[C-U Smokefree] Notes from the Prez

[Scott P Hays]

Hello to all!

I thought a few notes would be in order to let you know the effort is in full swing to work for a smokefree C-U!

Our Officers (Dan, Kathy G, Carol and me) met a few weeks ago and we decided to have a bi-weekly lunch meeting (for now, and as necessary) to update ourselves on specific C-U Smokefree activities and efforts.  We decided to just call this an "Interim Planning Meeting" and invite any members who wish to attend.  We'll try to meet again this Thursday for a smokefree lunch - the when and where are forthcoming - mark your calendars.

Efforts are underway to revise our logo and to create a small, "palm-card", which is a folding handout with brief information about second-hand smoke and about our organization.

Efforts are also underway to revise nearly all of our documentation, including our meeting flyer, the resolutions, and our petitions.  This should not, however, preclude anyone from using what we have up on the website at this point.

Remember all members are charged with posting flyers for the next meeting.  I posted one at Panera on Kirby, and Yvette will post flyers at Strawberry Fields and the Champaign Public Library.  In a previous message, I suggested other locations; members should post a message to the list as to where they will agree to post flyers.

All members are also charged with signing up 10 individual supporters and at least one organizational supporter.  I'm happy to report that I now have a signed supporters' resolution from my own University Unit, the Center for Prevention Research and Development.

Last Friday, I also visited nine other local business and delivered "Supporters' Packets" that I printed from our web site (I had to download them first). They included the cover letter, supporters' resolution, the three fact sheets, a meeting flyer, and an individual petition.  I personally visited these businesses, asked to talked to a manager, explained who I was, what we are doing, and what we were requesting of them.  I got a surprising degree of support.  The businesses I covered were the Natural Gourmet, Women's Health Practice, Great Harvest Bread Company, Personal Care Insurance, Blue Cross-Blue Shield, Panera on Kirby, the Mettler Center and the Fitness Center.  We'll see if they send in their supporters' resolutions!  Other people can make other suggestions and post to the list their ideas regarding potentially supportive businesses to contact and whether they will agree to contact them or not (It's OK if you don't choose to contact them yourself, but it helps). At this point, we're looking for the most friendly organizations and likeliest supporters to call on.  I encourage all members to help out with this effort.  Contact me for details.

The Strategic Plan is in final draft stage.  I'll circulate it soon to our official membership list (those who have attended at least two meetings) and some of our key outside supporters.  The Education Committee is still working on its goals regarding second-hand smoke education.

On that note, Kathy G, myself and my older daughter all recorded 30 second second-hand smoke public service announcements to air on Parkland Radio (88.7 on your dial!). Thanks go to Jason D., our student chair, who produced our spots and to the studio at Parkland.  Jason got the scripts from ANR and they're about how working in restaurants and bars "shouldn't be a death sentence."  Listen for them on Parkland Radio!

Finally, the Education Committee will meet this Friday over lunch tentatively at the health department satellite office on Randolph.  I'll post the details on this meeting (and our Thursday meeting) soon.  As mentioned, they'll be discussing their planning goals. As usual, all who are interested are welcome to participate. Contact Carol for more information or if your're interested in attending (778-2919).

That's it for now!  As usual, if you have questions, comments, thoughts or observations regarding our work, or the next meeting (February 5th) feel free to contact me or to post a message to the list!

We'll 'C-U Smokefree'!

Thanks,

President Scott