax Filing (May without extension, November

with extension) Annual Incorporation Report to Arizona Corporate

Commission (October)Status/Activities: D&O was renewed in February and an addendum related to credentialing was added. We are

2

researching the need to add insurance for those that work on behalf of AIRS, e.g. accreditation site reviewers. An application has been filed with an insurance broker and we are waiting for a response. Complete

Staff support: Clive JonesTo create a new web presence for AIRS through a system that integrates online membership database management with online communications and service deliveryStatus/Activities: Complete

Human Resources Committee(The Executive Committee will absorb the functions of the Human Resources Committee)

Overall objectiveTo oversee implementation of recommendations on current personnel issues and to address issues related to staff recruitment, training, evaluation and support, and contract employees.

Board Support: Tim Sylvia To analyze need and possible options for the creation of a new AIRS “Executive/Resource Director” type position. Status/Activities: Task group looking at issue; budget decision not to implement any changes in 2008. Complete.

Resource Development Committee(The Executive Committee will continue to absorb the functions of the Resource Development Committee)

Overall objectiveA standing Resource Development Committee shall be appointed by the president. It shall have the responsibility for identifying potential sources of revenue for AIRS and training other members of the board in fund development.

Staff Support: Clive JonesTo monitor federal and other grant project opportunities (with input from Public Policy Committee and Matz Blancato & Associates)Status/Activities: RFP issued to assess interest of individuals to develop funding proposals. To pursue foundation and other grant possibilities, Patricia Jordan was hired to identify prospects for grants related to AIRS credentialing programs and to develop specific proposal.. Draft baseline proposal complete. Discussions underway with certain Affiliates re: potential joint approaches. Project to be completed in 2009.

To recognize support of Dammann Foundation for I&RStatus/Activities: Final report and two separate letters of thanks sent to Dammann Foundation. Complete.

3

Public Policy Committee

Chair: Richard StahlMembers: Joan Phelps, Kathleen McHarg, Linda Daily, Lucinda Nord, Roberto Armijo

Overall objectiveTo develop a national presence for AIRS that develops Federal relationships and enhances the potential to secure major funding on behalf of AIRS members.

Staff Support: Charlene Hipes To maintain at least 2 non-Board members as volunteers,

drawing particularly from any members of the Affiliates Council and 2-1-1 Leadership CouncilStatus/Activities: Complete

Staff support: Charlene Hipes

Staff support: Charlene Hipes

To implement terms of 2008 contract with consultants to include deliverables/initiatives and timeframes. Also to develop contract for 2009 Status/Activities: Complete

To identify key legislation and departments relevant to I&R and to develop relationships with staff, politicians and other national organizations (with input from other AIRS Committees where required)Status/Activities: Per our 2008 agreement with Matz & Blancato six formal contacts will be conducted in 2008 with a federal agency (DHHS, DHS, etc., to inform about AIRS/I&R and explore funding/programmatic relationship.

To identify key areas on which position statements need to be created and to develop concepts on how to create those policies and quickly make those decisions when required. Status/Activities: Position statement on non-political nature of I&R complete and approved.

Staff support: Charlene Hipes To maintain or develop relationships with national associations

(AAS, ALA, CAN, Contact USA, FEMA, NACCRRA, NENA) whose members provide specialized I&R or related work (with communication to other AIRS Committees). Status/Activities: Thanks to several members, we have a very strong relationship with a FEMA rep who is helping us spread the word about AIRS to others in FEMA; Jamie and Larry continue to serve on the CAN Steering Committee and Jamie met with the new staff person at CAN to educate him about

4

AIRS; Clive had several conversations with AARP on how we can support each other; AIRS was invited to present a workshop at the National Humane Society conference on how I&R can help in times of disaster; Charlene has had several conversations with Contact USA and National Travelers Aid regarding how we can support each other and we are trying to set up a time to meet. Marianne continues to represent AIRS with NENA NG911 Committee. We are in the process of transitioning attendance at those meetings to Bob Blancato. Micki Thompson attended one day of the NENA conference. Larry represented AIRS at a CDC workshop on Pandemic Flu. Complete

To redevelop relationship with military and understand any new circumstancesStatus/Activities: Greg Case of AoA has been having conversations with DOD and we were asked to do a briefing on I&R/211 and how we can support returning vets.

