Meeting Minutes

Attendees:

Lynda Waggoner	Community Rep.
Mike Leonard	Community Rep.
Julie Mauney	Community Rep.
Frances Smith	PADV
Rosa Yanez	Road to Recovery
Amber Illum	Comprehensive Counseling Service
Daaiyah Howard	PADV
Sharon Lewis	The Padgett House
Sabrina Davis	PADV
Jennifer Thomas	GCFV
Jeanette Soto	PADV
Tracey Lee	Gwinnett Sheriff’s Department
Michele Holstad	Atlanta Family Counseling Center
David Clark	Atlanta Intervention
Jennifer Hope	Atlanta Family Counseling
TJ Alvarado	Blaze 4 Life
Jerry Connor	Community Rep.

Ø      Meeting began at 2:10 pm with Introductions.

Ø      Minutes read and approved

Ø      Announcements

o       Jennifer Thomas (GCFV) announced (2) LGBTQQI Trainings, Abuse in LGBTQQI Relationships: Detection and Intervention  will be held February 19, 2010 at Ridgeview Institute in Smyrna and 2 day advocacy training will be held March 4^th and 5^th. Please see Jennifer for more information.

o       Stop Violence against Women day will be held on January 26, 2010 from 8-2 at Central Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, Georgia.

o       David Clark will be holding a Substance Abuse: Its effect on Victims and Perpetrators of Domestic Violence training on February 12, 2010 at First Baptist Church in Tucker. Contact David Clark @ 770-713-8580 or drdavidclark@bellsouth.net for more information.

Ø      Taskforce members voted on the switching of positions between the 2010 elected Secretary, Jeanette Soto and Vice President, Sabrina Davis.  Members approved the switch; the 2010 elected officers has been amended. President-Jennifer Hope, Vice President-Jeanette Soto, Treasurer- Lynda Waggoner, and Secretary-Sabrina Davis.

Ø      President Jennifer thanked TJ Alvarado (Blaze 4 Life) for the non-profit exposure and inviting the taskforce to be a part of their holiday show case. Jennifer attended the event and set up a booth on behalf of the taskforce. It was an excellent opportunity for the community to learn more about the taskforce.

Ø      The newest edition of the Gwinnett Force is airing this month. This month’s show is focused on Self Defense with a guest appearance by TJ Alvarado (BLAZE 4 LIFE).  The Communication Committee is looking for ideas for upcoming shows. Sgt. Lee is looking to do a show with survivors or domestic violence.

Ø      Committee Updates:

o       Community Response Committee-The committee is looking to begin law enforcement trainings as soon as March 1^st.  The training will depend on how much time is provided by the precinct. It could range from providing information at roll calls to a full domestic violence presentation. The committee will focus on one precinct at a time. Norcross is the first targeted precinct. Jeanette Soto will create an agenda for the training.  Per Phil, there are three different shifts and they are looking for additional taskforce members who will be willing to help train law enforcement.  Raksha and The Padgett house are a few organizations that have volunteer to help out.

o       Communications Committee- The committee wants to start a newsletter, highlighting some of the local news of Gwinnett County, as well as the happenings with the taskforces. The committee is looking to use Constant Contact or iContact as a means of publishing the news letter.  Jennifer Thomas is currently using Constant Contact and provided information on the benefits of using this program.  The committee is also looking to begin posting pictures from different taskforce events. There were no objections by the taskforce members.

o       Fatality Review Team- The team is working on creating a presentation of last years’ findings.  The committee will also begin working on reviewing 1 case this year. The Fatality Review report for last year should be posted mid-Feb.

Ø      President Jennifer discussed an interesting law that was found by a co-worker. Georgia Law Code 16-5-25 discusses assault and the reasons one could be assaulted.

Ø      The taskforce also discussed fundraising opportunities and ways to generate revenue. One idea is to have a TV raffle. Taskforce members will discuss in future meetings.

Ø      Meeting adjourned at 3:15 pm

Ø      Next Subcommittee meeting will be held February 19, 2010 at 2:00 pm. 

Ø      Next General Taskforce Meeting will be held March 19, 2010 at 2:00 pm.  

Ø   Next Executive Committee Meeting will be held April 16, 2010 at 1:00 pm.  

