Neighborhood Networks: A Community Asset
“New and improved.” It has become a common advertising phrase that is used to describe the latest enhancements to every product from cereal to laundry detergent. In fact, it has become so popular that many consumers have grown skeptical of its accuracy. However, when it comes to describing the 2009 Neighborhood Networks Regional Technical Assistance Workshops (RTAWs), “new and improved” says it the best.
A blend of new enhancements and proven success, the Neighborhood Networks RTAWs will be offered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in two exciting and easy-to-reach locations in 2009. On April 29 – May 1, the culturally rich city of Dallas, Texas, will be the site of the first RTAW. Later in the summer, historic Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, will be the host city for the second RTAW, scheduled for July 15 – 17.
Participants of the 2009 Neighborhood Networks RTAWs can look forward to the following features:
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A Combination of Never-Before-Offered and Consistently Popular Sessions. The 2009 RTAWs will offer 14 new sessions designed to equip participants with the skills they need to establish a center that is a true community asset. New sessions will teach participants how to start their own financial literacy program; teach more effectively; negotiate for results; secure funding in tough economic times; assess the changing job market to identify growing employment sectors; meet the unique needs of seniors, disabled residents, and youth; and take their workforce development programs to the next level. These new learning experiences will complement the suite of core RTAW sessions, such as partnership development, volunteer recruitment, and program planning that are consistently requested by participants. All sessions, new and established, will be customized to meet the specific needs of Neighborhood Networks stakeholders, include a hands-on learning activity, and provide take-home resources. In addition, to offer participants field-tested solutions, center staff will co-present many sessions.
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Technology-Driven Solutions. To help center staff and stakeholders remain knowledgeable on the latest technology, the 2009 RTAWs will include techno-sessions, such as cyber fundraising and podcasting. These sessions will teach participants how to harness the power of technology to improve center operations and help users achieve their goals. Participants will also catch a glimpse of what the future holds for technology and the latest technology trends during a very special general session.
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Mentor Centers. In early 2009, Neighborhood Networks launched the "Mentor Centers" program. For this program, center staff members from Model and Certified centers were invited to serve as mentors for centers wishing to achieve higher classification status. During the 2009 RTAWs, mentors and mentees will have many opportunities to share ideas, work through challenges, and strengthen their mentorship. Mentor centers will also be available during the RTAWs to meet with potential mentees. The registration form at the end of this brochure includes a place for you to express your interest. Mentors and mentees will be paired up and contact information will be provided prior to the RTAW. Mentors and mentees will also receive information that offers tips on how they can reap the most rewards from a mentorship.
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Neighborhood Networks Discussion Groups. The 2009 RTAWs will bring back, by popular demand, Neighborhood Networks Discussion Groups. These moderated discussion groups strengthen peer-to-peer communication and networking by providing a forum for participants to strategize solutions on issues important to all center staff members and stakeholders.
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Resource-filled Exhibit Hall. Like previous workshops, the 2009 Neighborhood Networks RTAWs will include an exhibit area where partners and organizations can display and distribute information and resources useful to centers. The exhibit hall will also include a Strategic Tracking and Reporting Tool (START) and Center Classification Help Desk where participants can receive one-on-one, hands-on assistance.
- Two-Day Pre-Conference Grantwriting Workshop. A two-day grantwriting workshop will precede each of the 2009 RTAWs. Space for this consistently popular workshop is limited to 40 participants.
The 2009 Neighborhood Networks RTAWs promise to be like no other workshops. The three-day professional development events deliver a tailored learning experience that enables center staff and stakeholders to hone their management skills, remain current on technological advances, and keep pace in today’s ever-changing world. More information about the 2009 RTAWs is available on the Neighborhood Networks Web site (www.NeighborhoodNetworks.org) or by calling 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.
I hope you will join us and your peers for the 2009 Neighborhood Networks RTAWs. I look forward to seeing you.
Sincerely,
Delores A. Pruden
Director, Neighborhood Networks
"Online registration for the Philadelphia Regional Technical Assistance Workshop (RTAW) is now closed. Attendees can register onsite at the Philadelphia Ritz-Carlton Hotel beginning Monday, July 13th. For more information, please contact the Neighborhood Networks Information Line (888) 312-2743."
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