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USDA [Department of Agriculture]/AmeriCorps Rural Development TNG [Training] - March 96
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USDA [Department of Agriculture]/AmeriCorps Rural Development TNG [Training] - March 96
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USDA [Department of Agriculture/AmeriCorps-Rural Development Tng [Training]-March 96
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66
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7
1
USDA AmeriCorps
Rural Development Training Agenda- Jackson, MS
March 24 - 29
Sunday, March 24
2:00 - 9:00 PM
Registration
Welcome Packets, Conference materials
6:00 .= 7:15 PM
Dinner
Monday, March 25
8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Registration
Welcome Packets, Conference materials
7:00 - 8:15 AM
Breakfast
8:30 - 8:45 AM
Welcome - Mississippi RECD State
Welcome to Mississippi.
Director George E. Irvin Sr.,
Marsha Meeks Kelly, Exec. Dir., MS
Welcome from Mississippi CNS
8:45 - 9:00 AM
Commission for National Service
9:00 - 9:30 AM
RHS Administrator Maureen Kennedy
Official welcome to all participants from RECD.
9:30 - 10:00 AM
Break
10:00 - 11:00 AM
USDA Secretary Dan Glickman
Satellite teleconference from Washington
11:00 - 11:30 AM
Acting Deptuy Administrator for
EZ/EC nd AmeriCorps,
Community Development Victor Vasquez
11:30 - 12:00 AM
USDA Administrative Issues Roundtable -
Group responds to questions from audience regarding
Ron DeMunbrun, Sean O'Neal, David
administrative issues.
Gibson, Jim Coyle, Lloyd Wilhelm
12:00 - 1:00 PM
Lunch
Texas - USDA luncheon meeting.
Introduction to Community Development: Values and
1:00 - 2:30 PM
TRACK ONE - New Members
Approaches
(Two Sections)
Community Assessment
Clues to Community Survival
1:00 2:30 PM
TRACK TWO - Returning Members
Facilitation Skills
1:00 - 2:30 PM
TRACK THREE - State Contacts and
Administrative and Program Issues
Program Managers
2:30 - 2:45 PM
Break
2:45 5:00 PM
TRACK ONE
Session Con't.
2:45 5:00 PM
TRACK TWO
Session Con't.
2:45 - 5:00 PM
TRACK THREE
Session Con't.
5:30
Dinner
Louisiana - USDA Dinner meeting.
Tuesday, March 26
7:00 8:15 AM
Breakfast
Georgia/Florida - USDA Breakfast meeting
Understanding & Managing Change
8:30 - 10:15 AM
TRACK ONE
Group Process: Theory and Skills
8:30 10:15 AM
TRACK TWO
Managing and Motivating Volunteers
8:30 10:15 AM
TRACK THREE
Administrative and Program Issues
10:15 ⑉ 10:45 AM
Break
Session Con't.
10:45 - 12:00 AM
TRACK ONE
Session Con't.
10:45 - 12:00 AM
TRACK TWO
10:45 12:00 AM
TRACK THREE
Session Con't.
12:00 1:30 PM
Lunch
Arkansas/Illinois - USDA Luncheon meeting.
1:30 - 2:45 PM
Empowerment Zones and AmeriCorps, Dr.
EZ/EC - AmeriCorps linkages Followed by in-depth Q & A.
Rick Wetherill
2:45 - 3:15 PM
Break
3:15 4:15 PM
Jim Coyle and Selected AmeriCorps
RECD Financial Programs and AmeriCorps
Members
5:30 PM
Dinner
Pennsylvania - USDA Dinner meeting
Wednesday, March 27
7:00 - 8:15 AM
Breakfast
Arizona - USDA Breakfast meeting
Marketing and Media Relations
8:30 - 10:30 AM
TRACK ONE
Conflict Management
8:30 10:30 AM
TRACK TWO
Leadership Development in the Community Context
8:30 10:15 AM
TRACK THREE
Administrative and Program Issues
10:30 10:50 AM
Break
Session Con't.
10:50 12:20 PM
TRACK ONE
Marketing and Media Relations
10:50 ⑉ 12:20 PM
TRACK TWO
Session Con't.
10:45 - 12:20 PM
TRACK THREE
Session Con't.
12:20 1:30 PM
Lunch
West Virginia/Virginia - USDA Luncheon Meeting
1:30 - 2:30 PM
Gleaning: A RECD AmeriCorps
The Concept of Gleaning & Hunger Issues. How to integrate
Opportunity. Donna Hines, Rod
this concept into your programming. Evaluation of your
Atterberry
situation as to possibilities.
2:30 3:00 PM
Break
Break into State Groups to do joint program planning for
3:00 - 4:00 PM
Gleaning con't.
Gleaning.
