As 2017 comes to a close, and we look towards the bright future of the CSBG and WAP Networks, we would like to reflect on the past year. First, where has NASCSP been? Next, what were some of the most important milestones of the year? Check out the map and timeline below to get a snapshot of a busy 2017 at NASCSP!
Where has NASCSP Been?
In 2017, NASCSP conducted trainings in 36 states across the country! In addition to meeting the training and technical needs of our members, NASCSP also presented at the conferences of our national partners.
Do you need training or technical assistance in your state? Fill out our T/TA request form to get the process started and NASCSP will develop customized training to meet your needs. View menus of common WAP and CSBG trainings.
Registration for the 2018 NASCSP Winter Conference in Arlington, VA is open. The 2018 Annual Conference will be in Bellevue, Washington in September.
2017 Highlights from WAP & CSBG
January- CSBG Annual Report Cleared by OMB
After a comment process which incorporated the feedback of hundreds of CSBG professionals at all levels of the network, the CSBG Annual Report received final clearance from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The new CSBG Annual Report marks the largest overhaul of CSBG data collection and reporting since the first comprehensive CSBG Information Survey (CSBG-IS) was developed in 1983. On January 20, 2017, the Office of Community Services (OCS) released CSBG IM # 152 Community Services Block Grant Annual Report which details guidance on the implementation and timelines for online submission of the CSBG Annual Report. NASCSP has developed many helpful tools, crosswalks, and other guides to assist in your implementation of the report which can be found here.
February- NASCSP Welcomes New Research Director
NASCSP welcomed Katy Kujawski to the team as our new Research Director. Katy has over 12 years of experience in the Community Action network and previously worked with NASCSP as a consultant providing training and technical assistance to states, support to NASCSP on the CSBG IS Survey, and assistance with implementation of the new Annual Report.
March- NASCSP Spring Conference
CSBG and WAP members convened in Arlington, Virginia for our Spring Training Conference. Check out resources from the conference and learn about the upcoming 2018 Winter Training Conference which will be held February 26- March 2, 2018.
April- States Submit CSBG IS Data
April 7th was the last day for states to make their submissions for the CSBG IS for FY 2016. Also new this year, states submitted data in Module 1 of the CSBG Annual Report for the first time. NASCSP then began the process of data review and preparing the data for the Report to Congress. CSBG IS data is also used to formulate customized CSBG state factsheets available here.
May- NASCSP Testifies at Appropriations Hearing, Community Action Month
NASCSP’s Energy Services Director Ray Judy testified alongside several other WAP advocates in front of the House Energy and Water Appropriations subcommittee. They highlighted the need for robust funding for the WAP in 2018. Special thanks to Ken Robinette (SCCAP), Dan Rieber (NMIC), and Dave Hepinstall (AEA) for making the trip to DC to participate. Read more here.
May was also Community Action Month. NASCSP worked with the Community Action Partnership (CAP) and the National Community Action Foundation (NCAF) to amplify the message of Community Action all month long. Read a Community Action Month blog post about CSBG funded re-entry programs in Texas here.
June- DATA Task Force Convenes in Denver, WAP Expo on Capitol Hill
The CSBG DATA Task Force is convened by NASCSP to assist the Office of Community Services (OCS) and NASCSP in understanding and addressing the CSBG Network’s data needs and the use of data for analysis and continual improvement of results. The task force had its first in-person kick off meeting at the CAPLAW conference in Denver.
WAP advocates also gathered on Capitol Hill in June to host a Weatherization Expo event. The event capped off the 40-year anniversary year of WAP, drawing several members of Congress and dozens of Congressional staffers. Read more here.
July- CSBG Webinar Series
In July NASCSP hosted a webinar series that delved into ROMA Next Generation, the Theory of Change, and the modules of the CSBG Annual Report. These webinars complemented the Annual Report trainings that NASCSP staff presented in dozens of states across the country. View the webinar series here.
August- ACSI Best Practices Work Groups
The American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) measures the satisfaction of grantees and subgrantees of the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) and Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). The survey was conducted in June and July to better understand how well the States operate in delivering services and what training federal partners should provide to the States to enhance their ability to effectively deliver those services.
NASCSP convened Best Practices Work Groups in August for both CSBG and WAP whose purpose is to identify, document, and communicate best practices for the state delivery of services to local agencies.
September- NASCSP Annual Conference in Biloxi
CSBG and WAP professionals gathered for 5 days of training in our wonderful host city of Biloxi, Mississippi. Session topics included ROMA Next Generation, multi-family weatherization, the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) survey, and more. Additionally, State Monitor’s training was offered as a pre-conference option. View materials from the conference here.
October- Weatherization Day
October 30th marked National Weatherization Day! Browse the hashtag #WxDayOct30 on Twitter to see photos and information from events around the country. Also check out the weatherization communication toolkits here.
November- NASCSP Begins New Grant With OCS and Welcomes Project Manager
NASCSP kicked off our new performance management grant with OCS. We are excited to work with OCS over the next three years on a variety of projects, including implementing the CSBG Annual Report and building a performance management website.
Also, NASCSP was happy to welcome Muska Kamran as our new CSBG Project Manager. Muksa has worked in various project management roles in the nonprofit sector in an effort to help underserved communities. Prior to working with NASCSP, Muska was a program officer for Liberty’s Promise where she helped low-income, immigrant youth and their families achieve self-sufficiency by accessing higher education and stable careers.
December- Happy Holidays!
We want to wish you all a Happy Holiday season! We can’t wait to see the great things the dedicated members of the CSBG and WAP community accomplish in 2018!
