Managing multiple sites and developing esprit de corps
Abstract
It can be difficult for service organizations such as AmeriCorps National Direct Programs to manage multiple sites that are geographically distant from each other but need to create shared national identity and esprit de corps among members. Local sites need flexibility to operate individually, yet the structure to maintain a national focus on their goals. This effective practice from Jason Patnosh, National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) and David Chaney, HOPE worldwide was developed from their session at the AmeriCorps*National Direct Best Practices Conference held February 2002 in San Diego and addresses three areas: site supervision, national training, and site visits.Issue
Managing multiple sites can sometimes feel like one site's problems multiplied by many! Add to that the considerations unique to national service, and project directors may easily feel overwhelmed.
Action
The issue of managing multiple sites and developing esprit de corps was addressed by Jason Patnosh, National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC), and David Chaney, HOPE worldwide, as part of the National Direct Best Practices Conference held February 2002 in San Diego. Also included are issues and possible approaches expressed by the session participants.Effective practices from their conference session addressed three areas: site supervision, national training, and site visits.
Site Supervision:
There were four main challenges outlined by the session participants: low motivation of supervisors, connection to organization, turnover of staff, and new/needy supervisors. Solutions that were identified to improve motivation included setting group goals and standards that make it clear to the supervisors that it is essential they understand how vital they are to the grantee success. One way to connect local sites and members to the national direct is to invite all members to all events, pay for their travel and conferences. NACHC and HOPE worldwide are two organizations that have budgeted enough funding to cover the training costs for sites nationwide. These two solutions will help improve retention of members/supervisors and reduce turnover. Periodic conference calls and regional trainings can be the solution for dealing with new/needy supervisors.
National Training:
The two challenges identified were money and substance. Many national directs have difficulty budgeting enough funds for a comprehensive national training. Solutions that were identified include: have the grantee conduct a fundraiser to support overall program development and training, get corporate sponsorship for the training, use training sites that are the most easily accessible distance wise and in regards to cost, and be sensitive to dates that are most convenient for the attendees. To ensure that the national training is substantive it was recommended that members lead sessions, site supervisors are given roles in planning and carrying out the training, and second-year AmeriCorps members are involved in the planning committee. CHP International was also endorsed as a good choice for providing training support.
Site Visits:
Four challenges were identified with conducting effective site visits at multiple sites: too few staff, fiscal knowledge, national identity, and timely reports. NACHC has more than 20 sites across the nation and HOPE worldwide has 13 sites. The solutions that these two organizations use and recommend are similar. Since most local sites have minimal staff, it is critical that commonalities in each site are identified. AmeriCorps members and their goals can then be clustered to promote collaboration and the sharing of resources. Desk audits may also be helpful solutions. Another challenge is just a basic fiscal knowledge. Solutions include utilizing support from Walker & Company, meeting with in-house fiscal staff for training, and understanding the process of the A-133 audit are all viable options. Many local sites may also not be tied in with the parent national direct, thus causing the local site to not see the "big picture" and feel abandoned or on their own. Effective ways in which to address this national identity crisis include linking local sites to the Corporation for National & Community Service and State Commissions, and keeping a consistent chain of communication on the latest initiatives/approaches from the national direct parent organization. In the case of sites that are always delinquent in submitting timely reports and updates, it was recommended that cost reimbursements for local sites be held until, and inclusion of a local site in next year's grant application be dependent on, timely compliance to all requirements. National Directs that have implemented this approach have found it quite effective in receiving timely reporting.
Context
AmeriCorps *National Direct programs are programs sponsored by national not-for-profit organizations that operate multiple sites operating in multiple states. Programs build on existing networks of youth and service programs being administered by the parent organization.Outcome
Several national directs at the conference shared their experiences and successes with implementing these approaches in an effort to assist other grantees in finding solutions to challenges mentioned during the session.Posted On
April 1, 2002For More Information
Related Practices
Related sites
Strategies for successful mult-site management (NWREL)
Training and Technical Assistance
AmeriCorps--Resources for Programs