5:30 PM
Dinner
California - USDA Dinner Meeting
Thursday, March 28
7:00 8:15 AM
Breakfast
Oregon/Washington /Alaska- USDA Breakfast meeting
8:30 10:15 AM
TRACK ONE
Leadership Practices Inventory
8:30 - 10:15 AM
TRACK TWO
Strategic Planning: Troubleshooting the Process
8:30 - 10:15 AM
TRACK THREE
TBA
10:15 10:45 AM
Break
Session Con't.
10:45 12:00 AM
TRACK ONE
Session Con't.
10:45 - 12:00 AM
TRACK TWO
10:45 12:00 AM
TRACK THREE
TBA
12:00 - 1:30 PM
Lunch
Kentucky - USDA Luncheon meeting
1:30 - 2:30 PM
Quarterly Reporting. Joel Berg
Learn the ins and outs of successful reporting. Review of 2nd
Qtr. reports and 97 renewals.
2:30 3:00
Break
Meeting in state groups with State Contact, review and update
3:00 4:00 PM
Quarterly Reporting - con't.
site objectives.
5:30 PM
Dinner
New Mexico USDA Dinner meeting
Friday, March 29
7:00 8:15 AM
Breakfast
North & South Carolina - USDA Breakfast meeting
8:30 10:15 AM
TRACK ONE
Strategic Planning
8:30 10:15 AM
TRACK TWO
Project Management
10:15 - 10:45 AM
Break
10:45 12:00 AM
TRACK ONE
Session Con't.
10:45 12:00 AM
TRACK TWO
Session Con't.
12:00 - 12:15 PM
Joel Berg
Session Wrap Up
12:15 1:30 PM
Lunch
Mississippi - USDA Luncheon meeting.
Martha
Stephe
01-23-96 12:09PM FROM
P01
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE-FARMERS HOME ADMINISTRATION
Form FmHA 2030-8
FACSIMILE TRANSMISSION
(Rev. 7-90)
Check box for:
SECURE
DATE: 1/23/96
FAX
TRANSMISSION
SUBJECT: ameri Corps
FARMERS HOME ADMINISTRATION
STATE
Attention
TO:
Receiving Joil Agency Berg
or Organization If other than FmHA:
AMERI CORPS
Facsimile Telephone Number
FTS
( ) Commercial ( ) 720-4614
Telephone Number of Recipient
FTS 1 ) Commercial ( ) 720-5746
Name of Sender
Susan M. Wilson
Division
FROM:
HRDTS
FmHA-USDA
Room Number
1st Floor, School Street
Telephone Number
FAX 202/ 245-5034
FTS 1 X ) Commercial ( X )
(202) 245-5513
COMMENTS
Authorized Susan By: M. (Division Wilson Director mr or Bronch Chief)
Training and Conference Coordinator
Transmission Completed By:
No. of Pages (Incl. this sheet)
"After the transmission has been completed, the original will be returned to the sender by interoffice mail unless other Instructions are given in the comment
section above.
FmHA 2030-8 (Rev. 7-6
*U.S. GPO: 1990-754-008/21(
PHOTOCOPY
PRESERVATION
From: Uavid M. Gibson 10: Joel Berg
Date: 1/16/96 Time: 09:11:44
Page 1 of 1
RBS AmeriCorps
FAX
Date
01/16/96
Number of pages including cover sheet:
To:
From:
Joel Berg
David Gibson
Phone
Phone:
715-345-7676
Fax phone:
Fax phone:
715-345-7669
CC:
REMARKS:
Urgent
For your review
Reply ASAP
Please comment
Due to pressure on the training contractor from other institutions, I released the February dates. The new
target date is the week of March 25.
In your discussions with Jill, please try to work into the conversation the fact that I do not have an
administrative budget for this program. It is currently supported by my state office. Jim is also without an
administrative budget and cannot travel. We do not even have an allocation to attend the training. This
may leak over into a discussion of where the RECD program should be located.
The consultant, Vicki Luther of the Heartland Institute, is in DC this week for meetings at the Aspin
Institute regarding evaluation of EZ/EC's. This work is supported by USDA, the Ford Foundation, and
others. I have asked her to be sure they include the impact of AmeriCorps as a catalyst for successful
change in EZ/ECs. Many of the successful projects reported in the EZ/EC newsletter are the results of
AmeriCorps Member efforts, but AmeriCorps is never mentioned. I would like the authors to address,
based on their study, what the future role of AmeriCorps should be in EZ/EC's, and to define a profile of
the kind of Member that tends to maximize success, e.g. high technical knowledge vs. personal skills. This
will help in future recruitment/selection efforts.
