Hi, all, I'll get started on drafting a response, unless someone else is hot to get it started. Deborah Deborah Kennedy Associate Vice President, Adult English Language Education Director, English for Heritage Language Speakers Program Center for Applied Linguistics 202/355-1572 www.cal.org www.ehlsprogram.org ________________________________ From: president@coabe.org <president@coabe.org> Sent: Saturday, April 30, 2016 7:26 AM To: Silja Kallenbach; Deborah Kennedy; Jeff Carter; Heather Ritchie; VALUE Office; Michele Diecuch Subject: COABE and NCL Dear NCL Board Members, We are writing on behalf of the COABE Executive Committee regarding a shared concern, coupled with a sincere desire to work together with all of the organizations that are members of the Coalition. As a long standing dues paying member of NCL, we have participated in meetings for as far back as we can remember. Many (if not all) years, it is our understanding that someone from our board served on the NCL board. With this in mind, and understanding that neither Jeff Fantine nor Jackie Taylor, who were previous COABE liaisons to NCL were no longer on our board, we had reached out to NCL through Jeff Carter in June letting him know that our new executive director as of July 1st, Sharon Bonney, would be willing to serve in that role on behalf of COABE. We then in a number of subsequent emails were given information that left us unsure of NCL's organizational structure and how COABE fit into that which subsequently led us to request on several occasions a copy of your by-laws, NCL Board Minutes, information on the elections and the actual board roster. Peter Waite had indicated to us prior that he and ProLiteracy were providing much needed organizational support to NCL due to the volunteer nature of your board and a "lack of capacity". Thus on a conference call this past March with Peter and the two of us, we again sought clarification of COABE's role in NCL and made the requests for information once again. He then did send us a list of recently elected board members, which is how we knew to contact you. This came as a surprise as we had been led to believe on numerous occasions that elections had not been held. We also found it odd that as a member, we were not informed in any way about the election. As per your By-laws, board members are voted upon at the October meeting, which we attended, but were told then that the slate of board members was not known at that time. A month ago the NCL membership chair reached out to us regarding payment of annual dues. We then raised with her the same questions and concerns as noted previously and we were given a very different response - that there was an active board that met regularly to conduct NCL business. With all of this in mind, we are reaching out to you to try to seek clarification on the structure of NCL, COABE's role in it, and how we can work collaboratively. As an active and interested dues paying member, we would like some assurances that we will be involved in the important work of NCL and sincerely want to do our part to move the collective goals forward. We do want to work well with NCL and request a meeting with the executive committee to discuss this matter at your earliest convenience. Sincerely, Tom Nash, Board President and Sharon Bonney Executive Director Thomas Nash President, COABE PO Box 620 Syracuse, NY 13206 Phone: 888-44-COABE (888-442-6223) Fax: 866-941-5129 Email: president@coabe.org<mailto:president@coabe.org> Website: www.coabe.org<http://www.coabe.org>

Deborah, Thanks that sounds great. I would be happy to be part of a phone call with the exec committee. Heather Heather Ritchie Education Consultant & ESOL Instructor/Trainer 240-643-4612 hritchie6@gmail.com <mailto:heatheredu1@gmail.com> — President, MAACCE (2014-2016) www.maaccemd.org <http://www.maaccemd.org/> > On May 2, 2016, at 9:00 AM, Deborah Kennedy <dkennedy@cal.org> wrote: > > Hi, all, > > I'll get started on drafting a response, unless someone else is hot to get it started. > > Deborah > > Deborah Kennedy > Associate Vice President, Adult English Language Education > Director, English for Heritage Language Speakers Program > Center for Applied Linguistics > 202/355-1572 > www.cal.org <http://www.cal.org/> > www.ehlsprogram.org <http://www.ehlsprogram.org/> > > > From: president@coabe.org <mailto:president@coabe.org> <president@coabe.org <mailto:president@coabe.org>> > Sent: Saturday, April 30, 2016 7:26 AM > To: Silja Kallenbach; Deborah Kennedy; Jeff Carter; Heather Ritchie; VALUE Office; Michele Diecuch > Subject: COABE and NCL > > Dear NCL Board Members, > We are writing on behalf of the COABE Executive Committee regarding a shared concern, coupled with a sincere desire to work together with all of the organizations that are members of the Coalition. > > As a long standing dues paying member of NCL, we have participated in meetings for as far back as we can remember. Many (if not all) years, it is our understanding that someone from our board served on the NCL board. With this in mind, and understanding that neither Jeff Fantine nor Jackie Taylor, who were previous COABE liaisons to NCL were no longer on our board, we had reached out to NCL through Jeff Carter in June letting him know that our new executive director as of July 1st, Sharon Bonney, would be willing to serve in that role on behalf of COABE. We then in a number of subsequent emails were given information that left us unsure of NCL’s organizational structure and how COABE fit into that which subsequently led us to request on several occasions a copy of your by-laws, NCL Board Minutes, information on the elections and the actual board roster. > > Peter Waite had indicated to us prior that he and ProLiteracy were providing much needed organizational support to NCL due to the volunteer nature of your board and a “lack of capacity”. Thus on a conference call this past March with Peter and the two of us, we again sought clarification of COABE’s role in NCL and made the requests for information once again. He then did send us a list of recently elected board