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

2. 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

3. Who are we?

4. Organization Introduction

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

7. 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

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

9. When each National Service program works independently…

10. 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

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

12. 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

13. Benefits of Collaboration

14. 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

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

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

17. 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

18. 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

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

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

21. 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

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

23. 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

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

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

26. 9/11 Day of Service
Add pictures and tell about the collaboration

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

28. It can start with you!