Bhuttle
John
JAN. -05' 96 (FRI) 14:24
P. 002
DRAFT
175
SUBJECT: Training for AmeriCorp
Y
United States
Department of
TO:
Inga Smulkstys
Agriculture
Executive Assistant
Rural Housing and
Community Development
to the Under Secretary
305
Service
Washington. D.C. 20250
FROM:
Neil A. Storms Mil 1/3/96
Director
Human Resource Training Division
-2218
As requested by the Under Secretary, I have spoken with Mr. David Gibson concerning
his request to hold training for 125 AmeriCorps members, 19 state contacts, and selected
national staff during the month of February. He has estimated that this training will
require approximately $200,000. Members of the Training Division have evaluated his
figures and are in general agreement concerning the cost.
Even though most of the attendees will travel within the region, with many using ground
transportation to the training site rather than airlines, our best estimate is that travel,
meals and incidental expenses will require $120,000-149,000 depending on the site.
(Jackson, Mississippi is the least expensive; St. Louis the most expensive.) At this late
date, possible scheduling conflicts may not allow us to select the least expensive site.
Four trainers, under contract, have been employed to prepare the training materials and to
conduct the courses. Total cost for their work, including the preparation of course
materials, is $18,000 for the five days of training. We do not know how much
preliminary work they have done. However, the charge does not appear unreasonable.
There will also be charges from the hotel for the rental of screens, slide projectors,
overhead projectors, breakout rooms, and other incidentals. Experience indicates that a
charge of $10,000 for a five day training course is to be expected.
Jach Holston
Duplication of training materials for 150 trainees will add approximately $4000.
Travel for the four trainers plus travel for four representatives from the National 120 Office -9736
will add an additional $8000.00.
Therefore, depending on the site, this training will cost at least $160,000 and possibly
$189,000. Of course, Mr. Gibson can only bill for actual expenditures. Even if $200,000
is authorized, he will only spend what is actually obligated.
DRAFT
The Rural Housing and Community Development Service replaces the Farmers
Home Administration. AHCDS la an Equal Opportunity Lander. Complaints of
discrimination should be sent to: Secretary of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. 20250
JAN. -05' 96 (FRI) 14:25
Caral 690-1071
P. 003
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
CONCULTURE
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20250
DECISION MEMORANDUM FOR THE DEPUTY SECRETARY
THROUGH;
Jill Long Thompson
Under Secretary
Rural Economic and Community Development
FROM:
Neil Director A. Storms Nail G Starms
Human Resources Training Division
SUBJECT: 1996 Rural Business Service (RBS) & Rural Housing
Service (RHS) AmeriCorps Member National Meeting &
Training Conference
ISSUE:
On July 7, 1995, the Secretary issued a memorandum on off-
site meetings, conferences, training sessions, ceremonies,
and contracting for advisory and assistance services. The
RBS & RHS are requesting approval for the 1996 AmeriCorps
Member National Meeting & Training Conference.
BACKGROUND:
The objective of the conference is to instruct the FY-96
AmeriCorps Members and State Contacts in community
development principles, theories, methods, and practices.
The course material will be specifically designed to
concentrate on those areas of rural development expertise
that will be most useful to the Members. This information
will settings. be presented in classroom and interactive group
Similar training provided to last year's members provided a
significant boost to the program by helping Members magnify
both the quality and quantity of service provided to rural
communities. Both AmeriCorps Members and Rural Economic and
Community Development (RECD) staff alike have repeatedly
described last year's national training conference as the
single greatest tool that ensured the success of last year's
program. Perhaps most importantly, last year's training, as
we expect this year's, will allow all Members to meet
together to exchange ideas, learn from each others'
strategies, and work together as friends and colleagues as
part of the national movement, called AmeriCorps, that is
changing the civic ethic of the country.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
JAN. -05' 96 (FRI) 14:26
P. 004
This team-building across regional divisions could not be
accomplished through teleconferences or regional/local training
programs. The Corporation for National Service (CNS), the
Federal Agency designed by President Clinton to oversee the
AmeriCorps program, has had serious concerns about the isolation
of our individually-placed Members. The CNS views this national
training as a critical way of addressing that concern. Moreover,
the National and Community Service Act of 1993, which authorizes
AmeriCorps, requires that all AmeriCorps Members receive
extensive, substantive training in their field of service. A
national training meeting is the most cost-effective way to meet
this statutory requirement of the program.
The training will prepare the Members for the work situations
they will encounter when they return home to their communities
and sponsoring agencies. Members will receive 31 hours of
training in USDA and CNS policies, community development
philosophy and approaches, community analysis and assessment,
understanding and managing change, group process dynamics and
skills, conflict resolution, identification and development of
leaders, and strategic planning for communities.
In addition, those Members returning for their second year will
receive advanced training which will include facilitation skills,
managing and motivating volunteers, community leadership
development, strategic planning implementation, and project
management.
The budgeted amount of $200,000 will cover:
All travel and per diem costs for the 125
Members and State Contact attendees
All costs related to the training conference
and materials.