members, which is how we knew to contact you. This came as a surprise as we had been led to believe on numerous occasions that elections had not been held. We also found it odd that as a member, we were not informed in any way about the election. As per your By-laws, board members are voted upon at the October meeting, which we attended, but were told then that the slate of board members was not known at that time. > > A month ago the NCL membership chair reached out to us regarding payment of annual dues. We then raised with her the same questions and concerns as noted previously and we were given a very different response - that there was an active board that met regularly to conduct NCL business. With all of this in mind, we are reaching out to you to try to seek clarification on the structure of NCL, COABE’s role in it, and how we can work collaboratively. As an active and interested dues paying member, we would like some assurances that we will be involved in the important work of NCL and sincerely want to do our part to move the collective goals forward. We do want to work well with NCL and request a meeting with the executive committee to discuss this matter at your earliest convenience. > > Sincerely, > Tom Nash, > Board President > > and > > Sharon Bonney > Executive Director > > Thomas Nash > President, COABE > PO Box 620 > Syracuse, NY 13206 > > Phone: 888-44-COABE (888-442-6223) > Fax: 866-941-5129 > Email: president@coabe.org <mailto:president@coabe.org> > Website: www.coabe.org <http://www.coabe.org/> > _______________________________________________ > National Coalition for Literacy Board mailing list > Board@lists.national-coalition-literacy.org <mailto:Board@lists.national-coalition-literacy.org> > http://lists.national-coalition-literacy.org/mailman/listinfo/board_lists.national-coalition-literacy.org <http://lists.national-coalition-literacy.org/mailman/listinfo/board_lists.national-coalition-literacy.org>

Yes, thanks Deborah. Without getting into the specific of Tom’s email, which restate a number of inaccuracies that I have tried to address with him and with Sharon on numerous occasions (to no effect, apparently), I just want to reiterate for the record what I have mentioned to others privately — that from my perspective COABE has had, and continues to have, the same opportunity to participate and be involved as any coalition member. It seems to me that these days everyone's role in this coalition is basically determined by their own level of activity and interest and goodwill. There is very little structure to fit into, and that is by design. Come to the meetings, get on the calls, propose ideas, etc. We don’t have “liaisons” anymore — it’s up to each organization to do whatever they want in terms of connecting with NCL. We don’t police that. In that spirit, I would argue against a meeting. I think it sets a bad precedent. I don’t think it is fair or wise to be using up so much of our time trying to constantly appease one member at the expense of the other members. We went down this road with the state directors several years ago and it was a huge time expense that left other aspects of the coalition neglected. I’m not suggesting that we don’t respond — instead, I would suggest that we put something out to the *entire* membership about the board development process and also about expectations of and opportunities for members going forward. And also about the relatively loose structure I described above. At least that effort would have the benefit of being helpful for others as well. I’d much rather put my time into something like that. Jeff > On May 2, 2016, at 10:17 AM, hritchie6@gmail.com wrote: > > Deborah, > Thanks that sounds great. I would be happy to be part of a phone call with the exec committee. > Heather > > Heather Ritchie > Education Consultant & ESOL Instructor/Trainer > 240-643-4612 > hritchie6@gmail.com <mailto:heatheredu1@gmail.com> > — > President, MAACCE (2014-2016) > www.maaccemd.org <http://www.maaccemd.org/> > > > >> On May 2, 2016, at 9:00 AM, Deborah Kennedy <dkennedy@cal.org <mailto:dkennedy@cal.org>> wrote: >> >> Hi, all, >> >> I'll get started on drafting a response, unless someone else is hot to get it started. >> >> Deborah >> >> Deborah Kennedy >> Associate Vice President, Adult English Language Education >> Director, English for Heritage Language Speakers Program >> Center for Applied Linguistics >> 202/355-1572 >> www.cal.org <http://www.cal.org/> >> www.ehlsprogram.org <http://www.ehlsprogram.org/> >> >> >> From: president@coabe.org <mailto:president@coabe.org> <president@coabe.org <mailto:president@coabe.org>> >> Sent: Saturday, April 30, 2016 7:26 AM >> To: Silja Kallenbach; Deborah Kennedy; Jeff Carter; Heather Ritchie; VALUE Office; Michele Diecuch >> Subject: COABE and NCL >> >> Dear NCL Board Members, >> We are writing on behalf of the COABE Executive Committee regarding a shared concern, coupled with a sincere desire to work together with all of the organizations that are members of the Coalition. >> >> As a long standing dues paying member of NCL, we have participated in meetings for as far back as we can remember. Many (if not all) years, it is our understanding that someone from our board served on the NCL board. With this in mind, and understanding that neither Jeff Fantine nor Jackie Taylor, who were previous COABE liaisons to NCL were no longer on our board, we had reached out to NCL through Jeff Carter in June letting him know that our new executive director as of July 1st, Sharon Bonney, would be willing to serve in that role on behalf of COABE. We then in a number of subsequent emails were given information that left us unsure of NCL’s organizational structure and how COABE fit into that which subsequently led us to request on several occasions a copy of your by-laws, NCL Board Minutes, information on the elections and the actual board roster. >> >> Peter Waite had indicated to us prior that he and ProLiteracy were providing much needed organizational support to NCL due to the volunteer nature of your board and a “lack of capacity”. Thus on a conference