To assist in the passage of the I&R Resolution and plan related activities for at the national and local level. Status/Activities: H Res 895 secured a sponsor in the House and was gathering support in Congress. Information was set up for members to help them encourage their representatives to sign on. Needs to be retried in new Congress.

Provide at least one workshop at the 2008 AIRS Conference related to Legislative Advocacy. Status/Activities: Complete

Begin planning efforts and identify related costs for hosting a Day on the Hill in 2009. Status/Activities: Suspended because of timing of the Calling for 2-1-1 Bill

Marketing/Membership Committee

Chair: Nancy Findeisen

Members: Mel Favor, Sharon Doner, Cathleen Kelly, John Plonski, Tim Sylvia

Overall objectiveTo provide input to the Board of Directors and guidance to the staff on internal and external communications, organizational image, and marketing of products and services.

5

Staff support: Charlene Hipes To maintain at least 2 non-Board members as volunteers,

drawing particularly from the Affiliates Council if possibleStatus/Activities: Complete

Staff support: Charlene Hipes, Moayad Zahralddin, Sharon Galler and Clive Jones

To generate gross membership revenue of $297,000 with an approximate breakdown of 570 members at $50; 240 at $250; 200 at $350; 240 at $500 and 10 at $750 for a total of 1,260 members Status/Activities: In 2008, achieved gross membership revenue of $319,000 with an approximate breakdown of 531 members at $50; 121 at $250; 162 at $350; 348 at $500 and 16 at $750 for a total of 1,178 members. Complete.

To ensure (until the “new” site is completed) that the AIRS web site is updated within budget parameters to ensure membership information is readily accessibleStatus/Activities: Complete.

To conduct 2 mailings or contacts (via email, fax and/or mail) to AIRS members each monthStatus/Activities: Complete.

To conduct I&R salary survey update for members (April).Status/. Activities: Complete.

Staff Support: Clive JonesTo continue to market accreditation to non-accredited 211 agencies and to other possible agenciesStatus/Activities: Self-assessment document sent to all 211 services that are not yet accredited. Complete.

Staff Support: Charlene Hipes/Clive Jones To promote Affiliate conferences and to share their

content/programs; and when requested by the Affiliate, ensure that Board members or staff are able to attend. Status/Activities: Undertaken survey of Affiliate conferences and encouraging cross-promotion of events. Listing Affiliate Conferences more clearly on new web site. Complete.

Staff support: Clive JonesTo update Products and Service Price List (February)Status/Activities: Complete.

6

Staff support: Charlene Hipes

To promote use of Tele-Interpreters service amongst AIRS members in response to new contract from $1.54 per minute to 1.30 per minute (e.g. encourage Affiliates to spread word)Status/Activities: Information on web site. Although Tele-Interpreters was taken over by its main competitor Language Line, we were successful in maintaining the special preferred rates for AIRS members. Complete.

Staff support: Charlene Hipes/Clive Jones To complete Annual Report

Status/Activities: Complete.

Staff Support: Dick Manikowski/Charlene Hipes/Clive Jones

To ensure that the annual edition of the AIRS Journal is published electronically in 2008. Status/Activities: Complete.

Staff Support: Charlene Hipes To market a “conference greatest hits” CD of workshop

PowerPoint presentations (organized according to Tracks but minus the Aging Track)Status/Activities: Orders taken as part of the Conference Registration form and filled after Conference. 98 orders in total. Complete.

Staff Support: Clive JonesTo maintain online membership directory in its current form (i.e. June update).Status/Activities: New web site contains automatic online membership directory. Complete.

Staff Support: Charlene Hipes and Clive Jones I&R Toolkit

To ensure that best practices information is secured from the Accreditation review process and to implement the process to update the contentStatus/Activities: Section transferred to new web site and new material added when provided. Complete.

