City of Galveston Families, Children and Youth Board

First Annual Report December 2002

Policies & Procedures History Membership List

Table of Contents

Section A Mission Statement Calendar of Board Meetings

Section B

Annual Report

Appendix A Abbreviated History Appendix B Policies & Procedures

Appendix C “What’s Up Galveston?!” Appendix D Mini-meetings feedback Appendix E One-year and five-year Goal forms

Section C

MEMBERSHIP Voting Members Alternates Community Consultants Ex-Officio Members City Staff What To Do When You… Procedures To Follow…

MISSION STATEMENT

TO PROMOTE THE PHYSICAL, ACADEMIC, PSYCHO SOCIAL AND CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT OF ALL FAMILIES, CHILDREN AND YOUTH IN THE CITY OF GALVESTON

FCYB Calendar 2003

January 7 Board Meeting Rosenberg Library 4:30-5:30 p.m. 14 Executive Meeting Rosenberg Library 4:30-5:30 p.m.

February 4 Board Meeting Rosenberg Library 4:30-5:30 p.m. 11 Executive Meeting Rosenberg Library 4:30-5:30 p.m.

March 4 Board Meeting Rosenberg Library 4:30-5:30 p.m. 11 Executive Meeting Rosenberg Library 4:30-5:30 p.m.

April 1 Board Meeting Rosenberg Library 4:30-5:30 p.m. 8 Executive Meeting Rosenberg Library 4:30-5:30 p.m.

May 6 Board Meeting Rosenberg Library 4:30-5:30 p.m. 13 Executive Meeting Rosenberg Library 4:30-5:30 p.m.

June 3 Board Meeting Rosenberg Library 4:30-5:30 p.m. 10 Executive Meeting Rosenberg Library 4:30-5:30 p.m.

July 1 Board Meeting Rosenberg Library 4:30-5:30 p.m. 8 Executive Meeting Rosenberg Library 4:30-5:30 p.m.

August 5 Board Meeting Rosenberg Library 4:30-5:30 p.m. 12 Executive Meeting Rosenberg Library 4:30-5:30 p.m.

September 2 Board Meeting Rosenberg Library 4:30-5:30 p.m. 9 Executive Meeting Rosenberg Library 4:30-5:30 p.m.

October 7 Board Meeting Old Central Cultural Ctr 4:30-5:30 p.m. 14 Executive Meeting Rosenberg Library 4:30-5:30 p.m.

November 4 Board Meeting Rosenberg Library 4:30-5:30 p.m. 11 Executive Meeting Rosenberg Library 4:30-5:30 p.m.

December 2 Board Meeting Rosenberg Library 4:30-5:30 p.m. 9 Executive Meeting Rosenberg Library 4:30-5:30 p.m.

CITY OF GALVESTON FAMILIES, CHILDREN AND YOUTH BOARD FIRST ANNUAL (INTERIM) REPORT DECEMBER 2002

MISSION STATEMENT TO PROMOTE THE PHYSICAL, ACADEMIC, PSHYCHO SOCIAL AND CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT OF ALL FAMILES CHILDREN AND YOUTH IN THE CITY OF GALVESTON

CREATION On November 8, 2001 the Galveston City Council unanimously passed Resolution No. 01- 057 to establish the City of Galveston Families, Children and Youth Board (COG FCY) to promote communication and collaboration among volunteers, agencies and organizations, both governmental and non-governmental. The purpose of the FCY Board is to target families, children and youth concerns identified as important and urgent and develop possible strategies/solutions for City Council’s consideration.

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The City of Galveston Families, Children and Youth Board of Directors gratefully acknowledge the generous time, energy and guidance provided by City Council members and City staff in its first year of operation. With their assistance, the COGFCY Board has experienced a year of steady growth. There have been four parallel tracks in which the group placed much energy.

First, the COGFCY Board needed to learn how to operate efficiently within a city board structure. Second, it needed to become knowledgeable about city services. Third, the Board needed to learn what citizens believed to be important in improving the lives of families, children and youth on the Island. Finally, the Board demonstrated it could collaborate with City Hall by supporting the City Grants Department with a RFP for Technical Assistance to benefit Galveston youth.

Thanks to prior help of many community volunteers (Appendix A), the City of Galveston Families Children and Youth Board was ready to adopt Policies and Procedures for presentation by Marilyn Soloway, By-Laws Chairman, and her Committee at the first organizational meeting (Appendix B). Another important order of business was to work with the City on confirming Board appointments prior to the Board’s confirmation; thereafter, Nominating Chairman Bing Skyiepal and the Committee met bi-monthly to review and fill un-expired terms of members.

The first track the Board pursued was to learn to function efficiently like other City boards. The COGFYC Board established its guidelines for officer duties, committee work, City Hall and community commitments. Therefore, it was able to take action as an efficient unit in a short period of time.

The City Codes and the COGFYC Policies and Procedures helped the volunteers’ ability to serve the community. The Legal Department, composed of Suzi Green and Mike Miller, plus the City Secretary Staff including Charlye Wright, Terry Williams and Barbara Lawrence were of invaluable assistance in helping the Board function smoothly.

A second track the Board followed was educating its membership about City services and needs. During the twelve (12) month period beginning November 8, 2002, ten (10) speakers addressed the Board on various topics:

City Board Responsibilities - Mayor Roger Quiroga, Barbara Lawrence Immunization Coalition - Ruth Finkelstein Children’s Report Card - Dan Freeman “Leave No Child Behind” Legislation - Dr. Ben Raimer Ambulance Services - Steve LeBlanc and Greg Kunkel Emergency Management Coordinator - Eliot Jennings Grant Office - Sterling Patrick and Alice Law Testicular Cancer Awareness Month - David Matthews Early Child Care and Quality Education - Dr. Karen Smith DeFeet Breast Cancer Campaign- Dolly Warren

The third track of the COGFCY Board was to identify concerns considered important by community groups. First, the Board went through several processes to identify and rank problems it saw as important and changeable. This helped the Board to identify “task force” study themes, chairmen and committee members. The challenge for the Board was to effectively measure its concerns and those of Galvestonians.

