Deb has been updating the member list as there were several NRA changes and deceased members.  All but 2 WRA members have provided an email address.   

NRA is launching a new website September 23.  Each state chapter will have a page on the NRA site and can be linked to the state website.  NRA would like board member bio’s by Thursday, August 13th.  Deb will send out a template for the bio’s and will also collect all bio’s to send on to NRA.

NRA also wants to know which universities are active in our state.   Anna can approach UW-Madison regarding participation status in WRA if needed. 
Deb suggested we have WRA liaison members to UW-Madison and UW-Stout in the future. 
Colleen had no response from Madison’s Rehabilitation Psychology Club for JPD. 
Cheryl also suggested to incorporate the WRA purpose into our website so potential future members can see that easily.

RFW notified WRA of $455 in RFW/WRA conference proceeds.  Katie Powers emailed Deb that RFW would like to formalize the relationship with WRA for the conference.  Susie and Deb will work on this. 

At the 2010 conference we are guaranteed 2 breakouts that could be used for the president/past presidents of WRA meeting that was discussed at previous meetings.

Expansion of sponsorship to other conferences discussion:
WRA could continue with RFW for the RFW/WRA conference.  We will need to see what happens with the discussion with Katie regarding WRA involvement. 
Besides RFW/WRA conference we could be looking into other possibility partnerships, such as APSE.  The APSE conference fits the goals of DVR, Family Care and Pathways with a focus on integrated employment.  
Jenny works with Nancy M. on planning the APSE conference.  Jenny stated it has been easy to work with Nancy and the APSE board and since this conference is beginning grow and expand, it may be good timing to approach about a more formal partnership. 

Deb made a Motion to form a subcommittee of 3 or 4 WRA board members to look at training partnerships with professional organizations.  Dennis seconded the motion.
Motion Carried . 

Jenny, Jim, and Susie will work on this subcommittee.  WARPPS, WI AHEAD, WSTI and APSE were suggested as possible places to start. 

Allison stated that Facebook would be a quick way to get legislative updates out to members or a mass email.  NRA also sends email updates, but several board members liked Allison’s format better. 

The newsletter was mailed out.  Jim would like to pass along the newsletter duty for next year.   Michael volunteered for next year.  And Allison volunteered to be website liaison next year as well.
The newsletter could be emailed to members in the future.  We could also have a broader email list as an outreach tool. 

Deb would like to discuss some things at our next meeting.  Should she be keeping the monthly membership reports from NRA?  If so, what is the purpose?  Also, should we set up a protocol for contacting members that leave?  Perhaps we could develop a script or email to remind people of their membership coming due.  Erik will forward the APSE reminder email to Deb to look over. 

Also, Deb would like to know if anyone knows how to organize the list of members into an easy to use list in excel or another user friendly format.  Right now it is in word and is not very user friendly.   Michael and Anna thought it should be possible and will work with Deb on this. 

Michael will also set up a group email list of members. 

Holly Rogers, a former UW-Stout student, is interested in involvement in WRA.  She would be great on the membership committee.  Others interested in membership were Susie, Holly, Erik, Deb, Cheryl, Michael, and Troy.

NRA has requested donations for a basket for their silent auction.  They will take money or items that represent the state of WI.  Susie is collecting the items.