To promote the Toolkit to eligible AIRS members to encourage its useStatus/Activities: New web site will make this feature much more accessible and in the radar of members. Complete.

7

To evaluate future of 211 ToolkitStatus/Activities: Information moved to new web site but needs to be subjected to a peer review to ensure continued relevance. To be completed in 2009

Staff Support: Moayad Zahralddin, Clive Jones ABCSs

To promote ABCs to non-members and to those members who are outside of the higher membership tiers at a base price of $450 for an electronic/print version, for a total value of $7,000.Status/Activities: $9,189 in sales generated but ABCs have also helped Enhanced membership increase by 20% over budget. Complete.

Staff Support: Hannah Newton and Charlene Hipes AIRS Newsletter

To produce and distribute 11 editions of the AIRS newsletter and advise on content (focus on news, membership information and human interest stories)Status/Activities: Complete.

To secure newsletter advertising to the value of $500Status/Activities: Nothing obtained

Standards Committee

Chair: Faed Hendry

Members: Beth Wick, Cathleen Kelly, Anne Forgoros, Fred Koss, Georgia Sales, Linda Daily, Randy Nicklaus, Bob McKown, Charlotte McHenry

Overall objective The Standards Committee shall establish Standards which define the expected practices within the field of I&R and provide guidelines that communities or other jurisdictions can utilize in developing an I&R program. This is an umbrella committee as the Accreditation and Certification Committees are essentially sub-Committees of Standards. The Standards Committee is a “closed” Committee as per the recommendations of the Hamm Report.

Staff Support: Charlene Hipes To maintain at least 2 non-Board members as volunteers,

drawing particularly from the Affiliates Council if possibleStatus/Activities: Greg Case at AoA helped to identify a new representative from the aging field. Complete.

Staff Support: Charlene Hipes/ Clive Jones To hold annual meeting to allow Committee to discuss issues

8

surrounding next edition of Standards, including the accreditation against those StandardsStatus/Activities: Complete

To publish Version 6.0 of the AIRS Standards.Status/Activities: Final draft complete. Reviewed by Board and Affiliates. Currently with entire field for review. Specialized assessments undertaken and aging sector and 2-1-1. Complete!

To explore the process of having the AIRS Standards accepted by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)Status/Activities: Research undertaken, need to consider costs issue for 2009. Complete

To develop national problem/need categories:Status/Activities: Complete.

Accreditation Committee

Chair: Bob McKown

Members: Debby Thornton, Georgia Sales, Lynne Engel, Roberto Armijo, Micki Thompson

Overall objective The Accreditation Committee shall utilize the Standards established by the Standards Committee to develop and implement a formal detailed accreditation process. The Accreditation Committee shall develop and maintain a comprehensive policy and procedure manual for the accreditation program. The Accreditation Committee shall establish standards at a quality level that is appropriate for supporting broad improvements in I&R programs without presenting unrealistic barriers for future potential applicants in terms of compliance issues.

Staff Support: Charlene Hipes To maintain at least 2 non-Board members as volunteers,

drawing particularly from any members of the Affiliates Council who are with Accredited agenciesStatus/Activities: Complete

Staff Support: Charlene Hipes To complete 20 accreditation applications

Status/Activities: 28 sites were completed in 2008.

To acquire 24 new/renewing applications with a revenue target of $100,000Status/Activities: 28 new/renewing applicants and revenue of $75,000

9

To recruit and train 6 new onsite review team membersStatus/Activities: 3 new people have agreed to be trained as review team members.

Staff Support: Charlene Hipes To review and amend the accreditation process and criteria in

accordance with the next version of the Standards, and in particular the concept of a ‘weighted’ scale of compliance.Status/Activities: Work cannot begin until new Standards complete. Moved forward to 2009.

