Member Advisory GroupsBesides voting, there are plenty of ways to get involved and have a say in how we operate, such as attending Board of Trustees meetings; participating in focus groups; and joining a community forum planning group, Leadership Advisory Group, District Advisory Council, or the Senior Caucus. Board of Trustees MeetingsPublic Board of Trustees meetings, held a few times a year, include an open microphone session where members can address the Board on all matters except those related to personal health care. For notices of public board meetings, see Classes and Events or contact the Board of Trustees Office at 206-448-5790, 1-800-252-3305, ext. 11, or governance@ghc.org. Standing Nominating Committee ChairThe Standing Nominating Committee (SNC) is responsible for recruiting and nominating Cooperative members for election to the Group Health Board of Trustees. Leadership Advisory GroupsLeadership Advisory Groups (LAGs) are regional groups that provide feedback to Group Health administrative leaders about Group Health's products, programs, processes, and services. LAGs meet up to four times per year. LAG members are mostly Group Health members who are insured by employer group or individual/family group plans and are still actively employed. Some LAG members are recent retirees who serve on community boards or commissions, and some LAGs have one or two members who are not Group Health members but are interested in health care issues in their communities. There are five LAGs:
For more information, contact Gail Alexis Ray at 253-383-6260 or e-mail ray.g@ghc.org. Focus GroupsWe seek member input in a variety of ways, including focus groups for new or existing programs and services, and usability testing for our Web site. The time commitment can vary from a single hour to regular meetings a few times per year. Sign up online. Community Forum Planning GroupsThese member groups plan and conduct regional health education forums to advocate patient health and improve excellence in health care. The groups are comprised of Group Health members who represent the diversity of their communities. Regional chairs selected by each planning group serve as liaisons with Group Health's Governance Services department. Planning group members:
To learn more about community forum planning groups, e-mail governance@ghc.org or call 206-448-2080 or 1-800-252-3305. Senior CaucusThe Senior Caucus is recognized by the Group Health Cooperative Board of Trustees as a "special interest group." It provides input to Group Health trustees, medical staff, managers, and other staff on timely topics. Caucus membership is open to all adults who receive their health care at Group Health, but it is particularly relevant to those aged 60 years and older. There are no fees or dues associated with membership. Constitution Updates: Updates are proposed to the Senior Caucus Constitution so it corresponds to changes in Group Health's member participation structure. A vote on the updates will occur at the Senior Caucus Fall Meeting, 10 a.m. to noon, Sept. 6, on the 6th floor of the Capitol Hill Main Building in Seattle. Caucus Meetings
The two Senior Caucus standing committees meet every other month:
Other Senior Caucus committees meet on an as-needed basis:
The Senior Caucus sponsors an annual forum to meet Board of Trustees and Standing Nominating Committee chair candidates prior to the annual membership meeting. See Classes and Events for meeting announcements. The Caucus also suggests topics and often provides interviews for "Vitality," Group Health's healthy aging newsletter, which is mailed to all Group Health Medicare Advantage members. For information about the Senior Caucus, e-mail governance@ghc.org or call 206-448-2080, ext. 13. |
