News
From the President
by Liz Strong

Dear NASJE Members:
This year is moving quickly as I find myself at the midway point in my term as your President. For a volunteer organization, we have so much happening thanks to the energy and commitment of our members! Here is an update of some of the activities happening within NASJE:

Liz Strong

JERITT Update
SJI awarded MSU a grant slated to begin April 1, 2006 and end March 31, 2007. MSU will likely accept the award and use the money to supplement the amount required to transition JERITT to other sources of funding. John Hudzik and Maureen Conner plan to schedule a conference call with the field representatives on the Management Panel to discuss next steps. In addition, Maureen traveled to Washington D.C. regarding an earmark for modernizing the JERITT electronic infrastructure. The appropriate Michigan congressional members were very supportive with Rep. Mike Rogers making it a priority request and Senators Levin and Stabenow both supporting the request as a priority.

A total of twenty-nine members responded to our survey on JERITT products. The results found that more than 50% of those responding frequently use Monographs, Issues & Trends & the NASJE directory with the JERITT Listserv not too far behind. Over 70% of those responding said they don’t use the grants database or master calendar. The top five products respondents most valued are consistent with the products listed above plus the communication tools. This information was forwarded to Maureen Connor and will be part of our discussion with the management panel. Thank you to those that took the time to respond to this survey.

Regional News
The Western Region has organized another year of training conference calls among its members. Additionally, they are planning a regional conference, to be held April 20-21 in Tucson Arizona. The regional conference will be held immediately following a conference for Arizona clerks and managers, and NASJE members are invited to observe this program. For the regional conference, sessions on creating distance learning programs, adult learning, state showcases, law and literature and wellness programs will be presented. For more information contact the Regional Director, Diane Cowdrey.

The Midwest region is hosting bi-monthly Virtual Brown Bag Lunches via conference call conversations on topics of interest to our profession. This is an excellent way to brainstorm and get new ideas from your colleagues. For more information, please contact the Regional Director, Christy Tull

2006 NASJE Conference
2006 NASJE Conference is August 13-16, at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in Downtown Minneapolis. You will soon see the agenda from our Education Committee. This is the one time each year that we can indulge in our own professional development, share ideas, reconnect with distant colleagues, meet new friends, re-energize and laugh together. In addition, I am sure you have seen our numerous requests to states for donations to support this conference. Any real or in-kind donation will help. There are a variety of ways you can support the association. If you would like some idea of specific conference expenses that you could support in part or whole, in-kind or subsidized please contact Christy Tull, the chair of our Fund Raising Committee.

Mid Year Board Meeting
In February, your NASJE Board met in Phoenix for our annual mid year Board Meeting. This two-day meeting provided us the time to discuss the needs and issues facing NASJE in detail. One outcome of this meeting that you will see at the annual conference are the Core Competencies for Judicial Educators. This has been a multi-year effort to review and refine a document that describes the competencies we believe are important to be an effective judicial educator. These will become a driving force for our profession and our future educational efforts. The Core Competencies will be sent out to the membership prior to our Annual Conference for your review. I want to express my sincere thanks to the committed members who began this arduous effort and to those who carried it forward.

Board Positions
Yes, NASJE wants YOU! Here is your opportunity to get more involved and help lead NASJE’s future. The following positions are up for election at our Annual Conference in Minneapolis: Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Midwest Regional Director and Southeast Regional Director. You can find more information about the specific requirements and duties of these positions by reviewing the NASJE Bylaws and the Policy & Procedure Manual located on our website. Please contact Cathy Springer, the chair of our Nominating Committee and/or any Board member if you are interested.

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