Focusing the Points of Light: A Model for Fostering Collaboration and Maximizing Impact of National Service Programs at the Local Level

Session Objectives Become familiar with successful collaboration model Develop strategies for implementing a similar model in your communities Brainstorm ways to use CNCS-mandated days of service as collaboration platform Understand importance of maximizing community impact through National Service program collaboration

Who are we?

Organization Introduction

CNCS Staff? Directors? Supervisors? Service Members? Support staff? Who is with us today? CNCS Staff? Directors? Supervisors? Service Members? Support staff?

Messages from the Points of Light Conference, 2014 CNCS CEO Wendy Spencer’s talk about all of the individual points of light throughout the country and the different programs. They are beautiful and numerous like stars in the sky. Messages from the Points of Light Conference, 2014

Focusing the Points of Light “Focusing the Points of Light” into one magnificent beam.

When each National Service program works independently…

Potential impact is diminished When each National Service program works independently… Potential impact is diminished Impact is strong but could be maximized Overlap of services Gaps in service

Unintentional competition for community resources When each National Service program works independently… Unintentional competition for community resources

Minimized National Service identity in the community When each National Service program works independently… Minimized National Service identity in the community Implications for future funding

Benefits of Collaboration

Specialization of services in the community Benefits of Collaboration… Specialization of services in the community Service projects and events Everyone isn’t trying to do everything

Benefits of Collaboration… Maximized impact Wider reach, stronger programs More effective use of community resources

Minimized competition Benefits of Collaboration… Minimized competition Recruiting, scheduling, sponsorship

Benefits of Collaboration… Cross-training Programs that specialize in different skills can help train other staff and volunteers Ex. UCC vols training VISTA on gardens

Stronger Programs; Stronger Member Support Benefits of Collaboration… Stronger Programs; Stronger Member Support Stronger National Service presence in the community (promote each other’s programs, encourage members to wear gear, culture of pride, celebrate together, press highlights programs as National Service programs) Stronger member support

Do you have… Committed people? Supportive leadership? Common goals? But can we make it work? Do you have… Committed people? Supportive leadership? Common goals?

Where do we start? Someone willing to lead the effort (contacting organizations, creating an email and website, creating agendas, etc.) Contact list of local National Service programs (you may have to create this!) Place and time to meet

How do we keep it going? Someone to continue coordinating the effort Hold regular meetings Involve program decision-makers in meetings Track data and publicize collaborative efforts System of accountability (checklist?) Encourage participation from all organizations (have a place for everyone) Unite people under a common vision and goal Contact press to highlight efforts

When should we collaborate? Regular meetings Monthly Quarterly Holidays Local events (races, art festivals, booths)

When should we collaborate? CNCS-mandated Days of Service MLK Day Mayor’s, County Official’s and Tribal Leader’s Day of Recognition 9/11 Day of Service

Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service (MLK Day) Add pictures and tell about the collaboration

Mayor and County Official’s Day of Recognition Add pictures and tell about the collaboration

9/11 Day of Service Add pictures and tell about the collaboration

When should we collaborate? Other service days (National/Local) AmeriCorps/Senior Corps Week, National Volunteer Week, Make a Difference Day

It can start with you!