COMMUNITY BASED ORGANIZATIONS AS PARTNERS IN SECTOR INITIATIVES

Transcription

1 COMMUNITY BASED ORGANIZATIONS AS PARTNERS IN SECTOR INITIATIVES NNSP Conference Denver, CO November 15, 2007

2 Role of the CBO Financial administrator Staff supervisor Technical support provider for program Outreach and recruitment Support services for participants

3 Sector-driven work and the CBO mission Latin American Coalition Mission: educate, advocate, and celebrate; achieve full participation of Latino Community in Charlotte. Latino Pathways broadens career opportunities for Latinos by helping them achieve/obtain income, stable job, etc. Expands job readiness program. Welfare Reform Liaison Project Mission: help people become economically independent and self-sufficient. Broader needs to integrate services for new populations and expand diversity. Latino Pathways is extension of WRLP s mission education and empowerment. This is what career advancement is about.

4 CBO s: A role of their own Latin American Coalition Built trust with community Other non-profits housed at LAC serve to piece social assistance together Access to target population Flexibility Advocacy voice Knowledge and understanding of Latino community and their struggles. Welfare Reform Liaison Project Experience working with minorities. Strong community leadership. WRLP has a broader perspective on the project because of lack of experience working with Latinos and in healthcare. This offers a new perspective. We can do the planning and evaluation pieces of the work, because we have the infrastructure skills, community relationships, and can integrate pieces together.

5 Assets of CBOs at the table Latin American Coalition Bilingual/bicultural atmosphere Cultural sensitivity/competency Direct outreach to target population Support other partners with LAC expertise Welfare Reform Liaison Project Influence in the community Strong management and financial capacity Experience in fundraising and connections to funding sources Community Action Agency Financial security Experienced organizers

6 Challenges of CBO s in sector-driven partnerships Latin American Coalition Collaboration between partners Power dynamics with training institution Bureaucratic barriers within training institution Very different model than LAC uses Matching industry sector and culture As the fiscal agent, how can LAC integrate Latino Pathways funding, services, etc. and have the partnership maintain its original role? -Jess George, LAC Organizational dynamics between partnership and LAC Tension between placing people into jobs and guiding them through a career path

7 Challenges of CBOs in sector-driven partnerships Welfare Reform Liaison Project Time Integrating Latino Pathways into current operations Tapping into full capacities of partnering institutions Different organizational style/approach than other partner agencies Building trust between target population and WRLP Rooted in the African American church, core support from African American community

8 Challenges of CBOs in sector-driven partnerships Lessons from previous CBO fiscal agent CBO has to be internally able to partner Partnership should be aware of/understand financial problems, internal changes or instability CBO needs support from the partnership and time to do the work Sometimes the commitment is there, but there is a lack of organization. When a CBO faces other obstacles internally, such as lack of funding, it s difficult to play a major role. CBO needs a strong reputation with funders Can be a challenge working with CBOs that have a political platform that can distract from program

9 Alternative roles Emphasize case management Be more intentional about serving clients from beginning to end House case manager Work more closely with employers We would have the time to make a difference in whole community by making employers aware of the needs and training possibilities. Liz Trujillo, Centro de Accion

10 Effecting local institutions and systems Latin American Coalition LAC can partner and provide ESOL support, cultural competency training, and job development for other agencies and employers. Welfare Reform Liaison Project If any institution can make this change, it s WRLP, because of their connections in the community. If WRLP can demonstrate how to do something, others will begin to do it as well. Edison Cano, Program Coordinator Centro de Accion Centro can help prepare employers for the Latino workforce get workplaces to the point that they are as welcoming to Latinos as to everyone else. We can push this agenda forward. Liz Trujillo, Executive Director

11 Support or assistance needed from partnership Strong level of commitment from all partners Each agency needs a reason to be around the table Teamwork Partnership should take a more active role in Fundraising Establishing connections for new job training tracks Recruitment of experienced professionals in industry field Feeling engaged beyond program reporting

12 Lessons Learned Bring on leadership with knowledge of career ladder process Partners should discuss how they hope to benefit from the partnership Expectations of each partner should be clear Entry-level work is a stepping point for some folks, but for others it can be a step back--be prepared to create new strategies Ensure work and available jobs Establish strong contacts with employers A CBO must be in good financial shape, have experience working with underserved population, and be able to make connections to get people around the table

13 Research Notes: A need for CBOs to build strong employer relationships and learn to speck the language of business while being true to their mission build partnerships with community colleges and to act as the front door to the higher education. There were also capacity challenges to address, including a lack of adequate and consistent sources of funding, which makes it difficult for CBO s to operate effectively technology presents a formidable challenge to CBOs staff retention is a serious problem.