Certification Committee

Chair: Cathleen Kelly

Members: Anne Fogoros, Dana Long, Debbie Fagin, Edwina Reddick-Scott, Georgia Sales, Jacky Roddy, Joseph Amoroso, Maurine Strickland, Roberto Armijo, Stephanie Norrick, Bernice Hutchinson

Overall objectiveThe Certification Committee shall utilize the Standards established by the Standards Committee to design, implement and maintain a formal detailed Certification process. The Certification Committee shall develop and maintain a comprehensive policy and procedure manual for each Certification program. The Certification Committee shall utilize national benchmarks for professional certification programs as well as quality benchmarks desirable for certification programs relied upon by external stakeholders, mandated in AIRS accreditation, and linked to 2-1-1 approval processes.

Staff Support: Clive Jones To maintain at least 2 non-Board members as volunteers, drawing particularly from the Affiliates Council if possibleStatus/Activities: Complete

Staff Support: Clive Jones /Maria LeDoux

To acquire 600 new applicants and 500 applicants for re-certification Status/Activities: By end of 2008, we had 1,042 new applicants and 808 re-certifications. As of December, there were 3,206 specialists holding AIRS Professional Certification: 1, 528 Certified Information & Referral Specialists (CIRS), 1,103 Certification & Referral Specialists-Aging (CIRS-A), 250 Certified Resource Specialists (CRS), 286 Certified Information & Referral Specialists-Canadian (CIRS-Canadian) and 39 Certified Resource Specialists-Canadian (CRS-Canadian). Complete

To administer the Certification Program according to the documented processes and principlesStatus/Activities: Ongoing

10

To review the certification evaluation forms in an effort to develop fewer but more pertinent questions and from those to develop qualitative goals for the certification program (e.g. is Certification improving quality of staff)Status/Activities: New evaluation questions and process introduced. Complete

Staff Support: Clive Jones To assess the idea that after a certain number of years, an individual needs to re-take the examination in order to retain certification (perhaps survey existing certification holders)Status/Activities: Review undertaken. Decision not to require a retake providing recertification kept up-to-date. Complete

To assess on an ongoing basis evaluation comments, exam performance and Scantron question historyStatus/Activities: In 2008, the 3 CIRS exams were performing at pass rates of 73%, 74% and 74% and the 2 CIRS-A were performing at 88% and 89% -- which shows no differential. The CRS exams did not have enough of a sample for a true comparison. Complete

To assess the operations of the pilot scheme regarding use of dictionary for test takers (for November)Status/Activities: Decision made to continue scheme. Complete.

To implement the following recommendations of the upcoming consultant’s report on the Certification Program and to price, prioritize and schedule other anticipated recommendations such as undertaking job task analyses, blueprints of job element requirements, question-writing workshops, etc. with ultimate goal of NCCA accreditation as detailed below:

To develop a comprehensive marketing plan for the entire certification program with specific strategies, projects, timelines and budgets. This plan should include a specific mission for the certification program.Status/Activities: To be completed in early 2009

To develop clearer information about the benefits of Certification.Status/Activities: Complete

11

To complete a psychometric-led CIRS Job Task AnalysisStatus/Activities: Contract signed, volunteers’ arranged and two-day session held in Houston just before AIRS Conference. Draft report was subjected to a validation process amongst all CIRS holders that produced over 100 responses and produced minor improvements. Final report identifies Domains, Tasks, Knowledge and Skills of an I&R Specialist. Complete.

To use the CIRS Job Analysis to create new CIRS examinations.Status/Activities: A peer review team of 6 CIRS holders went through the entire CIRS question bank deciding which items should be kept and which deleted. All “kept” items are then assigned to a Domain/Task within the new Job Analysis. AS second group them completed a new question writing project. All new and existing questions will be validated by another peer review in early 2009 and then new exams and cut scores developed. Complete.

To develop a comprehensive Policy & Procedure Manual covering all of the certification programs. This manual should include, at a minimum, detailed policies and procedures on test development, test administration, appeals, discipline, non-discrimination, disclosure of certification status information, accommodation policies, and records retention requirements.Status/Activities: Current certificate holders surveyed about the recommended disclosure of information changes (i.e. permanently listing current Certificate holders on the AIRS web site). Consensus for listing Certificate holders. This will be introduced on the new web site with an ‘opt out’ clause in the application. Most of this work will be completed in 2009.

