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Give the Gift of Membership |
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Please consider an investment in stronger organizations and healthier communities by sponsoring IACED's Gift Membership Program.
For a $250 investment, this program funds the dues for nonprofit members facing financial obstacles but who wish to maintain an active voting IACED membership. IACED publicly recognizes Gift Membership Program participants.
For more information, please contact Tommy Tabor at ttabor@iaced.org.
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Greetings!
Massachusetts has recently been in the news because of its impact on the health care debate and national political environment. In the community economic development industry, the Bay State is in the news for another reason. Joe Kriesberg, my colleague and counterpart as President of the Massachusetts Association of Community Development Corporations recently penned an article in Shelterforce magazine discussing a 21st Century Vision for Community Development. This article is relevant for all IACED members because of the fundamental questions it asks about how best to serve communities and families; any community-based organization or partner would benefit from a thorough reading.
The article discusses the future of community development corporations as an organizational model for the industry and for addressing community challenges. The article asks critical questions about organizational effectiveness and how to grapple with the difficulties of change.
Many of the social problems that IACED members face every day are adaptive challenges, the solutions to which you will remember from the 2008 Statewide Conference on Housing and Community Economic Development require changing people's minds and hearts. Building healthy communities and ending homelessness are only two examples of the many adaptive challenges our industry faces; and to address these and other challenges, we often have to learn new ways and choose between what can appear to be contradictory values. Every day, IACED members strive to address adaptive challenges that must be addressed in combination with a number of partners in our local communities.
To engage in the critical discussions about addressing adaptive challenges and move beyond the sometimes paralyzing turf battles, varying priorities, multiple agendas, and confusing rhetoric which accompany collaborative efforts to impact change consider these five ground rules:
- Identify shared values
- Be results-oriented
- Acknowledge the past
- Be flexible
- Come to "terms" (i.e. understand there are a number of ways to describe the missions of organizations, but we share a common purpose to improve lives and engaged in build sustainable communities).
The article goes on to describe eight ways to build a sustainable movement for tackling the big challenges of today to create healthy communities and help families secure economic security. A few of the key ideas include:
- Think long-term
- Make the work of organizations financially-viable
- Make room for new leadership
- Create stronger linkages to other sectors
- Organize and advocate for improved public policies
At IACED, the board of directors and staff are embarking on a strategic planning process to grapple with these key ideas to position the organization to best serve member needs for the long-term. The initial planning has developed consensus on key questions, discussed comprehensive community development as a mobilizing "theory of change", and defined next steps toward establishing a planning process this spring. The board is committed to using a generative process for this planning.
Applying generative thinking means the board will not spend too much time on minutia and management issues, such as funding. Instead, it will focus on big-picture strategy and leadership growth in the form of the board of directors and management. The most important work of a board involves generative work-making sense of circumstances, trying to make meaning of events, and determining the correct questions. Grappling with a 21st century vision for the shared work of the community economic development industry is the epitome of generative work. Member input is critical in these conversations. Email your reactions to these ideas to me at afraizer@iaced.org.
Regards,
Andy Fraizer
Executive Director
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Connect with IACED Online |
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Don't Forget to Renew Your Membership!
IACED recently sent a second round of invoices to 2009 members whose memberships are set to expire on January 31, 2010. To receive member benefits such as event and training discounts, Rebuilding Indiana Monthly and funding information, technical assistance discounts, and Homeward Bound participation you will need to have a current 2010 membership as of January 31, 2010. Please contact Lindsey Knight at lknight@iaced.org or Tommy Tabor at ttabor@iaced.org to check your membership status. |
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IACED Website Has a New Look!
IACED is pleased to announce that we have launced a new and improved website: www.iaced.org.
Some of the main features you'll notice include:
- Easy to access information on IACED programs and projects
- An enhanced members only area
- Regular updates featuring news, events, stories and announcements
Access to the members only area will only be granted to 2010 members in good standing. Please contact Lindsey Kight lknight@iaced.org or Tommy Tabor ttabor@iaced.org for more information and to obtain login credentials. |
Big Changes in Store for February Edition of Rebuilding Indiana Monthly!
Beginning in February, the Rebuilding Indiana Monthly Newsletter (RIM) will be a much shorter publication with more valuable content. Rather than long articles, this newsletter will link directly to content on the new web site: www.iaced.org.
In the future, RIM will serve as a table of contents for member-only and public content on the IACED web site and blog. Upon accessing any member-only content you will be prompted for a username and password.
Many of the most valuable articles, funding opportunities, and content will be restricted only to members in good standing. If you have not already received it, credentials for accessing the member-only content will be sent to 2010 members in early-February. If you have questions, please contact Tommy Tabor at ttabor@iaced.org or Lindsey Knight at lknight@iaced.org.
