Phase II: Advanced Session
March – July, 2010

Goal:
To increase the effectiveness and fundability of participants’ gang reduction/intervention activities through attaining:

• A greater capacity for public policy advocacy and multicultural coalition-building
• A deeper understanding of funder priorities and funding process

Orientation:
On March 9, we gathered to check-in and re-connect with each other, sharing the current status of students’ projects and learning. We also reviewed the semester’s program in detail to ensure that the class understands the process and requirements for the rest of the course.

Course Overview:
From March 23 to April 20, our weekly classes focused on building the skills needed for effective policy program development and coalition work. On April 29, participants took part in a field trip – joining in a citywide Black-Brown faith leaders’ unity prayer service (with pre-service policy workshops.)

In May, only one class session took place – a panel of private funders who discussed their funding requirements and priorities. In June, the class session highlighted a panel of public funders with the same theme.

Practicum:

From March 23-June 30, every student took part in a small group that carried out an advocacy and civic participation project designed to reduce gang involvement, gaining hands-on experience and skills in the process. There were three groups/projects. Each worked with a different partner organization:

1. Group #1 focused on a campaign to produce and pass a city policy providing good jobs and nutritious food for at-risk populations: The aim of this policy was to provide incentives to grocery stores located in poor areas, provide living wage jobs, offer nutritious food and prioritize jobs for “re-entry” (individuals coming out of jail/prison) and youth. Partner: CLUE
2. Group #2 focused on state policies lowering penalties for juvenile and repeat offenders: These policies would stop the sentencing of juveniles to life in prison and soften the three strike legislation. Partner: Faith Communities for Families and Children
3. Group #3 focused on increasing coordination between city, county, police and schools for gang prevention efforts: These county policies would mandate training, agency coordination and community accountability for police and public agencies. Partner: Advancement Project

Each small group had access to a joint mini-grant to support their combined efforts. Details were provided on how the grants could be spent and were discussed in class. The small groups met during the second half of the class time at each session, with facilitation support by IVP staff teams. From April-June, the small group members participated in advocacy activities outside of class time (with more intensive efforts occurring in May and June when there will be fewer formal classes.)

Program Requirements:

• Attendance at all courses (one excused and one unexcused absence)
• Participation in practicum per workplan and assignments
• Brief Final Paper, describing project, insights, challenges and growth in skills
• Group Project Presentation

Program Schedule and Logistics:

Location
All sessions were held at the California African American Museum (CAAM) adjacent to the USC campus. Participants will be notified of any changes via e-mail. The California African American Museum (CAAM) is located in Exposition Park at the corner of Figueroa Street and Exposition Boulevard, west of the 110 (Harbor) Freeway. The address is: 600 State Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90037. View a map.

Parking
Parking is reserved under “IVP.”

March 9	Orientation
March 16	No Class
March 23	Class 1: Policy Projects
March 30	Class 2: Program Development
April 6	Class 3: Program Development IINote: Outside of class time, practicum activities begin 2-3 hours per week
April 13	Class 4: Project Presentations
April 20	Class 5: Coalition Building
April 27	No Class
April 29	Class 6 : Black/Brown Unity Service and Workshop (FIELD TRIP)
May	Private Foundation Priorities and Requirements (Date TBA)Note: Outside of Class Time, Practicum Activities Continue 3-5 hours per week
June	Public Funding Priorities and Requirements (Date TBA)Note: Outside of Class Time, Practicum Activities Continue 3-5 hours per week
July 1	Group Presentations*Deadline for final expenses to be submitted for payment/reimbursement *Practicum Reports due
July	Graduation (Date TBA)