2010 NE Consortium Programming

Outlined below is a summary of overall goals of Consortium programming generally, each of the deliverables that we’ve agreed to for 2010, and suggested next steps for moving these forward.       

Overview of Consortium Programming & Structure: Over the last nine years, the Consortium’s activities have focused on three key areas:

• Design and delivery of core advocacy skills courses that we offer on a regular schedule with some courses offered annually and others offered on a two-three year schedule.
  • In 2010, we will: 1) sponsor in-person one core advocacy skills course;   2) modify existing course resources, most likely related to client intake, brief service and advice, for delivery through our online campus and/or through in-house or other local deliveries; and 3) make additional existing curricular resources available for use by local programs.

• Leadership Support & Development which we address on two levels: 1) through the careful recruitment and support of legal aid staff who serve as course faculty and members of training design teams; and, 2) through the year-long Leadership Institute. 
  • In 2010, we will focus on leadership support and development by: 1) offering a two-day Training of Trainers; 2) providing a forum for participants to share training designs and materials following the in-person training; 3) working with a faculty design team to modify existing course resources for web-based and local delivery; and, 4) designing and implementing a new Experienced Attorneys Forum.
• Fostering Creative Affirmative Advocacy which we accomplish both through our advocacy skills courses and bi-annual Advocacy Symposia.
  • In 2010, the Consortium will focus its efforts in fostering creative affirmative advocacy through the Experienced Attorneys Forum.  
• Consortium Structure:  Our recent discussions have revealed a number of concerns about Consortium structure generally and specifically as it relates to membership & funding mechanisms, program planning and evaluation.
  • In 2010, we will work with Consortium representatives to develop recommendations for a revised Consortium structure that ensures overall effectiveness, accountability and sustainability.