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Adocacy and Public Policy Updates
Since the 2010 Indiana General Assembly gaveled into session, IACED has been actively involved . IACED has testified in multiple committees on numerous issues important to members. IACED legislative priorities include microenterprise and economic improvement districts. As reported in the IACED blog, these priorities have successfully passed out of committee and are expected to pass from their house of origin.
February 3 is the deadline for legislation to pass out of its house of origin. January 29 will likely be the last day for legislation to be heard in a committee. Many of the 420 Senate bills filed and the 391 bills filed in the House of Representatives will not pass from one legislative chamber to the other. Legislators will attempt to amend some of the concepts in these bills not successful in the house of origin into bills that did pass. The IACED public policy team and Public Policy Committee will be diligent in following these bills and we will keep you posted via this blog and action alerts of important issues and concerns that arise.
Monitor legislation of interest on IACED's web site, this page is on the web site under the Services > Public Policy & Advocacy section ( Legislation of Interest - 2010 Indiana General Assembly). This page articulates IACED's policy position and connects you to the Indiana General Assembly web site. Once you reach the appropriate page discussing the legislation of interest, a good process is to read the bill synopsis and the latest Fiscal Analysis of the bills. These are created by the Legislative Services Agency and often clarifies the effects or intent of the bill in plain language. With this information you can envision the possibilities of how it may effect your organization.
IACED will be posting timely advocacy and public policy updates on our blog at www.iaced.org/blog.
Recent posts regarding state legislative policy include:
Remember to contact IACED, Andy Fraizer, if you contact a legislator regarding any of this legislation. Please contact Andy Fraizer at afraizer@iaced.org for more information on IACED's Advocacy and Public Policy initiatives.
In addition to the 2010 Indiana General Assembly, several posts are available dealing with federal administraive and legislative policy.
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Welcome New and Returning Members!
IACED would like to thank the more than 180 members who have joined or renewed their memberships as of January 28, 2010.
IACED is pleased to welcome the following new members to our association this month:
Thank you for joining! We are looking forward to getting to know you and helping you serve Indiana communities and families. |
Homeward Bound Web Site Online for 2010 Select Walk Sites
Several of the early-Spring Homeward Bound Walks began accepting donations online at www.homewardboundindiana.org this month. Summer and Fall walks will begin accepting donations over the next few months. Please support the more than 90 IACED members that benefit from Homeward Bound by donating to a Homeward Bound event near you.
In 2010, Homeward Bound events are scheduled to take place in the following communities:
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Greater Lafayette - 4/10/2010
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Bloomington - 4/18/2010
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Wabash Valley (Terre Haute) - 4/18/2010
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Delaware and Madison Counties (Chesterfield) - 4/25/2010
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Northeast Indiana (Fort Wayne) - 4/25/2010
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St Joseph County (South Bend) - 4/25/2010
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Howard and Tipton Counties (Tipton) - 5/15/2010
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Evansville - 6/12/2010
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Elkhart County - 9/25/2010
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La Porte County (Michigan City) - 9/25/2010
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Central (Indianapolis) - 10/16/2010
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JP Morgan Chase Grants $110,000 to IACED
IACED received a $110,000 grant from the JPMorgan Chase Foundation for a Comprehensive Community Development Demonstration Program in Elkhart and Allen counties. The goal of the demonstration program is to promote a holistic approach to healthy community building at the neighborhood level that integrates civic, social, physical, and economic development. The demonstration program will showcase a renewed approach to community development activities that promotes holistic and resident-driven improvements which will strengthen and sustain selected neighborhoods.
Click here to read the entire article
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IACED Trainings
Scheduled Trainings
- Comprehensive Community Development - 1st & 2nd Quarters
- Certified LEAD Training - March 2010
- Using Data to Make Decisions - May 2010
- Aging in Place - August 2010
- Affordable Green Housing Development - 2nd & 3rd Quarters
- Executive Leadership - 3rd Quarter
- Land Banking to Facilitate Community Development - 3rd Quarter
- Project Development Training (a series of five) - 3rd and 4th Quarter
- Regional CHDO Training Series (TBD)
Please contact John Marron at jmarron@iaced.org for more information regarding IACED trainings. Remember, you must be a current IACED member to receive training discounts.
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IACED Affinty Group Meetings
Homeownership Education and Counseling (HomeEC)
- Next conference call: 2/25/2010 - 10:00AM-11:00AM (EDT)
Individual Development Accounts
- Next meeting: 2/4/2010 - 10:30AM-12:00PM (EDT)
Microenterprise
- Next meeting: 2/4/2010 - 2:00PM - 4:00PM (EDT)
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The following trainings are being conducted by various IACED partner organizations. IACED is NOT involved in the organization or delivery of these trainings. Questions regarding these trainings should directed to the specific partner listed.