Approximately five National Office employees will attend with
their costs being charged to their individual agencies.
Although the location has not yet been determined, the most
likely location will be in a moderately-priced hotel in the
Mississippi Delta or Appalachia.
The attached memorandum, which explains the conference in greater
detail, has been sent through both Dayton Watkins and
Maureen Kennedy.
If there are any questions or concerns, please contact Neil A.
Storms, Director, Human Resources Training Division, on 245-5507.
Susber
will
JAN. -05' 96 (FRI) 14:27
P. 005
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That the 1996 RBS & RHS AmeriCorps Member National Meeting &
Training Conference be approved.
DECISION BY THE DEPUTY SECRETARY:
Approve
Disapprove
Discuss with me
Date
Reviewed by
Attachment
12-27-1995 2:24PM
FROM VICTOR VASQUEZ 7237991228
P.J
DEC-27-1995 12:48 FROM EZ EC TEAM
to
917037991228 P.01
Fax Cover Page
SUBJECT:
Attached is a request regarding RBS AmeriCorps
Administrative travel.
B Bavid David M. Gibsan
From Victor VASQUEZ 1423
phone (703)799-1423 (703)
FAX (703)799-1228
JOEL - FYI
Daw
To: Victor Vasquez
From : David M. Gibson
For information Call: 715-345-7675
At: RECD
Pages: 4
My Fax Number : 715-346-7089
Created - WisFax PRO 10 betring Technology the
ECM Pg. 01/03
RECDS
12/28/95 10:09am 715 341 4095
12-27-1995 2:25PM
FROM VICTOR VASQUEZ 7037991228
P.2
DEC-27-1995 12:48 FROM EZ EC TEAM
TO
917037991228
P.02
(Tated States
Hural Economic
4949 Kirechling Court
"
Department of
and Community
Stevene Paint. WI 54481
Applicanture
Development
(715) 3430025
TOP (715) 345-0341
FAX (715) 342 4095
TO:
Alvin Brown - Deputy Administrator
SUBJECT:
1996 RBCDS AmeriCorps Travel Budget/Albuquerque, NM Training
DATE:
December 27. 1995
On November 22 I submitted the administrativo budget below for your consideration. As we are
progressing into the program year, it is becoming increasingly necessary & begin travel. This will
require a budget for the AmeriCorps program. I welcome any discussion regarding this request.
For your approval. the chart below outlines a proposed budget for the 1996 RBS AmeriCurps
Administrative costs.
1996 RES AmeriCorps Administrative Budget
Category
Description
Amount
Travel and expense to date
To IX: and back for Virgin Islands Relief
1
$1,228
Estimated December September
Based on 5 days each. Airfare @ $700. Pur
S
Travel and Expense to DC
Diem @ $38, Lodging @ $113. Misc. @ $60.
$7,800
Estimated December September
Based on 5 days per trip. Airfare @ $600, Per
5
Travel and Expense to AmeriCorps
Diem @ $32. and Lodging @ $70. Vehicle
$6,800
Sites.
renting and fael @ $200. Misc. @ $50.
Total for 1996
$15,828
1996 RBS AmeriCurps Administrative Budget
APPROVED
DISAPPROVED
DATE:
Alvin Brown - Deputy Administrutor
Yr Rural Business and Cooperative Development Service
Victor VASQUEZ
12/27/95
Mural Fronomic and Community Development in an Гдиа! Opportunity I endre. Complaints of
discrimination should be sent to: Secretary of Agriculture Washington, DC 20250
this budget in disapproved until we receive
office I comnot aggreve any request
a timal budget for RBS --- and the EZ/EC
antil we receive the Total budget figunes
for travel If you have age Questions I Can
be reached at 703/799- 1423 Thank you
ECM Pg. 02/03
RECDS
12/28/95 10:10am 715 341 4095
12-27-1995 2:25PM
FROM VICTOR VASQUEZ 7037991228
DEC-27-1995 12:48 FROM EZ EC TEAM
TO
917037991228 P.03
Also for your approval. 1 am requesting purmission to travol to Albuquerque. NM to attend a
USDARECD AmeriCorps training. My November 22 memo requested travel to Durango, CO.
but that meeting was rescheduled for January 11-13. The USDA meering sponsors have again
requested my attendance at this waining. My responsibilities would include. 1)providing USDA
administrative training and addressing policy questions regarding implementation of the
Departmental program and cross-cultural issues, and 2) training and disoussing. with
RECD/RBCDS AmeriCorps Members, their roles and responsibilities in implementation of
EZ/FC AmenCorps Objectivos. There may be some local travel to RBS AmeriCorps sites.
