Hope in Action Ending Poverty Through Systemic Change Systemic Change: Mentoring © 2014, National Council of the United States Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Inc. This copyright covers all materials in this presentation except where otherwise noted. Team Members Name Position Steve Cigich District Council President – Waukesha WI Irene Frechette Diocese Council President – Fall River MA Tom Pelger Diocese Council President – Peoria IL Jeanne Harper (2014) Vice President – North Central Region Mike Syslo (2013) Senior Director of Governance– National Office Tamara Thrasher (2013) Service Trainer – Cincinnati OH Archdiocese Council 2 Hope in Action…ending poverty through systemic change Objectives for this module By the end of this session you will understand: What a mentoring program wrapped-around a “Getting Ahead” workshop might look like The key roles within the mentoring program and how to recruit and train people How to start a mentoring program initiative in your area – either on a small or large scale Hope in Action…ending poverty through systemic change Approach to this Session Interactive presentation Small & large group discussion This is a journey; we do not have all of the answers – we only offer a pathway. As all Vincentian endeavors, we will learn from experience and interactions with each other. Hope in Action…ending poverty through systemic change Agenda The objectives will be accomplished by examining the following attributes of a mentoring program: 1. Its Power – what is its tie to systemic change? 2. Mechanics – why and how will it work? 3. Roles – who are the players and their positions? 4. Getting started – how to implement in my area? Learning will be augmented with Q & A and table talk. Hope in Action…ending poverty through systemic change 1. Systemic Change and Mentoring Hope in Action…ending poverty through systemic change OUR VISION END POVERTY THROUGH SYSTEMIC CHANGE ….One Person One Neighborhood One Community at a time Hope in Action…ending poverty through systemic change Cornerstones of Society’s Systemic Change Effort Empowerment Mentoring Collaboration Advocacy Mentoring requires empowerment, collaboration & advocacy Vision: End Poverty through Systemic Change Hope in Action…ending poverty through systemic change Society’s Mission: Charity & Justice Today’s home visit: immediate, but temporary aid Mentoring committed individuals out of poverty Engaging parish in advocacy Vision: End Poverty through Systemic Change Hope in Action…ending poverty through systemic change Mentoring Objective Empower people to move out of poverty through: Education & skill development Supportive relationships Social & professional connections Spiritual growth Community engagement Hope in Action…ending poverty through systemic change Program Values Every Getting Ahead Investigator … has autonomy and is responsible for their own actions has the potential to grow deserves empathy and compassion has sacred dignity Hope in Action…ending poverty through systemic change 2. The Mentoring Program – Why and How Hope in Action…ending poverty through systemic change The Mentoring Program Mentoring wrapped-around “Getting Ahead in a Just Gettin by World,” a 16-20 session adult-learning workshop Hope in Action…ending poverty through systemic change Getting Ahead’s Principles on Poverty Poverty is the extent a person lacks resources The causes of poverty (based on research) are: 1. 2. 3. 4. Individual behaviors and choices Social and community structure and resources Exploitation Economic and political structures Provide tools for individuals to solve their own problem of poverty Hope in Action…ending poverty through systemic change “If you have come to help me, you can go home again. But if you see my struggles as a part of your own survival, then perhaps we can work together.” –Lila Watson, an Aboriginal Woman from Australia © aha! Process, Inc. Getting Ahead is Based on the “theory of change” “People in poverty might need to change but no more than anyone else in our society.” “People in poverty need an accurate perception of how poverty impacts their lives and an understanding of economic realities as a starting point both for reasoning and for developing plans for transition”. © aha! Process, Inc. Philip DeVol Philosophy of Getting Ahead Grounded in the theory of change Safe, challenging, neutral, agenda-free learning environment “Kitchen-table” learning experience Content & peer dialogue contribute to learning “Investigators” do the work of learning © aha! Process, Inc. Mentoring Program Table Talk What are the benefits of success? Hope in Action…ending poverty through systemic change Mentoring Program - Process 3 Stages: Acceptance Getting Ahead – “Develop Future Story” Implementation View through Investigator Lens Hope in Action…ending poverty through systemic change Stage 1: Acceptance Candidate: Learns of mentoring program and makes contact Meets with 2 mentors to discuss program features, benefits, expectations, and address questions Addresses fundamental issue: Are they willing to undertake a process that will challenge them to change? Candidate makes decision to continue or not Hope in Action…ending poverty through systemic change Purpose of Getting Ahead: What Do I as a Investigator Get? Explore and analyze the themes of my life Assess my resources Make my own arguments for change Build my own future story Make my own choices Prepare myself to take a seat at the decisionmaking table