Proposal for Emerging Opportunity Program Fall 2014

Transcription

1 1 Proposal for Emerging Opportunity Program Fall 2014 Submit application to Deadline: 12:00 pm (noon) on Friday August 29, 2014 LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. Please limit your proposal and responses to the form and space provided. Any materials submitted in addition to this application form will not be considered in the evaluation of the proposal. Do not attempt to unlock or alter this form. If you need assistance with this proposal or are unclear about how to respond to any questions please contact CDD staff at Agency or Group: Title of Proposal: Contact Person: Allied Brotherhood Group/ADMNA Amount Requested: $10840 Is this program/project still viable if awarded less than requested? Yes No Brotherhood Youth Speaks: Researching, Analyzing, and Acting to Address Social Issues Katy Farrens Address: 4722 Crescent Rd. Telephone: Is this Group a 501 (C) (3)? Applicant Organization founded (Year): Name of Fiscal Agent (if Applicable): Fiscal Agent Contact Person: katyfarrens@hotmail.com Yes or No no 2011 Allied Wellness Center Incorporated under Chapter 181 Wis. Stats? Yes or No no Leslie McAllister or Barry Hayes Emerging Need or Opportunity: (5000 characters) Please describe the emerging need or unanticipated opportunity that warrants City resources and attention at this time: According to several national magazines, Dane County, Wisconsin is recognized for its great public schools, safe communities, neighborhood festivals, recreational activities, etc. Despite these accolades, the region is becoming known for racial achievement gaps, inequities in juvenile justice, and disparities in economic well-being. Many local leaders have spoken out against the inequities and have hosted town hall forums. Most of these leaders are 40 years and older. Although African American youth are affected the most by these social issues, they have not been involved in the conversation. They have not been asked about their stories, their experiences, and their solutions. They are often talked about and talked to rather than part of the conversation. Also African American youth are often the last to be informed about these disparities and their opinions. Thus, there is a great need for the youth voice to come front and center as Madison grapples with inequities and looks for solution. The purpose of this program is for youth in the Allied Neighborhood (the Brotherhood Group) to conduct participatory action research. The youth will research the most pressing needs in their community and come up with solutions for change. Instead of the project being lead by adults and outside individuals who are not part of their community the youth living in Allied will focus on issues that affect them. By participating in this program, youth will learn how to (1)

2 think critically about social issues, (2) collect and analyze data, (3) conduct interviews and surveys (4) come up with solutions, and (5) create and implement a plan of action. The program is guided by the following question: What are the ways in which low income Black youth from under-resourced communities engage in policy and research examining racial disparities in education, criminal justice, workforce, and health care that impact their lives? How do they experience being the subjects of such research/policy and in what ways can they speak back to racial disparities that impact their communities? Accodring to youth activist and educator Ennest Morrell "participants become researchers about their daily lives in hopes of developing realistic solutions for dealing with the problems that they believe need to be addressed." Brotherhood's Youth Speaks will give the youth opportunities to develop skills that are essential to academic achievement and experience that will help them make better decisions. The program will also help train, educate, and cultivate Madison's next generation of leaders. By connecting them with professionals and researcher/scholars, this will help students build their social capital and help them gain the confidence that is necessary to accomplish their goals. The opportunity that exists that will benefit Madison and that warrants city resources is an investment in youth who are collectively working together, thinking critically about how to change their community, and then actively pursuing the plan to bring about social change. The return on this investment will be a group of youth who will learn how to study problems and find solutions to them. They will learn how to think critically, write, and problem solve. 2. Applicant Organization: (5000 Characters) Please briefly describe the history and structure of your organization. Include information about staffing, your board and/or volunteers. Please describe any successes you have had in the areas of programming or the project described in this proposal. 2