The Four Comers region had some very good results last year. but consistently was our most
problematic area. I had to visit the region in October of 1994. and fickled problems all during the
1995. It is hoped that this early opportunity to orient all Members in the region will prectude a
replay of last your, and got our Mombors off to a much stronger start. Besides EZ/EC's. RECD
work on Indian Reservations in the Four Corners is extremely important and will also be a topic
of discussion.
Athuquerque, NM USDA AmeriCorps Training - Travel Costs
Travel to Albuquerque, NM for
Airfare @ $431, 3 days Lodging =
USDA/RECD.
$183, Transportation = $66, Four days
sens
Per Diem = $136. Misc. = $50.
Attendance at 4-Corners Training
APPROVED
DISAPPROVED
DATE:
Alvin Brown- Deputy Administrator
Rural Business and Cooperative Development Service
5m Thank you for any and all consideration. Victor VASQUEZ 17/27/95
Can not be approved at their
David Gibson
RBS AmeriCorps
figures for Travel.
time due to a lack of final budget
cc: Victor Vampusk
ECM Pg. 03/03
RECDS
12/28/95 10:11am 715 341 4095
01-23-96 12:09PM FROM
P02
Hotel Search for AmeriCorps Training, March 25-29, 1996
LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY: No hotels were available
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE: No hotels were available
JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI: Only 1 hotel of 4 solicited was available, Holiday Inn Southwest
OPTION 1: If all participants pay full per diem rate of $53 for lodging and $28 for meals:
Lodging:
$53 X 150 attendees X 5 days a
$39,750
Meals:
$28 X 150 attendees X 5 days =
$22,500
TOTAL:
$62,250
OPTION 2: The AmeriCorps members double-up, resulting in 62 rooms, the 25 remaining
USDA attendees and facilitors have single rooms, and PAY lodging and meals by
Government Purchase Order to avoid paying taxes:
Lodging:
$58.37 X 62.(124 AmeriCorps)
members X 5 days =
$18,094.70
$48.37 X 25 attendees X 5 days =
$ 6,046.25
Meals:
$25 X 150 attendees X 5 days as
$18,750.00
TOTAL:
$42,8 1.95
TOTAL ESTIMATED SAVINGS FOR LODGING
AND MEALS IS APPROXIMATELY
$19,359.00
Plus additional savings as Hotel offers complimentary Airport shuttle transportation
A.A AND NI ERICO COMPUTER
UNITED
STATES
DEPARTMENT
OF AGRICULTURE
January 24, 1994
Informational Memorandum for the Under Secretary
From:
Joel Berg, Director of National Service, USDA
B
Subject:
Final Approval of RECD AmeriCorps Training
I am pleased to report that, having worked closely with the RECD training and travel staffs to cut
costs at every turn, we will be able to meet your request to bring costs for the RECD AmeriCorps
training below $1,000 per head.
A decision memorandum for the Deputy Secretary requesting approval for the training is
attached. I would also like to extended an invitation to you to be the keynote speaker at any time
during the training.
To be held in Jackson, Mississippi, March 25-29, the training should now cost a total of
$137,000 for the 148 people (125 AmeriCorps Members, 19 state contacts, and four national
staff) at an average cost of $925 per person.
We have been able to reduce costs this much by taking the following steps:
1) By doubling-up AmeriCorps Members in rooms and by catering all meals for Members and
staff instead of paying per diem, we will save an estimated $19,000.
2) By choosing a hotel with a airport shuttle, we will minimize spending on taxis and ground
transportation.
3) By printing materials in Washington and shipping them to Jackson, we will save a few
thousand dollars.
Unfortunately, we would have no way of legally guaranteeing Federal payment for "super saver"
flights without asking AmeriCorps Members (earning only $12,000 stipends) to incur personal
financial liability in the event of cancellations; thus, saving a great amount of money on airfare is
not a viable option.
I am confident that we have found every available way to minimize costs. I thank you again for
your attention to this matter.
W
ERICOR
UNITED
STATES
SERVICE
DEPARTMENT
OF AGRICULTURE
January 24, 1996
DECISION MEMORANDUM FOR THE DEPUTY SECRETARY
THROUGH: Jill Long Thompson
Under Secretary, Rural Economic and Community Development
FROM:
Joel Berg
B
Director of National Service
SUBJECT:
Request for Approval of 1996 RECD AmeriCorps Training Conference
Pursuant to the Secretary's memorandum regarding offsite training with a cost in excess of
$25,000, the Rural Business-Cooperative Service and Rural Housing Service requests you to
approve spending of $137,000 for the 1996 RECD AmeriCorps training conference described
below. Funds for this purpose have been previously set-aside from FY95 RECD funds -- a
process approved by the USDA Office of General Counsel.
