Tools, Resources, and Strategies Shared at the 2007 Neighborhood Networks National Training Conference

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Washington, D.C.— On August 8-10, hundreds of stakeholders and HUD staff came together in Washington, D.C., to take part in the 2007 Neighborhood Networks National Training Conference. The conference, which is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD's) Office of Housing, Multifamily Housing Programs, blends expert-led sessions with peer networking, providing Neighborhood Networks stakeholders with plenty of opportunities to learn, discuss strategies, share successes, and gain access to tools and resources for creating and sustaining community technology centers.

Held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, the Neighborhood Networks National Training Conference offered more than 30 sessions customized to help Neighborhood Networks stakeholders achieve greater success. Sessions discussed topics relevant to centers, including technology access, workforce development, youth and senior programming, fundraising, volunteer recruitment, and partnership development. Pre-conference sessions on grantwriting and digital storytelling were offered on August 6 and 7.

Keynote Speakers Highlight Success

Several HUD officials helped to kick off the 2007 Neighborhood Networks National Training Conference. John L. Garvin, the Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Multifamily Housing Programs and Senior Advisor to HUD's Assistant Secretary for Housing, Federal Housing Commissioner Brian D. Montgomery, was the keynote speaker during the opening general session on August 8. Mr. Garvin showcased how centers are connecting residents to opportunities and was joined by Lanier Hylton, Director of the Office of Housing Assistance and Contract Administration Oversight, and Delores A. Pruden, Director of Neighborhood Networks.

Later that day, Frank L. Davis, HUD's General Deputy Assistant Secretary for Housing-Deputy Federal Housing Commissioner, delivered the keynote address at the luncheon. Mr. Davis highlighted how Neighborhood Networks centers are achieving success in many ways; from preparing residents for jobs, to increasing financial literacy and expanding homeownership opportunities, to engaging seniors and helping youth to improve their academic performance.

Centers Recognized for Excellence

Also during the luncheon, HUD recognized the following four Neighborhood Networks centers that achieved advanced levels in the Neighborhood Networks Center Classification System.

Model Status

	Dauphin Gate Neighborhood Networks Center, Mobile, Alabama
	Spartanburg Terrace Resource Center, Spartanburg, South Carolina

Certified Status

	Cathedral Place Neighborhood Networks Center, Mobile, Alabama
	Seneca Caz Community Center, Buffalo, New York

The Center Classification System strives to improve the quality and standards of centers and encourages Neighborhood Networks centers to replicate and implement model programs, services, and procedures.

"We were very excited about achieving Model status," said Vernon Beatty, property manager of Spartanburg Terrace. "We were one of the original centers in 1995. The center started out in my office with computers donated by the local school district. Since that time, we have grown and moved into our own space that has two classrooms with new computers donated by Gateway and Dell. We have made a great deal of progress and achieved great success."

Sessions, Sessions, and More Sessions

With a theme of "Connecting Residents to Opportunities," the conference offered sessions that supported the vital role centers play in helping residents achieve their goals. Some of the topics discussed during the sessions were apprenticeships, wireless networks, the Neighborhood Networks Center Classification System, program planning, consortia, sustainability, Internet safety, creating a digital arts program, access issues, resident participation, financial literacy, funding, blogging and social networking, partnership development, fiscal sponsorship, using the Strategic Tracking and Reporting Tool (START) to create a business plan, and volunteer recruitment.

And, based on previous conference attendee feedback, the format of the 2007 Neighborhood Networks National Training Conference was enhanced to offer extended sessions. These extended sessions provided an in-depth discussion of topics that can greatly contribute to the success of centers, such as financial education, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA's) Imagine Mars Project, technical assistance, fundraising, accessing no- or low-cost computers and software, and program assessment.

Attendees Learn from Expertise and Experience

Many attendees stated that being able to discuss some of the challenges they face with leading experts, as well as peers who have faced or are facing similar issues, was a major benefit of the 2007 Neighborhood Networks National Training Conference.

"The Neighborhood Networks National Training Conference always has lots of valuable learning opportunities, and this year was no different," said Craig Knudsvig, client service manager for the Grand Forks Housing Authority, which manages the LaGrave Learning Center and the Kvasager Learning Center. "Hearing from experts in a variety of fields and meeting HUD staff are always opportunities to improve our work. For me, the most significant value is the chance to learn how other centers do their work. There is so much talent and brain power represented by the operators of centers from all over the country, and I always come home with new tools. I'm grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the learning that occurs."

Frank Lynch, computer specialist at the Pelham Apartments Computer Networks Center in Framingham, Massachusetts, agreed with Knudsvig, stating, "It is always enjoyable to meet others in my field of interest and vocation. The computer and social topics at the conference were especially on target this year."

Exhibitors Host Clinics

In addition to a full schedule of sessions, conference exhibitors featured resources, services, and products of special interest to Neighborhood Networks centers. Exhibitors also conducted clinics that enhanced the learning experience for conference attendees. Exhibiting organizations included:

	Action Without Borders/Idealist.org
	Adult Literacy Media Alliance/EDC, Inc.
	Boys & Girls Clubs c/o FirstPic, Inc.
	California Neighborhood Networks Consortium
	Computers 4 Students
	CTCNet
	Gifts in Kind International
	HUD, Office of Housing, Communication and Marketing Division
	HUD, Office of University Partnerships
	Intel Computer Clubhouse Network, Museum of Science
	National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Jet Propulsion Laboratory
	Legal Services Corporation
	MassIMPACT
	National Library of Medicine
	Neighborhood Networks National Consortium
	Rockford Housing Authority
	SeniorNet
	U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service
	U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid
	U.S. Department of Labor, CareerOneStop
	U.S. Department of Labor, Women's Bureau
	West Ford Computer Learning Center

Visit to Model Center

The conference concluded on August 10 with a site visit to the Community Preservation and Development Corporation's (CPDC's) Gateway@Edgewood Terrace in Washington, D.C. During the site visit, attendees were able to get an up-close look at how this model Neighborhood Networks center-and one of the first to open its doors-plans and implements programs and services that meet the needs of residents and community members.

For Those Who Were Unable to Attend

Copies of the handouts and presentations for each of the sessions is available at the Neighborhood Networks Web site (www.NeighborhoodNetworks.org). The post-conference report that includes summaries of each session will be available in the near future. Conference materials can also be obtained by calling the Neighborhood Networks Information Center toll-free at (888) 312-2743. The hearing impaired may access the number via TTY by calling the Federal Information Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.