(MA. Coalition of Youth Services)

"OURS IS BUT ONE COMMON GOAL"

PROPOSAL

While this may appear as an enormous undertaking, be assured that through a cooperative and determined effort of all those involved, there would be no unreasonable tack imposed upon any individual.

The MCOYS would, indeed, give new purpose to the M.J.P.O.A. and it’s members. The long standing practice in this and most organizations, is for a certain few officers and board members to carry out the business of the group, while the regular membership twiddle their thumbs, convene for lunch, hear the presiding officer deliver a few a announcements, and others sell raffle tickets. Following a brief dissertation by a guest speaker, the prizes are awarded, and all go home, only to return a month later for more of the same. Police Chiefs are famous for their phrase, "Bring something back", when allowing their officers to attend a meeting of the various organizations to which they belong. Now, through the creation of the MCOYS, all members will have an opportunity to get involved and to have a say in the activity of the association.

ORGANIZATION:
The organizing of The MCOYS would include:

1. Establish and agree on the name of this project. The MCOYS is only a suggestion to signify and identify the basic structure,

2. Determine specific goals and activities,

3. Appoint committees; suggestions are,

   1. membership committee to research and identify agencies and to be invited and continue to enlist additional members,

   2. a web-site (already established as themcoys.org) committee to keep everyone informed as the progress of developing The MCOYS,

   3. gather information and content for a monthly newsletter,

   4. formulate an agenda and venue for the first annual meeting in June 2003,

   5. secure possible government and corporate resources for the complete funding of The MCOYS.

President Sean Kennedy should appoint committees to include (voluntarily) one current or former board member or officer as a member ex-officio. The committees should select their own chairman or appropriate officers. Retired members may serve on committees, but not as chair or member ex-officio. The state should be divided into regions, and committee members appointed to represent each area.

Committees should meet at least quarterly, or as self-determined. They should report at the regular monthly meetings of the M.J.P.O.A. Committee meetings should be properly posted in the newsletter and web-site so any interested member may attend.

Members of the M.J.P.O.A. would continue to pay their regular annual dues and monthly luncheon fees. The MCOYS committees quarterly meetings and the annual conference would be subsided by the government or corporate funding. All web-site, newsletter and administrative costs for The MCOYS would be similarly covered. There would be no cost to agencies or individuals who participate and make up the membership of The MCOYS. However, in keeping with the past practices, individuals from those agencies, other than the M.J.P.O.A, should be invited to become "associate" members, and we would gain a more favorable and popular status throughout the state. It is also extremely important to secure support and recognition from other groups, i.e., Massachusetts Chief of Police, Juvenile Court Judges, Governor’s Officer, Legislators, Attorney General and District Attorney’s Offices and School Administrators. All members should be active in seeking these endorsements.

The MCOYS would provide more positive recognition for the M.J.P.O.A. and for the cause of children’s services statewide. Undoubtedly, membership would be significantly increased. The presence of The MCOYS would derive more vocal support for the needs of Massachusetts youth on Beacon Hill, in the media, the Courts, Schools and the entire communities. Government grants for specific programs should become more accessible. Remember that there is strength in numbers, and we are all, in fact, "People Helping People".

Once The MCOYS" is established committees should absorb members from the other agencies as "associate" members, with full voting rights on that committee. This is extremely important in order to retain their participation and interest, with a confidence that their voice will be heard in the process.

There you have it! The choice is yours, and the rest is up to you. All it takes is a favorable vote from you as I now submit this proposal as a motion for your consideration. I know in my heart that this should be the future direction of this Association. Thank you, and good luck. God Bless you, the M.J.P.O.A, and may God bless America in these very trying times.

Respectfully Submitted,

William T. Mahoney, Past President
Belmont Police Department (Retired)