3 The Brotherhood is a youth-adult led organization that is responding to the needs of intelligent and active youth who have been often overlooked and excluded by local youth programs and youth centers. The Brotherhood has was formed in 2011 when several young men advocated for the need of a male goup that would help them academically and socially. The mission of the group which was co-authored by the youth states: The Brotherhood young men s group is a group of young men dedicated to making difference in not only our own lives but the lives of those around us. Our mission is to build a better relationship with one another and learn new and positive ways to become productive members of our community. The Brotherhood group works to break down stigmas associated with African American males and families with illegal drugs, gangs, and absentee fathers. The Brotherhood gives us an alternative to staying off the streets and helps us in the transformation from boys to young men. Thus, to accomplish these goals, Brotherhood members will work together and support each other. They have formed their own support system to encourage each other to excel in school, be productive citizens, and role models to younger kids. Currently, there are 25 youth assocaited with the group. At least 80% of the youth come weekly. What makes this group unique is that the program does not focus on sports such as football or basketball. The youth come because of the safe and fostering environment. What also distinguishes this group is that the focus is on the youth voice and youth decision making. Unlike other groups that are led by one identifiable figure, Brotherhood is supported by several adult volunteers. There are also two young adult graduates of the program who help lead disucssions and presentations. Our goal is to give them an opportunity to continue to develop leadership skills and hone their professional skills for future employment. To date, the Brotherhood group has been very successful in working with youth in the Allied neighborhood. Two of our oldest members successfully graduated high school and seven of our youngest have enrolled in high school. During the past year, several black professionals have presented and attended group discussion. Some of the invited guest include: Everett Mitchell (UW Madison) who discussed what it is like to be attorney; Alderman Maurice Cheeks presented on technology and politics; Bob Wynn discussed financial literacy; and Alex Fralin, the Assistant Superintendent talked about academic achievement. One of our many goals was to help build bridges between the young men of Allied and working Black professionals in Madison. 3. Intended Service Population: (2500 characters) Please describe the intended service population (e.g., where they are located, ages, ethnicities, income ranges, English language proficiency etc.). The intended service population is located in the Allied Drive Dunn Marsh Neighborhood and surrounding areas. There are also members of the Brotherhood who have relocated to other neighborhoods in Madison. The program focuses on black males whose ages range from 12 to 18 years old. Many of these young men come from families that are below the poverty level. The following are some characteristics of the young men, but this is not the case for all: Come from single parent households Mothers are unemployed or under employed Related to someone who is incarcerated Member of a gang or knows someone who is in a gang or sells drugs Related to a drug abuser Mother/father only completed high school education 3

4 Has been suspended from school Has never visited a university or college Inspires to play professional basketball/football Almost every data point from high school dropout rates, suspension, and unemployment is represented in the community. However, despite these negative reports the youth in the community work very hard to overcome the challenges that they have no control over 4. Innovation: (5000 characters) How does this proposal reflect a new or innovative approach to the stated problem? Nationally, data reveals that young black males score below their counterparts in other racial/ethnic groups when it comes literacy rates, graduation rates, and college readiness. As a result, when black youth become adults they are virtually locked out of employment and enter the criminal system at disproportionate numbers (school to prison pipeline). In Madison, according to a recent report written by Race to Equity, black males are more likely to be suspended from school, not be proficient in reading and math, not graduate within four years, and be incarcerated than there white peers. But the question that remains what do the youth think about this national and local crisis? As stated earlier, adults, policy makers, youth development staff, and educators all have given their opinions and solutions about the problems. However, the youth voice is not being considered and/or taken seriously. Thus, what makes this project unique and innovative is (1) the youth voice matters and will be part of the solution to social issues affecing them and their communities (2) youth learn how to think critically, research a problem, analyze the data, and write an action plan (3) youth participants become researchers about their daily lives in hopes of developing realistic solutions for dealing with the problems that they believe need to be addressed (4) by assuming active and full participation in the research process, people themselves have the opportunity to mobilize, organize, and implement individual and/or collective action. Also unlike many of the programs for black male youth in Madison, Brotherhood's Youth Speaks does not focus on sports. It is academic centered and research focused. Our youth work with grauate students and professors on research. Also unlike many other youth programs where decisions are made by adults, the Brotherhood youth have helped determine the issues to be researched. 5. Project/Program Goals: (5000 characters) Please describe the specific goals, objectives and intended measurable impacts of this program/project. Include the number of people you expect will benefit from this project. The Brotherhood's Youth Speaks: Researching, Analyzing, and Acting to Address Social Issues has five goals and five objectives: 1. Increase the youth voice in their schools, community, and Madison 2. Develop research skills (how to think critically, collect data, analyze, problem solve, develop surveys, interview people, etc.) 3. Increase awareness around social issues 4. Learn how to present to the public 5. Increase civic engagement The objectives include: 1. All members will participate in two community service projects in Madison 2. All pariticpants will attend 75% of weekly sessions 3. A researcher from UW or Edgewood will work with the participants once a month on research 4. Partipants will host a community event to present the issue and action plan 5. All members will increase their willingness to read, write, and think critically 4

