Advisory council creates Community Outreach and Engagement committee to expand public outreach

The Clackamas County Developmental Disabilities Advisory Council voted unanimously April 27 to create a Community Outreach and Engagement committee charged with designing and carrying out short-term outreach deliverables.

Chair Sarah Lambert moved to establish the committee and said it would be focused on outreach and engagement across the community. Ann, who volunteered to chair the new committee if it is approved, described a short, deliverable-driven approach: identify target audiences (for example, high schools, pediatricians and newborn clinics), prioritize outreach sites, draft simple materials and provide a named contact people can reach for follow-up.

Council members clarified the committee’s scope before voting. Staff said the committee must bring its agenda items to the full council for approval, will report to the council at least twice a year and that any flyers or pamphlets produced by the committee will require county approval. Members discussed membership rules: nonvoting participants may serve on the committee but must be approved by the council, and voting procedures and conflict-of-interest rules in the county’s bylaws will govern eligibility.

The motion to form the Community Outreach and Engagement committee was seconded and passed by voice vote with no opposition. Council staff said members who want to join should contact Ann, the chair or Chris and that a volunteer sign-up and organizer schedule will be circulated by email.

Votes at a glance: • Approval of March minutes — moved, seconded and approved by voice (unanimous). • Motion to establish Community Outreach and Engagement committee — moved by Chair Sarah Lambert, seconded, approved by voice (unanimous).

The committee is expected to begin work immediately on research and target prioritization and present its first deliverables to the council in coming months.