The Power of Building Data Capacity
New Tool Available Now!| Download
The goal of the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) Office of Economic Opportunity is to transform all Community Action Agencies (CAA’s) in Virginia into data-driven organizations. To achieve this objective, building robust data capacity is essential. This involves not only the implementation of effective data collection and management systems but also fostering a culture of data literacy among staff. OEO has developed a new tool which contains best practices, a data capacity inventory and an agency data assessment. We encourage all agencies to review this new tool and conduct an agency data capacity inventory. The CSBG Team is available to provide support to all agencies looking to increase their agencies data capacity.
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Webinar : Enhancing Quality and Accountability of Organizational Standards
November 14, 2024 | 1-2pm | Register
Join us for a workshop that delves into the CSBG organizational standards, focusing on promoting quality and accountability across agencies. Key topics will include Understanding the Standards, Intent and Cultural Impact, Pursuing Excellence, Virginia Guidance, and more! Attendees will also get a demonstration in CSBG Reporter of the standards section, including the new Board Minutes feature that enhances compliance and record-keeping. There will also be an interactive Q&A to help clarify your questions and deepen your understanding of the standards. This workshop is designed for agency leaders and staff committed to enhancing their practices and fostering a culture of excellence.
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Webinar : Navigating Federal and Virginia Monitoring Requirements
December 10, 2024 | 10-11am | Register
Join us for a comprehensive workshop focused on federal monitoring requirements and Virginia’s monitoring practices, designed to enhance your agency's understanding and preparedness. Key topics will include Federal Monitoring Requirements, Virginia Monitoring Practices and Procedures, Preparing for Monitoring, and Follow-Up After Monitoring Visits. This workshop is ideal for agency leaders and staff seeking to strengthen their monitoring practices and ensure compliance with federal and state requirements. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your agency’s effectiveness and accountability!
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Everything ROMA Podcast: Elevate Your Agency's Performance! New Episode Available Now!
Are you ready for something new and exciting? Tired of endlessly reading documents on performance management? Look no further—your Virginia CSBG Community Action Podcast has you covered! This month’s episode: Unlocking the Power of Performance Management for Community Action Agencies!
In this episode, we take a brief but impactful walk through the essentials of the ROMA cycle, covering key areas like mission alignment, assessments, planning, implementation, results, and evaluation. We’ll explore how these elements drive performance management in Community Action Agencies (CAAs) and discuss the critical questions agencies should ask to achieve meaningful results for their communities. Click here for access.
New episodes drop on the first of every month on LearnWorlds. Don’t have an account? Sign up for free! Want to be part of this groundbreaking initiative with Angel Ampey and Will Weeks? Have a question or an idea for a future episode? Email us at csbg@dss.virginia.gov with the subject line “Podcast.”
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VIRTUAL TRAININGS
& WEBINARS
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November 2024
November 12, 2024 - 10:00 AM
Excellence in Action: A ROMA-Driven Approach to Achieving Head Start Performance Standards Webinar Register
November 14, 2024 - 10:00 AM
Regional Webinar: Inclusive Communication Register
November 14, 2024 - 1:00 PM
Virginia CSBG Organizational Standards Webinar Register
December 2024
December 10, 2024 - 10:00 AM
CSBG Monitoring Webinar Register
December 10, 2024 - 10:00 AM
Region III Training: Capitalize & Cultivate: Mastering Fundraising and Asset Development for Impactful Growth Register
Available Now! Everything ROMA Podcast - Listen Today to this month’s episode: Unlocking the Power of Performance Management for Community Action Agencies!
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The Office of Community Services (OCS) has issued a Dear Colleague Letter to the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Network notifying the public of the opportunity to provide final comments on the proposed revisions to the CSBG Annual Report 3.0. OCS has posted the revised CSBG Annual Report Version 3.0 for a 30-day public comment period. This is a critical opportunity for the Community Action network to review the proposed changes and submit feedback. CSBG Annual Report Version 3.0 is a significant revision of the current CSBG Annual Report to begin as an option for use in Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2026 and to be required beginning in FFY2027. Click here to view the Proposed Revised CSBG Annual Report Version 3.0.
How to Submit Comments:
Comments on Version 3.0 of the CSBG Annual Report are due by November 8, 2024. To submit your comments, follow the instructions in the Federal Register notice here.
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The Office of Economic Opportunity has sent the Annual Agency Dashboards to all executive directors for review. The dashboards will be sent to Board Chairs this week. The statewide dashboard will be available in the December Newsletter.
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2-1-1 Virginia is a helpline and website connecting people of all ages with free, confidential, multilingual referrals and information 24/7. Make sure your agency is listed and up-to-date online!
| The Office of Economic Opportunity is pleased to introduce two new guidance documents for your agency to use in planning and implementing your ROMA Plan and Equity Plan for the current program year and beyond. These documents provide an overview of each plan's purpose, intent, our office's expectations, and how to effectively use them throughout the year. All materials are accessible via LearnWorlds, we encourage you to view the accompanying guidance videos, which offer an in-depth review of each document. | | |
Hosting a community event, have a story to tell? We would love to help spread the word! Please reach out to Gail.Doyle@dss.virginia.gov to share! | | |
In October, the Virginia Community Action Partnership held its 3rd Annual Pathways from Poverty to Prosperity Summit at the Virginia Department of Social Services Headquarters in Richmond. The event drew over 120 Community Action Agency (CAA) leaders from across the state, providing a dynamic platform for networking and collaboration.
Participants engaged in discussions on best practices and gained insights from experts in various fields, including workforce development, housing, and broadband access. This summit served as a vital opportunity for attendees to connect, share knowledge, and enhance their strategies in the ongoing fight against poverty in Virginia.
VACAP and OEO look forward to building on the momentum generated at this year's event, continuing to support the essential work of CAAs across the Commonwealth.
Congratulations to VACAP on a successful event.
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