Attendees:

Julie Mauney	Community Rep.
Jennifer Hope	Atlanta Family Counseling
Lynda Waggoner	Community Rep.
G. Landeros	Caminar Latino, Inc.
Mike Leonard	Community Rep.
Jennifer Thomas	GCFV
Aisha Rios	GCFV
Alisha Lalani	GCFV
Stacy Collins	Atlanta Family Counseling
Mike Emery	Gwinnett Co. Public Schools
P.J. Padden	Renew Counseling
Iris Padden	Renew Counseling
Diana Soto	Road to Recovery
Frances Smith	PADV
Jeanette Soto	PADV
Tracy Lee	Gwinnett Sheriff
Amber Illum	Comprehensive Counseling Service
Sabrina Davis	PADV

Ø      Meeting began with Introductions

Ø      Jennifer T (GCFV) provided information on United 4 Safety and announced that they now have a helpline.

Ø      President Julie M. read the meeting minutes from the last taskforce and executive committee meeting.  Minutes approved by taskforce members.

Ø      Committee Updates:

o       Community Response Committee: The committee reports that they will be working on creating a form that will be used in the court watch process. The form will assist those who volunteer to do the court watch keep records on items such as if the judge is ordering FVIP vs. Anger Management, and if firearms are being removed.

o       Communications: The committee reports that they are brainstorming ideas on locating space in different newspapers and TV shows to advertise meeting and information on the taskforce. The committee is also interested in creating a media button for the taskforce website. The media button will provide information on current and local family violence media. Jennifer (GCFV) suggested that the committee contact Maggie Beck-Coon for more information on how to start a media watch program. The committee also announced that they have taped the 10^th episode of the Gwinnett Force. T.J Alvarado from Blaze 4 Life presented information on self defense.

o       Fatality Review: The review team reports that they plan to do another review the first of next year. The team is interested in working on a year in report. The report will consist of the findings from the cases that have been reviewed this year. The information will be presented to the overall taskforce groups.

o       Treasury Report: Treasurer reports that as of October 30^th, 2009 the balance is 2389.95. Since then, a payment of 70.00 was deducted for the payment of the P.O Box. Current balance is 2319.95

Ø      Events/Announcements:

o       Stop Violence against Women Day. January 26, 2009 8:30-3 at the State Capitol. See Jennifer T (GCFV) for more information.

o       2010 Election Results announced: Congrats to the new officers. New term will begin January 2010.

§         President: Jennifer Hope

§         Vice President: Sabrina Davis

§         Treasurer: Lynda Waggoner

§         Secretary: Jeanette Soto

Ø      Open Floor discussion

Discussion Topic: Gwinnett County School System: What are some of the issues/concern surrounding family violence? How do we as a taskforce develop a curriculum and reach out to the Gwinnett schools?

Ø      Meeting adjourned at 3:10 pm.

Next Executive Committee Meeting: December 18^th 2009 @ 1:00 pm

Next Taskforce (Subcommittee) Meeting: December 18^th 2009 @ 2:00pm

 Task Force Meeting

Attendees:

Name	Organization
Jennifer Thomas	GCFV
Sabrina Davis	PADV
Veronica Travis	Professional Probation
Lynda Waggoner	Community Rep.
Julie Mauney	Community Rep.
Jennifer Hope	Atlanta Family Counseling Center
Mike Leonard	Community Rep.
Stacy Collins	Atlanta Family Counseling Center
Michele Holstad	Atlanta Family Counseling Center
Jeanette Soto	PADV
Frances Smith	PADV
Amber Illum	Comprehensive Counseling Service
Tracy Lee	Gwinnett County Sheriff Office (GCSO)
Olga Quintero	Renew Counseling
Diana Soto	Road to Recovery
T.J. Alvarado	BLAZE 4 Life Inc.

Ø      Meeting called to order at 2:11 pm

Ø      Meeting began with Welcome and Introductions

Ø      Julie M, read meeting minutes from last executive committee meeting and last taskforce meeting. Minutes approved by over all taskforce.

Ø      Julie M, updated taskforce members on the recent Strategic Planning Meeting and the changes that will be implemented going forward. The taskforce subcommittees has been restructured into 3 subcommittees: Community Response Committee (Note: Members needs to reach out to Phil Rainey to confirm that he will Chair this committee), Communications Committee and Fatality Review Committee. Each subcommittee goals were discussed and taskforce members were encouraged to sign up for a subcommittee.