5 We plan to measure the outcomes, effectiveness, and specific benefits of the program by using pre/post attitudes/behavior/knowledge surveys that will be given to students and mentors, pre/post grade reports, consultation with the teachers, evaluation with experts in the field of youth development and black male achievement, track the number of members in the justice system, track attendance, and track their graduation rate from high school. At the end of the grant cycle, the young men of Brotherhood will help draft a report to document the accomplishments of the program. They will also make a public presentation. The program will impact at least 200 youth in Madison. 6. Program/Project design: (5000 characters) Please describe structure of proposed program or project, hours of service/schedule, staffing, curriculum or project/service structure, etc. Structure of Proposed Program, Hours, and Staffing: Brotherhood's Youth Speaks wrokshops will take place 2-3 three times a month (appox. 15 hours). The students will learn how to research (think, analyze, problem solve, interview, present, and survey). The group will go on several research trips to meet with local reseachers, policy makers, data experts, officials, and students to learn what research looks like at different levels. Fields trips may include visiting UW, YWCA, City Hall, Cap Times and City Hues, 100 State Street, etc. The research and discussion sessions will be led by volunteer adults, researchers, and the students. Two of our alumni will be the only one receiving compensation for his time working with the participants. Group Work Plan (curriculum, and service structure): October: Meet twice in the month to discuss the research project and the possible issues to reseach November: Meet with UW professor/student to discuss research and youth civic engagement Meet with Alderman Maurice Cheeks and/other other city offcials to discuss project December: Meet to discuss social issues, research methods, and activities; take a research field trip #1 Jan -April: Meet to research and analyze issue/issues and pass out surveys; take research trip #2 and #3; meet with Alderman Maurice Cheeks; work with professor and/or research; community service projects May-Sept: Meet to problem solve and come up with action plan; prepare for public presentation; conduct surveys and interviews; community service projects; research field trips #4, 5, and 6; present to the public. 7. Community Engagement: (2500 characters) Please describe how residents and community were engaged in the development of the proposed project or program. As mentioned earlier, the youth in the Brotherhood group participate in every decision including selecting the speakers, curriculum, field trips, dispute resolution, etc. During the past year, our youth have read the Race to Equity Report, discussed the school to prison pipeline crisis, talked to their alderman about the lack of opportunities, and met with representatives from MMSD. They have stated that they want to be a part of change and want their voices to be recognized. This project also have the support of many of the adults in the community. They have come out to participate in our programs and have discussed with us issues affecting our community. The end result of the conversations and community engagement is the need for our youth to become civically engaged and learn how to think/solve the social issues that affect them. 5

6 8. Collaboration: (2500 characters) Please describe the level of involvement with other service providers, schools, funders, government bodies, or other public or private stakeholders in the development of this proposal and its expected implementation. The Brotherhood organization is fortunate to have the support of students, parents, residents, UW Madison, business owners, & county/city agencies. During the past year months, stakeholders have met and discuss how to improve the quality of the Brotherhood organization and to make it effective and results driven. The most important voice was that of the youth. Local residents have also expressed their desires for more opportunities for the young men. In a reversal of roles, several months ago the students and residents approached representatives (professors and PhD students) from UW Madison to help the Brotherhood with its agenda. As a result, the Brotherhood has received assistance from the professors and students with brainstorming the problem/issues, researching ideas/practices that work, learning about technology and how to use it, and learning to build a healthy partnership with youths and adults (where the youth voice is front and center). Thus, the Brotherhood organization is using a collaborative approach to develop a program that is sustainable and effective. An example of this is the writing of this proposal. The Brotherhood sought out the support of our partners (UW Madison, a consulting firm, etc.) in the community to strategize and draft the grant proposal. Thus, we were given access to a lab top (since we currently don t possess a computer and in order to submit the proposal you need access to the internet), technical assistance in helping organize the grant, and the promise to help implement the grant if funds are awarded. Also, it is important to note that the young men have played a role in the drafting of this proposal- this is what makes this organization different from others.. 9. Proposed Timeline for Implementation: Activity Estimated Date of Completion 24 Sessions about Research, Social Issues, and Engagment 10/1/ Reserch Field Trips 10/1/ Meetings with city officials to discuss research and issue 10/1/ Surveys 10/1/2015 Public Presentation on Social Issue and Youth Action/Response 9/1/ Community Service Projects 10/1/ Funding: (500 characters each) a) What other funding have you sought and/or received to support this project? Allied Dunns Marsh Neighborhood Ass., Private Donations, Allied Partners, and CDA b) Do you anticipate future funding needs from City sources associated with this proposal? Please describe. Our goal is to be sucessful and to make the city proud of its investment. As a result, we do plan to apply for future funding because we believe we will be a model program that is helping improve the quality of life in Madison. The City of Madison will get an excellent return on its investment. c) Has your organization received funding from the City of Madison Community Development Division, City of Madison CDBG office, Community Services, the Emerging Opportunities Program or the former Emerging Neighborhoods Program in the last 5 years? Yes No 6

