August 2008 TCIA Round Table Call Outcomes

My apologies for the delay in getting these recordings posted. I am experiencing some significant computer limitations at this time. The recordings and telephone playback informatino or below. I will try to do a list of key topics (similar to July’s list) in the near future.

Reminder: These calls are informal with no set agenda, and are held in an open conversation mode where everyone can talk.The recordings are made by and provided through the conference call service (freeconference.com) and are unedited, so please be patient at the beginning of each call and at other points where there may be “dead air” time as people arrive on the call. If you have difficulty playing recordings of this size or type on your computer, you can get a playback of the recordings by telephone at:

Playback Dial-in Number: 1-219-509-8113 East CoastPlayback Access Codes:

• 938333 - August 11, 2008 (phone playback expires Sept. 10)
• 713718 - August 14, 2008 (phone playback expires Sept. 13)
• none - August 16, 2008

Call Recordings: 

• August 11, 2008 Conference Call (49mb; mp3 format; 2 hr 21 min)
• August 14, 2008 Conference Call (56mb; mp3 format; 2 hr 39 min)
• August 16, 2008 Conference Call - call was terminated after 31 minutes with no additional callers. No recording is made until second caller arrives.

Points discussed:

• Black Elk Speaks (Outdoor Drama) at Audobon Acres in October 
• Starting TCIA meetings on time - if no quorum, can floor be opened to public comments from those present until quorum has arrived?
• Census 2010 - discussed information obtained at conference specific to American Indians including self-determination (right to self-identify), stressing one/main affiliation, possible assistance funds available from census bureau for promoting participation, some jobs available
• TCIA created programs - discussed need for community to be more specific when asking for/demanding programs - what programs? Callers stated (in priority order) health care, employment/income opportunities, housing
• Meeting notification - How do individual commissioners or commission as the whole notify area residents of meetings, etc? (have established a “listserv” is not an option at this time) - send self-addressed stamped postcards (at least 4 per year) to be notified of meetings; encourage local radio stations to run meeting PSAs being sent out.
• Failure of various individuals, factions, groups to work together holds back and hurts all.
• Public comments can be made at any point between meetings by calling, writing, e-mailing any one or more commissioners, or participating in Round Table calls. 
• The earlier public comments are received, the more opportunity the commissioners have to revise plans to accomodate public demand.
• Economize time when commenting.
• Commissioners need to be more succinct in their deliberations.
• People are not bound to communicate only with the commissioner from their geographic area, but are free to communicate with any commmissioners.
• Eagle awards - how nominations are made, who can nominate, etc.
• Finding a way to publish agenda (items) sooner so public has opportunity to research and comment.
• Programs: public needs to define what programs it most needs/wants. Program priorities may vary by area. Need committees of locals to work with Commission to plan and implement appropriate programs.