FSFAPA BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES

Mini Conference Port Richey

October 19, 2013

Present: Trudy Petkovich, Harriett Wynn, LaShaun Wallace, Lillie Blackshear, David Brown, Dorothy Alvarez’, Victoria Herrin, Calvin Burton, Lynda Thompson, Kara Elliott-Jordan, Karen Condry, Chris Johnson, Trish Allen, Jonah Dorman, Kim Hernandez, and Trudie Poole.

Excused: Curtis Byrd, Maria Bond, Coleen LaCosta

The Meeting:

The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by the president Trudy Petkovich who asked if anyone needed a certificate for the day and the forms were passed accordingly. Trudy asked visitors to introduce themselves: Cindy Strickland, TLC President in Circuit 10, Lori Dobia, Polk – Highland Vice President, Keith Best, Southwest Region, Mary Burton, adoptive parent and wife of Calvin Burton and Gina Marie Darbouze, adoptive parent.

The Election:

Trudy also announced that the folk who helped with the ballots were William Presswood and Keith Best. She also asked if there were any questions about the elections or ballots and will hold onto the ballots and the tally.

Reports – Regional Vice Presidents:

Trudy commented that it sounds like things around the state are going well. Victoria

Took on a huge roll – independent living and was asked to give an update.

Tallahassee

Trudy advised the group that the board and families went to Tallahassee last year on Thursday of Children’s Week and in prior years on Tuesday for Fostering Florida’s Future. The group had their own day where families’ were able to speak with Legislators and was a part of Governor signing the Normalcy Bill. She has been contacted by CBCS as to who will or will not support the next trip. FCC, Florida Coalition for Children will support the next trip. We already have suggestions as to whether we’ll go Monday, practice on Tuesday, meet Tuesday afternoon, stay the night and meet with Legislators on Wednesday? Since Children’s week event is on Tuesday, we could meet Tuesday evening with the band and with Legislators on Wednesday. There will be box lunches provided for participants as well as a town hall meeting for Teens on Tuesday.

We can do Tuesday activity for kids, Wednesday meet with Legislators “Awareness Day” and it will still be called “foster Adoption Kinship Day”.

Discussion: would it be better to have our own day or participate with other programs where there will be thousands of children and activities.   FSFAPA participants can make a loud noise with the band on Wednesday – the idea or focus is on taking issues to Legislators:

After discussion, and no further questions the meeting adjourned at 9:30 pm and the President wished everyone a safe trip home and great holidays. The meeting will be in February.

Acting, Recording Secretary

Trudie Poole