7 11. Budget: Summarize your project budget by estimated costs, revenue, and fund source. BUDGET EXPENDITURES TOTAL PROJECT COSTS AMOUNT OF CITY $ REQUESTED AMOUNT OF NON- CITY REVENUES SOURCE OF NON- City FUNDED PORTION A. Personnel Costs (Complete Personnel chart below) 1. Salaries/Wages (show detail below) Fringe Benefits and Payroll Taxes B. Program Costs 1. Program supplies and equipment Office Supplies Transportation 4. Other (explain) 3000 C. Space Costs 5. Rent/Utilities/Telephone 6. Other (explain): D. TOTAL (A + B + C) Explanation of Other expenses: (500 characters) Brotherhood would like to take the young men on research field trips to UW Madison, Edgewood, and Milwuakee to expose the young men to experiences outside of the Allied Drive Neighborhood. This is the cost of the research field trips, also would like to take the boys on field trips that reward them for their hard work, good behavior, and attendance in the group. 12. Personnel Chart: Please list all paid staff that will be working on the proposed program/project. Title of Staff Position F.T.E.* Proposed Hourly Wage* Marquis Flanagan $13 Staff TBD $10 $ $ $ TOTAL *FTE = Full Time Equivalent (1.00,.75,.50, etc.) 2080 hours = 1.00 FTE Please identify FTE that will be spent in this project. *Note: All employees involved in programs receiving City of Madison funds must be paid the established Living Wage as required under City of Madison Ordinance Effective January 1, 7

8 2014 December 31, 2014, the Living Wage is $12.45 per hour. Effective January 1, 2015 December 31, 2015, the Living Wage will increase to $12.62 per hour. 13. Fiscal Agent Relationship (if applicable): If applicant organization is not a 501c (3) this section must be completed. If applicant is a 501c (3) please skip to the Signature Page. Fundamental expectations of the Fiscal Agent and Applicant relationship: The Fiscal Agent should read the EOP application and have some confidence that the applicant agency will be able to successfully implement the proposed project or program. The Fiscal Agent will accept allocated funds from the City of Madison for the identified program or project and reimburse the applicant for expenses incurred performing the work of the contracted program. The Fiscal Agent and the applicant agency will decide who will provide and purchase the necessary insurance coverage for the identified program. The Fiscal Agent will ensure that the funded project or program is in compliance with City of Madison Purchase of Service Contact requirements, including but not limited to Living Wage requirements, Non Discrimination and Affirmative Action, and equal benefits protections. Applicant is expected to provide the Fiscal Agent with the Fiscal Agent Commitment Form. Please indicate date and staff person that received this form. Date: 8/29/14 Staff person: Leslie McAllister Position: President Telephone Number:

9 -SIGNATURE PAGE- 1. Affirmative Action: If funded, applicant hereby agrees to comply with City of Madison Ordinance and file either an exemption or an Affirmative Action Plan with the Department of Civil Rights. A model Affirmative Action Plan and instructions are available at 2. Living Wage Ordinance: All employees involved in programs supported by City of Madison funds must be paid the established Living Wage as required under City of Madison Ordinance For January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014, the Living Wage is $12.45 per hour. Effective January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015 the Living Wage will increase to $12.62 per hour. For more information on Living Wage requirements, go to 3. City of Madison Contracts: If funded, applicant agrees to comply with all applicable local, State and Federal provisions. A sample contract that includes standard provisions may be obtained by contacting the Community Development Division at (608) If funded, the City of Madison reserves the right to negotiate the final terms of a contract with the selected agency. 4. Signature: (Any applications submitted without a signature will be considered incomplete and will not be considered for funding.) Applicant Signature: Enter Name: Katy Farrens By entering your initials in the box, KF You are electronically signing your name and agreeing to the terms above. Date: 8/29/14 9

