• Replace the Department of Recreation, transferring its duties and responsibilities to the new Commission.

• Redefine the functions of the Department of Parks and Parkways, bringing its recreation services only under the control of the Commission, and

• Provide for the composition, powers, duties, functions, and administration of the Commission.

The Charter change is the first step in realizing the vision of the NORD Citizens Advisory Panel (NORD CAP) designed to enhance recreational services. The creation of the commission would

• Insure transparent and efficient operation of recreation services,

• Increase community confidence in the recreation delivery unit by creating an independent body that could operate without political interference,

• Provide for the development of increased resources for recreational services by establishing a partnership with the private sector to fundraise and develop resources.

The proposed Commission consists of thirteen members and would be known as the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission.  The specific composition of the Commission is not included in the Charter Amendment.  The City Council will act on the composition of the Commission through Council Ordinance after the October vote and the precise make-up will take into account input received from the community and stakeholders.   The new head of the department, hired and/or fired by the commission, would be the single point of accountability concerning all decisions.  The Director will be hired through a comprehensive and transparent national search process once the Commission is seated.  Additionally, the director will coordinate with a partnering fundraising organization to nurture and support booster clubs at every playground and for every team as well as raise additional private funds to supplement public sector dollars.

Please plan to join us on Wednesday, Sept. 22^nd to hear from Councilman Fielkow and NORD CAP leaders about how the proposed charter change will support efforts to bring a high-quality recreation experience to every child in New Orleans.  The meeting will be held at 8:30 a.m. at 4319 Carondelet Street.

Visit Funding & Advocacy in our Resources section to download the RFP, due via email 9/7th. Technical Assistance workshop to be held THUR, 8/19, 9am, Mahalia Jackson Center, 2405 Jackson Avenue, New Orleans LA 70115.

CP3 in the Afterschool Zone Presented by Chase creates a neighborhood campus in which schools and afterschool program providers are connected via free, youth-friendly transportation.  The transportation is staffed by trained drivers and monitors who accompany youth to program sites.  Based on successful models in Providence, RI, and Nashville, TN, CP3 in the Afterschool Zone Presented by Chase model uses best practices for out-of-school-time programming.

Nadiyah Coleman, J.D. Afterzone
Nadiyah Coleman brings brings program expertise, as well as, community leadership to the Afterschool Partnership. Most recently, Nadiyah served on Mayor Landrieu’s Transition Team as Staff Director. She also served as Manager of Social Entrepreneurship in the Lt Governor’s Office for two years. In addition to her state government expertise, she has worked in various capacities for: The National Civilian Community Corps, The Ryan White Title 1 Grant for Louisiana, The New Orleans Department of Health and Tulane/ Xavier National Center for the Urban Community. Mrs. Coleman is a graduate of Loyola University Law School and Xavier University. As the Director of the AfterZone, Nadiayah will coordinate a new initiative that seeks to increase access to quality afterschool programs to children in Central City, and eventually Greater New Orleans.

Bebe Ryan, Strategy and Development
Prior to joining the Partnership, Bebe directed the growth and development efforts of KIPP New Orleans Schools from 2007 until 2010.  As KIPP’s Director of Growth and Development, she raised approximately $10 million in private commitments and led the growth of the highest performing network of public charter schools from 2 schools serving 550 students to 7 schools serving 1700 students.  Prior to KIPP, Bebe worked on hurricane recovery efforts in the Office of the Mayor of Lake Charles, Louisiana.  From 2003 to 2006, Bebe served as the Development Director for Teach For America for the State of Louisiana, increasing revenue by more than 40 percent.  Bebe also worked for three years at the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, where she served as the grant writer, securing several major multi-year awards from national foundations. Ms. Ryan graduated from Bowdoin College with a BA in History and French, and is an alumna of New Orleans Public Schools.

If you are running a program that is not listed or know of an addition resource please register on the site or contact Eric Jensen (ejensen@gnoafterschool.org) as soon as possible for inclusion. Summer is a critical time for children and youth and it is vital that families have a clear idea of what activities and resources are available. Please support New Orleans children, youth, and families by sharing this important resource!

The Youth and Families Transition Task Force report is now available in the Funding & Advocacy section of our Resources.

On 4/22/2010 Transition New Orleans held, One Voice. One Mission. Presenting a Vision for the Future. Each of the 17 task forces formed to gather information and public input on a variety of issues that affect the quality of life for the residents of New Orleans, including Youth and Families, presented their preliminary recommendations to Mayor Mitch Landrieu.

This meeting will be held next Wednesday, 4/7, 6pm at John Mc Donogh High School‎, gym, 2426 Esplanade Avenue. This will be a valuable time for us to share our insights as a strong and committed provider community. In preparation for the meeting please review 10 for 2010 and send in your thoughts, concerns, and questions for our city leaders to info@gnoafterschool.org. We look forward to seeing and hearing from you!

This meeting will replace our Provider Meeting originally scheduled for 4/14/2010.

• What is Proactive Advocacy? A Manual describing Five Proactive Advocacy Strategies that are cost-effective and with a little preparation, can easily be incorporated into your organization’s strategic plan.
• The Five Strategies include:
  • Promote Your Afterschool Program;
  • Collaborations with Partners,
  • Creating Partnerships with Schools, and
  • Engaging in Legislative Issues.

The toolkit is available at the link above and in our Resources, Funding & Advocacy section.