call this past March with Peter and the two of us, we again sought clarification of COABE’s role in NCL and made the requests for information once again. He then did send us a list of recently elected board members, which is how we knew to contact you. This came as a surprise as we had been led to believe on numerous occasions that elections had not been held. We also found it odd that as a member, we were not informed in any way about the election. As per your By-laws, board members are voted upon at the October meeting, which we attended, but were told then that the slate of board members was not known at that time. >> >> A month ago the NCL membership chair reached out to us regarding payment of annual dues. We then raised with her the same questions and concerns as noted previously and we were given a very different response - that there was an active board that met regularly to conduct NCL business. With all of this in mind, we are reaching out to you to try to seek clarification on the structure of NCL, COABE’s role in it, and how we can work collaboratively. As an active and interested dues paying member, we would like some assurances that we will be involved in the important work of NCL and sincerely want to do our part to move the collective goals forward. We do want to work well with NCL and request a meeting with the executive committee to discuss this matter at your earliest convenience. >> >> Sincerely, >> Tom Nash, >> Board President >> >> and >> >> Sharon Bonney >> Executive Director >> >> Thomas Nash >> President, COABE >> PO Box 620 >> Syracuse, NY 13206 >> >> Phone: 888-44-COABE (888-442-6223) >> Fax: 866-941-5129 >> Email: president@coabe.org <mailto:president@coabe.org> >> Website: www.coabe.org <http://www.coabe.org/> >> _______________________________________________ >> National Coalition for Literacy Board mailing list >> Board@lists.national-coalition-literacy.org <mailto:Board@lists.national-coalition-literacy.org> >> http://lists.national-coalition-literacy.org/mailman/listinfo/board_lists.national-coalition-literacy.org <http://lists.national-coalition-literacy.org/mailman/listinfo/board_lists.national-coalition-literacy.org> > _______________________________________________ > National Coalition for Literacy Board mailing list > Board@lists.national-coalition-literacy.org > http://lists.national-coalition-literacy.org/mailman/listinfo/board_lists.national-coalition-literacy.org

Thank you, Deborah for drafting our response to COABE - great letter, very clear. Perhaps you'd want to add a sentence at the end affirming that we too want to work well with COABE. To Jeff's point, maybe you can add that we hope this letter addresses their concerns. And I would add that we welcome their candidacy to the Board. I also think Jeff's suggestion to post a general clarification on the NCL membership list re. NCL structure is a good idea. Silja . Silja kallenbach [image: Red Squares]Vice President [image: Red Squares] 617.482.9485 www.worlded.org [image: JSILogo] <http://www.facebook.com/worlded> [image: JSILogo] <http://www.twitter.com/worlded> On Tue, May 3, 2016 at 11:19 AM, Jeff Carter <jcarter@literacypolicy.org> wrote: > Yes, thanks Deborah. > > Without getting into the specific of Tom’s email, which restate a number > of inaccuracies that I have tried to address with him and with Sharon on > numerous occasions (to no effect, apparently), I just want to reiterate for > the record what I have mentioned to others privately — that from my > perspective COABE has had, and continues to have, the same opportunity to > participate and be involved as any coalition member. It seems to me that > these days everyone's role in this coalition is basically determined by > their own level of activity and interest and goodwill. There is very little > structure to fit into, and that is by design. Come to the meetings, get on > the calls, propose ideas, etc. We don’t have “liaisons” anymore — it’s up > to each organization to do whatever they want in terms of connecting with > NCL. We don’t police that. > > In that spirit, I would argue against a meeting. I think it sets a bad > precedent. I don’t think it is fair or wise to be using up so much of our > time trying to constantly appease one member at the expense of the other > members. We went down this road with the state directors several years ago > and it was a huge time expense that left other aspects of the coalition > neglected. > > I’m not suggesting that we don’t respond — instead, I would suggest that > we put something out to the *entire* membership about the board development > process and also about expectations of and opportunities for members going > forward. And also about the relatively loose structure I described above. > At least that effort would have the benefit of being helpful for others as > well. I’d much rather put my time into something like that. > > Jeff > > On May 2, 2016, at 10:17 AM, hritchie6@gmail.com wrote: > > Deborah, > Thanks that sounds great. I would be happy to be part of a phone call with > the exec committee. > Heather > > Heather Ritchie > Education Consultant & ESOL Instructor/Trainer > 240-643-4612 > hritchie6@gmail.com <heatheredu1@gmail.com> > — > President, MAACCE (2014-2016) > www.maaccemd.org > > > > On May 2, 2016, at 9:00 AM, Deborah Kennedy <dkennedy@cal.org> wrote: > > Hi, all, > > I'll get started on drafting a response, unless someone else is hot to get > it started. > > Deborah > > Deborah Kennedy > Associate Vice President, Adult English Language Education > Director, English for Heritage Language Speakers Program > Center for Applied Linguistics > 202/355-1572 > www.cal.org > www.ehlsprogram.org > > > ------------------------------ > *From:* president@coabe.org <president@coabe.org> > *Sent:* Saturday, April 30, 2016 7:26 AM > *To:* Silja Kallenbach; Deborah Kennedy; Jeff Carter; Heather Ritchie; > VALUE Office; Michele Diecuch > *Subject:* COABE and NCL > > Dear NCL Board Members, > We are writing on behalf of the COABE Executive Committee regarding a > shared concern, coupled with a sincere desire to work together