MOCAN Meeting Notes
July 28, 2011
Missouri Legislative Update
David Winston-Missouri Foundation for Health
Introduction: Penman & Winton Consulting have a partnership with the Missouri Foundation
for Health. Firm started in 1994, goal is to serve non-profit organizations and serving
community. Represent both big and little organizations. They are based in Jefferson City.
Impact of 2010 election: Matters for process and personalities within legislation. Election tide
sweeps in and out (like ocean); some tides are weak and some strong (have a lasting impact).
This has been the strongest tide for over 50 years even more so than post Watergate. There
were 90 new legislators, which is almost triple the amount usually voted in at one time. This
group will mature together and make a big impact. Issues are going to be more difficult to
change. Vast majority are Republicans, there are 106 members in majority in the House. There
are 26 in the majority in the Senate, also Republican (both super majorities). These sized
majorities give them the ability to veto. Only another big tide will make a change, there is no
chipping slowly away from a situation such as this. The legislation will probably stay like this for
15 years. Missouri is a fairly conservative state, but not to the extent that it needs a super
majority to make decisions. Roughly 90% of the districts in Missouri voted Republican. With a
super majority this party can do whatever they want in both chambers-they don’t have to
compromise. The majority in the Senate is less powerful than the House because the minority
can still filibuster.
Mass freshman class: Two sides of coin, no purely bad or good. Term limits good for lobbyists
because they become more experienced than the legislators and know how the system works.
Challenges term limits make: New legislators come with idea of the government being broken
and “I’m here to fix it”. They internalize the solution and polling shows this strategy helps win
elections. It is not necessarily a solution to making progress. New legislators bring new
perspective, but not new ideas. Why haven’t good ideas been captured and renovated? If
farmers could supply schools with fresh produce why wouldn’t we? Why not take food via truck
to cities that have trouble getting fresh produce? It is because we have not raised the priority of
these concepts. New legislators come with a want to right wrongs, wrongs that people know
about, that are high priority. Great leaders/politicians (like President Johnson) really make
change, they have very specific characteristics such as commitment, opportunity, and having
support/have been given chances. Translate to legislators- incredible commitment. Example,
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one freshmen legislator was committed to meth bill with his own compelling story. The bill was
dead 12 times; he found ways to make important to others. Another challenge is that
institutional history is lost due to terms.
Learning curves: Some freshmen legislators have never even been to the capital before they are
elected. Forget them being able to participate in the policy process because they don’t even
know the process to begin with. Legislators have about a 5 year tenure, by a couple years in
they are busy looking forward to what they will do next instead of where they are.
Opportunities show up and legislators don’t serve the full 16 years they could. Freshmen are
learning leadership from the beginning. Very few legislators actually know all of the rules.
Republicans became experts on the rules when the Democrats were in the majority, because it
forced compromise. Nobody has time to understand the rules, but knowing the rules means
knowing the process. Many people don’t understand how policy affects us daily. New
legislators do not understand what all goes into the policy process.
Opportunities: Voids are filled. For example, institutional history is intact by lobbyists. When it
comes to acquiring information there is distrust between the legislative and executive
branches. So legislators obtaining all of their information from the State Departments is not
always good. For information they look to their districts – do the legislators talking to their
districts or the people presenting their ideas themselves fill the void? Legislative approach in
70’s and 80’s was “wagon hooking”- sticking with a legislator until he/she rises in authority. This
approach is not so effective anymore because of term limits. New legislators bring new
relationships; they do not want to be tied down.
Summary of the 2011 legislative session: Why not be the place legislators come to for
information (it can be a lot of work)? Most of the bills passed were renaming streets and the
like that meant little as well as 22 budget bills. There is a lack of ability to get things done even
with a super majority. It was mostly the Senate that held up the policy making process. You
would think two common majorities would work together, not so, it is worse sometimes. Partly
because of vacuum of leadership, little time to acquire skills. There is no such thing as born
leaders. No time to develop a truly great leader in 8 years. It takes very few members to
paralyze the Senate and keep them from being productive. Missouri revenues are recovering;
saw a pretty good rebound last year. Bending the trend line, not just to stop spending is key.
