Events for September 11, 2024 - September 12, 2024

Taking a proactive approach to the CSBG monitoring process will place a CAA on the road to becoming a healthier and stronger organization. In this session, we will focus on the actions a CAA can take to affect its success in a monitoring before it is even selected by its state CSBG office for a review. We will explore how the CSBG Organizational Standards impact the monitoring process. We will also discuss the federal CSBG Act requirements relating to training and technical assistance and quality improvement plans as well as the complaint process a CAA may use when it believes that [...]

Agency-wide Budgeting is critical for financial planning and ongoing monitoring. The CSBG Organizational Standards require an agency-wide budget. This session will address the nuts and bolts of building one and, even more important, will address the role the agency-wide budget plays in agency planning and ongoing fiscal health.

Join us as we explore why Authentic Communication is vital to our success and well-being and the five communication practices that strengthen our deep awareness, focus, and clarity.

Learn how to use financial statements to evaluate your CAA’s financial health and sustainability, monitor progress toward financial goals, ensure compliance, and spot problems in time to solve them. Learn what to look for and where you’ll find it in your financial statements.

Learn about the five communication practices that leverage our emotional and social skills so that we can get the most out of our interactions. Plus, we will dive into the five practices that build safety for interpersonal risk-taking and allow team members to feel accepted and respected.

Identify key financial choices your Board should explore and develop strategies to present the information needed to evaluate options. We’ll explore multiple strategic decisions, including setting cash reserves targets and strategies to achieve them, purchasing/redeveloping facilities, expanding/contracting services, compensation strategies, improving compliance (for CAAs with audit findings or difficulties with monitors), Board composition and role, and building unrestricted contributions.

Communication that enhances the collective brilliance of a team is essential for performance and joy in our work. Learn the five simple but not easy practices to work together more effectively.

Cost allocation is the organization’s method of allocating costs to its programs and supporting services to the extent each program or service bears its fair share in accordance with the relative benefits received. The organization’s defined method of allocation should be simple, straightforward, and comply with its approved policies and procedures. Using the Uniform Guidance regulations, we will review allowable methods of cost allocation including direct costing and indirect cost rates and discuss suggestions on how your organization may use cost allocation to run more efficiently and effectively.

The CSBG Organizational Standards represent important minimum thresholds to ensure Community Action Agencies have the needed capacity to serve America’s communities. The full implementation of the principles and practices articulated in the Organizational Standards assures a consistent and strong CSBG network. This session will provide an overview of the Organizational Standards, their requirements, available resources, and how-to tips and tricks for meeting standards (and documenting them!)

Today’s operating environment has grown in complexity and, too often, our planning processes haven’t kept up. Does your strategic plan implementation need some improvement? If so, this session is for you! You’ll learn specific tools to take your organization’s strategic plan implementation to the next level including project management techniques, monitoring, and tracking necessities, and other implementation strategies. These techniques and strategies will elevate your ability to measure, track, communicate, and align what matters most in order to drive improved results for your agency and those you serve.

America’s communities need and deserve excellent Community Action Agencies. Every organization can improve, and should continuously strive to increase efficiency, effectiveness, and to exceed expectations. In this session we will explore what excellence means in Community Action as defined by the 35 Standards of Excellence, and discuss strategies for strengthening your agency, including through the National Community Action Partnership’s Pathways to Excellence program.