National Delegates Report

By Barbie Brunner, MEd, CHES

Are you a National SOPHE Member? If you are not a National SOPHE member, perhaps you have considered it or wondered why should I join National SOPHE? In either case, the following represents some benefits of National membership.

National membership benefits and services are designed to help you maximize your health education potential through:

• Awards and scholarships

• Job resource service

• Networking opportunities

• Continuing education

• Reduced fees for Midyear and Annual meetings

• Contact hours for CHES

• Self-study videotapes and satellite teleconferences

• Advocacy opportunities

• Journal subscription to Health Education and Behavior and Health Promotion Practice

• News and Views Newsletter

• Seven SIG’s (Special Interest Groups)

• Seven SIG’s (Special Interest Groups)

• Professional Code of Ethics

I asked some Arkansas SOPHE members who are also National SOPHE members why they choose to hold a National membership and this is what they had to say: "Being a national member helps me bridge the gap between the local and national levels. By networking with National members, I know the latest information and can apply that to my local activities." Janie Gannaway, Media Specialist UAMS.

If you are interested in learning more, check out the National SOPHE website at www.sophe.org or e-mail me at BrunnerBarbaraW@uams.edu.

As you may recall, AR SOPHE hired Jackie Henson of McKenna & Cuneo, law firm in Washington D.C. to assist AR SOPHE in applying for the 501(c)(3) tax exempt status.

Over the past several months AR SOPHE has been working with Jackie to gain the 501(c)(3) status. In an effort to gain the status several steps had to be accomplished prior to submitting the 501(c)(3) application.  The following steps were involved: (1) becoming incorporated; (2) apply for a tax identification number; and (3) completing the 501(c)(3) application.

As of mid-May, Arkansas SOPHE has completed the final step involved of the 501(c)(3) application. The application has been submitted to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for review and AR SOPHE should hear back from the IRS within the next 2 - 6 months.

After the IRS reviews the application, they will either (1) ask for more information; (2) approve the application and recognize AR SOPHE as exempt under Section 501(c)(3); or (3) disapprove the application.

If the IRS disapproves the application, Jackie Henson will help AR SOPHE challenge the IRS rejection. In several cases involving SOPHE chapters, the initial application has been disapproved. In those cases, Jackie has challenged the IRS rejection via a subsequent letter and in every single case, Jackie has won and the SOPHE chapter received the 501(c)(3) status.

A huge thank you goes out to Kaye Murry, Barbie Brunner, and Janie Gannaway for their assistance in this matter. I couldn't have done it with out you! As information becomes available from the IRS regarding the 501(c)(3) status, I will keep you posted. 

Sincerely,

Deedra D. Smith, MS, CHES

APHA’s 54th Annual Convention May 1-3rd, 2002, at the Hot Springs Convention Center hosted Arkansan, Randy Frazier, as featured speaker for AR SOPHE and the Social Workers. His presentation titles were: "You Can Keep the Change…" which focused on the changing culture of our work places & "Culture Conflict and Communication" gave audience members insight on the infinite variety of cultures and subcultures that we encountered each day in our professional and private lives.

Randy’s dynamic and interactive style kept conference participants on their toes all day. Both sessions were well attended by conference participants from all professions. CEU’s were available for Social Workers and Health Educators only.

Randy has become a favorite at APHA over the years. He has addressed several different professional sessions in the last several years and everyone seemed to know him and anticipate a wonderful presentation. Randy didn’t disappoint, he delivered both presentations with his signature flare and style.

To contact Randy regarding a speaking engagement, go to his web site http://www.morethanmotivation.com/ .

By Barbie Brunner

What is CDCynergy? It’s an innovative multimedia based communication planning tool, delivered via CD-ROM that’s intended to systematically train public health professionals in designing health interventions within a public health framework. This planning tool is appropriate for public health professionals working in government and non-government organizations, in domestic or international settings. On May 31, 2002 the first CDCynergy training was held in Little Rock to train Arkansas SOPHE’s Executive Committee in using the program. The CDCynergy curriculum training, facilitated by Dr. Jacquie Rainey, included the use of a template for creating a health communication plan, examples of real public health interventions, glossary of health communication terminology, and resources useful for developing and evaluating communication plans.

The CDCynergy workshop provided the opportunity for the Arkansas SOPHE Executive Committee to gain a better understanding of the program and taught us how to navigate through the CD-ROM. It also provided an overview of the health communication content, and allowed us the chance to use the multi-media resources available in the CD-ROM. The training was interactive and fun. A huge thank you to Dr. Rainey for her willingness to train us so that we can promote the program. Watch for the upcoming announcement about additional trainings with CDCynergy.

If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Barbie Brunner at BrunnerBarbaraW@uams.edu.