Call for Models application

Poverty is complex. Working to reduce poverty is tough and complicated. That’s why communities all across the country are using systemic approaches to attack poverty at its roots.

In May 2008, the Northwest Area Foundation will sponsor the region’s third conference devoted to showcasing the innovative models and tools communities are developing to get out and stay out of poverty. 

The goal is to "identify, share, and advocate for what works." The purpose of the conference is to provide a place and time for attendees to roll up their sleeves and examine practical models at work in communities all across the country. 

You are invited to share your model with conference attendees – community private citizens, policymakers, business leaders, service providers, and researchers interested in poverty reduction. Your presentation will contribute to the body of systems and tools conferees can consider as they work to reduce poverty and increase wealth in their home communities.

Who should apply.  Organizations, nonprofits, agencies, social entrepreneurs or community members engaged in poverty reduction who have the ability to capture and analyze information, and the capacity and interest to share it with others. Urban, rural and reservation-based models are requested.

• Various members of a single community can apply as a single unit to describe their model from a number of perspectives (private citizen, policymaker, business leader, service provider, etc.)
• Several communities can apply together to form a panel to examine a certain aspect of community-based work. For example, you can examine the challenges, successes and failures in integrated solutions, staffing, resource allocation, moving to policy, etc.

Types of models that may be presented. You are encouraged to cite and describe significant programs, activities and tools used in the model. Proposals will be accepted for the following model types:

Emerging ideas in poverty reduction. Many communities are taking a stand against poverty and are just beginning to implement those plans. While the models will not have been evaluated, please indicate your strategy to measure individual and community outcomes and results.

Tested models, programs, or tools in poverty reduction. Proposals that demonstrate successful programs, which have been evaluated and that can be replicated or adapted by others will transfer knowledge about those ideas to conference attendees. We require that programs be evaluated for at least two years. You are encouraged to cite and describe the evaluation process and outcomes, as well as the significant interventions and tools used in the model. 

Advocating for poverty reduction. Advocacy encompasses efforts on the local, state and federal levels to work with policymakers to enhance their understanding and actions to support community-wide poverty reduction. You are encouraged to cite and describe the approach, tools and outcomes used in the model.

These models will be presented at the conference in tracks that can be followed throughout the event or mixed and matched to develop an integrated understanding of poverty reduction.

Possible Session Topics
We all know that poverty is multi-facted and requires a number of approaches to effectively address its many dimensions.  Here are some possible session topics that could be submitted for presentation at the conference:

• Microenterprise
• Workforce development
• Asset building
• Community capacity building
• Affordable housing
• Leadership development
• Social entrepreneurship
• Public policy
• Green enterprise
• Predatory lending
• Health care models

• Each presentation session is 70 minutes long. This is the total time allowed for both the presentation and for questions and answers from session attendees.
• If you are interested in presenting an aspect of an innovative community model (i.e., moving to policy, engaging community, identifying community assets) as a member of a panel of communities, please indicate this.

Selection criteria.

• The proposal and presentation methods are clearly described 
• History of success and demonstrated outcomes (if an emerging idea the proposal should indicate evaluation plans) 
• Ability to share lessons learned
• Potential for practical replication/adaptation
• Relevance to poverty reduction
• Potential to attract an audience
• Addresses basic problems, root causes
• Focuses on sustainable approaches for lasting changes
• Describes community challenges and solutions: practical work, field work, your work

Presenter Benefits
Models and presenters chosen for conference presentation will receive:

• Exposure to a national audience that represents a wide array of organizations and individuals working to reduce poverty.
• A $2,000 honorarium to encourage ongoing sharing of the model with other communities. If a community is presenting its model, a tax-exempt nonprofit organization or a unit of government should be designated to receive the funds.
• Registration for Grassroots & Groundwork 2008 at a discounted rate.
• Participation in a 30-minute teleconference to outline presentation goals and expectations.
• One-on-one presentation coaching with an Northwest Area Foundation consultant to assist you in developing the content and format for your presentation.
• Attend a short welcome reception prior to the conference to meet other presenters and build your network of contacts.

Presenters are responsible for providing their own materials, handouts and equipment.  It is expected that presenters will provide their own travel-related expenses to attend the conference. By submitting a proposal, the presenter expresses intent to fulfill the presentation role, if accepted.

The Northwest Area Foundation will provide:

• Presenter compensation.
• A consultant to assist you in developing your presentation content and format.
• Presentation materials and contact information to attendees and the larger public via the Grassroots & Groundwork Web site.

Please use the online application form to submit your proposal by December 14, 2007. To apply by mail, print out the application form and send to:

Model Proposal
Grassroots & Groundwork
Northwest Area Foundation
60 Plato Boulevard East, Suite 400
St. Paul, MN   55107

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