To review the entire recertification requirements and processStatus/Activities: Research and survey of Certificate holders maintaining current training hours requirement, although the recertification form has been changed to require more information about the I&R learning objectives of the training in addition to requiring an affirming signature. Complete.

To provide all proctors with a prepaid delivery arrangement including a return package. Status/Activities: Research undertaken and discussion held with affiliates who informed us that this was not an issue and current situation could continue. Complete

12

To review the financial reporting to include all direct and indirect costs of the certification program and also track income derived from other sources that might reflect Certification needs.Status/Activities: To be completed in 2009.

Develop a practice exam once the new CIRS examination question bank is completeStatus/Activities: Cannot be undertaken until new questions are fully developed and old ones retired. Process for that is underway.

Survey agencies on whether they would prefer an indexed pricing increase every year or a larger single increase every 3 years or so (principle could be applicable to other marketing issues as well).Status/Activities: Membership surveyed and people prefer a clear increase every few years rather than a little increase every year. Complete.

Affiliates Council

Chairs: Cathleen Kelly, Joan Phelps

Staff Support: Charlene Hipes, Moayad Zalhraddin

Overall objectiveTo work with the AIRS Affiliates to help shape, inform and carry out the AIRS mission at the local level in order to support and build excellence in the profession of I&R/A. AIRS Affiliates (Affiliates) are membership organizations representing comprehensive and specialized information and referral providers within a defined geographic area.

Staff Support: Charlene Hipes To implement a 3-year MOU process for Affiliates, requiring

only an updated budget, list of officers and an explanation on any major operational changes. Status/Activities: Implemented and all Affiliate have submitted their 2008 signature page. Complete

To support the efforts for the creation of new AffiliatesStatus/Activities: Ongoing

To hold monthly Affiliate meetings in order to provide effective two-way communication within I&R movementStatus/Activities: Complete

Taxonomy Committee

Chair: Kathleen McHarg

Overall objectiveTo guide AIRS in managing the partnership with 211 LA County for the Taxonomy of Human Services. To provide coordinated support to the Taxonomy Editor on issues relating to

13

Members: Anne Fogoros, Carolyn Counterman, Deborah Woods, Dick Manikowski, Georgia Sales, Hope Santonocito, Jennifer Miller, John Allec, Jennie Pollak, Jan Leibovitz Alloy, Lael Tryon, Noreen Stackpole, Tim Kim, Tylee Smith

the development of the content and structure of the Taxonomy. To articulate issues related to the Taxonomy as a common language for human services and to educate the members of AIRS regarding the importance of the Taxonomy as a standard for field.   To seek endorsements from other organizations. To work with and support 211 LA County on issues relating to the long-term sustainability for the development and dissemination of the Taxonomy.

Staff Support: Clive JonesTo maintain at least 2 non-Board members as volunteers, drawing particularly from the Affiliates Council if possibleStatus/Activities: Complete

To review the existing MOU between AIRS and 211 LA County and to advise the AIRS Board on components that should be included in any future agreement that will be important for current and future Taxonomy subscribers and users.Status/Activities: 211 LA provided draft document, reviewed by Taxonomy Committee and feedback provided to 211 LA. Small ad hoc committee created to provide recommendations. Versions have been exchanged between 211 LA County and ourselves, our Board lawyer has reviewed document and the final MOA will be signed in early 2009. Complete

To promote awareness amongst members and vendors on the upcoming document on criteria for using the Taxonomy within an I&R softwareStatus/Activities: Extensive revision of criteria. Document went to members and vendors for review. Final draft is with AIRS Board for approval and will then be shared with vendors and AIRS members. The document should help agencies make better software choices and show vendors how their software should be set up. Complete

To explore and understand the documented process surrounding the maintenance of the Taxonomy.Status/Activities: Discussed during Committee sessions. Complete.