in my community © aha! Process, Inc. Stage 2: Getting Ahead Outcomes Candidates become Investigators in GA: Develop ‘mental models’ regarding their current situation Learn about poverty, hidden rules, & change Assess their own & community resources Develop their “future story” Develop a plan to build resources and achieve their “future story” © aha! Process, Inc. Stage 2: Getting Ahead Relational Support Candidates: Learn from each other Form a peer support network Facilitators guide the process Mentors provide encouragement Demonstrates the power of working together in a community © aha! Process, Inc. Stage 3: Implementation Investigators: Work to achieve their “future story” through building their personal resources Look to mentors for: Support & encouragement An ear to listen and a voice to help guide Connection to others to help build personal resources (“bridging capital”) Investigators set the pace. They’re responsible for own progress © aha! Process, Inc. Mentoring Process 3 Stages: Acceptance Getting Ahead – “Develop Future Story” Implementation View through Program Lens Hope in Action…ending poverty through systemic change Stage 1: Acceptance Program operations: Program communication – word of mouth, brochure, media coverage, partner agency referrals, etc. . . Triage process to connect Candidates with Mentors Database development and maintenance Mentors: Establish relationship – utilize Investigators Information Record as needed Hope in Action…ending poverty through systemic change Stage 2: Getting Ahead Program operations: Secure facility for classroom, meals, and childcare Assign investigators and facilitators to class sessions Secure and distribute all materials Mentor role Facilitator role Hope in Action…ending poverty through systemic change Stage 3: Implementation Program operation: Coordinate mentor, facilitator, and investigator support groups Monitor progress Mentors Persistent but not overbearing Guide, cajole, challenge, encourage, affirm, support. . . Hope in Action…ending poverty through systemic change Parking Lot Questions??? Hope in Action…ending poverty through systemic change “Getting Ahead in a Just Getting By World” - The Workshop Hope in Action…ending poverty through systemic change Philip DeVol Information for Facilitators, Sponsors and Community Collaboratives Philip DeVol Copyright © 2006 by Philip E. DeVol. All rights reserved. www.ahaprocess.com ACTION Process Triangle Plans RESPONSIBILITY Action steps Future stories Page 2 Critical analysis What it means to me Theory of change How to build resources POWER RUBY PAYNE’S FRAMEWORK UNDERSTANDING POVERTY What it’s like now Using the hidden rules of class to build resources UNDERSTANDING WHERE I AM Monitoring our changes Self-assessment Causes of poverty Community assessment CO-INVESTIGATION Introduction 32 Copyright 2012 by DeVol & Associates, LLC. All rights reserved. www.gettingaheadnetwork.com “Getting Ahead”: What’s Involved? Closed group – ideally, 6–10 people Basic program - 16-20 sessions of 2.5-3 hours Meet once or twice a week Puts Bridges and Investigators knowledge into a series of mental models Facilitator helps investigators explore solutions; doesn’t teach / tell them what to do Best results if there is long-term support from community partners for investigators’ plans © aha! Process, Inc. Spiritual Reflection & Discussion SVdP added Two reflection & discussion handouts for each module (one for each session) Format: Scripture quote related to topics discussed Reflection questions Group sharing questions Closing prayer Select (or create your own) one for each week’s material…use them to close your session Program Design Considerations Hope in Action…ending poverty through systemic change Sample Budget Getting Ahead Group of 8 with 16-20 Sessions Line Item Expense Description $25 Stipend / Investigator / session $3,200 6-10 is the ideal group size. Stipend paid by gift card (store, gas, bus pass etc.) Getting Ahead workbooks $156 + S&H 8 Investigator workbooks Facilitator Training SVdP Webinar $38 + S&H Investigator & Facilitator manuals; Mar & May 2014, others to be scheduled Bridges Facilitator DVD $165 + S&H Optional - Module-by-module ideas Facilitators 0 - $900 $0 if volunteers. If using GA graduate investigators, pay at least same as investigator stipends. Workshop & Investigator supplies < $500 Flip-chart paper, colored markers; folders, paper, pen, pencils for investigators. Child care, transportation, food 0 - $1000 Ideally, food & baby-sitting would be inkind; provided by parishioners, area churches. 36 Copyright 2012 by DeVol & Associates, LLC. All rights reserved. www.gettingaheadnetwork.com Investigator Financial Support Primary assistance is not financial but personal, emotional support thru the journey out of poverty Take care not to enable the current situation through ongoing subsidies of basic living expenses Additional financial aid could take the form of “investments” that empower the individual (e.g. education, job skill training, certification…) Any decision for financial aid should be brought back to the conference for approval Hope in Action…ending poverty through systemic change Process Oversight & Support Establish mentoring support group for mentors to share lessons learned Conduct background checks & child safe environment training Establish procedure that enables Investigators to contact an independent Vincentian if there are problems in the mentoring relationship Hope in Action…ending