How? Make policy changes or cut people off to control expenditures. Really important-Missouri
is losing population, especially in urban areas. We are now at 8 districts. Immigration has
helped us not lose more than 2 districts. Legislation moved its focus from social to economical.
Public opinion polls are worried about job creation. Out of the “Fix the Six” goal only 1 passed.
Unemployment almost didn’t pass. Everyone is questioning everything, not bad except when
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asked in legislative process because it causes lag and unproductively. Policies fell back to a
social focus because economical policies weren’t happening.
Farm-to-table could be a vehicle to raise profile of MOCAN and our issues. Some things never
made it far, dying because of local control at times (schools). This is something that could
change since we are a highly agricultural state. If obesity rates went down children would be
healthier and would impact the state less. Unhealthy kids cost the state money. Bending trend
line to improve health is the low hanging fruit. We do not have a farm team of upcoming
legislators. There are not enough people, who care about this issue in the legislature. We need
to get the conversation started and bring schools to the table. Recommend working with
legislators to make more bills, raise awareness and add pressure. The General Assembly has a
way of changing priority. MoCAN’s ideals don’t get enough attention right now. What you
should do is target some legislators who care. Message penetration is key- legislators and public
need to be hearing about the problem from all sides. Budget; show them that healthy eating
will save money by making healthy people. Strategic investment so that is will create a bend in
trend line. We need to be “multilingual” among sectors of society. Non-profit saves the state
money by getting their funds from other places; take care of situations/circumstances that
would become the states problems. Ethanol is going away. There are business opportunities for
small and big farms.
Moving forward: The September Special Session is great time to educate legislators. Legislators
will have to get economical bill done because of upcoming election. Legislators also want to get
some “feel good” policies passed to feel accomplished and have something to show for
themselves.
Issues of net to MoCAN: How do we re-engineer and energize our issue to raise profile? Think
big and then think of the little things that will get you there. Build consensus around a handful
of ideas. Choose themes that unite and bring more people to your camp, not divide it. CREATE
A GOOD FARM TEAM AND DEVELOP A CASE TO SUPPORT YOU. Childhood obesity, but the
state needs to save money. Commitment is critical, not quantity but quality. Only yes is yes
when talking to legislators. Members frustrated about healthcare. Help them to do things and
get stuff done. Urban legislators always talk about lack of fresh food. Talk to your legislator.
Q and A: Forward thinking vs here and now argument? Nobody cares about next year only this
year. Here and now is more compelling. Long term is compelling if cheap. Job market could
cause problems. Kids who are obese are in the ER more than others. Weight loss can be done in
a year. Need a good marketing tool like the stop smoking posters in doctors’ offices.
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Where start? Start by talking to your legislator, because you can practice on them. They will be
helpful. Members should educate legislators even if they don’t want to pass a bill but just want
their cause to get on the radar. A bill is not the only route, but also a hearing, or tacking it to
something. Use as leverage.
What do you say to a legislator who thinks obesity is a personal issue? Respond that you
respect their view, but regardless of how they feel taxpayers are still paying for impacts of
obesity. Ask if they want to spend money to perpetuate the issue or prevent it.
Some can be sharp vs hard? A good coalition brings something to the table. Everyone works
with one another’s strengths and weaknesses.
When can you use coalition name? Know your boundaries.
What is the depth of the eating disorder bill? Summary not specific-if diagnosable then you
have to cover it. Insurance policies are not a good route. Insurance companies will fight tooth
and nail and are one of the hardest things to pass. When a group is trying to put its feet on the
ground go for easy and successful then years later go bigger. People do not pay attention to
resolutions; they are only good for jumping off point. Aggressive strategies are going around
road blocks not through them. Talk to people individually. Be willing to compromise. Think on
multiple levels. Start local then spread. State and local levels overlap.
