Member Executive Council
The Member Executive Council is one of the shining stars at Birch Tree. The Member Executive Council consists of member representatives from each location throughout Birch who meet once a month to discuss issues affecting the lives of all members.
The Mission Statement adopted by the Council is:
To be a bridge of ideas between members and staff and to be an active voice in improving the lives of Birch Tree members through advocacy, implementing policy, promoting accountability and empowering members in achieving their goal of Mental Health recovery.
When the Council gathers, representatives discuss upcoming events, health and safety issues, review and vote on administrative policy changes, form special committees to help create and implement policy, address issues at individual locations, brainstorm and solve problems, and actively shape the way Birch Tree serves its population. Historically, when staff get stuck with an issue, the Member Executive Council has never failed with coming up with a solution.
Just a few of the accomplishments of the MEC:
- Defined criteria for Recovery Wall Award recipients and Birch Wall of Heroes recipients and vote on those nominated.
- Defined concerns of individuals smoking in houses and apartments. Created committee to write policy to address concerns.
- Defined issue of lack of willingness for some members to assist in cleaning of apartments and houses. Created a subcommittee which wrote policy to address concerns.
- Nominated individuals and companies for Birch Tree Community Service Award. We have sent several press releases and newspapers have printed stories from around the state regarding the awards.
- Worked to collect hundreds of box-tops for Summer Cereal Drive.
- Discussed ways to improve food quality and satisfaction at branches around the state.
- Discussed proposed Ticket to Work and Supportive Employment Program for members. Member Executive Council leads the way in advocating for member employment.
- Created Person Processions Committee to write policy regarding personal belongings of members and to define who has ultimate responsibility of those items.
- The Member Executive Council is active in addressing issues regarding Health and Safety.
- An active Community Outreach Committee addresses issues with volunteerism and community integration.
- Brainstormed, created and approved renaming the titles of Birch staff; Case Managers to Recovery Advocates and Residential Trainers to Recovery Assistants.
- Gives feedback for special events including Summer Dance, Birch Golf Tourney, Family Day, State Fair outing, and other events.
- Reports monthly regarding Sound-Off Reports which focus on branch needs from maintenance to equipment.
Birch Tree recognizes that recovery happens when an individual gains control of their life. Birch Tree members have a voice when it comes to the treatment and policies of the organization. When the Council speaks, Birch listens.