poverty through systemic change Collaboration Councils / Conferences - - provide training, mentoring support groups, mentor oversight; GA organization & facilitation; community resource analysis Partners - - links to organizations that provide resource building programs in the community Businesses - - partnership funding, job interview preference for Investigators Hope in Action…ending poverty through systemic change Religion & Evangelization Open to Investigators of all faiths As the relationship deepens, it will be natural for mentors to share their faith experience…but don’t force our faith or its beliefs Be open about talking about Jesus the man / teacher For Investigators who want to learn more about the Catholic faith, connect them to RCIA program Hope in Action…ending poverty through systemic change Mentoring Program Table Talk What are the barriers in your area? Hope in Action…ending poverty through systemic change 3. The Mentoring Program – The Roles Hope in Action…ending poverty through systemic change Mentoring Program Roles Candidates / Investigators Mentors Facilitators Support teams Supporting Community Organizations Hope in Action…ending poverty through systemic change Getting Ahead Candidates page 127-128 Facilitator Guide Primary Consideration Desire to improve their life situation and willingness to make personal changes to accomplish their goals Other Considerations Open to accepting outside help Strength to overcome resistance from family & friends From an unstable environment and/or poverty Hope in Action…ending poverty through systemic change Continuum of GA Candidates Extremely Unstable Environments Daily life disrupted by violence, illness, addiction, disabilities, and/or unstable community conditions. Highly affected by generational poverty. Stabilizing the environment and building resources may take a very long time. Unstable Environments Daily life can be stabilized enough with supports to attended weekly or bi-weekly sessions. People in generational and situational poverty. Building resources may take a long time. Fairly Stable Environments Daily life can be organized fairly easily. May be able to build resources quickly. Some people in situational poverty. © aha! Process, Inc. Mentors’ Role Team of 2 Vincentians “Connectors” / Cheerleaders / Friends Not counselors / experts in every field which the Investigator may need to develop to move out of poverty Help the Investigator implement their plan Facilitate connections to community sources that enable them to build personal “resources” and achieve their plans Hope in Action…ending poverty through systemic change Mentor Attitude, Knowledge, and Skills Understand aha! Process concepts Ability to: form a trusting relationship easily mentor another person’s self-discovery work with a co-mentor be accepting and non-judgmental Someone who is a survivor but doesn’t carry the “baggage” Can be empathetic without being “taken” Can laugh and have fun Can see the best in those who can’t always see it in themselves Facilitators’ Role Lead Investigators through the Getting Ahead program (Discovery, Goal Setting, and Planning) Augments the Mentor role as another resource for the Investigator Separate the problem / issue from the person Raise difficult issues Encourage accountability Hope in Action…ending poverty through systemic change Facilitator Attitude, Knowledge, and Skills Understand aha! Process concepts Ability to: © aha! Process, Inc. translate from formal to casual register facilitate another person’s self-discovery work in the adult voice work with a co-facilitator work effectively as someone from the dominant culture have a non-judgmental attitude Someone who is a survivor but doesn’t carry the “baggage” Can be empathetic without being “taken” Can laugh and have fun Can see the best in those who can’t always see it in themselves Support Teams Meals – provide ‘family style’ meal for Investigators, children, facilitators, and team members Child Care – provide services for children while parents are going through workshop session Affirmation – purchase gift cards; provide material items (personal care, certificates, trinkets) to affirm and show appreciation for their hard work; order GA books; make copies of handouts Hope in Action…ending poverty through systemic change Community Support Identify “common cause” organizations: Food pantries Homeless shelters Workforce Development “Abuse” shelters Those who provide education & training to the poor Develop educational strategy Hold open-forum discussion sessions Hope in Action…ending poverty through systemic change 4. Operationalization A Tale of Two Cities Hope in Action…ending poverty through systemic change Waukesha County Wisconsin Transforming Lives...Ending poverty through systemic change Universal Education KEY CONCEPT Education Sessions – The Bridges Poverty Lens & Mentoring Program Overview Provide knowledge on working effectively with those in poverty Learn about the mentoring program By the end, be in the position to discern the possible role they might play Hope in Action…ending poverty through systemic change Development Team Establish program scope and overall design Establish guidelines, process flows, and material requirements for your local process Attract people Communication (Newsletters, invitations, other) Marketing Public relations Hope in Action…ending poverty through systemic change Planning Decisions Identifying candidates From SVdP home visits SVdP store