CONFERENCE TITLE: RECD/AmeriCorps National Member Training
OBJECTIVE: The objective of the conference is to instruct the FY96 RECD AmeriCorps
Members and State Contacts in community development principles, theories, methods, and
practices. The course material will be specifically designed to concentrate on those areas of rural
development expertise that will be most useful to the Members. This information will be
presented in classroom- and interactive group settings.
Similar training provided to last year's RECD-sponsored AmeriCorps Members provided a
significant boost to the program by helping Members magnify both the quality and quantity of
service provided to rural communities. Both AmeriCorps Members and RECD staff alike have
repeatedly described last year's national training conference as the single greatest tool that
ensured the success of last year's program. Perhaps most importantly, last year's training (as we
expect will this year's) allowed all our Members to meet together to exchange ideas, learn from
each others' strategies, and bond together as friends and colleagues as part of the national
movement, called AmeriCorps, that is changing the civic ethic of the country.
2
This team-building across regional divisions could not possibly be accomplished through
teleconferences or regional/local training programs. The Corporation for National Service
(CNS), the Federal agency designated by President Clinton to oversee the AmeriCorps program,
has had serious concerns about the isolation of our individually-placed Members. The CNS
views this national training as a critical way of addressing that concern. Moreover, the National
and Community Service Act of 1993 which authorizes AmeriCorps requires that all AmeriCorps
Members receive extensive, substantive training in their field of service. An RECD national
training is the most cost-effective way to meet this statutory requirement of the program.
DESCRIPTION: The training will prepare the Members for the work situations they encounter
when they return home to their communities and sponsoring agencies. Members will receive 31
hours of training in USDA and CNS policies, community development philosophy and
approaches, community analysis and assessment, understanding and managing change, group
process dynamics and skills, conflict resolution, identification and development of leaders, and
strategic planning for communities. In addition, those Members returning for their second year
with RECD AmeriCorps will receive advanced training which will include facilitation skills,
managing and motivating volunteers, community leadership development, strategic planning
implementation, and project management.
The conference attendees will thereby gain a practical, working knowledge in the application of a
variety of community development methodologies and techniques, and, as part of their
"homework" for the week, will complete plans for specific activities they will undertake when
they return. In addition, they will leave with a much greater understanding of the USDA/RECD
mission, especially as it relates to the implementation of the EZ/EC initiative. This course of
study and it's practical application simulations will allow Members and State Contacts to work
more effectively in furthering Departmental, Agency, and CNS goals.
A large, centralized training conference, such as the one proposed, is essential to the success of
the RECD AmeriCorps program. In addition to the training received, it is the single opportunity
during the year to bring the necessarily dispersed Members into one setting. In the brief time
allotted, the team building, the sharing of knowledge, experiences and frustrations, and the
experience of being together for a week is the best way to engender the spirit, focus, and
motivation in each Member to represent the RECD and AmeriCorps in exemplary fashion.
ELIGIBILITY: All AmeriCorps Members working under the auspices of RBS and RHS, and
State Contacts in the following states: AK, AR, AZ, CA, FL, GA, IL, KY, LA, MS, NC, NM,
OR, PA, SC, TX, VA, WA, WV. In addition, there will be a limited number of slots available
for selected FS and NARCS attendees and for the USDA Regional Facilitator for the Four
Corners region - all at their Agencies' cost. These attendees will be approved by Dave Gibson
(the RBS National Coordinator).
3
COST: The budgeted amount of $137,000 will cover:
all travel and lodging costs for the 125 Member,
19 State Contact, and 4 National Office staff
Attendees, and
all costs related to the training contractors
and materials.
Approximately five (5) National Office personnel will attend this training at their own cost.
COST SAVINGS: By cutting costs wherever possible, the RECD has significantly reduced the
original estimated cost of $200,000. The specific training funds requested will now be less than
$1,000 per person; estimated per person cost is $925.
The following steps will be taken to reduce costs:
AmeriCorps Members will "double-up" in their
hotel rooms and all meals will be catered
instead of paying the Members the usual per
diem. Estimated savings: $19,000.
Ground transportation and taxi charges will
be minimized by choosing a hotel with airport
shuttle service.
All materials will be printed in Washington
and shipped to the conference site, eliminat-
ing Xerox costs. Estimated savings: $8,000.
Unfortunately, we have no way of guaranteeing Federal payment for "Super Saver" flights
without asking AmeriCorps Members (earning only $12,000 annually) to incur personal financial
liability in the event of cancellations, SO we do not anticipate significant savings to be realized on
airfare.
DATES: March 25 through March 29, 1996.
LOCATION: Jackson, Mississippi.
4
RECOMMENDATION:
I recommend that the Deputy Secretary approve this training.