Thus, the COGFCY Board sponsored seven (7) mini meetings throughout Galveston called “What’s Up Galveston?!” Mini Meetings (Appendix C). The purpose was to gather citizen concerns about improving the lives of families, children and youth. The seven meetings were hosted at public schools within each Councilman’s District and were conducted in Spanish and English. Task Force Chairman and Group Facilitator Kathy Tiernan encouraged citizen feedback. Her excellent crew of volunteer recorders transcribed community remarks for future evaluation by the Task Force Committee.

BESTT students provided childcare and ANICO donated food for the children. Speedy’s Kwik Kopy donated the paper supplies to publicize the event. Local businesses donated door prizes for each session. Peter Davis designed the art and logo for the mini meetings, “Point Us In The Right Direction”. The community gatherings were coordinated among fifteen (15) Board volunteers, six (6) facilitators, eighteen (18) GISD staff volunteers, seven (6) City Council members, the Mayor and sixty-two (62) Ball High BESTT students and their sponsor, Leah Rae Marchand. There were one hundred ninety three (193) citizens who attended the meetings and returned response cards. More than one hundred forty three (143) children participated in child care while their parents met to discuss community issues. Discussion occurred at seven (7) public school sites. These public schools included Alamo, Austin, Oppe, L.A. Morgan, Central, Ball High, and Weis. Approximately one hundred twenty (120) citizens also completed cards at the Island Community Center Coats for Kids Drive and Galveston College.

Feedback was provided on the following questions:

1. What do you like best about Galveston for its families, children, and youth? 2. What do you like least about Galveston for its families, children and youth? 3. What do you want in the future to make Galveston a better place for its families, Children, and youth?

Preliminary results of the focus groups revealed that there are four cluster areas of concern including health, education, safety, and city infrastructure. Most, if not all of the remarks, fell into these categories. The Task Force Committee will refine the issues to prevent overlap in study. Generally, the feedback revealed that Galvestonians were concerned about the opportunity for safe and affordable recreation for children and families. Citizens also wanted street improvements to address flooding. This tied to a general interest to provide affordable housing and to maintain and improve job opportunities for blue-collar workers. Comments were also given on ways to strengthen the ties between families and schools (Appendix D).

The next step in the mini meeting process will be to host a City Summit in Spring 2003 to accomplish two things: provide (a) feedback to the public on the results of the fall mini meetings and (b) request families to prioritize their top issues for the Board to study. Thoughtful study and deliberations through the Task Force Committee and the full COGFCY Board should provide useful suggestions for City Council’s consideration.

The fourth track the COGFCY Board followed was to use the Resource Committee to assist the Grant Department and the City of Galveston in its application to the National League of Cities Municipalities RFP for Technical Assistance to promote youth participation in strengthening a community. This initiative served as a model for community collaboration by demonstrating that volunteers could be of help to the Grant Department of City Hall by gathering data and information sharing. The City Grants Department was notified on November 14, 2002 that Galveston was one of ten cities selected for Technical Assistance!

While the COGFCY Board had a very productive year, it has experienced challenges as a neophyte board. Most of the time it was fun; other times it was cumbersome. Some of the hurdles the volunteers experienced related to Board operations:

With regard to the FCY Board structure, the volunteers had to learn to follow city regulations regarding posting of meetings, quorums, and attendance records. Second, the Board had a fluid membership due to residency requirements, job shifts and graduating seniors. It plans to recruit a stable board in the following year. Third, the COGFYC has been an unknown commodity to the community; it must demonstrate its value to the City Council, the larger community and service organizations. Fourth, the Board found the restriction of using only Galveston Island residents to be geographically challenging. Some of the excellent board candidates lived on the outskirts of the geographic parameter drawn by the Council. Fifth, a Facilities Chairman is needed to secure meeting sites and clear meeting dates for the Board.

Sixth, a Communications Chairman should be created to contact members who are without access to e-mail; the process becomes more personal and insures everyone is contacted.

To guide volunteers through the next year the COGFCY Board should develop a one-year and five-year set of goals so that there is clear direction annually (Appendix E). The following actions might be included in that set of goals.

1. Better educate incoming Board membership by hosting a board orientation at City Hall to explain the rules and regulations to the membership in conjunction with City Council members and City Staff. 2. Develop a clear blueprint of a year’s calendar so the COGFCY Board can prepare for monthly meetings. 3. Aggressively continue the education of our membership and community volunteers regarding community issues and services. 4. Turn Task Force Committee recommendations into City Hall action where appropriate.

The COG FCY Board Interim Report would be incomplete without acknowledging the volunteer leadership of the Executive Board that includes Dr. Ben Raimer, Reverend Eric Kingston, Arriene Kaplan, Rose Tijerina, Kathy Tiernan, Bing Skyiepal and Urs Schmid. They have led the direction of change and held the COGFCY Board to a very high standard of participation and achievement. Because of their thoughtful leadership, the City of Galveston Families, Children and Youth Board is evolving as an important resource for the City of Galveston and its citizens.

Respectfully submitted,

B. J. Herz Dr. Ben Raimer Chairman Vice Chairman

APPENDIX A

Abbreviated History of a Process to Establish the City of Galveston Families, Children and Youth Board November 2002

October 3 - November 13, 2002 – Seven (7) “What’s Up Galveston?!” Mini Meeting Focus Groups were held in City Councilmen districts throughout the city to gather citizen input. The meetings were presented in Spanish and English.

October 10, 2002 - Participated with the City of Galveston Grants department in submission of a quest to the National League of Cities for technical assistance to promote youth participation.

February 5, 2002 - First organizational meeting for the City of Galveston Families, Children and Youth was launched at the Rosenberg Library.

November 8, 2001 - Galveston City Council unanimously passed a resolution to establish the City of Galveston Families, Children and Youth Board.

January - November 5, 2001 - Volunteers meet monthly to refine the Families, Children and Youth Board, network with social service agencies, city councilmen, city staff and county leaders and to develop procedures for operation.

December 14, 2000 - Representatives from the Ordinance Writing Committee presented the Families, Children and Youth Board concept to the Galveston City Council and learned from members what questions they wanted answered in 120 days.

December 11, 2000 – The Comprehensive Strategy and the Volunteer Ordinance Writing Committees, reviewed the draft that proposed a Families, Children and Youth Board.

December 8, 2000 - Representatives of the Volunteer Ordinance Writing Committee and City Manager, Steve LeBlanc, met to review a draft of an ordinance that establishes a Families, Children and Youth Council in Galveston.

