Let’s Talk Policy

1. Let’s Talk Policy Amy Borgstrom Associate Director for Policy AmeriCorps State and National

2. 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

3. Policy        • Main Entry: 1pol·i·cyPronunciation: '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…

4. Some purposes of policy    • Predictability • Transparency • Customer service • Burden reduction

5. Policy development     • New Policy 100 • Improved CNCS-wide policy clearance • Faster response as policy needs occur • Program Policy Council • Test drive: Extenuating Circumstances

6. 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

7. Policy systems       • Communications Center

8. Communications Center

9. Communications Center

10. 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

11. Looking forward to 2007     • Burden reduction • One year funding • Rulemaking 2

12. Policy To-Do’s • Deobligation of slots • Application fees • Concurrent terms • Refill • Slot conversion • On call hours

13. 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)

14. What do YOU think?    • Deobligation of slots • Application fees • Concurrent terms • Refill • Slot conversion • On call hours

15. What do YOU think?    What other NEW policies should be developed?

16. What do YOU think?    What are your Top 3 Policy Priorities for the coming year? 1. 2. 3.

17. 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

18. Let’s Talk Policy Amy Borgstrom Associate Director for Policy AmeriCorps State and National