These general guidelines for designing forums were created with the perspective of what is the best use of the liited time when Directors are gathered for monthly meetings.
Questions to consider in designing Forums:
- Does it rise to the level of concern for Directors? If not, is there another more appropriate vehicle?
- If the purpose is information only, consider a mass email, newsletter, other communication, or Open Forum time.
- If looking for feedback, what are the specific questions for the group? How much time should be reserved for significant feedback? (“Are there any questions?” generally does not promote a lot of discussion—are there prompting questions, or those in the audience who can be primed to speak up first? Is it better to do table discussions or interactive activity first with large group report-out?)
Timeframes:
15 Minutes
Updates, Next Steps, introducing an issue that will come up in future Forums
30 Minutes
Short presentations, minimal feedback when the issue has already been communicated, demo’s
*45-60 minutes- most common
Full presentation, and/or some feedback from the group required
60-90 minutes
Longer time needed for group activity at tables (Leg, high priority forums)
90-120 minutes
Generally reserved for strategic time- Legislative prioritization, etc.
Find the form at Forum Proposal Form (also found on the website at Monthly Meetings & Conferences>Monthly Meetings>MACSSA Forum Proposal Request Form), and submit it to MACSSA staff for routing to the appropriate Topic Owner.
Ideas for MACSSA Forums are welcomed from all Members.
- If you have a specific idea with presenters and details, please complete the Forum Proposal Form (also found on the website at Monthly Meetings & Conferences>Monthly Meetings>MACSSA Forum Proposal Request Form), and submit it to MACSSA staff for routing to the appropriate Topic Owner.
- Or, if you have a general idea for a Forum, feel free to discuss with the most appropriate Topic Owner or staff.
Anyone may submit a proposal for a MACSSA Legislative position. Please download and complete the position proposal available on the lefthand side of this page, and submit to Executive Director Eric Ratzmann for consideration. Or, if you have an idea but not a fully formed proposal, please discuss with Eric for the best venue to present your idea.
MACSSA Operational Priorities are led by a Topic Group, coordinated by Topic Owners, in the areas of Behavioral Health, Case Management, Child Wellbeing, Health Care, Housing & Transportation, Long Term Services & Supports, Modernization, and Self-Sufficiency.
Each Topic Group operates a bit differently (monthly calls, email only, etc.), so please contact the Topic Owners to let them know your interest, and they will provide information directly.
