We will be updating this space with additional resources for the Commissioner Institute as they become available.

Purpose

To strengthen commissioner engagement in their respective state service commissions through sharing best practices, engaging in dialogue to explore new roles and strategies, and strengthening the peer network to support service, volunteerism, AmeriCorps, and National Service.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2009

9:00 a.m. Commissioner Orientation

The Orientation will provide a strong foundation for commissioners before the start of the Institute on topics to include: the history of National Service, an overview of the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) and the national service programs it funds, basic commission roles and responsibilities, commissioner and staff roles, and excellence in commission operations.

View the Orientation Presentation (PPT) or (PDF)
View the Commissioner Quiz (DOC) or (PDF)
View the Federal Regulations regarding Commission Duties (DOC) or (PDF)
View the Funding Flow (PPT) or (PDF)

1:00 p.m. Institute Welcome and Introductions

View the Commissioner Exchange (PDF)

1:30 p.m. Upping the Ante – The Integral Role of Commissioners

The creation of state service commissions that are bipartisan and incorporate a range of local expertise to catalyze and support service and volunteerism as a strategy to address local needs and administer AmeriCorps was brilliant. This presentation sets the stage for the Institute by helping you envision your possibilities as a leader of the service movement in your state and the unique roles you can play as a commissioner.

2:00 p.m. Service and Volunteerism – Expanded Possibilities for the Future

Service and volunteerism have steadily been growing in visibility at the local, state and national levels since the early 1980s. However, as service is a cornerstone of the Obama Administration, the opportunities to really grow and strengthen your state commission have never been greater. Hear about some of the trends that are occurring now so you can begin thinking how to best leverage these opportunities.

2:30 p.m. Impact of Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act on Our Work

The Serve America Act (SAA) offers significant opportunities to grow national service, support nonprofit capacity building and support social innovation. AmeriCorps will grow from 75,000 members nationwide to 250,000 through the expansion of existing service programs, as well as four new service corps focused on education, health care, energy and veterans. Hear in more detail how SAA will impact the Corporation for National and Community Service, the administration of AmeriCorps, and state service commissions so you can more effectively plan ahead.

3:30 p.m. Small Group Discussions – The Conversation Begins!!

Now it is time to start sharing with your peers some of the current activities and initiatives of your commission of which you are most proud while listening for great ideas from others you want to take home to share with those who were not able to join you at the Institute. Building on the inspiring food for thought presented by the plenary speakers, you will also have the opportunity to consider how to capitalize on the new opportunities offered by the Serve America Act and the current Administration and really take your commission to the next level.

4:15 p.m. Wrap and Closing for the Day

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2009

7:30 a.m. Roundtable Discussions on Hot Topics

8:00 a.m. Opening Session – What Roles Can Commissioners Play?

8:15 a.m. Breakout Sessions – Round One (These sessions are offered twice.)

Session 1A: Customizing Your AmeriCorps Portfolio
Commissioners and staff must work together to strategically plan the best ways to maximize the use of AmeriCorps resources to address state specific needs and insure the greatest impact in your local communities. This session will show you how commissioners can be involved in customizing the AmeriCorps portfolio. Come dialogue with your peers about ways to have input into designing the AmeriCorps RFP and the selection processes and criteria for your state.

View the Formula Information (DOC) or (PDF)
View the Formula Ranking Chart (XLS) or (PDF)

Session 1B: Expanding Your Commission's Networks and Partnerships
A critical role of state service commissions is catalyzing the dialogue about service as a strategy to address local issues in their state. Engaging with other organizations with common interests offers excellent opportunities to leverage resources to get things done and extend the reach and visibility of your commission. In this session, you will hear examples of how other commissions are partnering with a variety of organizations and networks in their states such as other government agencies, businesses and the private sector, service clubs, volunteer centers, and nonprofits while discussing the roles you as commissioners can play in this effort.

View the MO Optimist Club Data (DOC) or (PDF)
View the Youth Awards Program Flow (DOC) or (PDF)
View FBLA District Map (PDF)

Session 1C: Gaining Support – Educating Key State Players
As a commissioner, you can play an integral role in building support for your commission by educating key state players on your programs, initiatives, and the benefits of your activities to the state. You are able to offer education in ways that most executive directors and staff cannot. This session will give you tips and strategies for developing and maximizing relationships to really boost the visibility and support of your commission.

10:15 a.m. Breakout Sessions – Round Two (These sessions are offered twice.)

Session 2A: Pass the Word – Tips and Strategies for Effective Communication between Staff and Commissioners
For state service commissions to be able to operate at “peak performance,” commissioners need to feel informed so they can see where and how to be actively engaged and know they are making a valuable contribution to the organization and the service movement. Staff needs to feel commissioners understand the demands of the work they do on the commission’s behalf and are following through on various projects and committee work. However, in the swirl of busy schedules, competing demands, and unclear roles, communication can be challenging. This session will offer you tips and strategies for effective communication between staff and commissioners.

