2009 USOD Board Goals

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On a beautiful snowy Sunday in the Sheep Barn at the Case Western Reserve University - Vallevue Farm, the board of the USOD met for a day-long retreat to strategize & prioritize for 2009 and beyond.

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USOD Board Member - Brian Weiss at the 2009 Board Retreat

 

 

 

 

The mission of the USOD is to provide support, education and advocacy for people with Down syndrome, their families and communities. 2009 is going to be an exciting and exhausting year for the USOD with new commitments to each element of the mission:

Support – To increase financial and information resources available to families in these difficult economic times.

Education – Through the new website, partner collaborations and research, explore the specific needs, cutting edge programming and educational opportunities to increase resources for individuals with Down syndrome.

Advocacy - Through the internet the USOD will be partnering with the Achievement Centers for Children to do a comprehensive parent survey. To understand and explore what we as parents and families need and want. This information will help the USOD focus resources and leverage relationships to bring more services, support and a brighter future to all our USOD families.

Community – Double USOD classes, support groups and events, with an emphasis on geographic diversity, programming for all age ranges and to ensure programming for individuals with Down syndrome.

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Now you ask how is this going to happen? The answer is with YOU. The Up Side of Downs needs to expand its base of support and invite individuals to participate and volunteer on committees and with programming. We need to strengthen our governance structure, enhance our financial reporting, create a comprehensive and sustainable development plan and most importantly increase the quantity and quality of USOD programming. Please contact the office as soon as possible at 216-464-USOD or by email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Many meetings will be available by conference call & by Go-to-Meeting so please share your energy and expertise to help USOD achieve our 2009 goals and beyond.

 

At a high level this diagram shows some of the possible projects and goals of each committee.

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An outcome of the retreat that is truly visionary is the commitment from the board to strengthen, diversify and expand the USOD board of directors with an emphasis on the leadership and resources required for comprehensive strategic planning in 2010.  You may be thinking why so far in the future? Come and volunteer, support and help plan for a vision of a center entirely devoted to individuals with Down syndrome and their families. A place to meet, support, learn & grow together. Examples throughout the nation are awe inspiring, check out www.gigisplayhouse.org in Chicago. In order for us to achieve a vision of a center in Northeast Ohio, we must invest the time and expertise NOW in strengthening our governance, finance & development capacity & sophistication along with connecting and learning about the specific needs of our community.  Again please contact the office to help volunteer on the governance, finance, development & programming committees.  With your help we will be able to do so much more together.