The Neigborhood Networks Regional Technical Assistance Workshops: Providing Resources, Producing Results
Every day, Neighborhood Networks centers across the country are getting results. Residents are acquiring new skills and finding jobs. Students are receiving homework help and achieving greater academic success. Seniors are learning to use technology to connect them with family, friends, and the community.
Positive results are the rewards granted for hard work and dedication. They are proof that programs are working. And, they are a testament to one’s commitment to the empowerment of others. However, positive results do not just happen. For each positive result achieved by a Neighborhood Networks center, there are many hours spent coordinating, organizing, and collaborating to make it happen. Realizing results requires a great deal of work, enthusiasm, and know-how.
To help Neighborhood Networks stakeholders achieve even greater results, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has created two Regional Technical Assistance Workshops (RTAWs) in 2008. Scheduled to take place in Nashville, Tennessee, from April 23 – 25, 2008, and in San Francisco, California, from July 9 – 11, 2008, these customized learning opportunities make it easy for Neighborhood Networks stakeholders from across the country to participate.
In keeping with this year’s theme, Providing Resources, Producing Results, both RTAWs offer training and resources that help Neighborhood Networks stakeholders accomplish their missions and achieve even greater results. In addition to providing increased networking opportunities, such as discussion groups and a special session for staff at new centers and centers receiving onsite technical assistance, the RTAWs offer 28 sessions designed to increase center efficiency and sustainability. Sessions include those that are consistently popular with Neighborhood Networks stakeholders, as well as new session topics that have been created based on stakeholder feedback. New sessions include managing a Neighborhood Networks center, building relationships between center staff and property owners and managers, and homeownership. A number of sessions will be repeated to ensure that attendees receive the information they need. The RTAW Resources Table also will contain information from each session that participants can take home with them.
To further tailor the learning experience, many sessions will incorporate the real-life experiences of Neighborhood Networks center staff, property owners and managers, partners, and others who will help lead sessions and share best practices. In addition, prior to the RTAWs, status updates on the Strategic Tracking and Reporting Tool (START) and Center Classification will be provided to all registered attendees. The updates will list the documents that attendees should bring to take advantage of the onsite technical assistance to help them complete START business plans and advance to Certified or Model Classification status.
And, if three days filled with peer-to-peer exchange and workshops are not enough, HUD will once again offer a two-day, pre-conference grantwriting workshop. Space for this popular workshop is limited to 40 participants, so reserve your place today. A concurrent grantwriting session will be offered for those who cannot attend the pre-conference workshop.
For additional RTAW information, visit www.NeighborhoodNetworks.org or call the Neighborhood Networks Information Center toll-free at (888) 312–2743. The hearing impaired may access the number via TTY by calling the Federal Information Relay Service at (800) 877–8339.
Please join us for the 2008 RTAWs and receive the resources you need to achieve even greater results.
Sincerely,
Delores A. Pruden
Director, Neighborhood Networks
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