DECISION BY THE DEPUTY SECRETARY:
Approve
Disapprove
Discuss with me
Date
Reviewed by
From: David Gibson To: Joel Berg
Date: 12/26/95 Time: 16:29:50
Page 3 of 3
Filename:
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Directory:
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Title:
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Author:
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Keywords:
Comments:
Creation Date:
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From: David Gibson 10: Joel Berg
Date: 12/26/95 Time: 16:27:54
Page of 3
TO:
Alvin Brown - Deputy Administrator
SUBJECT:
1996 RBCDS AmeriCorps Travel Budget/Albuquerque, NM Training -
Second Request
DATE:
December 26, 1995
For your approval, the chart below outlines a proposed budget for the 1996 RBS AmeriCorps
Administrative costs.
1996 RBCDS Administrative Budget
Category
Description
#
Amount
Travel and expense to date
To DC and back for Virgin Islands Hurricane
1
$ 1,228
Disaster Relief.
Estimated December -
Based on 5 days each. Airfare @ $700, Per Diem
5
$ 7,800
September Travel and Expense
@ $38, Lodging @ $113, Misc. $60.
to DC
Estimated December -
Based on 5 days per trip. Airfare @ $600, Per
5
$ 6,800
September Travel and Expense
Diem a $32, and Lodging @ $70. Vehicle
to AmeriCorps Sites.
renting and fuel @ $200, Misc. @ $50.
Total for 1996
$15,828
1996 RBS AmeriCorps Administrative Budget
APPROVED
DISAPPROVED
DATE:
Alvin Brown - Deputy Administrator
Rural Business and Cooperative Development Service
Als for your approval, I am requesting permission to travel to Albuquerque. NM to attend a
USDA/RECD AmeriCorps training. The previous meeting in Durango, CO was rescheduled for
January 11-13. The meeting sponsors have again requested my attendance at this training. My
responsibilities include; )providing USDA administrative training and addressing policy
questions regarding implementation of the Departmental program. and 2) training and discussing,
with RECD/RBCDS AmeriCorps Members, their roles and responsibilities in implementation of
EZ/EC AmeriCorps Objectives.
From: David Gibson 10: Joel Berg
Date: 12/26/95 Time: 16:28:59
Page 2 of 3
The Four Corners region had some very good results last year. but consistently was our most
problematic area. I had to visit the region in October of last year, and fielded problems all during
the 1995. It is hoped that this early opportunity to orient all Members in the region will preclude a
replay of last year, and get our Members off to a much stronger start. Besides EZ/EC's, RECD
work on Indian Reservations in the Four Corners is extremely important and will also be a topic
of discussion. Thank you for your consideration.
Albuquerque, NM USDA AmeriCorps Training -- Travel Costs
Travel to Albuquerque, NM for
Airfare @ $431, 3 days Lodging =
$688
USDA/RECD training of AmeriCorps
$163, Transportation = $66, Four days
Members for the entire Four Corners
Per Diem = $136, Misc. = $50.
Area.
Attendance at 4-Corners Training
APPROVED
DISAPPROVED
DATE:
Alvin Brown - Deputy Administrator
Rural Business and Cooperative Development Service
Thank you for any and all consideration.
David Gibson
RBS AmeriCorps
cc: Victor Vasquez
Joel Berg
From: To: Joel Berg
Date: 2/21/95 Time: 09:52:26
Page 2 of 6
USDA AmeriCorps
Rural Development Training
March 19 - 24
Tentative Agenda
Sunday, March 19
2:00 - 9:00 PM
Registration
Welcome Packets. Conference materials
6:30 - 10:00 PM
Hospitality Suite
Snacks, Greeting.
Monday, March 20
8:00 AM- 1:00 PM
Registration
9:00 - 9:15 AM
Welcome Joel Berg
Official welcome to all participants from
10:00
USDA.
9:15 - 9:25 AM
Introduction to Week - D.
Discussion of goals to be obtained from
Noon
Gibson
the training.
9:25 - 10:00 AM
Administrator's Greeting
Dayton Watkins, Wilbur Peer, Maureen
Kennedy, Michael Dunn
10:00 10:30 AM
Meg McGuire - CNS
AmeriCorps from the Corporation's
perspective; Expectations; structure of
AmeriCorps; Administrative issues;
Objectives and reporting.
10:30 10:45 AM
Break
10:45 - 11:15 AM
USDA - Joel Berg. Katherine
History of Service, FDR's New Deal, de
Need another 30
Gibney
Toqueville, Great Society, Peace Corps.
min.?
Vista, etc.; Set out the USDA's
AmeriCorps vision, structure, and
function. Writing objectives and reports:
Discuss Member's role and expectations:
Media relations: Future of program.
From: To: Joel Berg
Date: 2/21/95 Time: 09:53:50
Page 3 of 6
11:15 - 11:30 AM
RBCDS - Gibson Reid
AmeriCorps members and RBCDS; roles
and expectations. Future of program.
11:30 - 11:45 AM
RHCDS - Coyle Pentecost
AmeriCorps members and RHCDS;
roles and expectations. Future of
program.