View the Building Communication Skills Game (DOC) or (PDF)

Session 2B: New Opportunities for Working with the AmeriCorps National Programs in Your State
Are you familiar with AmeriCorps National programs and how they work? This is a great opportunity to learn more! The Serve America Act has changed the ways that state service commissions and national AmeriCorps programs must engage with each other. The increased communication and collaboration now required will offer significant benefits while at the same time increase the complexity of the grant-making process for both types of organizations. Come learn more about AmeriCorps National programs and their diverse operating models as well as how the Serve America Act will affect your commission competitive grant applications starting in 2010.

Session 2B: New Opportunities for Working with the AmeriCorps National Programs in Your State
Are you familiar with AmeriCorps National programs and how they work? This is a great opportunity to learn more! The Serve America Act has changed the ways that state service commissions and national AmeriCorps programs must engage with each other. The increased communication and collaboration now required will offer significant benefits while at the same time increase the complexity of the grant-making process for both types of organizations. Come learn more about AmeriCorps National programs and their diverse operating models as well as how the Serve America Act will affect your commission competitive grant applications starting in 2010.

Session 2C: Creating the Buzz – Commission Outreach Strategies
State Service Commissions and their AmeriCorps and other programs are unfortunately in many states still "a well kept secret." However, commissions are an invaluable resource to their state and are uniquely positioned to play a strong role in taking service and volunteerism to the next level. The Serve America Act offers the potential for increasing the visibility of service and state commissions. However, to best take advantage of this, commissions need to continue to strengthen their message and tell the story of the impact of their work. This session offers the opportunity for sharing best practices and innovative ideas for how to better market and brand your commission's work to increase your visibility and leverage support.

12:30 p.m. Breakout Sessions – Round Three (These sessions are offered twice.)

Session 3A: Customizing Your AmeriCorps Portfolio
Commissioners and staff must work together to strategically plan the best ways to maximize the use of AmeriCorps resources to address state specific needs and insure the greatest impact in your local communities. This session will show you how commissioners can be involved in customizing the AmeriCorps portfolio. Come dialogue with your peers about ways to have input into designing the AmeriCorps RFP and the selection processes and criteria for your state.

Session 3B: Expanding Your Commission's Networks and Partnerships
A critical role of state service commissions is catalyzing the dialogue about service as a strategy to address local issues in their state. Engaging with other organizations with common interests offers excellent opportunities to leverage resources to get things done and extend the reach and visibility of your commission. In this session, you will hear examples of how other commissions are partnering with a variety of organizations and networks in their states such as other government agencies, businesses and the private sector, service clubs, volunteer centers, and nonprofits while discussing the roles you as commissioners can play in this effort.

Session 3C: Gaining Support – Educating Key State Players
As a commissioner, you can play an integral role in building support for your commission by educating key state players on your programs, initiatives, and the benefits of your activities to the state. You are able to offer education in ways that most executive directors and staff cannot. This session will give you tips and strategies for developing and maximizing relationships to really boost the visibility and support of your commission.

2:15 p.m. Breakout Sessions – Round Four (These sessions are offered twice.)

Session 4A: Pass the Word – Tips and Strategies for Effective Communication between Staff and Commissioners
For state service commissions to be able to operate at "peak performance", commissioners need to feel informed so they can see where and how to be actively engaged and know they are making a valuable contribution to the organization and the service movement. Staff needs to feel commissioners understand the demands of the work they do on the commission's behalf and are following through on various projects and committee work. However, in the swirl of busy schedules, competing demands, and unclear roles, communication can be challenging. This session will offer you tips and strategies for effective communication between staff and commissioners.

Session 4B: New Opportunities for Working with the AmeriCorps National Programs in Your State
Are you familiar with AmeriCorps National programs and how they work? This is a great opportunity to learn more! The Serve America Act has changed the ways that state service commissions and national AmeriCorps programs must engage with each other. The increased communication and collaboration now required will offer significant benefits while at the same time increase the complexity of the grant-making process for both types of organizations. Come learn more about AmeriCorps National programs and their diverse operating models as well as how the Serve America Act will affect your commission competitive grant applications starting in 2010.

Session 4C: Creating the Buzz – Commission Outreach Strategies
State Service Commissions and their AmeriCorps and other programs are unfortunately in many states still "a well kept secret". However, commissions are an invaluable resource to their state and are uniquely positioned to play a strong role in taking service and volunteerism to the next level. The Serve America Act offers the potential for increasing the visibility of service and state commissions. However, to best take advantage of this, commissions need to continue to strengthen their message and tell the story of the impact of their work. This session offers the opportunity for sharing best practices and innovative ideas for how to better market and brand your commission's work to increase your visibility and leverage support.

3:45 p.m. Building Momentum

4:30 p.m. Wrap Up and Closing

2009 State Service Commission Institute Planning Committee

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