with all of > the organizations that are members of the Coalition. > > As a long standing dues paying member of NCL, we have participated in > meetings for as far back as we can remember. Many (if not all) years, it is > our understanding that someone from our board served on the NCL board. With > this in mind, and understanding that neither Jeff Fantine nor Jackie > Taylor, who were previous COABE liaisons to NCL were no longer on our > board, we had reached out to NCL through Jeff Carter in June letting him > know that our new executive director as of July 1st, Sharon Bonney, would > be willing to serve in that role on behalf of COABE. We then in a number of > subsequent emails were given information that left us unsure of NCL’s > organizational structure and how COABE fit into that which subsequently led > us to request on several occasions a copy of your by-laws, NCL Board > Minutes, information on the elections and the actual board roster. > > Peter Waite had indicated to us prior that he and ProLiteracy were > providing much needed organizational support to NCL due to the volunteer > nature of your board and a “lack of capacity”. Thus on a conference call > this past March with Peter and the two of us, we again sought > clarification of COABE’s role in NCL and made the requests for information > once again. He then did send us a list of recently elected board members, > which is how we knew to contact you. This came as a surprise as we had been > led to believe on numerous occasions that elections had not been held. We > also found it odd that as a member, we were not informed in any way about > the election. As per your By-laws, board members are voted upon at the > October meeting, which we attended, but were told then that the slate of > board members was not known at that time. > > A month ago the NCL membership chair reached out to us regarding payment > of annual dues. We then raised with her the same questions and concerns > as noted previously and we were given a very different response - that > there was an active board that met regularly to conduct NCL business. > With all of this in mind, we are reaching out to you to try to seek > clarification on the structure of NCL, COABE’s role in it, and how we can > work collaboratively. As an active and interested dues paying member, we > would like some assurances that we will be involved in the important work > of NCL and sincerely want to do our part to move the collective goals > forward. We do want to work well with NCL and request a meeting with the > executive committee to discuss this matter at your earliest convenience. > > Sincerely, > Tom Nash, > Board President > > and > > Sharon Bonney > Executive Director > > *Thomas Nash* > President, COABE > PO Box 620 > Syracuse, NY 13206 > > Phone: 888-44-COABE (888-442-6223) > Fax: 866-941-5129 > Email: president@coabe.org > Website: www.coabe.org > _______________________________________________ > National Coalition for Literacy Board mailing list > Board@lists.national-coalition-literacy.org > > http://lists.national-coalition-literacy.org/mailman/listinfo/board_lists.national-coalition-literacy.org > > > _______________________________________________ > National Coalition for Literacy Board mailing list > Board@lists.national-coalition-literacy.org > > http://lists.national-coalition-literacy.org/mailman/listinfo/board_lists.national-coalition-literacy.org > > > > _______________________________________________ > National Coalition for Literacy Board mailing list > Board@lists.national-coalition-literacy.org > > http://lists.national-coalition-literacy.org/mailman/listinfo/board_lists.national-coalition-literacy.org >

As the Board Nominations committee of two, Deborah and I would very much like to get the response letter to COABE tomorrow on behalf of the NCL Board. Please respond with your feedback by noon tomorrow. Thank you Silja . Silja kallenbach [image: Red Squares]Vice President [image: Red Squares] 617.482.9485 www.worlded.org [image: JSILogo] <http://www.facebook.com/worlded> [image: JSILogo] <http://www.twitter.com/worlded> On Tue, May 3, 2016 at 4:34 PM, Silja Kallenbach < silja_kallenbach@worlded.org> wrote: > Thank you, Deborah for drafting our response to COABE - great letter, very > clear. Perhaps you'd want to add a sentence at the end affirming that we > too want to work well with COABE. To Jeff's point, maybe you can add that > we hope this letter addresses their concerns. And I would add that we > welcome their candidacy to the Board. I also think Jeff's suggestion to > post a general clarification on the NCL membership list re. NCL structure > is a good idea. > Silja > > . > Silja kallenbach [image: Red Squares]Vice President [image: Red Squares] > 617.482.9485 > www.worlded.org [image: JSILogo] <http://www.facebook.com/worlded> [image: > JSILogo] <http://www.twitter.com/worlded> > > > On Tue, May 3, 2016 at 11:19 AM, Jeff Carter <jcarter@literacypolicy.org> > wrote: > >> Yes, thanks Deborah. >> >> Without getting into the specific of Tom’s email, which restate a number >> of inaccuracies that I have tried to address with him and with Sharon on >> numerous occasions (to no effect, apparently), I just want to reiterate for >> the record what I have mentioned to others privately — that from my >> perspective COABE has had, and continues to have, the same opportunity to >> participate and be involved as any coalition member. It seems to me that >> these days everyone's role in this coalition is basically determined by >> their own level of activity and interest and goodwill. There is very little >> structure to fit into, and that is by design. Come to the meetings, get on >> the calls, propose ideas, etc. We don’t have “liaisons” anymore — it’s up >> to each organization to do whatever they want in terms of connecting with >> NCL. We don’t police that. >> >> In that spirit, I would argue against a meeting. I think it sets a bad >> precedent. I don’t think it is fair or wise to be using up so much of our >> time trying to constantly appease one member at the expense of the other >> members. We