January 2008 COHO meeting

I invited Wayne Cauthen, KCMO City Manager as the main presenter for our January meeting and he has accepted. The meeting will be held on January 4th at 8am at the Tony Aguirre Community Center, 1050 West Pennway Blvd., KCMO. To view the agenda, haz una click aqui.

This invitation follows up on the intent of the reception held for him in November by Mattie Rhodes Counseling and Arts Center, KC Hispanic News and the Hispanic Chamber to welcome Wayne to the Hispanic community and initiate regular communication with him on procurement and employment opportunities with the city.

Wayne A. Cauthen was appointed City Manager of Kansas City, Missouri in April 2003. Mr. Cauthen is currently focusing his efforts on downtown infrastructure and development issues, expanding international economic development, implementing a citywide recycling program, and improving basic services to citizens. Mr. Cauthen brings to the office more than 25 years of professional experience in both the public and private sector.

As the city's chief administrator, the City Manager is responsible for making city government run efficiently and economically. The City Manager serves and advises the mayor and City Council, appoints most department directors and prepares a proposed annual budget for council consideration. The City Manager also enforces municipal laws and ordinances and coordinates city operations and programs.

Our first meeting of 2008 will also include 2 mini presentations:

1.) Lelain Lorenzen, Media Relations & Marketing Coordinator, about MCC-Business & Technology/Line Tech Workers Program (partners are KCP&L, Aquila, and Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative). MCC is aggressively recruiting for this program since 30-50% of line technicians are expected to retire in the next five-10 years.

2) Debra Stanley. Program Coordinator and Matt Milbrodt, Information Service Specialist, U.S. Census Bureau. The 2010 census is gearing up and there are multiple employment opportunities and partnering opportunities available.

Please let me know by return email if you wish to make an announcement at the meeting as very few will be allowed with this agenda.

Nos vemos next year. Until then, be safe and have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! - Rita

Feliz Navidad y Prospero Año Nuevo!

Opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others

Thank you to those who came to the COHO December meeting at El Centro!

Below please find an interesting opportunity to all who are concerned and interested in being more involved in working with young people in our community.

The NAACP is coordinating an interesting program to work directly with the youth. There is a great need for Spanish speaking volunteers. The volunteers are asked to come to the District offices and make phone calls to students who have been identified by the District. They provide info they receive that is inhibiting the students attendance to the District. The School District takes care of the rest.

Although the training program has passed, the information is still timely and there are still sessions that are open for volunteers. This is a significant way to help to make a difference in the lives of those who have dropped out of school. (I prefer the term as push-out, actually)

*****

From the NAACP:

This is your opportunity to partner with the School District in a positive way to help children. Consider joining this cadre of community volunteers. It IS good for the children! Thanks!

Assist in recruitment efforts by sharing this information with others. Thanks!

A CALL FOR ACTION To Rescue Our Children!

You are invited to join a cadre of community volunteers

in support of a select group of Kansas City , Missouri

School District (KCMSD) children:

*“Drop-Out Recovery Program”

The Kansas City , Missouri NAACP Branch, under the leadership of its Education Committee, is in partnership with the Kansas City , Missouri School District (KCMSD) for a special activity. After several months of teamwork, we have agreed to assist the KCMSD with a community-action plan that encourages dropouts to earn high school diplomas.

*One-hour blocks of time for 1st Phase of Recovery will be held on Thursdays, except holidays, beginning December 6, 2007 and ending on Thursday, February 28, 2008 . Hourly slots of time are 4 -5, 5-6, 6-7, and 7-8 PM. After you call and speak with parent or dropout, write information on written form provided by District, your task is complete. District personnel will retrieve information and provide ALL follow-up to help empower students to return to the school system.

2nd Training Program and Demonstration for New Volunteers

(1st-Round Trainees are welcome to attend)

Thursday, November 29, 2007

4:30 to 5:30 PM

Board of Education Building , 1211 McGee, Kansas City , MO

1^st Floor, Conference Room (across from Security Desk)

Free parking

FACILITATORS

Edward Marquez, Director of Pupil Services, KCMSD

Beverly Swinney, Alternative Placement Coordinator, KCMSD

Other District support staff

For additional information and scheduling a Volunteer Time Slot, contact Rosa James, NAACP Education Chair, at (816) 923-2983 OR (816) 305-6533.