La Loma Meeting—June 5, 2010

[ralphv]

The meeting was organized by our founder-leader Rex Zeiger at the facility where he lives. The main objective was to help Bud Fletcher in his organization and management of the Sun City Chapter. A secondary objective was to promote more networking among all US TOO chapters in Arizona.

In attendance:
Rex Zeiger — Sun City Chapter and honorary member of all Arizona Chapters
Bob Miller — Bert Chamberland Chapter, Mesa, AZ
Bud Fletcher — Sun City Chapter, Sun City, AZ
Ray Kamka — Sun City West Chapter, Sun City West, AZ
Bob Russell — Sun City West Chapter, Sun City West, AZ
Lou Perrinello — Southwest Valley Chapter, Goodyear, AZ
Bob Shelton — Southwest Valley Chapter, Goodyear, AZ
Ralph Valle — St. Joseph's Chapter, Foothills Chapter. Phoenix and Glendale, AZ

The meeting started with an introduction of all present and a request to introduce themselves when speaking for identification during the recording process. An agenda and information about the Prostate Action In Arizona website and bulletin board was provided to those attending.
See agenda at: http://tinyurl.com/2bloeuu
PCainAZ handout at: http://tinyurl.com/2d3srn4

At the start of the session, the US TOO website was mentioned so that we all understand the availability of resources available to Leaders and all members. The website is at:
http://www.ustoo.org

Bud Fletcher who was the "instigator" of the meeting started by mentioning his problems in running his chapter. Pretty soon it was evident that we all have common problems in our chapters and we decided to proceed with the proposed agenda.

Ray Kamka, Chapter leader on the Sun City West chapter made a presentation about his chapter's organization and meeting practices. He emphasized the use fliers and of a newly diagnosed information Kit to help those that come to his chapter seeking information after a diagnosis.
A handout of his presentation can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/23zpfen

Bob Shelton and Lou Perrinello, co-chapter leaders of the Southwest US TOO Chapter made a presentation about their operational and organization methods. They emphasized a close association to the sponsoring facility. In their case The Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Goodyear, Arizona. A summary of their presentation can be seen at: http://tinyurl.com/23j9b3l

Bob Miller, assistant to the chapter Leader James Koeneman at the Bert Chamberland Chapter in Mesa, Arizona mentioned the development of that chapter and their recent move to Banner Desert Hospital. Bob was enthusiastic about the facility and their support to US TOO. The founder of this chapter died recently and the members named the chapter in his honor. The organization and operation of that chapter is very similar to those described by Ray and Bob above.

Ralph Valle, chapter Leader for the St Joseph's Hospital and the AZ US TOO at the Foothills chapters discussed the organization of these chapters. His main concern was recruiting members to take over those chapters. We had a discussion on how to remind and announce the chapter meetings. Most present used email and some used a phone calling tree. After a lively discussion, we mostly agree that a combination of methods would be acceptable to any given chapter. The use of a chapter member roster was discussed as means to maintain attendance and help members network with each other.

We all agreed that a combination of formal presentations by invited speakers, DVD presentations (like those available from the PCRI) and open meetings in which members discuss their current situation is the best way to promote education and support members in surviving their disease.

The usefulness of the US TOO Hot Sheets informational value was discussed. The need to pay for postage was an important issue. The fact that the information is available from the website should be mentioned to all members. Ray Kamka mentioned that he emails the Hot Sheets to his members. The postage cost is very reasonable and we all agreed that getting the hard copies is an important element that adds value to our chapters. Member contributions are necessary to provide this service. Cost to members is 25 cents a copy.

In the present economy with US TOO depending on corporate contributions, we discussed promoting chapter member contributions. Financial reports are available from US TOO Headquarters and it is important to promote the organization that helps us promote our community services at the chapter levels. We urge all chapter leaders to promote membership contributions to preserve the organization.

The value of networking was discussed briefly. See the links to the website and bulletin board above and visit the sites and participate. Networking the chapters has significant value for all of us in Arizona. Try to promote an integration of your chapters to exchange information and improve education and support.

Ralph Valle in cooperation with St. Joseph's Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center mentioned the organization of a symposium for October 2010. This would be a scientific, no admission charge conference to promote prostate cancer awareness in Arizona. Such events help promote our US TOO organization while providing medical education. As dates and topics firms up, he will alert you by email.

A delicious lunch was served and we all enjoyed the camaraderie and exchange of information. We agreed that these kind of breakout sessions are valuable and should be done periodically. Our thanks to Rex Zeiger for hosting the event.
Maybe we could all benefit from using the networking facilities provided by the Prostate Action in Arizona to meet periodically on schedule. Hope more of you chapter leaders guide your chapters to participate for all to benefit.

Summary provided by Ralph Valle.