UMAMD Conference Call
May 23, 2019
7 pm Eastern

Present: Jack Day, Brian Burch, Hank Jenkins, Nancy Webb, Jonathan Campbell and Caroline Bass

Celebrations: Caroline is now a board-certified chaplain. Hank is moving from England to Knoxville, TN.

Meeting began with prayer led by Hank.

Hank noted that this is the first conference call in a while that was not a joint call with the leaders of the DMC. As he led the meeting, Hank reviewed the UMAMD Purpose statement. He raised a desire for us to clarify this statement into a one or two sentence mission statement. The concepts of education, advocacy and support remain vital to us.

Hank and Jonathan as co-chairs have been discussing our five committees that were loosely organized in our August gathering. After a time of discussion; we understand the following people are still involved with these leadership teams. If other persons need to be added please contact Hank or Jonathan.

Finance: Greg Edwards, Hank and Jonathan
Next Meeting: Ruthanne Simpson and Brian Burch
Communications and Marketing could be merged together: Tim Vermande and Jennifer.
Legislation: This is functioning currently as a joint committee with the DMC. Sharon McCart is the chair.

In discussing the work of each group, the following suggestions were made.
Legislation: After the deadlines for GC2020 arrive the work of this group is basically complete. Could this group transition into a group that focuses on Advocacy? In reports from Tim Vermande, the number one need received is for assistance with those going through ordination.
Next Meeting: We would like to meet in 2021. One option is to hold a break-out meeting during the 2021 Summer Institute on Theology and Disability. Most evenings are free after dinner. The next annual gathering of the Summer Institute takes place again at Western Theological Seminary, May 18-21, 2020. Scholarships for those who are disabled do exist.

Our next conference call is set for Thursday June 20, 2019 at 7 pm Eastern. The agenda for that meeting is to put together our list of dreams and goals for the UMAMD to accomplish over the next 5 years.

Respectfully submitted,
Brian Burch