went down this road with the state directors several years ago >> and it was a huge time expense that left other aspects of the coalition >> neglected. >> >> I’m not suggesting that we don’t respond — instead, I would suggest that >> we put something out to the *entire* membership about the board development >> process and also about expectations of and opportunities for members going >> forward. And also about the relatively loose structure I described above. >> At least that effort would have the benefit of being helpful for others as >> well. I’d much rather put my time into something like that. >> >> Jeff >> >> On May 2, 2016, at 10:17 AM, hritchie6@gmail.com wrote: >> >> Deborah, >> Thanks that sounds great. I would be happy to be part of a phone call >> with the exec committee. >> Heather >> >> Heather Ritchie >> Education Consultant & ESOL Instructor/Trainer >> 240-643-4612 >> hritchie6@gmail.com <heatheredu1@gmail.com> >> — >> President, MAACCE (2014-2016) >> www.maaccemd.org >> >> >> >> On May 2, 2016, at 9:00 AM, Deborah Kennedy <dkennedy@cal.org> wrote: >> >> Hi, all, >> >> I'll get started on drafting a response, unless someone else is hot to >> get it started. >> >> Deborah >> >> Deborah Kennedy >> Associate Vice President, Adult English Language Education >> Director, English for Heritage Language Speakers Program >> Center for Applied Linguistics >> 202/355-1572 >> www.cal.org >> www.ehlsprogram.org >> >> >> ------------------------------ >> *From:* president@coabe.org <president@coabe.org> >> *Sent:* Saturday, April 30, 2016 7:26 AM >> *To:* Silja Kallenbach; Deborah Kennedy; Jeff Carter; Heather Ritchie; >> VALUE Office; Michele Diecuch >> *Subject:* COABE and NCL >> >> Dear NCL Board Members, >> We are writing on behalf of the COABE Executive Committee regarding a >> shared concern, coupled with a sincere desire to work together with all of >> the organizations that are members of the Coalition. >> >> As a long standing dues paying member of NCL, we have participated in >> meetings for as far back as we can remember. Many (if not all) years, it is >> our understanding that someone from our board served on the NCL board. With >> this in mind, and understanding that neither Jeff Fantine nor Jackie >> Taylor, who were previous COABE liaisons to NCL were no longer on our >> board, we had reached out to NCL through Jeff Carter in June letting him >> know that our new executive director as of July 1st, Sharon Bonney, >> would be willing to serve in that role on behalf of COABE. We then in a >> number of subsequent emails were given information that left us unsure of >> NCL’s organizational structure and how COABE fit into that which >> subsequently led us to request on several occasions a copy of your by-laws, >> NCL Board Minutes, information on the elections and the actual board roster. >> >> Peter Waite had indicated to us prior that he and ProLiteracy were >> providing much needed organizational support to NCL due to the volunteer >> nature of your board and a “lack of capacity”. Thus on a conference call >> this past March with Peter and the two of us, we again sought >> clarification of COABE’s role in NCL and made the requests for information >> once again. He then did send us a list of recently elected board >> members, which is how we knew to contact you. This came as a surprise as we >> had been led to believe on numerous occasions that elections had not been >> held. We also found it odd that as a member, we were not informed in any >> way about the election. As per your By-laws, board members are voted upon >> at the October meeting, which we attended, but were told then that the >> slate of board members was not known at that time. >> >> A month ago the NCL membership chair reached out to us regarding payment >> of annual dues. We then raised with her the same questions and concerns >> as noted previously and we were given a very different response - that >> there was an active board that met regularly to conduct NCL business. >> With all of this in mind, we are reaching out to you to try to seek >> clarification on the structure of NCL, COABE’s role in it, and how we >> can work collaboratively. As an active and interested dues paying member, >> we would like some assurances that we will be involved in the important >> work of NCL and sincerely want to do our part to move the collective >> goals forward. We do want to work well with NCL and request a meeting with >> the executive committee to discuss this matter at your earliest convenience. >> >> Sincerely, >> Tom Nash, >> Board President >> >> and >> >> Sharon Bonney >> Executive Director >> >> *Thomas Nash* >> President, COABE >> PO Box 620 >> Syracuse, NY 13206 >> >> Phone: 888-44-COABE (888-442-6223) >> Fax: 866-941-5129 >> Email: president@coabe.org >> Website: www.coabe.org >> _______________________________________________ >> National Coalition for Literacy Board mailing list >> Board@lists.national-coalition-literacy.org >> >> http://lists.national-coalition-literacy.org/mailman/listinfo/board_lists.national-coalition-literacy.org >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> National Coalition for Literacy Board mailing list >> Board@lists.national-coalition-literacy.org >> >> http://lists.national-coalition-literacy.org/mailman/listinfo/board_lists.national-coalition-literacy.org >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> National Coalition for Literacy Board mailing list >> Board@lists.national-coalition-literacy.org >> >> http://lists.national-coalition-literacy.org/mailman/listinfo/board_lists.national-coalition-literacy.org >> > >