MOCAN Business
 Web page status-Cindy DeBlauw
The website it mostly functioning but has a couple of holes. Profiles of steering committee
are up. A big hole is the resources page (ask messaging group how to organize). Currently
the only item on the resource page is the Website submission form. Information also needs
to be posted on each of the work groups’ pages. Assignment for work groups- by the end of
August complete Work Group website information and turn it in to Cindy. Includes group
description, plan, members, and meeting times. Will resources go through an approval
process? Messaging work group could work on criteria and make sure links are appropriate.
Should submission be announcements or research? Submission is for anything that needs
added to website. What is the goal of the resource tab? Resources that support our mission,
the page is mostly for us and not the public. We won’t spend too much time on resources/
research that is already posted on other sites- we will link to these other sites. Our site
needs to provide information for both internal and external customers.

MSIP5-Cindy DeBlauw
DESE proposed changing the state school accreditation standards- titled MSIP5. The State
Board of Education originally approved MSIP5 but then DESE withdrew it due to outcry
among education community. In June and July DESE hosted 3 rounds of regional meetings
to obtain input from the education community. Round 1- DESE sought feedback on impact
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of MSIP5 on education and suggestions for improvement. Round 2- DESE sought feedback
and provided clarification for consensus items from Round 1. Overwhelming consensus
from Round 1 was to keep the resource and process standards that include requirements
for PE. Round 3: Obtained feedback on eight different consensus points, one is to maintain
resource of process standards. The next step- DESE will propose new MSIP5 standards that
may or may not reflect comments from meetings at the August or September State Board of
Education meeting. An Additional Interesting note-DESE has requested a waiver from the
Federal DOE to use MSIP5 instead of No Child Left Behind requirements.

Steering Committee elections- Donna Mehrle
Ballots for steering committee members were distributed and the election was conducted.
The 2011/12 Steering Committee members are: Ann Cohen, Marjorie Cole, Johanna Derda,
Katie Duggan, Mary Ellison, Amy Eyler, Frank Forgey, Candy Gabel, Brad Hall, Sarah Hampl,
Samara Klein, Beth Richards, David Ross, Pat Simmons, Mahree Skala, Carolyn Stemmons, Molly
Vetter-Smith, Steve Wenger

Operating principles revisions-Donna Mehrle
A copy of the revised operating principles were emailed to all members prior to the
meeting.

Membership task force- David Ross
A small task force has been formed to develop recommendations for recruiting/retaining
MoCAN members and establishing partnerships with other agencies/organizations. The task
force will present their recommendations to the Steering Committee for action.

Farm to Institution staff- Donna Mehrle
Lorin Fahrmeier has been hired as the new Farm to Institution Coordinator. She is currently
conducting trainings for school food service staff in Kansas City and is presenting a guide on
how to incorporate local foods into school meals to schools.

Purpose of Policy Work group- Steve Wenger
Throughout the history of MOCAN we have formed and reformed policy approaches a
couple of times. Currently the expectations of the Policy committee among members is not
clear. We need to establish what the policy group can and cannot do. The policy group
would like feedback about clarity of purpose. What is range of policy and advocacy activities
to prepare for next step? We need to match up people with the task they were made
for/capable of conducting. Each work team needs to have specifics. Need to establish what
are the boundaries of MoCAN, especially since the organization under umbrella of
Extension. Most important is sending out messages frequently and clearly. Policy group
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needs to focus on what we can do, not on what we cannot. It would be nice to get listing of
key policy issues to be revisited each year. Nobody really has a clue what policy is, we need
to get back to basics. Making an operative connected with MoCAN but not under Extension
may be what needs to be done for some types of advocacy. The membership needs to
reconsider the division of groups and perhaps so many members should be going to the
policy group. Membership needs to consider if policy should be a separate work group or a
component of other groups. Communication between groups needs to be stronger.
