Note from the Commission Chair
Issue: 2                        December 18, 2017
Dear Commissioners, Designees, and Ex-Officio members,

Holiday greetings to all and a sincere thank you for all the work you do for our military families and children every day!

As MIC3 celebrates eleven years, we have witnessed major milestones in the organization. In 2014, with 50 states and the District of Columbia (DC) adopting the Compact, we knew our work was just beginning as we strived to ensure “Successful Educational Transitions” for military students in every state. A great deal of historical milestones has been part of our organizational growth, struggles and success.

The MIC3 Executive Committee (EXCOM) had an opportunity to reflect on the past and look toward the future at our recent board retreat in Newport, Rhode Island. We spent two intense days “taking stock” of our vision, mission and core values. We looked at the work and effectiveness of the Board, discussed leadership succession, and explored new ways to be more responsive and transparent to the Commission.

At our retreat, the EXCOM agreed on norms and shared commitments. We reviewed a draft Board manual which outlines our policies and protocols, and we developed indicators and measures for assessing our effectiveness as an executive committee. We also spent time reviewing the strategic plan and our goals and strategies, as this plan serves as a road map for our work and activities.

We agreed on key guidelines stating that any activities or proposals must be aligned to the strategic plan:
1.   Does the proposal align with the MIC3 mission and vision?
2.   Does the proposal compliment current strategic goals and action items?
3.   Is the proposal a logical step/action item to be added on a particular strategic goal?

In addition, we reflected on areas that surfaced at the Annual Business Meeting such as how to address barriers, challenges and opportunities as a team. Our discussion was honest and constructive. At the conclusion, the EXCOM made a commitment to each other and agreed that our work is critical to the children we serve and to all of you.

We committed:
1.   To work as a united Executive Committee
2.   To move toward greater communication, transparency and documentation

Again, my sincere thanks to all of you for reelecting me as Chair of MIC3. I promise that we will work diligently to engage you and successfully fulfill our vision, mission and core values.

With warm regards,
Rosemarie Kraeger
Chair and Rhode Island State Commissioner
  
Note: The following norms and commitments were developed by the EXCOM to provide a framework for working effectively as a team and ensure transparency throughout the Commission.
SHARED NORMS
  • Participate actively and equitably. Make contributions and room for the contribution of others.
  • Be prepared for meetings (review minutes ahead of meetings).
  • Ensure work is aligned to the strategic plan.
  • Utilize time allotted for meeting productively.
  • Plan agenda that focus on outcomes and actions required.
  • Use data to support decisions and guide discussions.
  • Communicate and support the decision of the group. Maintain confidentiality regarding disagreements expressed during meetings.
  • Candidly express disagreements with ideas, not individuals, and be willing to acknowledge what we don’t know.
  • Build a cohesive and functional team.
SHARED COMMITMENTS
  • Advance the organization to serve children (set aside adult issues).
  • Openness and transparency in all we do.
  • Collaboration based on trust.
  • The inclusion of diverse perspectives of all members (50+1).
  • Continual professional growth of the organization and the individuals and commissioners.
  • Make decisions using data, expertise and experience consistent with the strategic plan.
  • Our actions always reflect our vision, mission and values.
  • Regularly assess our performance and progress.
  • Build capacity to increase effectiveness of the organization.
STANDING COMMITTEE MEETINGS COMMENCE IN JANUARY 2018

At our Annual Business Meeting in October, the Commission realigned the working groups to our strategic plan. Separating the former Public Relations and Training committee into two separate groups (Training Committee; and Communication and Outreach) allows us to effectively target and accomplish our activities and programs. With the addition of a new committee, some Commissioners were reassigned to achieve a balanced number of members. 

The EXCOM approved the meeting dates, and agreed that committees will start meeting in January. A meeting request via outlook from the National Office will be sent to you prior with the dial-in information, agenda, and handouts.

Earlier this week I reached out to Commissioners that have been reassigned, and not everyone responded. However, if they or you should have any questions, or would like to move committees, please contact me at rkraeger@mpsri.net or the National Office. 

To view the approved committee meeting dates and rosters, click on the buttons below.
The national office will be closed from
December 20, 2017 - January 3, 2018 in recognition
of the Christmas and New Year holidays. Normal operations will resume on January 3, 2018. Phones will not be answered during this time and there will be limited communication via staff email.

We wish you the very best during the holidays, and we look forward to an exciting and prosperous new year!