10 Fiscal Agent Roles and Responsibilities for Emerging Opportunities Program Applicants A Fiscal Agent relationship is an arrangement in which a 501c(3) organization agrees to act and provide services on behalf of another entity. As implemented through the Emerging Opportunities Program (EOP), grant allocations are awarded to the Fiscal Agent with the understanding that the Fiscal Agent and the EOP applicant have agreed to some level of collaboration on the identified project. Additionally, the City would encourage and support fiscal agent relationships in which the applicant agency benefits from the Fiscal Agent s ability to provide mentoring and capacity building assistance in areas of program design and implementation and administrative functioning. Fundamental expectations of the Fiscal Agent and applicant relationship: 1. The Fiscal Agent should read the EOP application and have confidence that the applicant agency will be able to successfully implement the proposed project or program. 2. The Fiscal Agent will accept allocated funds from the City of Madison for the identified program or project and reimburse the applicant for expenses incurred performing the work of the contracted program. 3. The Fiscal Agent and the applicant agency will decide who will provide and purchase the necessary insurance coverage for the identified program. 4. The Fiscal Agent will ensure that the funded project or program is in compliance with City of Madison Purchase of Service Contract requirements, including but not limited to Living Wage requirements, Non-Discrimination and Affirmative Action requirements, and equal benefits protections. Additionally the party acting as the Fiscal Agent may want to: Ensure that the proposed project or program is in alignment with agency mission and goals. Seek Board approval before accepting responsibility for the Applicant s program or project. Establish a formal Memorandum of Understanding with the Applicant that outlines the roles and responsibilities of parties involved.

11 Fiscal Agent Commitment Form Emerging Opportunities Program Submit Commitment form to Deadline: 12:00 pm (noon) on Friday August 29, 2014 LATE FORMS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. The Fiscal Agent should complete the following: If you need assistance with this form or have any questions please contact CDD staff at Applicant Agency or Group: Title of Proposal: Applicant Contact Person: Allied Brotherhood Group Amount Requested: $10840 Brotherhood Youth Speaks: Researching, Analyzing, and Acting to Address Social Issues Katy Farrens Address: 4722 Crescent Rd. Madison, WI Telephone: Name of Fiscal Agent: Fiscal Agent Contact Person: Address: Fiscal Agent Organization founded (Year): Wellness Center Leslie McAllister or Barry Hayes Telephone: or 2004 Is Fiscal Agent a 501c(3)? or Yes No

12 -SIGNATURE PAGE- If the applicant agency is funded through the City of Madison Emerging Opportunities Program, funds will be administered through a contract with the identified Fiscal Agent. As an identified Fiscal Agent for this EOP proposal, Agent agrees to meet fundamental expectations as outlined in this document. Additionally, the Fiscal Agent states intent to comply with City of Madison contract requirements including, but not limited to the following: 1. Affirmative Action: If funded, Fiscal Agent hereby agrees to comply with City of Madison Ordinance and file either an exemption or an Affirmative Action Plan with the Department of Civil Rights. A model Affirmative Action Plan and instructions are available at 2. Living Wage Ordinance: All employees involved in programs supported by City of Madison funds must be paid the established Living Wage as required under City of Madison Ordinance For January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014, the Living Wage is $12.45 per hour. Effective January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015 the Living Wage will increase to $12.62 per hour. For more information on Living Wage requirements, go to 3. City of Madison Contracts: If funded, Fiscal Agent agrees to comply with all applicable local, State and Federal provisions. A sample contract that includes standard provisions may be obtained by contacting the Community Development Division at (608) If funded, the City of Madison reserves the right to negotiate the final terms of a contract with the selected agency. 4. Signature: (Any applications submitted without a signature will be considered incomplete and will not be considered for funding.) Fiscal Agent Signature: Enter Name: Leslie McAllister By entering your initials in the box, Date: 8/29/14 LM You are electronically signing your name and agreeing to the terms above.