The Arc Minnesota Inc

“The organization has members known as local chapters in accordance with its bylaws. A local chapter must meet the following qualifications and requirements in order to be a local chapter of this organization. - the local chapter's purpose is, at least in substantial part, to address the needs, issues and concerns of people with i/dd and their families. - the local chapter has exempt status under section 501 of the internal revenue code of 1986, as amended, or successor provisions, or has applied for such status. - the local chapter pledges to advance and uphold, and strives to conduct its operations in a manner consistent with the mission, core values and guiding principles, position statements and public policy agenda of the corporation as they exist and may, in accordance with the process described in these bylaws, be revised from time to time. - the local chapter meaningfully involves parents and family members of people with i/dd, and individuals with i/dd, in leading and guiding the chapter. - the local chapter has applied for and been accepted into membership under the arc minnesota inc. 41-0795254 procedures established by the board of directors of the organization. - the local chapter pays affiliation fees in accordance with the fee schedule established by the board of directors of the corporation in the manner described by the organization's bylaws. - the local chapter prominently identifies itself to the public as a chapter of the arc minnesota and the arc.”

“The members of the organization may be nonprofit corporations that meet the qualifications and requirements to be an affiliated local chapter of the organization as set forth in the bylaws. The members vote on the slate of members of the board of directors at the annual meeting.”

“The members must approve any changes to the bylaws that relate to the definition of the quorum for member votes, or changes to board terms.”

“The finance committee reviews the detail of form 990 at a finance committee meeting. A copy is then presented to the members of the board of directors with a summary presentation at a board meeting prior to filing the form 990.”

“The organization follows procedures detailed in its board policy manual and addresses potential conflicts of interest as they arise. The policy is intended to comply with the procedure prescribed in minnesota statutes, section 317a 255, governing conflicts of interest for directors of non profit corporations. The policy covers the following individuals (interested persons): - board members - staff - members of a committee or task force. A potential or actual conflict of interest occurs when a person is in a position to influence a decision that may result in a personal gain for the individual or an immediate family member (i.e. Spouse, domestic partner, or significant other, children, parents, siblings) as a result of the arc's business dealings. An interested person must disclose to the board members if a potential conflict of interest exists. After an interested person discloses the potential conflict of interest, the other board members will determine if a conflict of interest exists. The board will also decide how to move forward. If a conflict of interest is determined to exist, the board will hold a vote regarding the conflict of interest activity. The interested person will not be allowed to vote on this process, nor will they be able to discuss with the other board members regarding the conflict of interest.”

“The compensation committee of the board of directors identifies disqualified persons for the purpose of obtaining comparative compensation for those positions. The committee reviews and approves appropriate strategies and processes for the arc minnesota's policies and practices regarding compensation of disqualified persons. The committee considers the reasonableness and appropriateness of compensation and benefits in relation to the marketplace and comparative data. The recommendations of the committee are forwarded to the full board for approval. Management obtains market benchmarks of comparable salaries for all officers and key employees not reviewed by the compensation committee. This data is used to set baseline salaries and any significant increases.”

“The annual audit report, the annual operating budget and form 990 are posted on the agency website. In addition, a copy will be made available upon request. Other governing documents are also available upon request.”

“Public policy and systems advocacy: through its legislative endeavors and grassroots engagement, the arc minnesota strives to influence and reform public policy and investment on matters that impact individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their communities across minnesota. Its bipartisan initiatives included disability advocacy day, capital connector team meetings and voter engagement activities. In 2024, these efforts reached over one thousand participants. The arc minnesota supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through a variety of housing programs including housing access, crisis housing assistance, and alternative care discretionary services. In 2024, the arc minnesota helped over 200 people with disabilities find and move into homes of their choice. 17 older qualified participants moved into homes within their desired communities. Additionally, short-term funding was awarded to 245 individuals needing housing support during treatment for serious mental illness. This program grew significantly in 2024 with an increase in applications of 24.3% over 2023. Through its partnerships with the state of minnesota and the university of minnesota, the arc minnesota supports numerous programs serving the needs of the intellectual and developmental disability communities. These programs provide a variety of trainings, events, mentoring, and resources to support individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities in their goals to gain greater independence, accessibility, housing, and employment.”

“Individual advocacy and support: in 2024, the advocacy and community engagement team hosted or participated in 195 events that reached nearly 8,180 people statewide. In doing so, the arc minnesota supported 49 self-advocates in new leadership roles and fostered new collaborations with over 100 community-based organizations. 100% of participants surveyed agreed that events were accessible, welcoming, and equipped them with tools needed to take actions and make their own decisions and life choices. Additionally, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their trusted supporters can call the arc minnesota helpdesk to discuss issues and concerns about disability services. In 2024, the help desk answered 1339 calls, supported individuals from 79 counties, and made 143 internal referrals to other arc programs & services. The arc minnesota works with disabled leaders to promote human rights and disability justice. Through self-advocacy groups and events, the program builds connections, supports leadership development, and empowers the idd community to drive systems change and inclusion. In 2024, an estimated 1,124 self-advocates and supporters were involved in self-advocacy events and classes. The arc hosted over 200 self-advocacy meetings, events, and trainings across all supported regions. 100% of materials, resources, trainings, educational events were co-created with people who have disabilities.”

“Planning services and public engagement: through its website, social media presence, and volunteer programs, the arc minnesota engages and educates the community in its mission to create lasting change for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and those who support them. The three arc value village thrift stores generate vital revenues for the arc minnesota while also providing employment opportunities and creative community outreach events, several of which were featured on fox9 and minnesota live. In 2024, over 14,000 volunteers provided over 50,000 volunteer hours across stores and agency-wide initiatives.”

“The process has not changed from the prior year.”