Thanks all. I have a number of comments on this, but I need to run over to a meeting with OMB and probably won’t get to this until tmw. Deborah, I appreciate your taking the time to do it. Jeff > On May 3, 2016, at 5:06 PM, Silja Kallenbach <silja_kallenbach@worlded.org> wrote: > > As the Board Nominations committee of two, Deborah and I would very much like to get the response letter to COABE tomorrow on behalf of the NCL Board. Please respond with your feedback by noon tomorrow. > Thank you > Silja > > . > > SILJA KALLENBACH Vice President 617.482.9485 > www.worlded.org <http://www.worlded.org/> <http://www.facebook.com/worlded> <http://www.twitter.com/worlded> > > > On Tue, May 3, 2016 at 4:34 PM, Silja Kallenbach <silja_kallenbach@worlded.org <mailto:silja_kallenbach@worlded.org>> wrote: > Thank you, Deborah for drafting our response to COABE - great letter, very clear. Perhaps you'd want to add a sentence at the end affirming that we too want to work well with COABE. To Jeff's point, maybe you can add that we hope this letter addresses their concerns. And I would add that we welcome their candidacy to the Board. I also think Jeff's suggestion to post a general clarification on the NCL membership list re. NCL structure is a good idea. > Silja > > . > > SILJA KALLENBACH Vice President 617.482.9485 > www.worlded.org <http://www.worlded.org/> <http://www.facebook.com/worlded> <http://www.twitter.com/worlded> > > > On Tue, May 3, 2016 at 11:19 AM, Jeff Carter <jcarter@literacypolicy.org <mailto:jcarter@literacypolicy.org>> wrote: > Yes, thanks Deborah. > > Without getting into the specific of Tom’s email, which restate a number of inaccuracies that I have tried to address with him and with Sharon on numerous occasions (to no effect, apparently), I just want to reiterate for the record what I have mentioned to others privately — that from my perspective COABE has had, and continues to have, the same opportunity to participate and be involved as any coalition member. It seems to me that these days everyone's role in this coalition is basically determined by their own level of activity and interest and goodwill. There is very little structure to fit into, and that is by design. Come to the meetings, get on the calls, propose ideas, etc. We don’t have “liaisons” anymore — it’s up to each organization to do whatever they want in terms of connecting with NCL. We don’t police that. > > In that spirit, I would argue against a meeting. I think it sets a bad precedent. I don’t think it is fair or wise to be using up so much of our time trying to constantly appease one member at the expense of the other members. We went down this road with the state directors several years ago and it was a huge time expense that left other aspects of the coalition neglected. > > I’m not suggesting that we don’t respond — instead, I would suggest that we put something out to the *entire* membership about the board development process and also about expectations of and opportunities for members going forward. And also about the relatively loose structure I described above. At least that effort would have the benefit of being helpful for others as well. I’d much rather put my time into something like that. > > Jeff > >> On May 2, 2016, at 10:17 AM, hritchie6@gmail.com <mailto:hritchie6@gmail.com> wrote: >> >> Deborah, >> Thanks that sounds great. I would be happy to be part of a phone call with the exec committee. >> Heather >> >> Heather Ritchie >> Education Consultant & ESOL Instructor/Trainer >> 240-643-4612 >> hritchie6@gmail.com <mailto:heatheredu1@gmail.com> >> — >> President, MAACCE (2014-2016) >> www.maaccemd.org <http://www.maaccemd.org/> >> >> >> >>> On May 2, 2016, at 9:00 AM, Deborah Kennedy <dkennedy@cal.org <mailto:dkennedy@cal.org>> wrote: >>> >>> Hi, all, >>> >>> I'll get started on drafting a response, unless someone else is hot to get it started. >>> >>> Deborah >>> >>> Deborah Kennedy >>> Associate Vice President, Adult English Language Education >>> Director, English for Heritage Language Speakers Program >>> Center for Applied Linguistics >>> 202/355-1572 >>> www.cal.org <http://www.cal.org/> >>> www.ehlsprogram.org <http://www.ehlsprogram.org/> >>> >>> >>> From: president@coabe.org <mailto:president@coabe.org> <president@coabe.org <mailto:president@coabe.org>> >>> Sent: Saturday, April 30, 2016 7:26 AM >>> To: Silja Kallenbach; Deborah Kennedy; Jeff Carter; Heather Ritchie; VALUE Office; Michele Diecuch >>> Subject: COABE and NCL >>> >>> Dear NCL Board Members, >>> We are writing on behalf of the COABE Executive Committee regarding a shared concern, coupled with a sincere desire to work together with all of the organizations that are members of the Coalition. >>> >>> As a long standing dues paying member of NCL, we have participated in meetings for as far back as we can remember. Many (if not all) years, it is our understanding that someone from our board served on the NCL board. With this in mind, and understanding that neither Jeff Fantine nor Jackie Taylor, who were previous COABE liaisons to NCL were no longer on our board, we had reached out to NCL through Jeff Carter in June letting him know that our new executive director as of July 1st, Sharon Bonney, would be willing to serve in that role on behalf of COABE. We then in a number of subsequent emails were given information that left us unsure of NCL’s organizational structure and how COABE fit into that which subsequently led us to request on several occasions a copy of your by-laws, NCL Board Minutes, information on the elections and the actual board roster. >>> >>> Peter Waite had indicated to us prior that he and ProLiteracy were providing much needed organizational support to NCL due to the volunteer nature of your board and a “lack of capacity”. Thus on a conference call this past March with Peter and the two of us, we again sought clarification of COABE’s role in NCL and made the requests for information once again. He then did send us a list of recently elected board members, which is how we knew to contact you. This came as a surprise as we had been led to believe on numerous occasions that elections had not been held. We also found it odd that as a member, we were not informed in any way about the election. As per your By-laws, board members are voted upon at the October meeting, which we attended, but were told then that the slate of board members was not known at that time. >>> >>> A month ago the NCL membership chair reached out to us regarding payment of annual dues. We then raised with her the same questions and concerns as