August 16, 2000 Mini-Retreat - The volunteers brought in UTMB consultants from the School of Allied Health Sciences, Community Outreach and Department of Ob/Gyn, Kathy Tiernan, Doug Mathews and Dr. Martha Hargraves, to help clarify two different initiatives.

1. The first initiative was to continue working on an ordinance to create the family and youth council. The group named itself the VOLUNTEER ORDINANCE WRITING COMMITTEE. The committee expanded to twenty-seven citizens who met at locations including the Jesse Tree, Mary Moody Northern House and St. Vincent’s House to develop and draft an ordinance establishing a family, children and youth council who met through November 30, 2000.

2. The second initiative was to explore what the residents within the neighborhoods including The Jesse Tree, St. Vincent’s House and the Black Baptist Ministries Association identified as important. Graduate students from the University of Houston- Clear Lake began a review of current studies about families living in zip code 77550. The goal was to learn what was known and unknown about the area. The presentation of findings was scheduled for 4:30 p.m., December 13, 2000, at the Mary Moody Northern Mansion.

July 24 - August 9, 2000 - Recruited Volunteers Cassandra Mkwanazi, Rose Tijerina, Curtiss Brown, Ted Hanley and B. J. Herz reviewed ordinances of other cities with children’s councils to dissect how ordinances were written.

July 7, 2000 - Judge James Yarbrough, Mayor Roger Quiroga, City Manager Steve Leblanc and representatives from the Comprehensive Strategy Legislation and Policies Committee met. Volunteers were recruited to develop the wording and structure for a family and youth ordinance.

April 14, 2000 - Comprehensive Strategy met at Galveston College to share its future goals based on our community’s yearlong input.

March 16, 2000 - Strategic Planning Committee for Comprehensive Strategy Legislative and Policies Committee reviewed the information of Austin’s Mayor Pro Tem Jackie Goodman and met the new Comprehensive Strategy Director, Bruce William.

March 3, 2000 - Judge James Yarbrough met with concerned United Way representatives to hear issues surrounding the establishment of a family and youth council. The group suggested that an RFP be developed to determine who would manage/oversee a family and youth council. Subsequently, an RFP was drafted inviting agencies to submit proposals to manage the council. However, the RFP was not well defined. It required more information about the family and youth council so applicants could fully understand the scope of managing a prototype like the one in Austin or Corpus Christi.

February 22, 2000 - Austin Mayor Pro Tem Jackie Goodman spoke at the Island Community Center to child advocates. She described Austin’s approach to studying and recommending projects, programs and funding options to the Austin City Council that impacted quality childcare. She also described the Community Action Council, which was established to examine a broader scope of family and youth issues. It also made recommendations to the Austin City Council for their consideration on policy issues, funding, projects, etc.

January 20, 2000 - the Strategic Planning Committee hosted a community meeting chaired by Judge James Yarbrough at the Island Community Center to review the models of collaboration and discuss pros and cons of creating council that met our community’s family and children needs.

January 4, 2000 - Strategic Planning Committee members Bobbie Yee, Debra James and Carol Chairez met with the United Way leadership to review the process being used to develop a family and youth council.

December 6, 1999 - Corpus Christi Mayor Loyd Neal and Chief Deputy Jimmy Rodriquez of Nueces County spoke to the City of Galveston Committee for the Advancement of Families and Children and to child advocates at the Island Community Center about the Corpus Christi Commission on Children and Youth. The Commission’s mission was Ato support a comprehensive system of services and advance policies to meet the city’s children, youth and families.

September 1, 1999 - Community representatives of the City of Galveston committee for the Advancement of Families and Children, Comprehensive Strategy Legislative, Policy and Systems Committee and interested community volunteers first met at City Hall. The purpose of the first meeting was to help develop a permanent framework to ensure implementation of a family and youth council whose purpose was to promote the health, education, physical and social development of families and youth. The model would support programs/projects, policies, ordinances and regulations deemed important by the community. The Strategic Planning Committee was established to explore an ordinance creating a structure for collaboration by reviewing other community initiatives. Invitations were issued to the mayors of Corpus Christi and Austin, Texas to visit Galveston and explain how their family, child and youth councils worked. Steve LeBlanc chaired the group. The thirty- seven member group met through March 16, 2000.

1996-1999 - The Children’s Hospital Community Advisory Board at the University of Texas Medical Branch, Champions of Children, city and county officials started building grassroots and policy makers support for the establishment of a permanent entity that promoted the health and well being of families, youth and children on Galveston Island in partnership with the volunteer community, social service organizations and city hall.

Brief History of a Process to Create a Families, Children and Youth Board by City Resolution 01-057

NOV. 8, 2001 Adoption of City Resolution 01-057 to create the City of Galveston Families, Children & Youth Board

SUMMER 2001 UTMB and other Focus Groups held meetings to develop consensus on FCY Board operations and funding.

JUNE 14, 2001 Galveston City Council received update Thursday, June 14th at 8:30 a.m. City Hall Room 204.

JUNE 7, 2001 First Focus Group of Health and Human Resources collaborators met to discuss the Families, Children and Youth Board MAY 30, 2001 First meeting of Policies and Procedures Committee met at United Way. APRIL-MAR. 2001 Acceptances by Permanent Position Leaders and some pending nominations:

Dr. John Stobo, UTMB President Dr. Ralph Morris, County Health Director Judge James Yarbrough Mike Guarino, District Attorney Gean Leonard County Sheriff Police Chief Robert Pierce Steve LeBlanc, City Manager Sharon Strain, Galveston Housing Authority Director GISD _____ Frank Jackson, United Way. Galveston College______6 Youth from BESTT______

DECEMBER 14, 2000 Ordinance Writing Committee presented overview of FCYC to City Council and was asked to report back in 120 days. Collaborators continued to meet twice monthly to refine document and implement a community awareness campaign.

APRIL 14, 2000 FEBRUARY 22, 2000 Austin, Texas Mayor Pro Tem Jackie Goodman reported on the Community Action Executive Director, Bruce William, called a Comprehensive Strategy Network and The Child Care Council to our community. DECEMBER 6, 1999 meeting at Galveston College to review the results of research Corpus Christi Mayor Loyd Neal & including a recommendation to establish a permanent community Chief Deputy Jimmy Rodriques of council for further collaborations. Nueces County reported on the Children and Youth Commission.

