Blogs

Child Trends Research Update:

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/What-Works-in-Early-Language-and-Literacy.html?soid=1101701160827&aid=HIIaG3mu1Kc

http://www.luminafoundation.org/publications/A_stronger_nation.pdf

Based on an analysis conducted by the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, a much larger proportion of jobs in the U.S. will require higher education — even in the near term. This analysis — Help Wanted: Projections of Jobs and Education Requirements Through 2018— shows that fully 60 percent of jobs in the U.S will require postsecondary education by 2018 — well before the target date for Lumina’s “audacious” goal.  For better or worse, the Great Recession is putting the relationship between higher education and the economy into stark relief, and we are making the connections between economic forces and higher education attainment. 

Two simple facts point to the nature of this key relationship. The first is that college graduates are employed at much higher rates than are non-college graduates. Today, while overall unemployment rates are hovering around 10 percent, only 4.5 percent of college graduates are unemployed.  It has become clear, not just to economists, but to millions of Americans, that completing some form of higher education is the best insurance against unemployment. 

Data on wages are even more telling. Of course, it is well known that college graduates make more money than those who have only completed high school, who in turn make more money than high school dropouts.  Frankly, that doesn’t prove much; in a tight employment market, employers can be expected to favor those with credentials over those without. What is less well understood is that the gap in earnings between these groups is growing. Even in this job market, employers are paying an increasing premium for college graduates. This same phenomenon is occurring in 29 of the 30 most developed countries.3 This is not a coincidence.   

What is happening has been documented in Help Wanted and other reports: Employers increasingly depend on the skills and knowledge of their workers, and they are paying a premium to get those skills. Meanwhile, the well-paying, low-skill jobs that American industry used to provide in abundance are disappearing quickly. What is left, as documented by MIT economist David Autor,4 is a stratified job market in which jobs are either high-skill/high-wage or low-skill/low-wage. In this economy, workers with jobs in the former category are in the middle class or above; those with jobs in the latter category are the working poor. Just as importantly, the only route between the two strata is through education to obtain the skills and knowledge the global marketplace demands.

http://www.luminafoundation.org/publications/A_stronger_nation.pdf

This is a part-time position, averaging 19 hours per week. 

The position would work closely with, and report to, the IRIS Executive Director.

Summary and Position Responsibilities

IRIS- Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services (www.irisct.org) welcomes and resettles approximately 200 refugees each year— people fleeing persecution in their home countries who are invited to come to the United States.  They come seeking safety, freedom, peace, and opportunities.  IRIS is responsible for welcoming them warmly, helping them learn about their new home, and helping them become self-sufficient.  IRIS seeks an individual with grant-writing and fundraising experience to join us as the Grants and Development Coordinator.  The Grants and Development Coordinator manages grant research, writing, and reporting; plans, implements, and manages fundraising events and campaigns; and cultivates donor relationships.

Responsibilities

Grants:

-          Research new grants 

-          Write and submit effective letters of inquiry and proposals to federal, state, and local governments, foundations, and corporations

-          Manage and update IRIS’ grants and reporting calendar and files

Reporting:

-          Working with program staff and management, prepare and submit interim and final narrative and statistical reports as requested by funders

Fund Development:

-          Coordinate semi-annual financial appeals, including writing the appeal letters and thank you letters

-          Plan and implement donor cultivation activities

-          Identify, research, and cultivate prospects for individual gifts, in coordination with the IRIS Executive Director

-          Develop strategy to encourage planned giving

-          Manage IRIS’s donor database, maintained in GiftWorks

Event Management:

-          Plan and coordinate fund-raising events (including IRIS’ annual Run for Refugees and World Refugee Day Celebration)

-          Secure corporate sponsorships and in-kind contributions for events

Qualifications

-          Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent professional experience. 

-          A minimum of three year’s professional experience including successful proposal writing and grants management.

-          Experience working with immigrants or in social services strongly preferred. 

-          Strong commitment to serving immigrants is required.

-          Ability to handle multiple projects concurrently and meet deadlines.

-          Strong attention to detail.

-          Excellent organizational, management, and analytical skills.

-          Strong work ethic; initiative and ability to work autonomously as well as part of a team.

-          Good interpersonal skills including the ability to work with diverse groups of individuals. 

-          Excellent, effective written, verbal, and presentation skills.

-          Computer and internet proficient with solid understanding of computer systems and applications.

-          Experience using GiftWorks database software a plus.

 To apply, please email a resume and cover letter to Kelly Hebrank at khebrank@irisct.org

Application closing date:  June 30, 2011

http://kidhaven.com/

RSS feeds (Really Simple Syndication) is a web feed used to publish frequently updated works—such as blog entries, news headlines, audio, and video—in a standardized format. We've added several RSS feeds that provide information for non-profits to the home page of GNH Community.

If you find a useful website or blog let us know. Thanks.