Ø      Discussion of the responsibility of each taskforce member: Attending meetings on time and for the duration, participation of subcommittee, increasing membership, and increasing diversity.

Ø      Taskforce discussed Hero Award Nominations: Nomination sheets distributed and Member were urged to nominate an outstanding citizen or agency to be the recipient of this award. Discussion with Tracy Lee (GCSO) on if the Award Ceremony could be televised on Gwinnett Force.

Ø      Lynda Waggoner suggested that the taskforce create a survey or feed back form for taskforce members. The information from the surveys will help the taskforce to continue to improve.

Upcoming Events

Ø      3^rd Annual Domestic Violence Conference @ Dalton State Oct 16^th (See Julie for more information)

Ø      Domestic Violence Awareness Seminar October 15^th. Presented by Sheppard Ministries.(See Julie for more information)

Ø      TPO training in Gainesville, GA on September 29, 2009 (See Julie for more information)

Ø      Jeanette (PADV) announced a Probation Training that will be held at the beginning of 2010. Discussion on whether the taskforce will co-sponsor the event.

Ø      Sabrina (PADV) announced PADV’s Domestic Violence Speak Out which will be held Oct. 29 @ 11am. Funds have been approved to co-sponsor the event.

Ø      Elections for Gwinnett Taskforce Officers will be held in November.

Ø      Next Executive Committee Meeting Oct 16 @ 1:00 Board Room

Ø      Next Subcommittee Meeting Oct. 16 @ 2:00, Conference Room A

Ø      Next Taskforce Meeting Nov. 20 @ 2:00, Conference Room A

Ø      Meeting adjourned @3:03 pm

Attendees:

Ø      Meeting called to order at 1:15 pm

Ø      The meeting began with the group reviewing an article from Gwinnett Daily Post about a Loganville man being held in jail without bond for violating a TPO order. (discussion of article)

Ø      Jennifer (GCFV) opened the meeting with a discussion of the recent Fatality Review Meeting that was held last week.

Ø      Committee reviewed the notes from Part 1 of the Strategic Planning group that was held on August 7^th.

                  -Taskforce has too many committees (Group discussed the  idea of have only 2-3 committees) Committee goals needs to be clearly defined.  

                  - Accountability Committee was renamed the Community Response Committee and will work towards building  relationships.

Ø      Question posed to the group:

Do we want to create a cultural diversity group/committee? Response: Cultural diversity should be every members obligation it should be apart of our own consciousness.

                                                      Moving Forward

Ø      Taskforce should do away with the Membership Committee, the membership committee responsibilities consists of sending out meeting minutes, sending minutes to Mike for posting, keep track with members contact information. These responsibilities should be passed on to the Secretary of the Taskforce.

Ø      The Executive Committee should hold systems accountable if things are not working out. Group had a discussion on how the Exec. Committee members should hold a conversation with systems that have volunteered to do things and are not doing what they agreed to do.

Ø      Fatality Review should professionally present the reviewed cases to the overall taskforce and gather recommendations.

                  Chair: Julie Mauney          Co-Chair: Lynda Waggoner

(We would also like to have a victim advocate voice apart of this committee.)

      Goals for the next 12 months:

-          Review one case

-          Develop recommendations

-          Acknowledge the teams that are already has in place (i.e. judges, law enforcements) and expand each year.  

Ø     Communications Committee (Formerly the Media Committee). Committee consists of Webmaster, and TV Show.

                  Chair:                         Co Chair:

Jennifer H will reach out to Jerry Conner, and Tonja Holder about possibly Chairing and Co-Chairing committee.

Goals for the next 12 months:

-          Maintain website (Ensuring that the meeting minutes/meeting time and announcements, special events, and additional resources are current).

-          TV Show’s target should be to produce approx. 3-4 shows with in the next year.  Executive Committee should also have a conversation with Communications committee about reaching out to taskforce members/agencies for involvement in brainstorming and producing a show.

-          Media monitoring (checking the media for stories on family violence in Gwinnett) is also something that Jennifer (GCFV) would like to see the Communications Committee work towards.

Ø      Executive Committee

      Goals for next 12 months:

-          Keeping updated contact information for all members

-          Increase diversity

-          Organizing meetings

-          Succession planning

Ø      Community Response Committee (formally the Accountability Comm.)