11:45 - 12:00 PM
Forest Service - TBA
AmeriCorps members and RS; roles and
expectations. Future of program
12:00 - 12:15 PM
Soil Conservation Service -
AmeriCorps members and SCS; roles
TBA
and expectations. Future of program.
12:15 - 12:30 PM
ASCS - TBA
ASCS role in AmeriCorps; Regional
facilitators role.
12:30 - 1:30 PM
Lunch Break
1:30 - 2:30 PM
USDA Administrative Issues
Ron to explain and clarify USDA
Roundtable - Ron DeMunbrun,
administrative issues; Group answers
Berg, Gibney, Gibson, Coyle,
questions from audience.
FS, SCS
2:30 - 3:15 PM
Internet - Norm Reid
Introduce Members to Internet concept;
Mary
forden
Practical applications for agency and
community use; Connectivity and login;
Cybersurfing.
3:15 - 3:30 PM
Networking Break
20ph
REA
3:30 - 4:15 PM
EZ/EC - Rick Wetherill
History and purpose of EZ/EC;
Designation; Community Service Plans
and AmeriCorps; Opportunities and
issues.
4:15 - 4:30 PM
Summation - David Gibson
Summation of day; Answering questions:
Next day's schedule; Housekeeping.
4:30 PM
End of Day, Evening on your
own.
From: To: Joel Berg
Date: 2/21/95 Time: 10:25:40
Page 4 of 6
Tuesday, March 21
9:00 - - 10:15 AM
Welcome & Orientation
Getting Acquainted.
10:15 - 10:30 AM
Break
10:30 - 12:00 PM
Community Development
Learn definitions of community
Philosophy and Approaches
development; Review community
development roles relevant to
development professionals; Study
approaches to community development
and major, current models.
12:00 - 1:00 PM
Lunch
1:00 - 2:15 PM
Community Analysis and
Review of method of information
Assessment
collection: Share information about
community assessment and analysis.
2:15 - 2:30 PM
Break
2:30 - - 4:00 PM
Community Analysis and
Continued.
Assessment
4:00 - 7:00 PM
Free Time, dinner
7:00 - - 9:00 PM
Case Study Teams
From: To: Joel Berg
Date: 2/21/95 Time: 10:26:47
Page 5 of 6
Wednesday, March 22
9:00 - 10:15 AM
Understanding & Managing
Review three elements of fundamental
Change
change; Practice exercises on dealing
with change; Review futurists
observations on change; Resistance to
change; Analyze community readiness
for change; Using 20 Clues to Rural
Community Survival; Applying
techniques to challenges facing small
retailers; Improving interpersonal
communication.
10:15 - 10:30 AM
Break
10:30 - 12:00 PM
Marketing the Process
Effective strategies for marketing
Vuhicl Sathes
community development processes and
projects; Press releases, PSA's, and
Lunch 402-414 402
agendas.
12:00 - 1:00 PM
7667
1:00 - 2:15 PM
Group Process Skills
The four stages of group development
and research findings on roles in groups;
Analyze and diagnose group problems;
Characteristics of effective groups; Six
major group process tools; Focus groups,
nominal group process and force field
analysis techniques.
2:15 - 2:30 PM
Break
2:30 - 4:00 PM
Group Process Skills
Continued.
4:00 PM
End of Day, Dinner on own.
From: To: Joel Berg
Date: 2/21/95 Time: 10:28:01
Page 6 of 6
Thursday, March 23
9:00 - 10:15 AM
Conflict Management
10:15 - 10:30 AM
Break
10:30 - 12:00 PM
Conflict Management
Continued
12:00 - 1:00 PM
Lunch
1:00 - 2:15 PM
Identifying & Developing
Today's leaders; 5 leadership
Leaders
characteristics; Personal leadership
assessment; Challenges unique to
community leadership; Recruiting and
motivating community leaders.
2:15 - 2:30 PM
Break
2:30 - 4:00 PM
Identifying & Developing
Continued
Leaders..
4:00 PM
Break for Dinner
7:00 - 9:00 PM
Designing Leadership
Designing and promoting a leadership
Workshops
workshop.
Friday, March 24
9:00 - 10:15 AM
Skills for Strategic Planning
The six steps in strategic planning;
Application in a case study; Community
visioning techniques; The three key
questions for action planning; Applying
the strategic planning model; Five
guidelines for effective networking.
10:15 - 10:30 AM
Break
10:30 - 12:00 PM
Skills for Strategic Planning
continued
12:00 - 1:00 PM
Lunch
1:00 - 3:00 PM
Planning for Back Home
Develop an action plan and networking
strategy. Meeting in state groups with
State Contact. review and update site
objectives.
3:00 PM
Review and Adjourn
44/