SEPTEMBER 1, 1999 Thirty-seven community representatives of the City of Galveston Committee for the Advancement of Families and Children, Comprehensive Strategy Legislative, Policy and Systems Committee and interested volunteers studied other community models of children councils. They selected the Austin and Corpus Christi Children’s council to study in depth.

6 YRS AGO… 1999-1996 The UTMB Children’s Hospital Community Board, Champions of Children, the City of Galveston and County officials started building grassroots and policy maker’s support to establish a permanent entity that promoted the health and well being of families, children and youth on Galveston Island with many community collaborators.

PROPOSED RESOLUTION TO CREATE THE

CITY OF GALVESTON FAMILIES, CHILDREN AND YOUTH BOARD

PURPOSE WHEREAS the City of Galveston recognizes the need to develop our families, children and youth as valued human resources,

WE establish the City of Galveston Board for families, Children and Youth (hereafter identified as The Families, Children and Youth Board.),

WHOSE purpose shall be to advocate and recommend to City Council innovative approaches to improving the lives of families, children and youth within the City of Galveston. The Families, Children and Youth Board shall have as its charge the following directives:

OBJECTIVES FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES a) To promote the collaboration of City and County services, philanthropic organizations, volunteers 1) To establish by-laws and function therein. and representatives to better serve families, children and youth. 2) To provide a vehicle for elected officials to b) To provide recommendations to City Council elevate families, children and youth needs to a about programs, services and activities that would high level of priority in all community decisions maintain the city’s focus on families, children and through monthly reporting to City Council. youth.

c) To promote the physical, academic, 3) To develop for City Council’s consideration psycho/social and character development of all programs, projects, policies, code enforcements families. and other actions that promote continuous quality improvement of services through quarterly d) To ensure continued city support by advocating meetings. local, regional, state and national resources for programs that focus on intervention and prevention within health, education, safety and recreation for 4) To support the City of Galveston families, children and youth. comprehensive planning system by setting measurable goals and objectives. e) To target and support special efforts identified as important and urgent by City Council and community groups. 5) To provide a forum to foster community, volunteer and interagency cooperation to f) To develop and support the human resources improve the health and well being of families, component in the Comprehensive City Plan and children and youth by using an Advisory Board Parks Master Strategy Plan. approach.

DURATION The Families, Children and Youth Council shall be of perpetual duration.

COMPOSITION The Families, The Families, Children and Youth Board shall be composed of thirty five (35) professionals and residents. Membership has thirty-five (35) permanent positions including (6) high school students. Five (5) alternate citizens and eight ( 8) ex officio members augment the Board.

Every effort shall be made by the Families, Children and Youth Council to ensure that there are representatives from the following categories on the families, children and child advocates, social services organizations, healthcare institution representatives, parents, child care providers, early childhood educators, employers, interfaith representatives, community and business representatives, public school officials, teachers, county and regional governmental entities.

A. PERMANENT POSITIONS (35)

B. ALTERNATE POSITIONS (5)

+ C. EX OFFICIO POSITIONS (8) ( needs to be inclusive)

FAMILIES, CHILDREN AND YOUTH BOARD COMPOSITION (35 Voting Members)

COMMITTEES AND TASK FORCES

CITY OF GALVESTON COUNCIL FOR Standing Committees include but are not limited FAMILIES, CHILDREN AND to the Executive Committee, Legislative Committee, Resource Committee, Nominating Executive Legislative Committee Committee Committee and Annual Report Committee. The Families, Children and Youth Board is Annual hereby authorized to create, as it deems necessary, Resource Report Nominating working task force groups. The Task Force Committee Committee Committee Study groups may include five areas: Health, Education, Safety/Intervention-Prevention and Task Force Study groups may include four areas City Infrastructure. The Task Force groups will then lead the direction of change. *Health *Education *City Infrastructure *Safety/Intervention-Prevention

The Task Force groups will then lead the direction of change.

OFFICERS - The Families, Children and Youth Board shall elect a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Recording Secretary Attendance Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Nominating Officer, Youth Representative, Task Force Chairman who shall serve two (2) year terms.

TERMS AND EXPIRATION DATES - Term rotation to be decided.

MEETINGS - All meetings must be conducted in compliance with the Texas Open Meetings Act. At any regular or special meeting a majority of the total membership is a quorum for the transaction of business. (Example: 1st Tuesday at 4:30 P.M. at the Rosenberg Library).

ATTENDANCE - Attendance records must be maintained. Any member who misses three consecutive meetings or misses one-third of all regular meetings in a twelve-month period, except for health reasons, shall be ineligible to continue to serve on the Families, Children and Youth Council. City Council and/or the Advisory Board shall fill his or her vacancy.

RECORDS - Records or meeting proceedings must be maintained and shall be accessible to the public.

STAFFING - The Families, Children and Youth Council will report to the City Council. Staffing support will come through the City of Galveston.

SUNSET - The work of the Families, Children and Youth Council will be reviewed at the end of a five (5) year period.

Resolution to Establish the City of Galveston Families, Children and Youth Board November 8, 2001

1. What is the background of the Families, Children and Youth Board (FCYB)?

The 6-year history to create a COGFCYB began with the UTMB Children’s Hospital Community Advisory Board, followed by the City of Galveston Comprehensive Strategy of Galveston, Texas. It is now ready for a vote by City Council for implementation.

2. What is the purpose of the City of Galveston Families, Children and Youth Board (COGFCYB)?

To provide a permanent forum for community volunteers, organizations, families, service providers, city leaders, and citizens to discuss community concerns and provide recommendations to City Council for deliberation.

3. What is the composition of the Board?

The FCYB will have a broad spectrum of appointed and elected leaders for a maximum of thirty- five (35) voting positions, five (5) alternates and 8 Ex-Officio positions for a total of forty-eight (48).

4. How is the information gathered by the Families, Children and Youth Board?

• Town meetings • Focus groups • Individuals interviews • Input form the City Comprehensive Plan • Galveston Report Card and other sources • Research

5. To whom does the Families, Children and Youth Board report its findings and recommendations?

Galveston City Council and the Community.

6. Who can bring issues before the Families, Children and Youth Board?

A private citizen, the COGFCYB, the City Council or any service organization can bring an issue for study and resolution to the Board.

