03-06-17 NEUAC Board Notes
This is a copy of Katrina’s Board Notes sent via email
Any attachments referenced can be found at the bottom of this page.
In this edition (ctrl+click to jump to any section):
Notes from the Executive Director
FY18 All Parties Letter – URGENT! Take action today!
NEUAC Annual Conference – Volunteers needed!
Notes from the Executive Director
When I was a young mother, I read the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy. It was an escape for me from my real life, where my partner was struggling with cancer, my baby was still nursing around the clock, my toddler wanted all of my attention, and I was working two part-time jobs.
When the kids napped, I would read the adventures of Frodo Baggins and found that I could draw comparisons to my own life.
This quote particularly stood out to me: Frodo says to Gandalf, “I wish it need not have happened in my time.”
“So do I,” said Gandalf, “and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”
I made a decision to humble myself and ask for help for my family. Utility assistance was not available to us as bulk fuel customers; LIHEAP was our only option, and our propane tank was empty.
One decision led to the next, and now I have the privilege of being part of an organization that is dedicated to reducing the energy burden of families and promoting the very program that once extended help to my family.
All of you also made decisions that led you to the positions you now hold where you have the ability and authority to make a difference. As Gandalf also said, “Many places I have been, many sorrows I have seen. But I don’t regret, nor will I forget all who took the road with me.” One thing you can do today is sign the NEUAC FY18 All Parties Letter for LIHEAP. Details are below in this email.
Also, here’s a link to the video that premiered at LIHEAP Action Day that features yours truly and my story as an unapologetic former LIHEAP recipient: Click here to view the video.
A few additional messages/notes/updates/reminders to start your week:
More than 150 participants and more than 200 meetings on the Hill to support LIHEAP – you all made that happen. Tens of thousands of steps — way to advocate, NEUAC! Thank you to everyone who participated and congratulations to Congressman Tom Cole of Oklahoma for winning the Extra Mile Award. All photos for the event can be viewed on the NEUAC Facebook Page here.
FY 2018 LIHEAP All-Parties Letter – URGENT. Take Action Today.
Next step in NEUAC advocacy for LIHEAP: Sign the FY18 LIHEAP All-Parties Letter and share today with your networks. The letter will remain open only until the end of March – time is limited to complete this task. Many of you signed the FY17 letter very late last year and it may feel like this new letter has come up quickly. Make no mistake — this new letter is critically important to demonstrate the support for LIHEAP in a year of political transition and uncertainty about future funding. We need your signatures. Last count, we were approaching 400 signatures compared to more than 800 last year. Sign and share today!
NEUAC Annual Conference – Volunteers Needed!
Volunteers are needed for the 2017 NEUAC conference in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Go here to sign up:
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0a4dafac29a3f49-neuac1
Also — registration is now OPEN! Go HERE to view the conference brochure and access the registration website. Join us for Sunny Solutions for Self Sufficiency in Fort Lauderdale!
A new report has been posted to www.neuac.org/insider for board members only. The reports shows historical donations to NEUAC for the past three years, demonstrating trends in giving that will be valuable as each of you work towards accomplishing your goals for the 5/5/5 Challenge. Check it out! Email Katrina at kmetzler@neuac.org for the password, if needed.
(all times are EST, all calls use NEUAC conference line (515) 739-1020, Code: 971971#)
To add your event or committee meeting, email kmetzler@neuac.org
March 2: 1 p.m. – All-Chairs Call
March 8: 11 a.m. – Membership Committee Call
March 9: 2 p.m. – Executive Committee Call
March 15: 10 a.m. – Regular Call with HHS/ACF Staff
June 25-26: NEADA Annual Meeting
June 25: 12-5 p.m. – NEUAC Board Meeting
June 25-28: Annual Conference in Fort Lauderdale, FL
September 12: Planning Meeting in Phoenix, AZ
September 13: NEUAC Board Meeting in Phoenix, AZ
