2010 AmeriCorps Project Director Training

October 18-20, 2010

Radisson Hotel Rochester Riverside

Rochester, New York

Summary of the Training

The New York State Office of National and Community Service conducted a comprehensive training for all 2010-11 AmeriCorps Project Directors that received an AmeriCorps grant for the upcoming program year. This training provided 2010-11 grantees critical information on program and financial requirements to successfully manage their AmeriCorps grant. Training sessions provided information on existing AmeriCorps policies and procedures and also covered new issues such as impacts to national service programs resulting from passage of the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, use of the new AmeriCorps Portal, and a review of the State Commission’s reporting system that all AmeriCorps programs are required to use. A presentation was also made to AmeriCorps programs that received funding and are managing new programs funded by the American recovery & reinvestment Act (ARRA) on policies and procures for program management and reporting. Approximately 80 staff from 43 AmeriCorps programs attended the annual training in Rochester.

Below you will find the PowerPoint presentations and presenter materials. If you have questions relative to the training, please contact your AmeriCorps Program Administrator at the New Yorkers Volunteer Office at 518-473-8882.

**Click here for the complete PROJECT DIRECTOR TRAINING AGENDA**

Monday, October 18th

Criminal History Checks for Corporation Programs

Presenter: Kris Tecce, Independent Contractor

Determining the suitability of members and grant-funded staff is a crucial requirement established by regulation in 2007, as well as the Serve America Act. The key component of this regulation is the National Service Criminal History Check for all covered positions, and the Serve America Act expanded the requirements for who is covered. This session will address the regulations, requirements and alternatives. It will provide participants with a clear understanding to whom these requirements apply and under what circumstances; what is necessary to determine suitability; the timeline to accomplish the background checks; and the potential ramifications of not adhering to the requirement.

Criminal Background Checks - Presentation

Networking Session – AmeriCorps Program Best Practices

Presenter: AmeriCorps Program Directors and Commission Staff

This session will engage AmeriCorps Program Directors in discussion around implementation of the Serve America Act by issue area. Program Directors will share strategies they employ to move their program forward under this new legislation.

SAA Session Discussion Worksheet

SAA Final Rule Summary

SAA Frequently Asked Questions

SAA Implementation Overview

Tuesday, October 19th

AmeriCorps Portal and OCFS Contract Management System (CMS)

Presenter: AmeriCorps Program Directors and Commission Staff
This session will provide an opportunity for participants to ask questions related to these two automated systems.

Matrix of AmeriCorps Automated Systems

Instructions to Post Member Sites in Portal

Updates from the Corporation for National & Community Service

Presenter: Rosa Moreno-Mahoney, Deputy Director of AmeriCorps, CNCS
This session will provide audience with updates from the Corporation for National and Community Service relative to the implementation of the Serve America Act, the development of the Corporation’s Strategic Plan, the 2011 Budget and more.

Updates from the Corporation for National & Community Service - Presentation

Programmatic and Financial Compliance as a Team Effort

Presenter: Kris Tecce, Independent Contractor
This session will focus on the interrelation of the program and financial staff and how their roles, responsibilities, decisions, and actions affect not only the grant and its management, but also each other and their interdependencies. This session will review and explore specific areas where decisions or actions by financial or program staff can significantly affect program and grant compliance.

Programmatic and Financial Compliance as a Team Effort - Presentation

Lunch Presentation: “Meaning of Service”

Presenter: Jane McNamara, New York State Council on the Humanities Marilyn Rosche, Director, Rochester AmeriCorps

The Meaning of Service

Common Audit Issues and Pitfalls

Presenter: Kris Tecce, Independent Contractor
This session will provide an overview of the common issues and pitfalls that have been found in CNCS-funded programs during Office of Inspector General (OIG) audits, CNCS monitoring and site visits, and other reviews. In addition, participants will gain a better understanding of what documentation is needed for member files, what records and information will be reviewed during a monitoring visit or audit, and the significance of these records for determining allowable costs

Common Audit Findings - Presentation

Wednesday, October 20th

National Performance Measures

Presenter: Sue Hyatt, Business Non-Profit Connections, Inc.
This session will focus on the National Performance Measurement initiative of the Corporation for National and Community Service. Topics will include an overview of the National Performance Measures, the Corporations focus on reporting impact, data collection instruments, and techniques for reporting impact in an effective manner.

CNCS Strategic Plan Update

Performance Measures Overview

Aligned Performance Measure Worksheet