In this January 24, 2007 Issue

CURRENT PROJECTS

Creating a Vision Together
This month we are excited to host Public/Private Ventures our national strategic planning partners from Philadelphia. While they are here we are convening local afterschool stakeholders to assess current assets and gaps in the Greater New Orleans’ afterschool landscape and begin a plan to structure a coordinated citywide program for afterschool development. Please plan on joining us Tuesday, January 30th at 1 p.m. at Junior League Headquarters (4319 Carondelet Street) for this important meeting.

Mapping Afterschool
Late last year GNOAP entered into an agreement with Greater New Orleans Community Data Center and VIA Link to document and map current afterschool programs available in the Greater New Orleans area. VIA Link is now in the process of contacting public schools and independent afterschool providers in order to compile an up to date directory of programs available to students. The first map and directory will be complete at the end of this month. This project will be updated throughout the year and will provide a tool for funders and planners to target areas of need within New Orleans. Additionally families will now be able to contact 211 to find afterschool options that best suit their needs.

If you have not yet been contacted, but would like your program included in the map and directory please contact us as soon as possible for an application form.

Award Surveys DUE
If you received a December 2006 Program Improvement Fund Award please return the accompanying survey as soon as possible. We will be using these surveys to inform our work with P/PV early next week. Thanks for your help!

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MEETING and TRAINING NEWS

Common Ground for Quality
As the New Year begins we are encouraging all providers to examine their programs and commit towards developing and improving the following Program Quality Elements in their work. It is through these elements that all afterschool providers can begin to utilize a common set of standards to assess, plan, design, and execute strategies for on-going program improvement.

• Environment/Climate        
• Administration/Organization
• Relationships            
• Staffing/Professional Development
• Programming/Activities        
• Linkages Between School Day/Afterschool
• Youth Participation/Engagement    
• Neighborhood/Community Partnerships
• Program Sustainability/Growth   
• Measuring Outcomes/Evaluation

The elements have been adapted from The After-School Corporation’s Program Quality Categories. TASC is a national leader in afterschool, providing grants, training, and technical assistance to more than 130 community-based organizations in New York.

Tool for Assessment
To assist programs in planning for ongoing program improvement GNOAP has put together a Program Quality Self-Assessment Tool that is available now. For a copy of the QSA or for additional assistance please email Shelley.

Schedule
Our monthly meetings are under way and we can’t wait to see you! Please plan on joining us and your afterschool colleagues at Junior League Headquarters, 4319 Carondelet Street from 10 a.m. to noon, on each of the following dates.

• January 17
• February 28
• March 21
• April 18
• May 16
• August 15
• September 19
• October 17
• November 28
• December 19

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ADVOCACY

Nonprofit Power!
If you haven’t visited Nonprofit Central (1824 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard) yet, don’t delay another day! The Center is the home of LANO’s New Orleans offices and much more, including GNOAP’s Resource Library located on the second floor. The group acts as a wonderful resource to local nonprofits and residents, consider attending one of their open meetings held every Monday from 9:30-11:00 a.m.

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FUNDING

Watch this space for $$$
Each month we will make you aware of funding opportunities geared towards afterschool providers. Remember to check this space and take advantage of available local and national support. Know of an opportunity that’s not listed? Let us know, please email Shelley, so we can pass on to the group!

DEADLINE 2/1/07: The PeyBack Foundation is accepting grant applications (up to $20,000) for programs that assist disadvantaged youth. Visit their site for complete details.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

To list your event in the Announcement section email the details to Shelley, and she will include in the next available mailing.

• Learn Ways to Make Math, Science, and Reading Come to Life for Grades K-6, a hands-on workshop hosted by Elette Meaux, Charles Cowley, and Developmental Studies Center, Tuesday, February 13,2007 at the Louisiana Children's Museum, 420 Julia Street. Registration REQUIRED at www.laafterschool.eventbrite.com by 2/08/2007. Questions? Call Samantha Johnson at 800.666.7270, ext. 302

FREE BOOKS!!!
Need books for your students? Register at First Book and gain access to award-winning new books for the students you serve. Gulf Coast programs are also eligible for special relief programs so...register TODAY!

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