14

To identify and promote best practices on the organization and options for public searching of online resource databases.Status/Activities: Draft document created and sent to members for review. Session held at Conference demonstrating various softwares. Examining alternative approach.

To assess the Taxonomy training needs of resources specialists.Status/Activities: Discussions held and training/support suggestions developed and itemized below

To review existing Taxonomy training/educational materials.Status/Activities: Complete

To review the Taxonomy Training Curriculum and provide the finished document to all AIRS members.Status/Activities: Draft curriculum completed and feedback received from Taxonomy trainers. Complete.

To develop a “sample indexing” document that contains about 100 examples of records that occur in most databases along with their ‘standard’ indexing … (e.g. Food Pantries; Scouting Programs * Girls; Food Stamps)Status/Activities: Complete

To inventory the frequency of Affiliate training conferences and work with Affiliates to provide more opportunities for Taxonomy training.Status/Activities: Inventory being developed. Discussions held at Affiliates Council, encouraging all Affiliates to include a Taxonomy training session at every regional conference

To promote the use of the ABCs for Taxonomy training.Status/Activities: Info included in new AIRS web site. Complete

To promote the use of the online Taxonomy training module.Status/Activities: Info included in new AIRS web site. Complete

To promote the Taxonomy listserv with an aim of increasing the number of members by 25% (currently 500 as of April 1st).Status/Activities: Listserv promoted to AIRS membership via Networker and Newsletter. 640 members as December. Complete

15

To develop some peer support system (by region and by software) that would allow people to have their indexing reviewed and feedback provided – look at some way that activity could be rewarded to ensure it is ongoing and supported by the monitoring agency (e.g. reduction in Taxonomy subscription; extra discount on AIRS Conference, etc.)Status/Activities: 24 Taxonomy “gurus” have agreed to be billed as the Taxonomy Support Network. Details included on new AIRS web site. Complete

To develop a resource page on the AIRS web site containing all of the above documents and directly linking users to the additional help features on the 211taxonomy.org web siteStatus/Activities: Complete

To develop some type of measurement that allows us to gain some insight into annual success (e.g. number of CRS holders?)Status/Activities: Incomlete

Nominations/Awards Committee

Chair: Caty Jirik

This committee will be replaced by the new Board Development Committee and a new chair will be appointed.

Overall objectiveTo select and place in nomination at the annual business meeting of the membership or by previous mail to the membership, a slate or candidates to fill vacancies occurring on the AIRS Board of Directors. To select and place in nomination at the annual organizational meeting of the Board such candidate or candidates for officers of the Board as it deems fit and appropriate. This Committee also includes the Awards responsibility that recognizes individual efforts on behalf of the field of information and referral through an annual AIRS Distinguished Service Award and the George McKinney Memorial Award (the recipient of which receives an AIRS Conference Registration Scholarship).

To recruit new Board members both on the basis of required skills, diversity and also representation (e.g. geographical and according to the nature of I&R provided)Status/Activities: Only two new Board members identified for 2008 to allow for recommended changes to Board recruitment process for 2009

To send out ballots in February to membershipStatus/Activities: Held back to allow for implementation of recommended changes to Board recruitment process for 2009

16

To conduct new Board member orientationStatus/Activities: An informal orientation occurred at the conference.

Conference Committee

Chair: Mary Damsgaard Vice Chair: Joan Phelps

Members: Bernice Hutchinson, Debby Thornton, Kim Gates, Nancy Findeisen, Robert McKown, Sharon Doner, Saundra Bond

Overall objectiveTo plan and implement the annual AIRS conference each year in conjunction with partners (currently NASUA and the military). To maintain the Conference Manual. To develop a core curriculum for the conference and to provide oversight at each conference to ensure the quality of presentations.

Staff Support: Sharon GallerTo maintain at least 2 non-Board members as volunteers, drawing particularly from the Affiliates Council if possibleStatus/Activities: Complete

Staff Support: Sharon Galler and Charlene Hipes To produce conference brochures to promote the event

Status/Activities: Complete

To have 550 registered for the Houston conference with an overall total revenue figure of $329,400Status/Activities: Approximately 710 registrants and a total revenue of $339,896. Complete.

