VB-SIG Meeting Minutes / New Orleans May 27, 2001 Acting Secretary: Amoy Hugh Balter I. Officer Reports A. Chair's Report - (Bill Potter) Many special projects were mentioned at last years conference such as a verbal behavior conference separate from ABA, a student competition and some other projects. However, due to numerous complications many of these projects were not followed through. Membership is down by a few from last year (from 27 to 20 paid members). Upgrades have been made to the website. B. Treasurer Report- (Bill Potter for Dave Reitman) There is approximately a $700 balance currently - from membership dues. C. Newsletter Editor Report- (Matthew Normand) There is a need for more submissions to the VB-SIG newsletter, which is published twice annually. The next deadline is November 27th. D. Liaisons- (Sam Leigland & Janet Twyman) No report E. ABA Program Coordinator- (Mark Sundberg) There was an increase in the number of verbal behavior symposium, workshops, and invited events. The majority of which were presented by VB-SIG members. All programs were well attended and interest in VB at ABA is on the rise. F. Student Representative - (Bill Roth) No report II. The Analysis of Verbal Behavior (TAVB) Issues (Mark Sundberg) A. Subscription Goals- TAVB is not meeting ABA subscription goals -- to break even not necessarily to make a profit at this time. The currentgoal is to double subscriptions from 140 to 280 however approx. 500 would be necessary at current costs to break even. 1. Marketing- A marketing committee was established the committee members are: Jack Michael, Craig Strickland, Mark Sundberg, Bill Potter, Amoy Hugh Balter, Kenya Clay and Matthew Normand a. Marketing strategies suggested included: - Greater VB-SIG membership involvement - Personal e-mail renewal notices to current subscribers - Visibility at local state chapter conferences and events - VB-SIG member advertising and or selling at workshops - A check box added to ABA membership and renewal form for subscription to the journal - Gift subscriptions or full sets donated to ABA members or international groups - Recruiting subscriptions by professionals outside of behavior analysis - Electronic invoicing and website postings 2.Costs - There was discussion about the necessity to reduce publishing costs. TAVB is currently about $2000 in debt. a. Difficulties in reducing costs include: - Kathy Hill's involvement as an editor: due to loyalty with current publishing company and the costs associated with that company. - Possible desires to discuss a change in editor. However, this was not considered the most feasible or inviting way to decrease costs - The council will continue to explore ways to decrease costs of publishing. 3. Donations - A special thank you was extended to Jack Michael and John Mabry for their generous donations of totaling over $20,000. B. Membership Vote on TAVB Issues: A motion was made by Bill Potter to spend $500 or approximately 1/2 of VB-SIG funds from membership dues on marketing for TAVB. The motion was seconded by David Palmer and a majority of members voted yes to the motion. The motion passed. III. Officer Re-elections A. Chair- No changes B. Treasurer- No changes C. Liaisons - No changes D. ABA Program Committee- Mark Sundberg expressed interest in stepping down from this position . Genae Hall will consider the position for ABA 2003. E. Newsletter Editor- No changes F. Student Representative - Formerly: Bill Roth Newly Elected: Amoy Hugh Balter G. Secretary - A need for position of secretary was mentioned for VB-SIG meetings and other possible duties throughout the year. 2001 Acting Secretary : Amoy Hugh Balter Newly Appointed: David Sidener IV. Old Business A. Mini VB Conference- A proposal for such a conference to be held within the ABA conference somewhat like SABA would require a proposal to be submitted to Maria Mallot. This is not the intention or focus at this time but will be tabled for further discussion at the next VB-SIG meeting. B. Student Competition- A proposal was made last year that a student competition is held in the area of VB. A possible cash award, subscription to TAVB, and other awards were suggested previously. The student competition committee will consist of: Amoy Hugh Balter, Tom Critchfield and Steve Ward additional committee members are invited if interested e-mail Amoy Hugh Balter @ the list serve. V. New Business A. Website Complaints- (Richard Mallot and Trojan Presentation)- Two parents visiting the website found the presentation to be very offensive in nature. Some concerns were expressed that parents felt they were being blamed for some of their children's diagnosis of Autism and other developmental delays. There were questions as to whether or not we would pull the presentation from the website. All VB SIG and ABA members are urged to review the presentation (psyc.csustan.edu/verbalbehavior - select archives). B. Website Additions - 1. Norman Peterson's book will be posted on the website as he has given us the rights to do so. Proofreaders for this venture will include: Bill Potter, Kenya Clay, John Esch, David Sidener, and Patrick Williams. 2. Additional Slides from VB symposia to be posted on the website may include but will not be limited to: Jack Michael, David Palmer, Janet Twyman, Matthew Normand, Robert Wallander, Amoy Hugh Balter etc.. THE END !