let’s talk policy

Let’s Talk PolicyAmy Borgstrom

Associate Director for PolicyAmeriCorps State and National

Desired Outcomes   

• Know about policy activities of the past year• Understand what’s new in 2007 Notice• Provide input concerning current policies

under consideration• Suggest new policies that should be

developed

Policy       

• Main Entry: 1pol·i·cy Pronunciation: 'pä-l&-sEFunction: nounInflected Form(s): plural -ciesUsage: often attributiveEtymology: Middle English policie government, policy, from Middle French, government, regulation, from Late Latin politia

• 1 a : prudence or wisdom in the management of affairs • b : management or procedure based primarily on material interest

• 2 a : a definite course or method of action selected from among alternatives and in light of given conditions to guide and determine present and

future decisions • b : a high-level overall plan embracing the general goals and acceptable

procedures especially of a governmental body. •  Philosophically speaking…

Some purposes of policy   

• Predictability• Transparency• Customer service• Burden reduction

Policy development    

• New Policy 100– Improved CNCS-wide policy clearance– Faster response as policy needs occur

• Program Policy Council• Test drive: Extenuating Circumstances

2007 Notice of Federal Funding Opportunity Highlights      • $88,000 for new and recompetes• January 25 deadline for State, February 15 for National• Mid May notification• PLAIN LANGUAGE• Emphasis on strategic initiatives• 15% new, role of formula clarified• Cost per MSY remains the same• Cost per MSY for EAPs increases to $600• Cost per MSY for new and recompeting Professional Corps

increases to $2,500• Minimum living allowance $11,100, maximum $22,200

Policy systems      

• Communications Center

Communications Center

Communications Center

AmeriCorps Policy Help    

• Web based Help • Keyword searchable, indexed

– Regulations– Provisions– Online archive of Q&A, legal opinions, and policy

documents issued by AmeriCorps since 1994

Looking forward to 2007    

• Burden reduction• One year funding• Rulemaking 2

Policy To-Do’s

• Deobligation of slots• Application fees• Concurrent terms• Refill• Slot conversion• On call hours

Let Your Voice Be Heard

• Generate as many opinions as possible: Policy To Do’s (10 minutes)

• Generate as many ideas for new policies that need to be developed (10 minutes)

• Generate Top 3 Policy Priorities (10 minutes)• Report out (15 minutes)

What do YOU think?   

• Deobligation of slots• Application fees• Concurrent terms• Refill• Slot conversion• On call hours

What do YOU think?   

What other NEW policies should be developed?

What do YOU think?   

What are your Top 3 Policy Priorities for the coming year?

1.2.3.

Desired Outcomes   

• Know about policy activities of the past year• Understand what’s new in 2007 Notice• Provide input concerning current policies

under consideration• Suggest new policies that should be

developed

Let’s Talk PolicyAmy Borgstrom

Associate Director for PolicyAmeriCorps State and National