Dear CAEPA Members,

Our association is experiencing some changes this year; not only is our State Director, Pam Smith retiring, but our CAEPA president, Cathy Sandoval, is also stepping down. Citing personal reasons, Cathy regrets leaving her position and wishes the best for the vital work that we all do. We also wish her the best and appreciate her contributions to our organization.

While we are sad to lose Cathy, we are excited for Jolene Goerend, our president-elect, to assume the leadership of our organization per the CAEPA bylaws. The executive committee has appointed Orly Penny to finish Jolene’s term as president-elect. Thanks to both of you for filling these positions!

In light of the leadership changes, we are not going to sponsor a Legislative Day at the Capitol which was scheduled for March 11th. Knowing that there are numerous ways to advocate for adult education, we are asking that each program contact their representatives and senators this spring.

Here are some ideas for this effort:

--Invite the legislators to visit your program and/or attend graduation exercises.
--Attend town hall meetings in your area and introduce yourself and your program.
--Ask students to send a message on the CAEPA postcards which were provided at Rendezvous 2009.
--Follow the suggestions in the Advocacy Letter

Thanks to Stephanie Moran of Durango Adult Education Center for sharing the templates. Please modify it to meet the needs of your program.

To find the contact information for your state legislator, use the following website address:
www.leg.state.co.us

Stay tuned for information about Rendezvous being held in Denver 2010 in October.

We hope you are enjoying a good year,

Glenda Sinks
CAEPA, Past-President