                  Chair: Phil Rainey   Co-Chair: Jeanette Soto

 (Jeanette has meeting already scheduled with Phil and will confirm that Phil would like to chair committee. Jeanette has confirmed her position).

Goals for next 12 months:

-          Information gathering (911 officers collect data on domestic violence calls and their outcome) What would the taskforce want to do with the information gathered? Increase the number of reports written, be able to provide victims with information (client follow up), and increase the law enforcement education on domestic violence. The committee should focus on one area (i.e.  concentrate on one city and once the committee has been successful in that city move forward with other cities and the committee could ask for grant money from CJCC to assist in doing the work. But you must show that you have already been successful.)

-          Court Monitoring: Is there a compliance hearing, are the judges ordering FVIP vs. Anger Management, and are the judges removing firearms. The committee wants to see more consistency, training for judges, and orders for compliance hearings.

Ø      At every taskforce meeting each committee should be able to report (approx. 5mins) on what they are currently working on and the goals that they have achieved.

Ø      Taskforce Members

        Goals for the next 12 months:

-          Attend meetings, participate in subcommittees

-          Increase membership

-          Increase diversity

Ø      Closing and wrap up

Ø      Meeting adjourned at 3:05 pm

Strategic Planning Meeting Part 1

Attendees:

Julie Mauney	Community Rep.
Sabrina Davis	PADV
Jeanette Soto	PADV
Jennifer Thomas	GCFV
Aisha Rios	GCFV/Graduate Student
Jennifer Hope	Atlanta Family Counseling
Mike Leonard	Community Rep.
Lynda Waggoner	Community Rep.
Jasmine Williams Miller	PADV
Tracy Lee	Sheriff

Ø      Meeting called to order at 1:05 pm

Ø      Introductions (2 Truths and a Lie)

Ø      Jennifer (GCFV) begins the meeting by posing a question to the taskforce group. What were taskforce created for? Taskforces were created for victim/survivor safety and batterer accountability. Is the Gwinnett County Family Violence Taskforce currently doing these things?

Ø      Ideas for Taskforce focus: Gwinnett Taskforce should focus on addressing the local issues.

Ø      Why is it important to have this meeting today?

-          Find a focus/purpose for the taskforce

-          Reconstruct Committees

-          Incorporate other members/agencies

-     Address why Gwinnett Co. has a big problem with serving victims

Ø      What is the taskforce currently doing well?

-          Fatality Review

-          Accountability Committee

-          Media (TV Show)

-          Website, Facebook

Ø        Areas for Growth and Improvement

-          Implementation

-          Membership and Attendance

-          Building Relationships

Ø        Moving Forward: Goals Setting

-          Jennifer (GCFV) suggests that the taskforce establish clear, short term goals to accomplish within a 6month to 12 month timeframe. The focus of the Gwinnett Co. Taskforce is to build relationships.

-     All taskforce members should be provided with an agenda. The agenda should provide a guideline for the meeting. (i.e. How the meeting should flow).

-          Meeting minutes should be emailed out as well as provided to taskforce members at the meeting. (to be done by Secretary)

-          The taskforce is in a serious need of committee reconstruction.  We have a total of 7 committees and we as a taskforce need to rethink the need of all the committees.  The taskforce should be able to function with 2 or 3 committees.

Accountability Committee was renamed as the Community Response Committee. This committee should take the approach of how can I help you? The committee should pick one city to focus on with in a 6-12 month timeframe versus trying to take on all of Gwinnett at once.  Committee will work on data collection, information gathering, build relationships, and closing gaps in services. Who should be apart of this committee? 911 Communication officers (Phil, Natoshia ), Advocate (Jeanette), and FVIPS (Jennifer).

Communications Committee (Gwinnett Force-TV Show). To show diversity, the show should begin to invite other agencies to be apart of the show i.e. Raksha, CPACS, Asian American Resource Center, and Tapestry.

Ø        Part 2 of Strategic Planning Meeting has been scheduled for August 28^th from 1:00-3:00pm. The next meeting will focus on the goals for each committee.

Ø        Meeting adjourned 3:08 pm

Ø      Meeting began at 1:05pm

Ø      Minutes read from last executive meeting and approved by committee members.