employees? Referrals from other community organizations? Hope in Action…ending poverty through systemic change Planning Decisions How will the program be funded? Council-budgeted? Conferences sponsoring Investigators? Collaboration with other community organizations / businesses? Grant? Hope in Action…ending poverty through systemic change Planning Decisions Who will organize the programs? District Council level across conferences in a ‘densely populated’ community Conference level in smaller towns, more rural or isolated settings SVdP only? or in partnership with other community organizations? Hope in Action…ending poverty through systemic change Planning Decisions Scheduling & Frequency 10 modules in 16-20 sessions Evening? Saturday? Afternoon? Flex to best time for Investigators Once or twice a week Frequency of workshop offering Hope in Action…ending poverty through systemic change Creating the Environment for Graduate Investigators to Succeed Network of collaboration partners Programs that build personal “resources” Share in expense of running GA & making “investments” in resource-building Businesses that can provide better jobs Foster support groups Mentoring teams Peer support groups Engage graduate investigators in community assessments & planning Hope in Action…ending poverty through systemic change Implementation Team Preparatory events Introductory – Generate interest Education – The Bridges Lens, the Mentoring Program Training – Mentors, facilitators, support teams Information management / communication Database Communication (email, print, local media) Hope in Action…ending poverty through systemic change Implementation Team, continued Mentoring program set-up Secure facility Coordinate mentors, facilitators, and support teams Support group set-up Investigators Mentors Facilitators Support Groups Facility Neutral sites like: Churches Libraries Community centers Easy access by bus, easy parking Facilities: Wall space for the mental models Round tables (kitchen table learning experience) Space for child care & food prep / storage / serving © aha! Process, Inc. Operational Team In addition to maintaining and running established activities, pay attention to: Establish feedback loops to gather vital input required to tweak and improve the program Share what you have learned with other Vincentians Monitor and report on progress Operational – number educated, trained, Investigators Outcomes – the measures agreed upon locally Hope in Action…ending poverty through systemic change Attracting Program Team Mentors Facilitators Support Teams Other Organizations Transforming Lives...Ending poverty through systemic change Attraction through Discernment 1. Allow the Holy Spirit to work in people’s lives Require Universal Education – lead them to training (facilitator, mentor, support) 2. After training, provide ‘Discernment Questions Indicate interest by signing-up for a Discernment Interview Perform background checks, provide child-safe training where appropriate Discuss answers to questions to determine if it’s a right fit Education / Training / Screening Paths 1. Education Sessions – The Bridges Poverty Lens & Mentoring Program Overview Gain knowledge to discern if further training is for them 2. Functional Training Sessions – Mentor, Facilitator, or Support Team Mentor and Support Teams done locally Facilitator done nationally via SVdP webinar Discern if becoming a practitioner is right for them After training, hold a ‘discernment interview’ to determine if there is a right fit. Mentor Training “No significant learning change occurs without a significant relationship of mutual respect.” - - - Adapted from Dr. James Comer Hope in Action…ending poverty through systemic change Mentor Training Developed and performed locally – may include: Outline of “Getting Ahead” so mentor knows what to expect Relationship aspects (e.g., accepting others as they are, building trust, listening & observation, affirming, empowering dynamic, healing presence, compassion) Change theory and motivation (stages, barriers, and motivational techniques) Hope in Action…ending poverty through systemic change Facilitator Training SVdP’s “Getting Ahead” facilitator webinar (2 x 3½ hr sessions) - No charge, except for purchase of Bridges books Next webinars: Oct 24 & 28 (2-5:30pm Central); Nov 4 & 13 (5-8:30pm Central) • Prerequisites: • Attend workshop including Systemic Change Overview and Bridges Individual Lens DVD Read: Bridges Out of Poverty, Bridges to Sustainable Communities Getting Ahead Facilitator Notes & Getting Ahead Investigator Workbook used in the webinar Hope in Action…ending poverty through systemic change Marinette Wisconsin Tale of Mechanics History Interventions of the Holy Spirit Round 1 – Started 2011 – Classes Jan-May 2012 Round 2 -- Spring 2013 Round 3 – Spring 2014 Round 4 – Fall 2014 Hope in Action…ending poverty through systemic change Mentoring Program Value vs Effort Hope in Action…ending poverty through systemic change Last Chance (for now) – Questions? Hope in Action…ending poverty through systemic change OUR VISION END POVERTY THROUGH SYSTEMIC CHANGE …. One Person One Neighborhood One Community at a time Hope in Action...Ending poverty through systemic change SVdP Resources St Vincent de Paul Systemic Change web portal http://www.svdpusa.org/systemicchange/Home.aspx Aha Resources www.gettingaheadnetwork.com pdevol@ahaprocess.com Copyright 2012 by DeVol & Associates, LLC. All rights reserved. www.gettingaheadnetwork.com