To attract $17,500 in registrants to Intensives.Status/Activities: 144 registered with income of $24,000. Complete.

To secure Conference sponsorship, advertising and exhibit revenue to the total of $26,000Status/Activities: Revenue of $37,000 achieved. Complete.

To secure contract for 2009 conference in Reno, Nevada. Status/Activities: Complete

To identify site for 2010 conferenceStatus/Activities: NY is under active consideration.

17

Training Committee

Chair: Rosanna Thoms

Members: Barbara Manning, Bernice Hutchinson, Cathy Nellis, Patt Harvey, Sharon Doner, Sharon Russell, Shye Louis, Tim Sylvia

To explore and implement training options for AIRS members in order to improve the quality and consistency of available I&R training.

Staff Support: Clive JonesTo maintain at least 2 non-Board members as volunteers, drawing particularly from the Affiliates Council if possibleStatus/Activities: Complete

Staff support: Clive JonesTo conduct survey of AIRS membership early in year to gather their preferences for new online training courses and other training needsStatus/Activities: Complete

To delivery final activities in relation to the grant from the Dammann Fund and fulfill all reporting requirements by OctoberStatus/Activities: Complete.

To implement, promote and update the trainers self-referral resource on the AIRS web siteStatus/Activities: Complete

To deliver two ‘Webinars’ (one on Taxonomy) Status/Activities: Webinars on call reporting and follow-up were completed with the help of the UWA. Complete

To monitor AIRS Online Training through course registrations and evaluations, and make program adjustments as required, with a 2008 target of 700 registrations and for each course to have 75% of evaluations clearly stating that they agreed with the statements ‘The material in the course was relevant to my job’ and ‘The course met the learning objectives’.Status/Activities: AIRS members registered for over 3,113 online training courses with over 85% affirming its relevance. Complete

18

To develop five new online AIRS training modules, including exploring ideas of working with AIRS member agencies that might have popular concepts and a willingness to write courses.

Status/Activities: Following member survey, the following courses were identified as priorities for 2008 -- Providing I&R in a disaster (2) Crisis intervention for I&R staff (3) Database management in a disaster (4) I&R advocacy and (5) Customer service. A member agency (a military support center volunteered to write a course on supporting military families), The writing for the following four courses were completed in 2008 (although in some cases the production schedule will continue into 2009: I&R customer service, Crisis intervention, Serving military families, Writing resource database material.

To review online courses produced by EL in 2008 for inclusion in AIRS portal (June and December)Status/Activities: New courses received an initial review in June and following a review process, 2 courses were added to the AIRS portal. December review will occur in February.

19

To develop training tracks and workshops for the 2008 AIRS ConferenceStatus/Activities: Complete

To begin process to develop training tracks and workshops for the 2009 AIRS ConferenceStatus/Activities: Complete

To obtain feedback on the 2008 version of the ABCs around September with a view to addressing enhancements and required changes, and making a revised version available in early 2009. (Note that the most important revision may be re-writing in line with upcoming Version 6 of the AIRS Standards)Status/Activities: Feedback requested and gathered, awaiting final approval of Standards. Writing and editing complete. Complete

To work with the AIRS Taxonomy Committee that is reviewing the Taxonomy training needs of resources specialists and existing Taxonomy training/educational materials.Status/Activities: Underway

Finance Committee

Chair: Roberto Armijo, Treasurer

Members: Jamie Moore, Jeri Shumate

Overall objectiveThe Finance Committee shall develop the budget for the approval of the Board. The committee shall provide up to date financial information to the Board on a regular basis. The Executive Committee shall address reimbursement requests for matters not addressed in the annual budget.

Staff support: Jerry Galler/Charlene Hipes To assess actual expenditures and revenue against budget targets

(particularly in the first months of membership) and to oversee STAT financial work regarding correct coding, etc.Status/Activities: Complete

To ensure annual audit is conducted in a satisfactory fashionStatus/Activities: A full audit was successfully completed without a management letter. Complete

20

Friends of AIRS

Chair: Sharon Doner

Members: Edwina Reddick-

Overall objectiveTo establish and administer an endowment fund for AIRS where the principle is restricted for investment only and the income is used to provide Conference scholarships or other benefits for AIRS members.

