PURPOSE: To strengthen the relationships and bonds of all members with each other, (voting and non-voting); orient new members; increase member participation; and to increase membership. HOW DOES IT WORK? 1) The Chairperson assigns each active member a buddy or several buddy members (voting or non-voting). 2) The Chairperson of SERICN contacts the new or inactive member via e-mail and copies all SERICN members. The chairperson let the new or inactive member know who their buddy will be and to anticipate contact. 3)The buddy contacts each assigned new or inactive member by telephone and follow-up with email or visit. NEW MEMBERS The buddy will contact and orient new members to our organization. This orientation includes but not limited to: sending the contents of the member handbook, discussing their role in SERICN as a member, ensuring the new member feels comfortable contacting the voting member for additional questions or information on conference calls, travel arrangements, and meetings, and contacting and updating if needed new members at a minimum once a quarter. INACTIVE MEMBERS The buddy will contact and update inactive members at a minimum once a quarter. The buddy will ensure the inactive member is aware of conference call and meeting schedules and discuss barriers to their participation and possible solutions. Ensure the inactive member feels comfortable contacting the voting member for questions, information WHO IS PAIRED WITH WHOM? State Health Department A       with       State Health Department B Alabama Kentucky Mississippi Tennessee Florida Georgia South Carolina North Carolina       Executive Committee       with       Federal Partners Chair STIPDA & CPSC Vice-Chair CSN & CDC Secretary NHTSA Treasurer MCHB * The two injury centers (UAB & UNC) are buddies, as well.