7. Who can serve on this Board?

Anyone, ages 17 and older, may volunteer to serve on the Board.

8. Who benefits from the establishment of the City of Galveston Families, Children and Youth Board?

OUR COMMUNITY!!!

• Families, children and youth have the complete attention of City Council to resolve specific concerns. • City Hall gains a citizen “think-tank” to provide creative recommendations and funding solutions for its consideration. • Galveston Island becomes better positioned to solicit state and federal funding because of this broad community-based city sanctioned structure for collaboration. • Social Service Agencies have a greater audience with whom to share problems and solutions. • There is greater information sharing to resolve issues in a public forum.

9. How is the Families, Children and Youth Board going to be established?

By city resolution.

10. Has there been a project done in another community similar to the proposed Families, Children and Youth Board?

Yes, there is a project successfully operating in Austin, TX and Corpus Christi, TX

11. Is this a social service agency?

NO. Social service agencies are responsible to individual cases; this Board will be responsible to cross cutting community issues beyond the scope of any one agency.

12. Is there any other group expressly designated as a sanctioned liaison between the city and its citizens for addressing grassroots concerns?

NO. A variety of organizations and agencies share concerns but are incorporated to serve the specific needs of their target groups. This Board is not designed to implement programs but rather make comprehensive recommendations for City Council’s consideration.

APPENDIX B CITY OF GALVESTON FAMILIES, CHILDREN AND YOUTH BOARD POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

MISSION STATEMENT TO PROMOTE THE PHYSICAL, ACADEMIC, PSYCHO/SOCIAL AND CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT OF ALL FAMILIES, CHILDREN AND YOUTH IN THE CITY OF GALVESTON (THE “CITY”)

I. CREATION

On November 8, 2001, Galveston City Counsel passed Resolution No. 01-057 which established the City of Galveston Families, Children and Youth Board to promote communication and collaboration among volunteers, agencies and organizations (governmental and non- governmental).

A. Objectives

The City of Galveston Families, Children and Youth Board has the following purposes:

1. To encourage an active citizenry of all ethnic and religious groups to participate in leading the direction of change by involvement on the Board and Task Force Committees, 2. To collect and study community concerns around issues involving health, education, intervention, prevention, and city infrastructure through town meetings, neighborhood focus groups, task force studies, data collection and provide feedback to City Council quarterly, 3. To become knowledgeable about the needs and services provided to families, children and youth. 4. To develop and present to the FCY Board systems and policy recommendations for its deliberation and then forward those assessments to the City Council for a quarterly update. 5. To present an annual report to City Council setting forth grassroots citizen concerns with respect to families, children and youth, and possible action plans. 6. To regularly inform citizens through City Council meetings, 2 town meetings, Comprehensive City Plan, and the city newsletters of system and policies changes that improve the lives of its families, children and youth.

The foregoing is not intended to usurp the powers and rights of any agency or organization but to encourage greater dialogue around community issues that have been prioritized through citizen input.

B. Duties of Members

1. In addition to the responsibilities described elsewhere in this document, it shall be the duty of members to: 2. Explain to the community the Board’s program and needs and to City Council the community’s conditions and attitudes on policy, services and priorities. 3. Seek citizen input and develop goals for the Board based on such input for the ensuing year. Develop policies, consistent with the directives of the City to the Board and with the requirements set out in the City Code and Charter. 4. Develop recommendations for City Council based on input from Board members, and organizations from the Board members, and other concerned with families, children and youth. 5. Recommend the City seek and expend funds for designated purposes.

6. Cooperate with all other organizations in coordinating policies and systems for the well being of families, children and youth. 7. Keep informed of current and proposed legislation and case laws affecting families, children and youth.

C. Location

The main office of the Families, Children and Youth Board shall be in the City of Galveston, Galveston, County, Texas.

II. Families, Children and Youth Board

A. General Power

The business and affairs of the Board shall be conducted by the Board.

B. Number and Qualifications of Board Members

The Board shall consist of 35 members plus 5 alternates and 8 ex-officio members appointed by City Council. Subject to the limitations set forth in the City Code, every effort shall be made to include the following as Board members: City Manager, Galveston Chief of Police, Galveston College President, UTMB President, GISD Superintendent, Boys and Girls Club Executive Director, Galveston Housing Authority Executive Director, Children’s Center, Champions of Children Representative, 1 Faith Community representative elected by the Galveston Ministerial Alliance, 1 neighborhood representative elected by the G.A.I.N. Alliance, 1 youth Representative elected from BESTT at Ball High, the United Way Executive Director. Alternatively, subject to the limitations set forth in the City Code, efforts shall be made to include individuals who represent the institutions and organizations named in the preceding sentence. Any person who holds an elective public office, whether county or municipal, may not serve as a regular member of the Board but may serve as an ex officio member of the Board. No person may be appointed to serve as a member of the Board unless that person has been a resident of and domiciled in the City of Galveston for at least one year preceding the appointment. At the discretion of the City Manager, city employees may address the Board but may not be members of the Board.

C. Board Member Responsibilities:

Board members are responsible for attending all called and the regular meetings of the Board and for carrying out the purposes and goals of the Board as enumerated in the establishment and purposes of the organization. There shall be a minimum of six (6) regular meetings a year on the first Tuesday of the month. The Board has the responsibility of defining the Task Force Study Groups as determined by community-based objective and subjective research. The leadership of the Task Force groups may be drawn from the Board or other areas. Upon review of the Task Force findings, the Board will provide feedback to the City Council and affected constituents.

D. Appointment of Members

Section 1 Appointment of Board Members

The Galveston City Council appoints members for a term of two (2) years on a rotating basis. One half of the Board shall be appointed or re-appointed each year. In order to accomplish the foregoing, the first term of one-half of the members of the initial Board shall be for one year. At the end of that initial year, City Council shall appoint or re-appoint one-half of the Board for a new term of two (2) years. Members may come from a list of nominees submitted by the Board to the City of Galveston (the “City”). The City shall appoint individuals who satisfy the criteria described in Article II B who are drawn from and who represent the following organizations and departments to fill the ex-officio positions on the first Board: Sheriff’s Department of Galveston County, County Commissioners, County Health District, District Attorney’s Office, Mayor of Galveston, Parks and Recreation Director, Grants Officer, City Council Representative. With certain exceptions, a Board member may serve two consecutive terms of two (2) years each. A person who has served two terms on the Board shall be eligible for re-appointment after an absence from the Board of two years.