To raise revenue for Friends of AIRS through annual special event and other fundraising and to ensure that members are aware of the program and application process that provides Conference scholarships or other benefits for AIRS membersStatus/Activities: Complete

Disaster Committee

Chairs: Larry Olness and Trisha Ferrell

Member: David Smith, Debby Thornton, Faed Hendry, John Plonski, Shirley Walker, Gary Lever, David Sisk, Linda Daily, Chris Juette

Overall objectiveTo oversee disaster related activities, coordinate training efforts, maintain liaisons with national organizations active in disaster

To maintain at least 2 non-Board members as volunteers, drawing particularly from the Affiliates Council if possibleStatus/Activities: Complete

Staff Support: Charlene Hipes To develop a disaster-track for the 2008 AIRS Conference

Status/Activities: Complete

To continue to participate on CAN and its Committees and to communicate with the AIRS Technology Committee on common issuesStatus/Activities: Trisha and Jamie continue to serve on the CAN Steering Committee. Complete

To continue to support and build awareness for the AIRS/UWA Disaster Response TeamStatus/Activities: A workshop was held at the conference and work is underway to extend training to individual Affiliates to increase local pools of support and knowledge. In addition, DRT members were deployed to Indiana and Iowa in response to the flooding and as a result of Hurricane Ike, DRT members

21

deployed in Texas and Louisiana. Complete.

To continue to pursue membership of NVOADStatus/Activities: Information has been obtained and work has begun to compile the required material for application.

To create an AIRS disaster plan Status/Activities: Adopted at 11/08 meeting. Complete.

Technology Committee

Chair: Marianne Galleon

Members: Bill, Brakin, Carolyn Keyser, Kathy O’Connor, Mary Hogan, Steve Parker

Overall objectiveTo ensure the I&R field has access to information on technology that improves access to service and enhances its ability to serve inquirers efficiently and effectively while preserving the level and quality of its core services. “Technology” includes telephone systems, telephony, telecommunications, I&R software packages, directories on diskette and self-service mechanisms such as automated attendants/interactive voice response systems, fax-on-demand, community kiosks and searchable I&R databases on the Internet.

Staff Support: Clive JonesTo secure at least 2 non-Board members as volunteers, drawing particularly from the Affiliates Council if possibleStatus/Activities:

Staff Support: Clive JonesTo develop a Technology training conference track for 2008Status/Activities: Complete

Staff Support: Clive Jones XML

To ensure that AIRS members are aware of the new, stable version of the AIRS XSD 3.0, and to discuss the future of the XSD with the major I&R vendors.Status/Activities: Final changes to XML provided to vendors. Final version approved by AIRS Board. Complete!

To explore the development of a contract with an independent third-party to validate the AIRS XML validation program for vendor software systems according to the specifications of AIRS (which will include the approval of any charges to vendors). Status/Activities: Work occurred on a voluntary basis with University of Nebraska to create a basic online validation application. A contract has been signed for a more sophisticated validation site that will make results available for all members. This project should be complete by end of January. Complete

22

To explore national collaborations on XML database standards (relating to resource data and client data) with organizations such as CAP, CAN, HUD and HMISStatus/Activities: Ongoing within resources

To adjust national Style Guide in the light of the final changes to 3.0 of the AIRS XSDStatus/Activities: Draft completed with consultants for final review.

Software Assessment Project

To develop a set of basic criteria that an I&R software should contain (for example, the ability to update new versions of the Taxonomy). The idea is to have a document that members can use to help them ask the right questions and look for the right features when selecting a new I&R software Status/Activities:

To research 211 telecommunications issues on a national basis in order to gather together existing knowledge and help members through information on the technical issues and possible solutionsStatus/Activities: Working with 211 US group on issue

23