My journey started on Tuesday November 15 - I headed from Cleveland to Washington DC for my first of many meetings.
Sarah Mulligan (DEC executive director) and I had a meeting with our colleagues from NHSA and NAEYC - followed by a great dinner with DEC's President Elect - Bonnie Keilty.
Wednesday was then an opportunity to learn more about the new Part C regulations. Don't forget about the side-by-side document created by CEC, DEC, and ITCA. I also encourage each of you to reach our to your Part C coordinators to see how you might help with implementation of the new regulations.
Wednesday night was the 1st of 2 DEC executive board meetings. We had the great pleasure of meeting with Bruce Ramirez (CEC executive director) and learn more about CEC initiatives and benefits for DEC members.
DEC Board with Bruce Ramirez
Thursday began with so much excitement as over 60 DEC memberS descended on Capitol Hill. We were taken by bus and then met in the visitor's center where many met with their Senators and House of Representatives. We also learned from DEC's governmental relations consultant Sharon Walsh, CAN coordinator, Sarika Gupta, CEC'S Associate Executive Director, Public Policy and Advocacy, Deb Ziegler, and Lindsay Jones, CEC’s Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy. It was an amazing experience. Be watching for opportunities to organize virtually and enact locally!
Driving to Capitol Hill
Diana Valle-Riestra, DEC Board Member at Large - FL International University
Ohio DEC members, Kristie Pretti-Frontczak, Janet Banks, and Sophie Hubbell with Margie Glick - Senator Sherrod Brown's legislative aide.The Day on the Hill was "topped" off with an inspiring keynote from Kurt Kondrich who was joined by his wonderful family.
Seated L-R: Kurt Kondrich, father, advocate, and this year's keynote speaker; Dr. Steve Bagnato, past DEC president Dr. Amy Santos, President Elect Dr. Bonnie Keilty, and DEC President Dr. Kristie Pretti-Frontczak.The remainder of the conference was equally inspiring. There were 100s of opportunities for networking, for learning, and for advocating. Please enjoy this 7 minute video with messages of inspiration and vision as we head to Minneapolis, Minnesota on October 28-31, 2012.