Section 2 Vacancies

A vacancy occurring on the Board shall be filled by the City Council, to serve the unexpired term, from recommendations submitted by the Board’s Nominating Committee.

Section 3 Attendance

Any member who misses three consecutive regular meetings without legitimate excuses may be replaced by the City Council on recommendation from the Board. Any member, who is not able to attend a meeting, should notify the Secretary of the Board prior to the meeting and state the reason for the absence.

Section 4 Ex-Officio members

Ex-Officio members are honorary positions and will not be entitled to vote.

III. Officers

A. Nomination and Selection

Section 1 Officers

The officers of the Board shall be elected by the Board each year and shall consist of a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Resource Chairman, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Nominating Chairman, Task Force Coordinator, 3 Members at Large, and such other officers as the Board may from time to time designate, all of whom shall hold office until their successors are elected. Two (2) or more offices, except the offices of Chairman and Secretary, may be held by the same person. Those officers or their designees shall constitute the Executive Committee.

Section 2 Nomination

The Nominating Committee shall present a slate of candidates for the offices to be filled.

Section 3 Election and Term

Officers shall be elected at the last meeting of the year for a term of one year or until a successor is elected. The term of each officer shall begin in January. An officer may succeed himself/herself in office during his/her term on the Board.

Section 4 Vacancies.

Whenever any vacancies shall occur in any office by death, resignation, increase in the number of members of the Board or otherwise, subject to approval by City Council, the same shall be filled by majority vote of the Board, upon recommendation of the Executive Committee. Persons so selected shall serve until the expiration of the original term of each officer.

Section 5 Removal.

Any officer elected or appointed by the Board may be removed by majority vote of the Board whenever in its judgment the best interest of the Board will be served thereby.

B. Duties of Officers

Section 1 Chairman

The Chairman shall serve as the presiding officer of the Board. He/she will perform all duties as may be assigned by the Board and shall appoint all committees. The Chairman shall preside at all meetings of the Board and Executive Committee and shall be a member ex-officio of all committees except the Nominating Committee. The Chairman shall, with the approval of the Board, create other committees not otherwise provided for and shall assign their duties. He/she shall sign all official documents authorized by the Board.

Section 2 Vice Chairman

The Vice-Chairman shall assist the chairman and shall assume the duties of the chairman in the event of his/her absence or disability and shall perform such other duties as may be assigned by the Board. It shall be the Vice Chairman’s duty to confer with the Task Force Coordinator on any and all phases of the program and to take the initiative to report issues concerning any phase of the program and/or issues affecting families, children and youth in the City to the Board.

Section 3 Board Secretary

The Board Secretary shall provide the City Secretary with copies of the agendas to be posted and the names and addresses of all Board, Committee and Task Force Group members. The Secretary will provide the City Secretary with copies of minutes of Board, Committee and Task Force meetings for City filing. The Board Secretary shall keep executive session records and shall notify all Board members about the Board meetings and shall conduct such correspondence as may be required by the Board.

Section 4 Assistant Secretary

The Assistant Secretary shall do the following:

(a) obtain completed volunteer forms from prospective nominees to the Board; (b) submit the completed volunteer forms to the City Secretary prior to submission of nominations to the City Council; (c) procure signed oaths of office from Board members and submit same to the City Secretary; (d) collaborate with the nominating committee with respect to potential nominees for Board membership; (e) keep attendance records of Board Meetings and furnish such records to the City Secretary; (f) maintain a current membership roster for the Board and deliver the most current roster to the City Secretary; (g) notify Board members via email of the date, time, and place of monthly meetings. Resource Chairman; and (h) perform such other tasks as may be delegated by the Secretary of the Board.

Section 5 Resource Chairman

The Resource Chairman will work with the City Manager regarding costs for Board determined projects or Programs and shall chair the Resource Committee. The City shall be the custodian of funds received by the Board and shall disburse funds received by the Board in accordance with the City Code.

Section 6 Task Force Coordinator

The Task Force Coordinator shall do the following: (i) manage the activities of the Task Force Groups; (ii) serve as the liaison to the Board; (iii) convene the meetings of chairs of Task Force Groups in compliance with the Open Meetings laws; and (iv) facilitate reports and mailings for the Task Force Groups. The Board will appoint the Task Force Coordinator.

Section 7 Members at Large

The Members at Large shall serve as a bridge between the Executive Committee and the full Board and shall represent Board issues and community concerns.

C. Delegation of Authority

In the case of any absence of any officer of the Board or for any other reason that the Board may deem sufficient, the Board may delegate some or all of the powers or duties of such officer to any other officer or Board member for whatever period of time seems desirable.

IV. Support Staff

The City Secretary shall post notices required to comply with the Open Meetings Act for regular Board and Executive Meetings.

V. Committees

The following committees shall assist in accomplishing the objectives and duties of the Board described herein as well as those specific functions described below:

1. Executive Committee 2. Nominating Committee 3. Resource Committee

4. Legislative and Policies Committee 5. Annual Report Committee 6. Task Force Committee 7 Other Special Committees to be determined.

Section 1 Executive Committee

There shall be an Executive Committee of nine (9) members, composed of the Chairman, Vice- Chairman, Secretary, Resource Chair, Nominating Chairman, Task Force Coordinator and three members at large who shall exercise the powers of the Board between meetings. Action taken by the Executive Committee shall be submitted to the Board for ratification at the meeting following such actions.

The Executive shall be the oversight group for the Board. The Executive Committee will meet every other month or as needed to oversee the business and affairs of the Board. The Executive Committee will select chairmen to lead the Committees named above and will select committee members from recommendations made by the Committee Chairman and the Board.

Section 2 Nominating Committee

The Nominating Committee shall consist of at least one chair and four members. The Executive Committee appoints the chair. The Nominating Committee shall prepare a slate of candidates for Board membership, a slate for elective officers of the Board, and a slate of candidates for ex-officio members. The Nominating Committee also will recommend persons to fill vacancies for elective officers and members of the Board. It may also perform other related functions.

