2010 Forum Workshop Descriptions

*Please note that workshop descriptions may be subject to change as presenters are finalized in the coming weeks.

Building Your Brand at Home: Developing Relationships with Governors and Legislators
This workshop will offer advice on how to build and keep strong relationships with State and Local Policymakers as a strategy to not only secure funding, but to develop champions in state government, receive media hits and enhance the reputation of your Corps within your state.

Engaging Veterans
The prolonged military deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq are resulting in hundreds of thousands of veterans - perhaps as many as 1.5 million - returning home to all parts of our country looking for new opportunities. This group is both a highly trained and disciplined workforce and in particular need of meaningful work that embodies the ethic of service that brought many of them into the military. It is also a group at risk; according to an oft-cited recent CBS study, in 2005 alone returned veterans committed suicide at a rate of 120 per week. These returning Veterans represent both an incredible opportunity and an incredible resource for Corps. Learn how the Corps model can become a transitional experience for returning War veterans. Hear how to leverage the substantial leadership and field experience of Veterans to benefit Corps operations and staffing. See how a new national effort is connecting Veteran service to civilian service to expand the national service movement. Veterans are an amazing untapped national resource; help align them on a new mission of service through engagement in Corps!

Organizational Risk Management
All Corps plan for risks in the field. Does your Corps plan for risks impacting your mission or bottom line? Come learn areas to consider in establishing a risk management plan for your Corps.

Maximize Your Data
Data -- Because your Corps spends hours collecting it, it is important to make sure it meets your needs. In this workshop, we will discuss the different ways to collect data and how to use data to improve your program and impact on Corpsmembers, while meeting funder needs.

Engaging More Youth: Partnerships and Recruitment with the National Civilian Community Corps
We all want meaningful opportunities for youth to serve and we also know the value of strong partnerships to meet community needs. The National Civilian Community Corps model is another example of engaging youth and an opportunity for increased partnerships for Corps.

Starting a Civic Justice Corps
Over the past 3 years, the Civic Justice Corps has engaged over 2,000 youth at 22 sites nationwide. Come hear about the lessons learned and key partnerships essential in establishing a Civic Justice Corps in your community.

Strategic Financial Decisions during any Economic Climate
In light of the recent economic downturn, many Corps are being forced to do more with less. This session will focus on long-term financial strategies instead of only planning during immediate crisis.

Developing Indirect Cost Rates
Do your grants funds cover all costs in managing a program? Indirect cost rates are one way to capture administrative and overhead costs. Come learn how other Corps established their Indirect Cost Rate and how it is applied to grant funds.

Developing and Managing Partner Match Projects
Many Corps secure between 30 percent to 85 percent of their funding through partner match projects, a source of earned revenue which can be leveraged to match grant funding. This workshop will provide a discussion of the basics: how Corps set and structure their partner match rate and develop partnerships and negotiate contracts around that structure. The audience will be asked to bring their concerns to the table and share experiences for the benefit of all.

Strategic Planning/ Corps Identity and New Opportunities
Plan your future lest the future plan for you. This workshop will examine a low-cost approach to basic strategic planning. We will examine how to organize your board and staff to: implement a 6 month strategic planning/positioning process collect and interpret data, engage the community, CMS and staff. We will explore how to formulate a strategic planning team, the role of consultants or a CEO driven process. The plan will impact on your sustainability, quality services, and the growth of your Corps.

Building an Inclusive Crew
Most Corps understand the importance of including Corpsmembers with disabilities, but just don't know where to begin. Janet Zeller, the USDA Forest Service National Accessibility Program Manager, will discuss the importance of including people with disabilities in corps programs and how corps can partner with the Forest Service to conduct accessibility condition surveys and enter data into a new national database. Quintin Williams, Corpsmember of the Year, will conduct a brief overview of the field survey and data entry process. All participants will receive the hot-off-the-press inclusion toolkit with everything you need to get started down the path toward a more inclusive Corps.