First and foremost, Twitter and Facebook are communications networks.  That is to say that the primary actions that take place are the posting and reading of messages, pictures, etc…  To date these channels haven’t proven themselves to be majors centers of fundraising activity.  In fact, a recent web usability study from the Nielsen Norman group has confirmed that people look to Facebook as a secondary engagement point behind a non-profit’s full website. 

This confirms that people use Facebook and Twitter to promote the “social benefit” part of the giving process.  So, its important to understand the context of social media and realize that it is preferable to have messages like, “I just gave and so can you”, rather than messages simply showing that someone has “liked” an organization.   Peer behavior can be a powerful force, so make sure your tools encourage social messaging after a donation takes place.

For more information about creating content on Facebook for your non-profit, there are some great resources available athttp://www.facebook.com/nonprofits.   For information about how KIMBIA integrates donation forms and messaging directly into Facebook, email us at info@kimbia.com ... http://trust.guidestar.org/

2011 Request for Proposals and Application:

Arbor%20Brothers%202011%20RFP%20and%20Application.pdf

From the National Center for Family Literacy:

Thinking about college can be a daunting experience for families. To help get the conversation started, NCFL's new online resources will inspire Hispanic families to start talking about college as a reality.  

Suite of resources:  

• En Camino: Educational Toolkit for Families offers five online modules with activities for Spanish-speaking families to help increase their investment in and pursuit of educational opportunities. These modules are available in both English and Spanish.
• On Our Way: Program Instructional Guide includes instructional activities that intergenerational literacy programs can implement with families and adults in their programs.
• Turning Points: A Case Study of Family Literacy - Community College Partnerships offers descriptions of exemplary postsecondary educational transition partnerships between family literacy programs and community colleges, including successful programs in Lake City, Fla., Louisville, Ky., and Providence, R.I.
• Promoting Postsecondary Educational Success for Adults and Families - A Practical Partnership Guide is an examination of what makes a literacy program - community college transition partnership work.
• Family Literacy: A Valuable Gateway to Postsecondary Education examines the impediments to attaining a postsecondary education and how literacy programs can help with the transition and increase college graduation rates for nontraditional students.

This project is supported by MetLife Foundation. To learn more about this initiative, read the recent joint press release. 

Elm City Cycling is conducting a city-wide bicycling Survey. It takes less than 10 mins to complete this survey. If you or people you know use a bicycle to get to work, run errands or just for fun please fill out this survey and share the link with a friend. 

Position Available: Court Coordinator/Mediator

Position Summary:   The Court Coordinator coordinates the adult court mediation program in G.A. Court No. 23 and supervises the court juvenile court mediation program.

Supervision received: Reports to the Associate Executive Director

Supervision exercised: Adult and Juvenile Court Mediators

Core Duties:

• Coordinates the adult court mediation program in G.A. Court No. 23, including court coverage and overall case selection, referral and management
• Maintains regular contact with court personnel, including Judges, State’s Attorneys, Public Defenders, Victim Advocates, Bail Commissioners and others, as needed
• Works in court on a regular basis each week, engages in on-site mediations and conciliation, and trains and supervises other court staff
• Conducts case development for court referrals
• Assists with outreach and public education
• Prepares agenda for and facilitates monthly court team meetings
  • Prepares monthly adult mediation program reports for CSSD
  • Oversees adult court record keeping and mediation case data entry
  • Provides technical assistance to other court mediation programs
  • Communicates with supervisors, peers, or subordinates by providing information by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person which includes conducting or attending staff meetings, consulting with managerial or supervisory personnel or dictating correspondence
  • Works to establish positive working relationships with co-workers
  • Communicates clearly and respectfully with colleagues in identifying and resolving conflicts while using the mediation model
    • Works to establish positive working relationships with coworkers

• Other duties as required by the Executive Director and/or Associate Executive Director

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Knowledge and a high level of experience in practicing mediation and facilitation
• Skill in reading comprehension to understand work related documents
• Effective communication skills both written and oral
• Skill in active listening and able to understand different perspectives
• Skill in establishing and maintaining constructive and cooperative working relationships using interpersonal skills

Education and Experience:

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• Received a minimum of 32 hours of  mediation training and have at least one year of experience in mediation, highly desirable.

Please send resume and letter of interest to: Kathleen Benoit, Office Manager, Community Mediation, Inc.,

32 Elm Street New Haven CT 06510  or e-mail same to kathy@cmediation.org

All resumes must be received by Friday, June 10, 2011

Hi All,

I am wondering if anyone can tell me which donor management database you use? We currently use raisers edge but are interested in getting some info on others.

Many thanks!

Cara

giveGreater.org is an online database of local nonprofit profiles that enables donors to learn about, connect with and give to nonprofits 24/7.