noted previously and we were given a very different response - that there was an active board that met regularly to conduct NCL business. With all of this in mind, we are reaching out to you to try to seek clarification on the structure of NCL, COABE’s role in it, and how we can work collaboratively. As an active and interested dues paying member, we would like some assurances that we will be involved in the important work of NCL and sincerely want to do our part to move the collective goals forward. We do want to work well with NCL and request a meeting with the executive committee to discuss this matter at your earliest convenience. >>> >>> Sincerely, >>> Tom Nash, >>> Board President >>> >>> and >>> >>> Sharon Bonney >>> Executive Director >>> >>> Thomas Nash >>> President, COABE >>> PO Box 620 >>> Syracuse, NY 13206 >>> >>> Phone: 888-44-COABE (888-442-6223) >>> Fax: 866-941-5129 >>> Email: president@coabe.org <mailto:president@coabe.org> >>> Website: www.coabe.org <http://www.coabe.org/> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> National Coalition for Literacy Board mailing list >>> Board@lists.national-coalition-literacy.org <mailto:Board@lists.national-coalition-literacy.org> >>> http://lists.national-coalition-literacy.org/mailman/listinfo/board_lists.national-coalition-literacy.org <http://lists.national-coalition-literacy.org/mailman/listinfo/board_lists.national-coalition-literacy.org> >> _______________________________________________ >> National Coalition for Literacy Board mailing list >> Board@lists.national-coalition-literacy.org <mailto:Board@lists.national-coalition-literacy.org> >> http://lists.national-coalition-literacy.org/mailman/listinfo/board_lists.national-coalition-literacy.org <http://lists.national-coalition-literacy.org/mailman/listinfo/board_lists.national-coalition-literacy.org> > > _______________________________________________ > National Coalition for Literacy Board mailing list > Board@lists.national-coalition-literacy.org <mailto:Board@lists.national-coalition-literacy.org> > http://lists.national-coalition-literacy.org/mailman/listinfo/board_lists.national-coalition-literacy.org <http://lists.national-coalition-literacy.org/mailman/listinfo/board_lists.national-coalition-literacy.org> > > > <Response to COABE_Draft1_3May2016.docx>_______________________________________________ > National Coalition for Literacy Board mailing list > Board@lists.national-coalition-literacy.org > http://lists.national-coalition-literacy.org/mailman/listinfo/board_lists.national-coalition-literacy.org

HI all, The letter is very well written and I think it addresses all the points. I have added in a couple comments/questions because I was confused over a couple points. Please feel free to disregard if I what I was thinking does not align with what you all think we should share. I would still be willing to be on a conference call with them. It sounds as if they feel like they are not being heard and that could be a way to help address that, but I know that I am new to the history on this. Heather Heather Ritchie Education Consultant & ESOL Instructor/Trainer 240-643-4612 hritchie6@gmail.com <mailto:heatheredu1@gmail.com> — President, MAACCE (2014-2016) www.maaccemd.org <http://www.maaccemd.org/> > On May 3, 2016, at 5:06 PM, Silja Kallenbach <silja_kallenbach@worlded.org> wrote: > > As the Board Nominations committee of two, Deborah and I would very much like to get the response letter to COABE tomorrow on behalf of the NCL Board. Please respond with your feedback by noon tomorrow. > Thank you > Silja > > . > > SILJA KALLENBACH Vice President 617.482.9485 > www.worlded.org <http://www.worlded.org/> <http://www.facebook.com/worlded> <http://www.twitter.com/worlded> > > > On Tue, May 3, 2016 at 4:34 PM, Silja Kallenbach <silja_kallenbach@worlded.org <mailto:silja_kallenbach@worlded.org>> wrote: > Thank you, Deborah for drafting our response to COABE - great letter, very clear. Perhaps you'd want to add a sentence at the end affirming that we too want to work well with COABE. To Jeff's point, maybe you can add that we hope this letter addresses their concerns. And I would add that we welcome their candidacy to the Board. I also think Jeff's suggestion to post a general clarification on the NCL membership list re. NCL structure is a good idea. > Silja > > . > > SILJA KALLENBACH Vice President 617.482.9485 > www.worlded.org <http://www.worlded.org/> <http://www.facebook.com/worlded> <http://www.twitter.com/worlded> > > > On Tue, May 3, 2016 at 11:19 AM, Jeff Carter <jcarter@literacypolicy.org <mailto:jcarter@literacypolicy.org>> wrote: > Yes, thanks Deborah. > > Without getting into the specific of Tom’s email, which restate a number of inaccuracies that I have tried to address with him and with Sharon on numerous occasions (to no effect, apparently), I just want to reiterate for the record what I have mentioned to others privately — that from my perspective COABE has had, and continues to have, the same opportunity to participate and be involved as any coalition member. It seems to me that these days everyone's role in this coalition is basically determined by their own level of activity and interest and goodwill. There is very little structure to fit into, and that is by design. Come to the meetings, get on the calls, propose ideas, etc. We don’t have “liaisons” anymore — it’s up to each organization to do whatever they want in terms of connecting with NCL. We don’t police that. > > In that spirit, I would argue against a meeting. I think it sets a bad precedent. I don’t think it is fair or wise to be using up so much of our time trying to constantly appease one member at the expense of the other members. We went down this road with the state directors several years ago and it was a huge time expense that left other aspects of the coalition neglected. > > I’m not suggesting that we don’t respond — instead, I would suggest that we put something out to the *entire* membership about the board development process and also about expectations of and opportunities for members going forward. And also about