With the release of Cancer Plan Minnesota 2011-2016, Task Forces, such as the Health Disparities and Colorectal will now function as special interest groups.  These new special interest groups will act as networks to increase collaboration and coordination and reduce duplication among Alliance partners around a specific topic.  With these changes, we felt that the name should also change to more adequately reflect the content of the meetings.  The special interest group will be called the Cancer Disparities Network. 

The Cancer Disparities Network will meet at least twice a year, with the hope that each meeting will be hosted by a different member organization.  Organizations may work together, or solo if they prefer, to host a meeting.  The hosting organization(s) will be responsible for identifying a space for the meeting, setting an agenda and leading the meeting.  This organization will also be responsible for taking meeting attendance and notes to be submitted to the Alliance website.  Our hope is to be able to fully engage all members and give everyone an opportunity to highlight the work being done in our community. 

The format for the meetings will include highlighting the efforts of the hosting site, sharing information, and exploring opportunity to collaborate on reducing cancer disparities activities from the programs and organizations continuing participation in the group regarding their work in cancer disparities.  In addition to reporting from organizations, these meetings will serve as a networking function for Alliance members.

An agenda for the meeting will be sent to those interested in participating in the Cancer Disparities Network prior to the meetings, with meeting notes posted on the Alliance website afterwards.  There will no longer be formal chairs of this group.

Meeting Summary for 12/5/2011