Summary of Steering Council 2005-2006 Planning Meeting, July 31, 9:00-12:00

Members Present: Paula Ruddy, Sue Weyrauch, Jack Manley, Tim Power, Shari Steffen, and Suzanne Severson

Priorities of the Goal Groups

Goal Group 1 Priorities (To support victims of sexual abuse by clergy, religious, and Catholic church employees and their families):

1. Carry out the 3 Fall 2005 events and help to form resource teams for families of victims
2. Continued complimentary coordinated efforts with other victims' groups - Placed on back burner but still considered a priority

Goal Group 2 Priority (To support Catholic priests of integrity:

1. Study the wisdom of pastors who succeeded an abuser. (Contact Serra Club for assistance/partnership.)

Goal Group 3 Priority (To work for structural change and greater accountability within the Church):

1. Increase membership.

Priorities of the Steering Council Itself:

Overall:

• Steering Council committed to ensuring that there will be a Communications Sub-Committees in place this year.
• Steering Council committed to work towards implementation of the three goals outlined below.
• Steering Council agreed that solidarity will begin at our table and thus stem outward.

List of Priorities:

1. Growth in Membership - To include identifying a VOTF contact person in 50 parishes for assistance in our programs and goals.
2. Communications - Form a sub-Committee to facilitate the following:
   1. Create the machinery necessary to send a timely deluge of Press Releases and Letters To The Editor for relevant abuse news items
   2. Contact by mail or telephone all membership at least 4x /year
   3. Create greater use of our website to include adding links to relevant sites
3. Organizational Structure - (an Organization sub-committee was formed to include Jack, Sue W, and Paula initially, and Suzanne to join at a later date)
   1. Attain 501(c)3 status
   2. Adopt By-Laws.Will be drafted by the sub-committee and brought to the SC for discussion. Should include the Articles of Incorporation.
   3. Establish the organizational structure of the Steering Council and its permanent sub-committees