Last week we had the pleasure of meeting with Wendy Spencer, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), and her staff. Our main topic of discussion was how NACDD and CNCS could partner in bringing the disability community together with the greater community. Wendy has a special place in her heart for the disability community and wants to see CNCS do more to bring it into the fold, and she wants to know more about what our CEI DD Councils are doing.

CNCS has Governor’s Commissions in states across the country that play a similar role to our DD Councils, but instead are charged with ensuring there are sufficient efforts being made in their respective state to create opportunities for service. We believe that if we can give Wendy a snapshot of what each of you is doing in your state in relation to civic engagement, CNCS might be better able to pinpoint the states it is already positioned to partner with NACDD. This list could also serve as a jumping off place for CNCS to create more of a presence in a state where one of you is already established and able to facilitate a partnership.

- A brief (5 - 7 lines) description of where your DD Council is in its civic engagement development.

Including (If Appropriate):

- 1 or 2 key civic engagement projects or initiatives you’re current involved in.

-  Public or private organizations with which you are partnered.

We want to reconnect with Wendy and CNCS at the start of the year, please have your write-ups in to Cornell by Thursday, January 8th.

Let us know if you have any questions or concerns. We look forward to hearing from you and please have a joyous holiday season.

Sincerely,

Donna, Esme & Cornell