Section 3 Resource Committee

The Resource Committee shall (i) consist of at least two (2) persons; (ii) determine the resources necessary to accomplish recommendations being considered by the Board, (iii) interface with the City Manager or his representative with respect to such matters; and (iv) report to the Board. However, the City will maintain full and accurate accounts; upon request, will present financial statements at regular meetings of the Board, and will perform such other duties as necessary to the extent permitted by City Code. All money spent by the Board shall be authorized by any two officers of the Board approved by the City.

Section 4 Legislative and Policies Committee

The Legislative and Policies Committee shall consist of at least two (2) persons. The Legislative and Policies Committee shall stay informed and shall report to the Board about proposed and new legislation relating to families, children and youth and shall study the impact of such legislation on existing or prospective laws and policies.

Section 5 Annual Report Committee

The Annual Report Committee shall consist of at least two (2) persons and shall provide a summary of the year’s accomplishments for Board review and presentation to City Council by December 1 of each year.

Section 6 Task Force Committee.

The Task Force Committee shall consist of at least two (2) persons and be chaired by the Task Force Coordinator. Responsibilities of the Task Force Committee include the following:

1. to seek citizen input on gaps in services by gathering information through focus ;groups, neighborhood meetings, collect data, conduct town meetings 2. to identify gaps in services/ policies/ systems 3. to prioritize issues for recommendation to the Board as projects 4. to research and present a written report to the Board on potential systems/policies solutions and funding options 5. to recommend to the Executive Committee and Board issues to be addressed by and persons to be appointed to Task Force Groups

Section 7 Special Committees

Special committees may be appointed by the Chairman of the Board as deemed necessary and responsibility shall be defined with each appointment.

VI. TASKS FORCE GROUPS

The Families, Children and Youth Board will utilize the expertise of the Task Force Groups to study community issues and make recommendations to the Board for its consideration.

A. Task Force Group Composition

The Task Force Groups are composed of one or more Board members and community consultants who are not Board members. The chair of each Task Force Group shall be appointed by the Executive Committee.

B. Community Consultants to the Task Force Groups

The title of Community Consultant is an honorary title bestowed on an individual or organization that has demonstrated an interest or support of the goals and/purposes of the Board. The consultant shall have the right to attend Board meetings.

Community consultants will be recruited by the Board from a list of community volunteers including but not limited to ACCT, BBMA, Chambers of Commerce, Champions of Children, Child Development representative, Children’s Protective Services, Children’s Social Service Agencies, Communities of Faith, Comprehensive Strategy, Civic Organizations, GAIN, Galveston Children’s Report Card, Galveston College, Galveston County Health District, Galveston County Social Services, Galveston District Attorney’s Office, Galveston Housing Authority, Galveston Parks and Recreation, Galveston Police Department, Galveston Planning Department, GISD Administration, Gulf Coast Apollo LINKS, Inc. Jessie Tree, Junior League of Galveston County Inc., LULAC, Mental Health Association, NAACP, Panhellenic Greek, Inc. Parent Teachers Organization, Philanthropic Organizations, Private Schools, the Specially Challenged (Physical or Mentally Disabled), UTMB Children’s Hospital, United Way Agencies, Visual and Performing Arts, Youth- Ball High, O’Connell, Heritage Christian, Horizon, UTMB Department Representation.

C. Coordination of Task Force Groups

The Task Force Group activities will be managed by each Task Force Group chair and coordinates with the Task Force Coordinator and the Board Vice-Chair.

The Task Force Coordinator serves as the liaison between the Board and each of the Task Force Groups. The Task Force Coordinator will convene monthly meetings of the Task Force Group Chairs, which shall be subject to Open Meetings Laws, and will facilitate reports and mailings for the Task Force Groups.

The Task Force Groups will follow a strategic planning process referred to as an Action Plan. The Task Force Groups will report the results of their studies to the Task Force Chair and Board for their review and input. Each of the Task Force Groups will convene monthly or more often as needed.

VII. Meetings of the Board

Section 1 Regular and Special Meetings

The Board shall meet at the times and on the dates determined by the Board from time to time but not less than six (6) times a year. Special meetings may be called at any time and place by the Chairman of the Board or by at least three (3) members of the Board. A quorum for the transaction of business shall consist of a majority of the number of Board members (including alternates but excluding ex-officio members) fixed in Article II B above. Fifty-one percent 51% of the active Board membership plus one shall constitute a quorum. Meetings shall comply with the Open Meetings Act. Any two (2) Board members may place an issue on the agenda by sending written request signed by such Board members to the Secretary of the Board.

Section 2 Amendment of Policies and Procedures.

A two-thirds vote of all voting members of the Board shall be required to amend or rescind policies of the Board. Such amendment or rescission is subject to approval of City Council.

Section 3 Vote Required.

Unless otherwise required by law or by these policies and procedures, all acts and determinations of the Board, the Executive Committee, and other committees named in Article V above, shall require the affirmative vote of a majority of the members present at any duly called and held meeting at which a quorum is present.

Section 4 Attendance

Board members are required to attend all regular and special meetings.

VIII. Finances

A. The financial depository for the Board shall be the City Treasury. All monies received by the Board from whatever source shall be deposited in the City depository, and the regular procedures

followed in the collection, disbursement and accounting for such city funds will be followed and adhered to by the City and the Board.

B. The fiscal year for the Board shall conform to the fiscal year of the City.

IX. Orientation

An orientation program shall be held during the first quarter of the year by the Board to review accomplishments and to establish new objectives for the forthcoming year. The Board will host a fall and spring community meeting to seek input from families, children and youth for the purpose of improving efficient and effective services. Such meetings are under the supervision of the Task Force Coordinator.

X. Parliamentary Rule

A. Authority

All meetings of the Board and the Advisory Board shall be governed by Robert’s Rules of Order, Revised.

B. Meetings

All meetings of the Board and the Advisory Board shall be conducted in compliance with the Texas Open Meetings Act.

XI. Amendments

Policies and Procedures may be amended at any regular meeting of the Board by two-thirds of the membership vote provided such amendment has been mailed to the Board members at least fourteen (14) days prior to the date of such meeting.

XII. Operating Agreements

The Board is authorized to adopt such by-laws and rules, as it deems appropriate to carry out the objectives of the Board.

XIII. Records

Records or minutes of meetings shall be maintained and shall be accessible to the public At the City Secretary’s office. Records of citizen concerns will be maintained by the Secretary of the Board.