...Ask What The Corps Network Can Do for You!
You pay your dues each year to help support advocacy in Washington and give your Corps a voice in the national movement, but you also know there are a wide array of member benefits for which you are also eligible. Learn how to better utilize them! A representative from Willis Health will offer additional information about benefits offered through the insurance program and demonstrate the on-line tutorials available to staff and explain to members how to use the insurance. The workshop also introduces a new benefit for The Corps Network, HR Resources through 501C. The "HR Experts" from 501C will be on hand to explain the program and help Corps better understand the wealth of HR information and guidance now available to member organizations.

Better Than a Message in a Bottle: Using Web 2.0 and Advertising Techniques to Market Your Corps
Don't know your wiki's from your widgets, but know that technology and a carefully crafted message could entice donors, reporters and potential Corpsmembers alike? Do you post opportunities to your website and blog, but have no idea if you are making an impact? In this workshop, participants will learn the marketing skills to make their Corps stand out, and learn how to measure their results. You don't need a degree in IT or advertising to make the internet work for you. Often, a little know how and some time can translate into a powerful campaign.

Corpsmember Development from Day 1 - Mentors, Educators and Trainers
Pathways to career and postsecondary success begin with Corpsmember development on day one. Join us in a panel discussion designed to explore the varying challenges to strong Corpsmember development and the opportunities they present for enhancing the program activities, services, partnerships and ultimately, outcomes for Corps. Topics covered will include assessment of academic and technical skill, applied instruction, and serving youth and young adults with undiagnosed special needs.

Strategic Partnerships Leading to Expanded Postsecondary Options for Corpsmembers
Implementing a comprehensive career and postsecondary pathway requires a well-connected network of partners, funders and desired outcomes to make it all "work." Additionally, the innovation needed to design a high-impact and resource-rich program often carries its own set of risks and rewards. In this session, participants will learn how to a) define a strategy to developing partnerships that lead to postsecondary and advanced career training and b) identify ways to leverage multiple funding streams to maximize the impact and breadth of the Corps' defined pathway.

New Opportunities on Public Lands
Over the past year, Congress and the Administration have renewed their focus on our nation's public lands by including millions of dollars in the recovery act for deferred maintenance projects, with the potential for additional funding in an upcoming jobs bill; establishing a Youth Office at the Department of Interior; finalizing non-competitive hiring language for Corpsmembers, and promoting legislation to expand the Public Lands Corps. In order to ensure that Corps are prepared to help existing and new land management agency partners implement these new mandates and provide additional opportunities for the youth you serve, this special double-length workshop will provide introductions to key agency staff and allow them to share with you their agency's vision - and your potential involvement - for expanding youth engagement. Invited agencies include: Department of the Interior, National Park Service (confirmed), Bureau of Land Management (confirmed), Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Reclamation, National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, United States Forest Service, and United States Geological Survey.

Corps as Workforce Development Programs
To date, few Corps have successfully utilized federal workforce development funds to support the education and training services they provide to Corpsmembers. However, increased interest in the Corps model by the Department of Labor and Capitol Hill may provide an opportunity for change. Come learn about existing DOL Youth Programs, hear from Corps that are currently participating in them about the opportunities and challenges they present, and be a part of an effort to make a place for Corps at the DOL through the upcoming reauthorization of the Workforce Investment Act.

A Role for Corps in the Emerging Green Economy
The federal government - and the private sector - are increasingly exploring and investing in the development of a clean energy economy and a workforce to support it. Corps, as providers of "green jobs" long before they were in vogue, are perfectly positioned to help in these efforts. This workshop will provide examples of how Corps are utilizing traditional, and implementing new, models to prepare Corpsmembers for the 21st Century Workforce. It will also explore ways in which Corps can partner with other community organizations to maximize the work they can accomplish. Finally, a representative from the Department of Energy will be on hand to describe DOE's vision for a clean energy economy and workforce and possible opportunities for Corps.