2-1-1 US Online Collaboration and Communication Augustine Tino Paz

AIRS Conference Objectives Increasing the familiarity and comfort level of /I&R staff and volunteers in using online tools for distributing information about their services and initiating collaborative problem-solving Increasing the knowledge of 2-1-1/I&R staff and volunteers about the work of their colleagues, especially as it relates to development from a national level Increasing the consistency and quality of information about 2-1-1/I&R services for benchmarking and effective messaging regarding development

AIRS Conference Overview What is US? Online Collaboration & Communication Tools & Resources Opportunities & Challenges

AIRS Conference What is US? The two national organizational leaders, Alliance of Information and Referral Services (AIRS) and United Way Worldwide (UWW)Alliance of Information and Referral ServicesUnited Way Worldwide The US Steering Committee, inclusive of AIRS, UWW, state directors & representatives, as well as service providers2-1-1 US Steering Committee state systems that have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the US Steering Committee. All service providers and other state systems that are interested in supporting the evolution of: as an essential community asset in building an effective and efficient Community Response System to improve access to reliable, quality, integrated and comprehensive information & referral services regarding the health & human services resources available in communities to advance the common good.

AIRS Conference Online Collaboration & Communication What currently exists? Search Engine – US Informational Site – Discussion-L & AIRSNETWOKER What is being developed? Collaborative online workspaces US Registry

AIRS Conference Collaborative Online Workspaces Early efforts: Pass Campaign: Statewide Database Learning Group: Webinars: New workspaces (in development): US Steering Committee: State Directors & Representatives:

AIRS Conference More Workspaces Newest Workspaces (experimental): US Surveys: Disaster Response Team: US Members: US Public: US Community:

AIRS Conference Tools & Resources Pros: Free Flexible formats Manage user access rights Integrates with other tools No software install to manage Google Sites: Googles version of wikis Cons: Some training required Too flexible, style guide needed for consistency Log-in challenges Internet access required

AIRS Conference Tools & Resources Pros: Low cost Multiple data types supported Selective view of data Integrates with other tools No software install to manage DabbleDB: Shareable online custom database Cons: Some training required Occasional slow web page refresh rates Unfamiliar interface Internet access required

AIRS Conference Opportunities & Challenges Opportunities: Build community Share knowledge & experiences Improve services Creative experimentation Transferrable skills Challenges: Heavy workloads Technology fatigue Minimal support Fear of failure Resistance to change Information overload

AIRS Conference Increasing Participation Topics for discussion: Public vs. private access Competition vs. collaboration Training and support Focus of content Others issues?

AIRS Conference Sign me up! Topics for discussion: Public vs. private access Competition vs. collaboration Training and support Focus of content Others issues?

Thank you