The profiles are:
  populated with comprehensive information from multiple sources;
  searchable by interest area or geography;
  not available anywhere else.

giveGreater.org
  Adds value to the community by providing knowledge to help existing and potential donors make more informed, and therefore better philanthropic decisions;
  Gives donors what they have been asking for: high quality, reliable information on nonprofit organizations and community issues;
  Is provided by The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven;
  Is a resource for individuals as well as other funding organizations.

giveGreater.org
  Increases fundraising and marketing presence of nonprofits by putting them in front of donors and providing on-line giving capacity;
  Strengthens nonprofit capacity and results through rigorous examination and reporting on key aspects of their operations and governance;
  Provides organizational assessment, peer benchmarking and builds accountability of nonprofit sector by increasing public scrutiny.

2011 Training Dates:

You can increase your organization's visibility in 2011 by creating a profile on giveGreater.org.  Click on the links below to sign up for one of the following sessions:

Go behind the scenes of the NEW HAVEN POLICE DEPARTMENT - Apply today for the Citizens’ Police Academy.

The Citizens’ Academy is an 8 week course designed to enlighten residents about the New Haven Police Department. The Goal is to Bridge the information Gap between the Community and the Police Department.

Participants must be 18 yrs or older.

Learn more, ask questions... get answers, role play... See what its like to walk in the shoes of a police officer. Its free and dinner is  provided.

Applications are being accepted now for the sessions that begin April 27, 2011, 8 consecutive Wednesdays from 6pm-9pm. Classes are held at the Police Academy 710 Sherman Parkway in New Haven. Application Deadline is7PM, April 22. Applications will be accepted during regular business hours at the police department and during extended hours April 13-15, and April 20-22, until 8pm.

For more information and an application if you have difficulty downloading one at this link: 

http://mynh/pdfs/Brochure%20Application2011.pdf call Officer Kelly Turner Cole at (203) 946-6119 between 8am and 4pm, weekdays or email: KTurner@newhavenct.net 

CAHS mission and vision: Works to end poverty and to equip and empower all families in Connecticut to build a secure future. We envision a Connecticut where all children and families thrive and, regardless of income, contribute to and share in Connecticut’s growth.  Low-income residents—working in collaboration with policy makers, business and labor leaders, the faith community and the general public—play a central role in developing policies and programs that ensure the state’s prosperity, as well as their own. Together, they build a culture of shared responsibility and success. 

Job Description

Title:                                       Outreach Advocate

Employment Status:               Full-time, Exempt

Reports to:                              Program Director

Summary: The Connecticut Association for Human Services (CAHS) seeks a New Haven area Outreach Advocate.  The Outreach Advocate will work to increase Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP-formerly food stamps) enrollment in Connecticut by conducting outreach and education in the greater New Haven area.  Information provided through outreach will include SNAP income guidelines, application information, pre-screening for benefit eligibility, and other activities designed to raise awareness of SNAP among eligible non-participants.  This effort is to take place throughout New Haven County in accordance with the Connecticut State Outreach plan.

Job Description:

Strategy & Execution

SNAP Outreach:

• Provide information about SNAP to potentially-eligible populations via incoming telephone calls.
• Become knowledgeable about program regulations, developments, and issues and discuss them with potential applicants.
• Conduct pre-screening of potentially-eligible populations in conjunction with outreach events and presentations using online screening tools.
• Provide application assistance via e-fax, mailings, telephone follow-up upon completing pre-screenings.

Leadership

• Close collaboration with the Program Director, outreach staff, and staff at partner agencies to ensure access to SNAP benefits.

Administration & Reporting

• Keep a running log of all applicants contacted and activities conducted in relation to the project.  Provide this information to the Program Director at the end of each month.

Requirements

•          Bachelor’s Degree in related field or equivalent experience

•          2-3 years professional experience with a nonprofit or volunteer organization

•          Bi-lingual (English-Spanish) strongly preferred

•          Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and internet resources. 

Key Qualifications

•          Ability to collaborate well with others.

•          Ability to handle multiple projects.

•          Superior time management and communication skills.

•          Ability to grasp complex program regulations and effectively communicate them to diverse audiences.

•          Ability to communicate effectively on the telephone and in writing to a diverse group of people.

•          Comfortable with online screening tools (training provided).

•          Creative and energetic problem solver, who is able to work effectively in a team.

•          Friendly, flexible, confident and assertive.

Send resume, cover letter, references and salary requirements to Brian Berry at bberry@cahs.org

With an estimated one in three Connecticut residents without dental insurance, two free clinics scheduled this year in Waterbury and Hartford may set records for treatment.

The fourth Connecticut Mission of Mercy clinic will be held Saturday and Sunday, April 16-17, at Wilby High School, 460 Bucks Hill Road, Waterbury, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days.

The third annual Inner City Dental clinic will be held Saturday, May 21, at Community Health Services, 500 Albany Ave., Hartford, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Grants totaling $92,000 have been awarded by the Beatrice Fox Auerbach Foundation Fund at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving to help support the clinics, which operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

                                                            Don’t miss out on this opportunity to have your dental needs addressed!

Bring a folding chair, a book or some other object to keep you occupied and make sure you arrive early to reserve your place in line!

Check it out at: http://www.terrifictransitions.org/nche/best/youth.php