the relatively loose structure I described above. At least that effort would have the benefit of being helpful for others as well. I’d much rather put my time into something like that. > > Jeff > >> On May 2, 2016, at 10:17 AM, hritchie6@gmail.com <mailto:hritchie6@gmail.com> wrote: >> >> Deborah, >> Thanks that sounds great. I would be happy to be part of a phone call with the exec committee. >> Heather >> >> Heather Ritchie >> Education Consultant & ESOL Instructor/Trainer >> 240-643-4612 >> hritchie6@gmail.com <mailto:heatheredu1@gmail.com> >> — >> President, MAACCE (2014-2016) >> www.maaccemd.org <http://www.maaccemd.org/> >> >> >> >>> On May 2, 2016, at 9:00 AM, Deborah Kennedy <dkennedy@cal.org <mailto:dkennedy@cal.org>> wrote: >>> >>> Hi, all, >>> >>> I'll get started on drafting a response, unless someone else is hot to get it started. >>> >>> Deborah >>> >>> Deborah Kennedy >>> Associate Vice President, Adult English Language Education >>> Director, English for Heritage Language Speakers Program >>> Center for Applied Linguistics >>> 202/355-1572 >>> www.cal.org <http://www.cal.org/> >>> www.ehlsprogram.org <http://www.ehlsprogram.org/> >>> >>> >>> From: president@coabe.org <mailto:president@coabe.org> <president@coabe.org <mailto:president@coabe.org>> >>> Sent: Saturday, April 30, 2016 7:26 AM >>> To: Silja Kallenbach; Deborah Kennedy; Jeff Carter; Heather Ritchie; VALUE Office; Michele Diecuch >>> Subject: COABE and NCL >>> >>> Dear NCL Board Members, >>> We are writing on behalf of the COABE Executive Committee regarding a shared concern, coupled with a sincere desire to work together with all of the organizations that are members of the Coalition. >>> >>> As a long standing dues paying member of NCL, we have participated in meetings for as far back as we can remember. Many (if not all) years, it is our understanding that someone from our board served on the NCL board. With this in mind, and understanding that neither Jeff Fantine nor Jackie Taylor, who were previous COABE liaisons to NCL were no longer on our board, we had reached out to NCL through Jeff Carter in June letting him know that our new executive director as of July 1st, Sharon Bonney, would be willing to serve in that role on behalf of COABE. We then in a number of subsequent emails were given information that left us unsure of NCL’s organizational structure and how COABE fit into that which subsequently led us to request on several occasions a copy of your by-laws, NCL Board Minutes, information on the elections and the actual board roster. >>> >>> Peter Waite had indicated to us prior that he and ProLiteracy were providing much needed organizational support to NCL due to the volunteer nature of your board and a “lack of capacity”. Thus on a conference call this past March with Peter and the two of us, we again sought clarification of COABE’s role in NCL and made the requests for information once again. He then did send us a list of recently elected board members, which is how we knew to contact you. This came as a surprise as we had been led to believe on numerous occasions that elections had not been held. We also found it odd that as a member, we were not informed in any way about the election. As per your By-laws, board members are voted upon at the October meeting, which we attended, but were told then that the slate of board members was not known at that time. >>> >>> A month ago the NCL membership chair reached out to us regarding payment of annual dues. We then raised with her the same questions and concerns as noted previously and we were given a very different response - that there was an active board that met regularly to conduct NCL business. With all of this in mind, we are reaching out to you to try to seek clarification on the structure of NCL, COABE’s role in it, and how we can work collaboratively. As an active and interested dues paying member, we would like some assurances that we will be involved in the important work of NCL and sincerely want to do our part to move the collective goals forward. We do want to work well with NCL and request a meeting with the executive committee to discuss this matter at your earliest convenience. >>> >>> Sincerely, >>> Tom Nash, >>> Board President >>> >>> and >>> >>> Sharon Bonney >>> Executive Director >>> >>> Thomas Nash >>> President, COABE >>> PO Box 620 >>> Syracuse, NY 13206 >>> >>> Phone: 888-44-COABE (888-442-6223) >>> Fax: 866-941-5129 >>> Email: president@coabe.org <mailto:president@coabe.org> >>> Website: www.coabe.org <http://www.coabe.org/> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> National Coalition for Literacy Board mailing list >>> Board@lists.national-coalition-literacy.org <mailto:Board@lists.national-coalition-literacy.org> >>> http://lists.national-coalition-literacy.org/mailman/listinfo/board_lists.national-coalition-literacy.org <http://lists.national-coalition-literacy.org/mailman/listinfo/board_lists.national-coalition-literacy.org> >> _______________________________________________ >> National Coalition for Literacy Board mailing list >> Board@lists.national-coalition-literacy.org <mailto:Board@lists.national-coalition-literacy.org> >> http://lists.national-coalition-literacy.org/mailman/listinfo/board_lists.national-coalition-literacy.org <http://lists.national-coalition-literacy.org/mailman/listinfo/board_lists.national-coalition-literacy.org> > > _______________________________________________ > National Coalition for Literacy Board mailing list > Board@lists.national-coalition-literacy.org <mailto:Board@lists.national-coalition-literacy.org> > http://lists.national-coalition-literacy.org/mailman/listinfo/board_lists.national-coalition-literacy.org <http://lists.national-coalition-literacy.org/mailman/listinfo/board_lists.national-coalition-literacy.org> > > > <Response to COABE_Draft1_3May2016.docx>_______________________________________________ > National Coalition for Literacy Board mailing list > Board@lists.national-coalition-literacy.org > http://lists.national-coalition-literacy.org/mailman/listinfo/board_lists.national-coalition-literacy.org