LEADERSHIP FOCUS GROUP ACTIVITIES

Did you let your Congressmen know of your concerns when they were working on a state budget in June?

An addition to the Leadership focus plan for the year is to use Ilona Nickels' booklet "Why Congress Matters". One copy of this booklet was furnished to each county. I hope you are using information from it in your newsletters, at Homemaker Council Meetings and other activities. You may be in other groups who would enjoy this also.

This booklet speaks about our National Congress but much of the information applies on a state level. For instance, it lists what influences a Congressman's vote: constituents' views, a members core principles and beliefs, local community leaders, major political supporters, other members of Congress, the President and his cabinet, party leaders, congressional committee leaders, debate on the merits of the issue, staff advice, lobbyists, and newspaper editorials, letters to the editor and academic studies. Notice! The first item on the list is constituents' views. That's us and our friends who care enough to make our opinions known.

In reviewing the worksheets from President's Roundtable, I noted some needs in the area of officer training. Even though some officers may have served before, they need to be kept up to date on programs and practices in the county and state. We can always learn if we have a desire and open mind. More members may be willing to serve as officers if they know what is expected of them.

Our Leadership Focus at Fall District Meetings will be on communication, stressing use of the IEHA Website.

Jean Hitchcock
Leadership Focus Group Chair