Livable Streets Update – Trevor Harris
Main goal is to create livable streets and safe access for active transportation such as biking,
walking, and wheelchairs. Currently we are working with a contractor to create livable streets
design guidelines. We are working with MODOT staff to incorporate these guidelines into
MODOT policy guidelines. On August 25th we are hosting a livable streets design training at 8
locations throughout the state. MoCAN members are encouraged to distribute the promotional
flyer for the training (attached) to their partners. The target audience is planners, engineers and
architects. We are also conducting Livable Streets Advocacy Trainings in various location and
dates to build support among local communities for livable streets policies. Cooper County is
working on a bicycle plan, it was citizen generated initiated.
Livable Streets Media Update- power point – Amy Dunaway MU School of Journalism
Campaign objectives: to increase the number of communities with LS ordinances or resolutions
in Missouri. Focus on ten communities, but have enough information/resources for the whole
state. While developing the campaign a lot of time was spent on research such as surveys and
focus groups. The researched revealed:
Perceived challenges for livable streets: fear, need for education, status quo,
perception, lack of consistent message, shortage of funding, time, lack of political
support, and problems convincing the general public. The word street may give off an
urban feel. Civic leaders- need to see more results, need more money, need for greener
living.
Least effective form of communication: social media and social news.
How do people want to hear about LS? Want contacted by email and direct contact. Put
a face to policy.
How to campaign seeks to meet objectives: local TV news, national TV news, radio, and local
newspapers.
Overview of media approach: local PR and partnerships, mass media, web, social media, and
being event based. A large amount of partnerships and messaging are also used as tools to
communicate messages.
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Communication channels: web site, advertising, general pub relations, tailored press releases,
email newsletters, list serve, health department, etc.
Openings and opportunities: community events, professionals meetings and conventions, etc.
Activities-enhanced: community walkability audits and videos. Introducing Livable Streets
video.
Evaluation plan: clipping service, Google analytics, general reach, possible-questions from
second round of local civic leaders survey fall 2011.
Work group reportsMessaging: working on mailings to municipals. Have a staff person now, Carrie Edwards.
Worked on webpage and came up with ideas for organizing. Good to go with work plan. Still
want to make effort to connect members with Facebook and Twitter. Finalizing a survey for
work groups. Working on a directory of who we have who is available to talk to others. Make an
annual report for MoCAN. Create an Information packet to help members work with legislators.
Send people out with cameras (before and after pictures). Will start having conference calls.
Built Environments: Refined what we are doing a little, and focusing on outreach. Focus on LS.
Working on how to coordinate with the great things that are already happening. Push work
throughout state so has more power. Talked a little about website and what we want to put up.
Who are the users of the MOCAN website? Had one new person join their group today.
Food Systems: Phone call about Lets Move communities with Judy Baker. Had discussion
around policy, and have a proposal. Can we have regional meetings about healthy food
advocacy? Talk about increasing healthy food access in Lets Move communities or hold regional
meeting with Farm-to-Table advisor group. Also meet some of the needs for MoCAN with
statewide advocacy and membership. Need help from messaging and or policy groups. There
are 8-10 Lets Move communities In Missouri.
Health care: went over work plan to update. Update on toolkits. Looking for ways to send them
out. 1400 toolkits sent out so far. Developed ads to publicize about availability of toolkits and
developed tip sheets to help people learn about kits. Second, develop recognition about
advocacy on state and local level. Start recognition in late winter or early spring. Feedback from
kits: many find it useful, but may not use it on a regular basis.
Policy: four people were in the group today. Divide and conquer, each work group will have a
policy person and come back to steering committee with the needs assessments or group.
Define the roles of the policy person.
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Schools and Child Care: The group discussed movements that are occurring that will affect
MOCAN work. USDA is now going to be allowed to regulate all food in school. However the
work group cannot educate people until new rules until they are released. Childcare-regulations
changing. Steve Williams was recognized for his service on MOCAN as he leaves DESE to accept
a teaching job in St. Louis.
Worksite-not today.
Next MOCAN meeting: October 27, 2011
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