XIV. Reporting

The Board will deliver copies of minutes to the Mayor’s Office. The Board Chairman or designee will report quarterly to City Council on the identification of issues and possible solutions for Council consideration and will deliver an annual report to City Hall on December 1 of each year. The City may produce the Annual Report in its monthly newsletter to citizens.

XV. Annual Report to City Council

On December 1 of each year, the Chair of the Board shall file with the City Secretary an Annual Report covering the activities of the previous year. The report shall contain the following information:

1. The Board’s goals and objectives; 2. The resolution or other authority creating the Board including; the names, addresses occupations and affiliations of the current members of the Board; 3. A reference to all reports and recommendations by the Board presented to the City Council; 4. The number of meetings held by the Board and the Advisory Board; 5. The amount of money, if any, expended in support of the Board; and 6. A list of the personnel and agencies who regularly assist the Board.

XVI. Remuneration

The members of the Board shall not receive any remuneration from the City for their time.

XVII. Potential Collaboration

The City and FCY may collaborate including, but not limited to:

1. City staff involvement by, among others, the City Manager, Parks and Recreation Department, and Grants Department. 2. holding two Community Meetings to: a. identify community gaps in systems/policies b. celebrate solutions 3. using City notification resources to report FCY recommendations with respect to systems/policies shifts and any action with respect thereto by the City Council.

XVIII. Indemnification of Officers and board members

Pursuant to Section 2-36 of the City Code, “the City shall defend any public official of the City against any claims or lawsuits filed against the public official . . . that are related to [his] official duties. Costs of defense may include attorneys’ fees judgments, costs and amounts paid to settle such claim or lawsuit. Defense costs the City may pay shall be limited to those claims for which the City has insurance coverage. In the event the City does not have insurance coverage, defense costs shall be in accordance with directives by the disinterested members of City Council. In no event shall the City ever be responsible for or pay any costs associated with the public official . . . retaining his own attorney or incurring other costs not in accordance with the provisions of [the City Code] unless specifically authorized by [the City] Council. The City shall not be responsible for any costs attributable to any public official . . . if such person is found guilty of negligence, misconduct, malfeasance, or misfeasance in the performance of the public official’s . . . duties.

XIX. Conduct of Meetings

Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised shall be the parliamentary authority for the conduct of all meetings and for all matters of procedure not specifically covered by these bylaws or by special rules of procedures previously adopted by the Board.

XX. Office

The principal office of the Board shall be c/o City Secretary, City of Galveston, 823 Rosenberg, Galveston, Texas 77550.

XXI. Severability

IT IS HEREBY DECLARED TO BE THE INTENTION OF THE BOARD THAT THE SECTIONS, SUBSECTIONS, PARAGRAPHS, SENTENCES, CLAUSES AND PHRASES OF THIS POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ARE SEVERABLE, AND IF ANY SECTION, SUBSECTION, PARAGRAPH, SENTENCE, CLAUSE OR PHRASE SHALL CONFLICT WITH THE CITY CODE, SUCH CONFLICT SHALL NOT AFFECT ANY OF THE REMAINING SECTIONS, SUBSECTIONS, PARAGRAPHS, SENTENCES, CLAUSES OR PHRASES.

APPENDIX C The City of Galveston Family, Children and Youth Board

Wants Your Thoughts to Improve Galveston for Our Families, Children and Youth

Point Us In The Right Direction.

“WHAT’S UP, GALVESTON?” Mini Meetings in our Schools From 5:45 p.m. to 7:00 pm

Please come and share your ideas with your neighbors. Your city council member will be there with others to listen to what you have to say. Tell us how we can make Galveston a better place for Families, Children and Youth. Date School District City Council Representative Thursday, October 3 Alamo District 1 Booker T. Price WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9 Austin District 3 Joe Jaworski Wednesday, October 16 CENTRAL District 1 Booker T. Price Thursday, October 17 Ball High District 4 Lyda Ann Thomas Wednesday, October 30 Oppe District 6 Dianna Puccetti Thursday, November 7 Morgan District 2 Cornelia Banks Wednesday, November 13 Weis District 5 Johnny Smecca For Participants: For Kids: Door Prizes!! Childcare, Fun & Pizza! Hosted by City of Galveston Families, Children and Youth Board Special Thanks to Mini Meeting Sponsors: American National Insurance Company, GISD, UTMB, Ball High BESTT students, Galveston County Champions of Children, Inc., The Jesse Tree, and Speedy’s Kwik Kopy Artwork by Peter Davis.

El Consejo de de Familias, Niños y Juventud de La Ciudad de Galveston Esta pidiendo su opinion

Para mejorar la Ciudad de Galveston

para nuestras Familias, Niños & la Juventud

Señálenos en la Dirección Correcta

Mini juntas en las escuelas empezando a las 5:45 de la tarde a 7:00 de la tarde

Por favor vengan y compartan sus ideas con sus vecinos. Su miembro de ayuntamiento estará allí junto con otros lideres de la communidad para escuchar lo que usted tiene que decir. Díganos que podemos hacer para que Galveston sea un lugar mejor para nuestras Familias, Niños y Juventud.

Fecha Escuela Distrito Representantes deAyuntamiento Jueves, Octubre 3 Alamo Distrito 1 Booker T. Price MIÉRCOLES OCTUBRE 9 Austin Distrito 3 Joe Jaworski Miércoles Octubre 16 CENTRAL Distrito 1 Booker T. Price Jueves, Octubre 17 Ball High Distrito 4 Lyda Ann Thomas Miércoles, Octubre 30 Oppe Distrito 6 Dianna Puccetti Jueves, Noviembre 7 Morgan Distrito 2 Cornelia Banks Miércoles, Noviembre 13 Weis Distrito 5 Johnny Smecca ¡Para participantes: Para Niños: ¡El cuidado de niños, Premios!! Diversión y Pizza!

Patrocinado por la Ciudad de Galveston, del Consejo para Familias, Niños y Juventud

Reconocimiento especial a nuestros patrocinadores: American National Insurance Company, GISD, UTMB, Galveston City Council, Ball High BESTT students, Galveston County Champions of Children, Inc., The Jesse Tree, Speedy’s Kwik Kopy Artwork by Peter Davis.

APPENDIX D