Ø      Committee discussed funding opportunity with L’Oreal Women of Worth for a chance to win a grant up to 25,000 dollars. Julie Mauney, President of Taskforce was nominated for her work in the Community and the amount of time she donates to help combat domestic violence. Winners should be announced no later than October.

Ø      Jennifer (GCFV) discussed the changes with the online taskforce newsletter and how the commission is planning to move forward. Some of the ideas are possible regional taskforce meetings, and article submissions by the taskforces.

Ø      Committee discussed low attendance at subcommittees and ways to improve attendance.

                  Jennifer (GCFV) suggestions: fewer committees with narrow goals,  spending more time with members and developing relationship in  the community.

Ø      Meeting called to order at 2:10 pm

Ø      Introductions

Ø      Minutes from last taskforce meeting (May 15) read and approved.

Ø      Updates from Executive Committee Meeting which was held at 1:00 today. Committee informs taskforce of Strategic Planning Meeting which will be held on August 7^th at 1:00 pm. Executive Committee is looking to revamp the taskforce and make it more productive.

Ø      Members are asked to write down and submit their expectations for the taskforce in the upcoming year.

Committee Updates

Ø      Accountability Committee: Committee continues to compile stats from participating cities such as Duluth, Lawrenceville, and Loganville and will get the reports to Mike for posting on the website. Committee is still working on getting incident reports from the participating cities and expressed challenges on getting Representatives to the taskforce meetings.

Ø      Fatality Review Committee: Committee reports that Greg has one of the reviewed cases and the committee will begin working on the other case and have it reviewed no later than October. Fatality Review team reports that they will change their focus from reviewing/gathering information to implementing the findings.

Ø      Finance Committee: As of June 30^th the balance is 2484.75. This amount includes a payment to IX Web Hosting for 2 year domain renewal. Treasurer discussed funding opportunity with L’Oreal Women of Worth for a chance to win a grant up to 25,000 dollars. Julie Mauney, President of Taskforce was nominated for her work in the Community and the amount of time she donates to help combat domestic violence. Winners should be announced no later than October. Treasurer also announced that she has applied for tax exemption through the IRS. 

Ø      Membership Committee: No report

Ø      Fundraising: No report.

Ø      Media Committee: Committee reports that the taping for Substance Abuse episode of the Gwinnett Force was held today. The show consisted of Kim Brooks (Drug Counselor) and Corporal Joe Bice. Committee Chair also reports that he had a discussion with the Communications Dept. of the show about budget cuts and how it will affect the Gwinnett Force. Chair reports that everything is going fine with the budget and no shows are expected to be cut at this time. The Gwinnett Force is actually helping to bring funding to the company. Next show topic will focus on SWAT team and Domestic violence.

Ø      Education, Prevention, Outreach and Faith Committee: Committee member, Penelope Batts informs taskforce that she will be featured in a 90 sec interview with Atlanta Interfaith Broadcasting discussing relative issues in the world. Jennifer Thomas (GCFV) also informed members that Dr. Snow an FVIP/Minister in Dekalb County will also be featured on AIB speaking on                 Domestic Violence and Family. Please see Jennifer for more information.

Other Business

Ø    David Clark from Atlanta Intervention announced a training for Alcohol and Drug Ethics, which will be held August 14. Contact David Clark at 770-713-8580 for       more information.

Ø    Julie announced training sponsored by GCADV on HIV and Violence. Training will be held August 22. For more information contact Renada Deniss at GCADV.

Ø    Taskforce discussed this years HERO awards. How do we want to present it?

     Michele H. suggested that we present the award on an episode of the Gwinnett Force.

Ø    Sabrina announced PADV’s preparation for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Members of the taskforce are invited to join PADV efforts. Planning   Meeting will be held on July 29, 2009 at 12:30. Gwinnett Speak Out will be held on October 29, 2009 at 11:00. Taskforce will discuss contributions at next taskforce meeting.

Ø      Next Subcommittee Meeting is schedule for August 21, 2009 @ 2:00 in Conference Room A

Ø      Next Taskforce Meeting is scheduled for September 11, 2009 @ 2:00 in Conference Room A.

Ø      Meeting Adjourned at 3:00 pm.

Ø      The meeting was called to order at 2:15 p.m.

