At Pathways Consultants we have spent the last six weeks re-thinking the work we do with the possible elimination of federal funding for so many education, youth and workforce services. We wish we could celebrate cuts instead of eliminations for programs, but the proposed cuts will have significant impact on service and staffing levels. The National Skills Coalition compiled a simple chart of the proposed FY 2011 budget cuts that Congress is scheduled to vote on this week.
It's baffling that cuts are being considered that effect job seekers in this economic climate. But it has also provided an opportunity for us to re-think the work we do and consider how to work more efficiently, eliminate duplication of services, and collaborate with partners to achieve the greatest possible impact in the communities we serve.
Here are a few initiatives and reports that inspire us and outline some ways we can all work smarter:
Strategic Frameworks and Logic Models We also wholeheartedly endorse organizational and program planning processes that help organizations be intentional and strategic about how they deliver services so that they achieve the most impact with the smartest delivery of services. Here are couple resources that we like:
- Logic Model Development Guide – W.K. Kellogg Foundation
- Reflect and Improve Tool Kit - Innovation Center for Community and Youth Development
- Point K Learning Center, Logic Model Builder™ and Logic Model Workbook - Innovation Network
Collaboratives and Partnerships With decreased funding, strategic partnerships, collaboratives, and neighborhood coalitions are essential to advocate for and to provide services efficiently and effectively. Some local partnerships and collaboratives are:
- Bay Area Workforce Funding Collaborative
- Chinatown Family Economic Self Sufficiency Coalition
- SF Sector Academies
2 comments:
Thank you for the links. Very helpful
Thanks for another great blog.
Non-profits need to think past collaboration and integration to merger if they are to survive in this era. Many non-profits will fail if they don't merge. Get rid of turf, egos and competition and merge now or go under. If you can't merge create federations with bulk buying strategies to lower your costs for office supplies, computers and other purchases. Also all organizations need to incorporate lean manufacturing principles into their work. This model is about doing more with less and it has been very prevalenct in cutting edge private sector companies for years but can't be found in government or non-profits. Research and use lean principles to survive. Also too many organizations think they know how to fund raise and write grants. Any money possible should be put toward hiring professionals to develop a fund raising strategy and write grants. I've reviewed hundreds of grants and its clear who has the real expertise in this area. Also fee for service and social enterprise strategies need to be considered as well. Hope these ideas are helpful to folks.
Larry Robbin larryrobbin@aol.com
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