The name of this association will be the Maryland Healthy Schools Coalition (hereafter, "the Coalition.")
Article 2. Vision
The Coalition envisions a society in which health and education are fundamental values and all individuals are provided services and opportunities to enhance learning, promote health, and ensure successful living.
Article 3 Mission
The mission of the Coalition is to advocate for the protection and improvement of the health and safety of Maryland's children, youth, families and school staff, to increase educational achievement, and to enhance the quality of life. This is accomplished through a statewide network of individuals and organizations advocating to support and advance Coordinated School Health Programs. These programs include, but are not limited to, the following eight components: 1) Health Education, 2) Physical Education, 3) Health Services, 4) Nutrition Services, 5) Healthy School Environment, 6) Counseling, Psychological & Social Services, 7) Health Promotion for Staff, and 8) Family & Community Involvement.
Article 4 Organization
The Coalition will consist of a Board of Directors and Members. The Board of Directors will consist of the Coalition officers, as well as representatives from agencies and organizations. The Coalition officers will be two co-chairs, two co-chairs-elect, two past- co-chairs, secretary, and treasurer. Officers will serve a two-year term. Members will consist of community advocates for school health from Maryland.
Article 5 Strategies
The Coalition will focus on the following action plan items:
Identify organizations and agencies with which to partner
Recruit to the Coalition representatives from these organizations and agencies.
Organize a grass roots advocacy response network.
Develop and implement a plan to monitor legislation that identify priorities for direct intervention be a verbal testimony, written communication, bend/or telephone contact.
Support, as appropriate, the advocacy activities of partner organizations.
Utilize the Coalition's web site as an advocacy tool.
Article 6 Communication
Electronic communication with members will alert them to critical school health issues and urge them to take immediate action within a specific time frame. The Coalition website (www.mdhealthyschools.org) will serve to inform and educate coalition members and the general public about the coalition's position on important school health issues and action items.