Ø      Introductions

Ø      Meeting opened with the readings of  January’s Meeting Minutes

Ø      Minutes approved.

Ø      Committee Updates:

o       Accountability Committee: Committee reports that they have started back going around Gwinnett County to obtain stats from police department that are willing to participate. Several cities in Gwinnett have agreed to participate but Committee still reports no participation from Norcross and they are still waiting on responses from Snellville and Lilburn. President wants to create an approach to get law enforcement to fax over incident reports that resulted in arrest, medical treatment, or death. The reports will be used to contact the victims and family members and let them know of resources in the area and provide a support system for victims.

                  -Jennifer (GCFV) informed taskforce that Douglas          County has a similar model called DART.

o       Fatality Review Committee: Committee reports that they have been in contact with Greg (GCFV) and he wants the committee to come up with a priority list, and begin working on a few of the task off of the list. He also wants to be part of the chronology. The committee reports that they have selected two cases to review and will begin reviewing the cases at the next subcommittee meeting.

o       Finance Committee: Committee reports a treasury balance of 2514.75. Treasurer reports that the only transaction that has been made was a 30.00 payment for the renewal of the corporate registration. Changes in balance will be reflected in next taskforce meeting.

o       Membership Committee: Committee reports that they have been working in trying to come up with strategies on how to improve membership. Committee reports that they have tried to contact several different providers but has had no success at this point. Committee indicates that they will continue to work with the membership application and continue to work to increase the membership numbers.

o       Fundraising Committee: No Report. Taskforce Members discussed ways to raise funds. Some suggestions: Having a family violence walk to raise awareness.

o       Education, Prevention, Outreach and Faith Committee: Committee is still without a chair. Committee Member-Widline discussed not being able to move forward with newsletter since taskforce members have not submitted any articles or pictures.  Committee is still in need of newspaper articles. Suggestions for Committee: It is a good time for committee to educate the public on domestic violence due to Chris Brown/Rhianna situation. President also encouraged other subcommittees to submit articles on their progress to Widline at the next Subcommittee meeting in April.

o       Media Committee: Committee reports that the Animal Abuse episode was taped in January and will be airing soon. Committee is also reporting that they are still working on an all Spanish episode of the Gwinnett Force.  The committee indicates that Dep. Jane Lopez, and Ingrid Hervey will be participants on the show.

Ø                  Jennifer Thomas( GCFV) announcements:

-          Informed Taskforce Members on Child Prostitution training that             will be held at Emory University on March 19, 2009.  Any interested members please contact Jennifer.

-          Discussed ideas of starting a list serve for all taskforces in Georgia.

-          Provided Taskforce members with an update on legislation and bills that are headed to the Senate for approval. Jennifer informed taskforce members that house bill 385(to extend the life of the commission) is on is way to the Senate for approval and she encouraged all members to contact Sen. Renee Unterman letting her know how important house bill 385 is to the taskforce. Information will be forwarded to all taskforce members.

Ø                  Floor Opened for other discussions or announcements

Ø                  Next Subcommittee Meeting will be held April 17, 2009

Ø                  Next Taskforce Meeting will be held May 15, 2009

Ø                  Meeting adjourned at 3:20 pm.

Ø     The meeting was called to order at 2:05 pm.

Ø      Chair discussed and accepted completed 2009 Membership Applications. Applications were sent via email to all taskforce members. Due Jan 31^st.

Ø      Introductions

Ø      Minutes from December 19^th taskforce meeting read and approved.

Ø      Introductions of New Committee Chairs

o        Fundraising Committee: Michelle Toledo-Cainas

o        Membership Committee: Amy Hlastala

Any taskforce members interested in joining the new committees please sign up and let the committee chairs know after the meeting. Your help is greatly appreciated.

Ø      Discussion of 2009 bylaw changes. All changes were emailed to taskforce members to review. Chairs received no response.

Ø      President discussed removing committee names from the bylaws so committees can be altered as needed without altering the bylaws.

Ø      Voting on 2009 bylaws: Approved. No Objections

Ø      President discussed new meeting times for Taskforce: Every 3^rd Friday for every other month, Subcommittees will meet on alternate months (Vice-President, Jennifer, will be keeping track of the work that each subcommittee is doing).

o        March/September Taskforce Meetings will be held on 2^nd Friday. Until Further notice.