Grant Writing USA
Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA)
CDBG Disaster Recovery
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Building Better Blocks The following article was submitted to IACED by Southeast Neighborhood Development (SEND) in Indianapolis:
"After great success with the Building Blocks approach to 2008's Fab For Less in the Bates-Hendricks neighborhood, we're continuing this approach with our projects in the North Square, Bates-Hendricks, and Churchman Avenue areas. Building Blocks involves neighbors setting goals for their blocks and working with us at SEND to accomplish these goals. And the results of this partnership have been amazing!
In 2008, Fab For Less: Building Blocks for Afforable Livnig transformed two city blocks along South New Jersey Street, with three homes remodeled, others spruced up, and communal greenspace receiving a majore makeover. With the financial support of a grant from LISC, we managed the project, and a hard-working group of Bates-Hendricks residents took part in everything from the visioning process through the dirty work.
The 18-month effort started with a six-person steering committee that surveyed dozens of residents and ended with improvements for 30 of the 40 properties on the street - as well as national recognition through its award from Keep America Beautiful.
Now, we're using the Building Blocks approach in other neighborhood projects, a comprehensive approach to putting community development into action. We're hopeful for even more of teh success we've seen that comes from neighbors and people from community organizations rolling up their sleeves and working together."
For more information about Building Better Blocks, please contact SEND at send@sendcdc.org. |
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Send Us Your Stories
IACED knows that our members are doing great work - we'd like to spread the word! If you've had a successful project or a remarkable experience, send your story to Lindsey Knight lknight@iaced.org or call 317-920-2300 ext. 10.
Don't have time to send the whole story now? Just send an email expressing interest, and an IACED staff member will follow up with you. |
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Around Indiana
CDBG Grant Applications Updated on OCRA's Website
Several of the CDBG grant applications on OCRA's website have been recently updated. Please make sure you are using the new applications from the website and discard any old copies you might have saved. OCRA will not accept applications turned in using the old forms. Please contact your community liaison if you have questions. A map of community liaisons is available at
37 Agencies Left Homeless by United Way Fire in Columbus
The United Way of Bartholomew County (45 miles south of Indianapolis) was devastated by fire on Christmas. The United Way Center housed 37 governmental and nonprofit organizations. About 275 employees worked in the building. Some agencies lost everything to fire.
Please click here to find out how you can help.
Rare form of Tuberculosis investigated in Indy Homeless Shelters
An alert from the Marion County, Indiana Health Department, as officials investigate a rare form of tuberculosis in Indianapolis that hasn't been seen anywhere else in the United States. TB is a respiratory bacteria that can become deadly if left untreated. Health officials say this particular strain was discovered a couple of months ago in eight homeless men at a downtown Indianapolis shelter that hasn't been publicly identified. It's been circulating among the homeless population since then. Click here to read the full article. |
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Across the Nation
Communities Conduct 2010 Point-in-Time Counts
This week, communities across the country are conducting their homeless counts, which will help gauge the number of people experiencing homelessness in the United States. These counts are required every other year by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), though many communities also conduct counts in off-years, including 2010. They represent a critical piece of data about the state of homelessness in the country. Communities generally submit reports on their counts to the federal government in the fall, and HUD usually issues a national report of the aggregated finding in the summer of the following year. A report of the January 2009 counts is expected out this coming July. Our partners at the National Alliance to End Homelessness (NAEH) have penned a blog post about the purpose and methodology of these counts. The post provides insight into different strategies, the objectives of the counts, and how regularly such counts are conducted.
Click here access the post.
New Guidance Published on Banks' Responsibilities under the Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) issued guidance on examination procedures that are to be used to determine a national bank's compliance with the Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act (PTFA) on January 8. The OCC, which regulates national banks (those chartered by the federal government), as well as the federal branches and agencies of foreign banks, issued guidance on the applicability of the Act to these institutions in August of 2008.
Click here for more information.
HUD Reports Show Troubling Trends in the Multifamily Housing Market
HUD report focuses on the emerging problems in the multifamily housing market and the dire impact such issues could have on low income residents.
FHA Announces Policy Changes on Home Mortgages
On January 20, FHA announced proposed changes to its homebuyer program in an effort to strengthen its risk management and assets. Under the proposal, mortgage insurance premium rates would increase from 1.75% to 2.25% of the loan amount, individuals with credit scores below 580 would be required to provide 10% downpayment, and seller concessions would decrease from 6% to 3%. FHA stated that mortgage owners with credit scores below 580 comprised the majority of FHA loan defaults, and individuals with scores above 580 will continue to pay 3.5% downpayment. In 2009 FHA insured 30% of the overall mortgage market.
Click here to access the HUD press release.
New Report Links Homeowners' Auto Dependence With Foreclosure Risk
Homeowners in car-dependent areas without access to alternative transportation are at greater risk of foreclosure, according to a report released yesterday by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) that
calls for mortgage underwriting standards to begin taking so-called "location-efficiency" into account.
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