Ø      Committee Sign-up Sheets passed around. Media Committee chaired by Tracy Lee has also been added to the committee list.

Ø      Committee Update:

o        Accountability: Apologizes for missing Dec. Taskforce meeting was assisting needy families during the holidays. Committee is still combining and working on collected stats from 2008. Committee reports having problems with getting some of the cities in Gwinnett to participate. President will draft a letter from taskforce asking for participation from other cities in Gwinnett County.

2009 goals for Accountability committee discussed.

o        Fatality Review: The review team reports that they have not received any direction from the Coalition as of yet. The Committee indicates that they will use information collected by the Accountability committee and contact victims. In the mean time, the committee also indicates that they will begin reviewing cases again this year. Gwinnett Force (the television show) will no longer be part of the Fatality Review; it will be placed under the Media subcommittee.

2009 goals for Fatality Review committee discussed.

o        Finance: Treasurer reports that the bank balance remains the same (2514.75). The finance subcommittee will be collaborating with the Fundraising subcommittee.

o        Membership: Amy will create an internal resource list that will be available to members. 2009 goals for membership committee discussed.

o        Fundraising: 2009 goals discussed.

o        Education, Prevention and Faith: As of 2009, Education and Prevention and Faith committee has been combined into one committee. The committee reports that contact has been made with Larry Veal of     

B-MO Positive. The committee will be working with Mr. Veal in trying to get into Gwinnett County schools. No updates on Newsletter.  2009 goals for Education, Prevention and Faith discussed.

o        Media: Committee: Committee reports that the next scheduled taping of the Gwinnett Force is Jan 30^th. The show will be on Animal Abuse and will include Joey Brooks (Animal Control) and Mya Gupta (Ahimsa House). Committee reports that they are looking for individuals that speak Spanish to be guest on an upcoming Gwinnett Force show that will be aired in Spanish. Committee is still taking suggestions for show ideas.

Ø      Next Subcommittee meeting will be Feb. 20^th.

Ø      Next Taskforce meeting is tentatively set for March 13, 2009 unless space is found to have the meeting on the third Friday in March.  Taskforce members will be notified if there is a change in date.

Ø      Meeting adjourned at 3:00 pm

Ø      The meeting was called to order at 2:10 p.m.

Ø      Introductions (2009 Officers Introduced)

Ø      Minutes from Nov. 21^st Taskforce meeting were read and approved.

Ø      Committee Updates:

o       Accountability: No Update

o       Education and Prevention: Approved taskforce letters were emailed to all Gwinnett County Middle Schools. Committee reports no response from middle school as of yet. Newsletter is still in progress. Articles are still needed.

o       Finance and Membership: Committee reports 2514.75 as the balance as of Nov. 28^th. Treasurer reports a decrease in funds due to financial contribution to Destiny Road and PADV’s Speak out.

o       Faith Based: Faith Committee attended the Unite Luncheon in November. Committee Leader reports that committee is looking to collaborate with City of Refugee.

o       Fatality Review: Committee reports that they are still waiting on the 2009 expectations for Georgia’s Fatality Review Project. Gwinnett Force next episode will be on Suicide. The Committee is looking for experts on the issue of Suicide

Ø      Co-Chair and Treasurer presented the proposed changes in the 2009 Bylaws. The bylaws were presented to the present taskforce members and will be sent via email to all taskforce members for review.  The taskforce will vote to accept or deny the changes in the bylaws at the next taskforce meeting.

o       Proposal #1: Split the Fundraising and Membership Committee. The taskforce is looking for members of the taskforce who would like to lead these committees. Michelle (PADV) volunteered to lead the fundraising committee, and Amy (Sentinal Probation) offered to lead the Membership Committee.

o       Proposal #2: Creation of new Membership form-for taskforce to keep better track of members.

o       Proposal #3: Combine Education and Prevention and Faith and Outreach Committee.

o       Proposal # 4: Bi-Monthly Meetings(each committee will be responsible for keeping an agenda, and keeping the chairs of the taskforce informed on what each committee is doing, the date, time, and locations of committee meetings.

o       Proposal # 5: Create a New Class of Membership

o       Proposal #6: Open Ended Executive Committee Membership

Ø      Meeting adjourned at 3:10pm

Ø      Next Meeting for the Taskforce will be held on January 16 2009.

The meeting room is subject to change.  Please check the marquee outside the conference room entrance.

Ø The meeting was called to order at 2:09 p.m.

Ø Introductions

Ø The minutes from the October 17, 2008 task force meeting were read and approved.

Ø Committee Updates

Accountability.  Phil & Natosha provided statistics for January – May ’08. In appox. 74% of calls, no reports were made

Education & Prevention. Approved letter for circulation to schools. Widline requested articles and pictures for newsletter.  

Finance & Membership.  No Update

Faith Based – Laura discussed the UNITE conference.

Fatality Review-Discussed the near-fatality that was reviewed earlier in the month.

Ø Committee Sign-ups

The committee sign-up sheets were laid out for interested members.

Ø Treasurer Report

Ø Due to a death in her family, Lynda Waggoner was not able to be present. Due to the fact that she was nominated for two different offices it was voted on and approved that the elections would be held on line and decided by November 26^th.

Ø Anyone wanting to be a member of the executive committee should feel welcome to join.

Ø The meeting was adjourned at 3:15 p.m.

Ø The next Meeting Task Force meeting will be December 19^th , 2008 at 2:00 pm.

 The meeting room is subject to change.  Please check the marquee outside the conference room entrance.

Ø The meeting was called to order at 2:15 p.m.

Ø Introductions

Ø The minutes from the September 19, 2008 task force meeting were read and approved.

Ø Committee Updates

Accountability.  Auburn police have been contacted.  Approximately one third of domestic calls have reports made.

Education & Prevention. The program is progressing with a news letter. Letters are going out to middle schools.  

Finance & Membership.  Only the treasurer is currently in the committee. More committee members are needed.

Faith Based – Currently creating opportunities for education.

Fatality Review-Had an interview with a surviving victim.  The case is currently being reviewed.

Ø Committee Sign-ups

The committee sign-up sheets were laid out for interested members.

Ø Treasurer Report

The Beginning Balance was $2,735.34 with an outstanding $25.00 check for Gift Works, a fund raising computer software,  yielding a remaining balance of $2,710.34.  

Ø Task force officers were to be nominated in this meeting with the election in the November meeting.  Anyone that has attended for at least a year and would like to run for an office should let it be known.  An objection was voiced that they were not notified in advance that membership amendments to the bylaws were to be presented and passed.

Ø Anyone wanting to be a member of the executive committee should feel welcome to join.

Ø The meeting was adjourned at 3:15 p.m.

Ø The next Meeting Task Force meeting will be November 21st, 2008 at 2:00 pm.

 The meeting room is subject to change.  Please check the marquee outside the conference room entrance.

Ø Attendees:

Ø The meeting was called to order at 2:10 p.m.

Ø The minutes from the August 15, 2008 task force meeting were read and approved.

Ø Committee Updates

Accountability.  Data has been extracted thru May. All Law Enforcement agencies are cooperating with exception of Auburn Police.  Julie added it would be nice if we could add the Clerks Office to the list reporting.

Education & Prevention. Committee chairs have changed.  

Finance & Membership.  A need cash contributions to cover operating was noted.  A web site PayPal donation process is still in the plan.  

Faith Based – No representatives present.

Fatality Review-An interview of a surviving victim has been scheduled.

Ø Committee Sign-ups

The committee sign-up sheets were laid out for interested members.

Ø Treasurer Report

The Beginning Balance was $2,860.34 with an outstanding check written to Destiny Road Family Violence Center  yielding a remaining balance of $2,735.34.  

Ø A Task Force Newsletter sent by Jennifer Thomas was discussed.

Ø Family Violence Awareness Month is October.  The Partnership Against Domestic Violence Speak-Out is October 23.  

           The Hero Awards will be presented the Destiny Road Family Violence Center Public awareness event on October 11.

Ø The Task force voted to have Task Force meetings every other month in 2009.

Ø Task force officers are to be nominated in October meeting with the election in the November meeting. 

           Anyone that has attended for at least a year and would like to run for an office should let it be known.  

Ø Anyone wanting to be a member of the executive committee should feel welcome to join.

Ø The meeting was adjourned at 3:15 p.m.

Ø The next Meeting Task Force meeting will be October 17^th, 2008 at 2:00 pm.

        The meeting room is subject to change.  Please check the marquee outside the conference room entrance.