Facilitation for Results A Case Study: KANGO

Facilitation for Results A Case Study: KANGO by Nance Munderloh

PartnersColby Community CollegeColby Adult EducationKansas WorksNorton Correctional Facility

Colby Community College Adult Education is partnering with Colby Community College and Kansas Works to provide education and services for inmates at the Norton Correctional Facility with funding provided from stimulus dollars.2The ProjectRaise skill sets of inmates for higher level employment and/ or post secondary entry.Assist in obtaining WORKReady certificates. Providing opportunity for inmates to enroll in and complete a college certificate program.Provide assistance in reintegrating into individuals into the job market.

The current project has four main goals including raising skill sets for job and educational placement, obtaining credentials sought by employers, offering opportunity for a short term certificate course and assisting inmates in finding employment placement at family sustaining wages.3Purpose for MeetingDialogue concerning the KANGO grant. Determine the current status.Discuss opportunities to solidify and improve programming. Improve communication between agencies.Recognize requirements for each agency.

The program has been underway since October This facilitated meeting provided an opportunity to determine the current status of the project and how each stakeholder felt their agencys requirements and expectations were being met. This meeting was essential to be sure all of the players were feeling a part of the project and they were seeing the desired results for their agencies and the program as a whole.

4Issues in the Margins

Previous relationships Communication Feeling left out of the loop Whats in it for me? Do we get credit? Rules and regulations.

While all partners are invested, there were some background issues and history that could have caused barriers. Colby Community College provided classes for Norton Correctional Facility for several years. When Greenbush won the contract with the prison, there were some misunderstandings as to why CCC withdrew (no funding). A hurdle to get over was the precedent of Work Force and Adult Education programs being in competition rather than working as partners. Communication is difficult with agencies located at three remote locations. The need to be sure everyone is included, understands the needs of others, is given proper recognition and feels invested is considered a foundational for the project. Each partner needs to feel they are meeting agency objectives as well as a common goal. Many of these issues were discussed at the first meeting of the partners while the planning for the grant was underway eliminating concerns over past differences. Colby Adult Education took the lead on the grant and worked to keep all other entities aggressively involved in the project. Always in the margin are the rules and regulations regarding the prison. Safety and containment are the first concern of the facility, and while it makes some tasks more difficult to complete, willing compliance with the host is necessary.5Key Stakeholder: Colby Community College

President: Dr. Kreider

Outreach Coordinator: Troy Beilser

Outreach Instructor: Criquet ColeDesire to grow CCC programming in the Norton Facility Connectivity with partnersInsight into inmate needsNeed successful studentsContinued programmingImplementation of new coursesCurrent status, positive and negativeNeed successful studentsFuture employment

Stakeholder Colby Community College was represented by three separate groups: administration, direction and instruction. They contributed several ideas concerning their concerns, ideas and desires for the cooperative effort.6Key Stakeholder: CAEDirector: Nance Munderloh

Instructor: Dian Organ

Instructor: Jesse Vincent

Permanent education classes for inmatesCurriculum meeting the needs and challenges of the menContinued interest and funding opportunities at NCFOutcomes

The Adult Education program is funded on outcomes, thus it is an obvious desire of the program. The staff has become very committed to providing education and opportunity for this population. Knowing most inmates will one day return to society, the CAE staff is dedicated to educating these men so they are able to succeed and avoid returning.7Key Stakeholder: Kansas WorksOffender Workforce Development Specialist: Cindy VillerrealWIA eligibleCareer OpportunitiesAptitudeRelease PlansWorkReady CertificationFollow Up

Cindy is dedicated to assisting inmates with finding employment and success after release. Her pre release counseling and assistance are pivotal in the success of individuals in the reentry process. To meet her agency needs, Cindy enrolls eligible candidates in the WIA program. She introduces men to Kansas Works and the Kansas Pipeline as she assists them with employment readiness.8Key Stakeholder: NCFStaffInmatesLess recidivismBetter preparationMore resources Breaking the cycle of incarceration

NCF has a major stake in the project as they are the recipient. They have been excellent accommodating hosts. The warden is becoming more of a supporter as time goes on. The education and reentry staff have been major backers of th program and have made it a reality by assisting in moving programming forward in an institution setting that often requires much paper work and time to move forward.9Facilitator: Nance MunderlohKnowledgeable concerning the grantAcquainted with all agenciesConcern for all parties to be included and active participantsResponsible for reportingBy default

Professional meetingCovered agenda Time used effectivelyAll voices heardNew information gatheredNo dominanceRemained neutral Did not dominate, asked for inputSelection Effectiveness

The facilitator was chosen somewhat by default, no one else was volunteering, there were no funds to bring in anyone else and the meeting needed to happen. The first meeting to organize and write the grant was a disaster with no leadership or facilitation. At that point Nance was appointed the leader and facilitator of the group. This required knowing the grant well, becoming well acquainted with the individuals and services of each agency as well as their expectations and taking the responsibility of reporting and managing the grant. Being personally well versed in the subject made questioning and soliciting information from others easier.10Pre-planningDetermine time and location of meeting (scheduled the meeting after an event all were attending related to the grant)Scheduled with NCFInvited key stakeholders: Sent out an agenda and a copy of the grant for all to review prior to the meeting

Pre planning was relatively simple. After a few emails and phone conversations with stakeholder, the basic idea of what the meeting should focus on was established. The best time to gather this group was after a function of the grant already scheduled. Therefore, the meeting was set for after the graduation of the first group going through the Colby Academy of basic business. Invitations and information was sent to stakeholders.11Invitation and AgendaMemoTo: Dr. Lynn Kreider, Troy Beilser, Criquet Cole, Cindy Villerreal, Jay Shelton, Hazel Petersen, Matthew Woodyard and Dian OrganFrom:Nance Munderloh, CCC Adult Education Director, and KANGO CoordinatorDate: January 23, 2010 (following the first KANGO graduation in the reentry building) Re:Planning and Review Meeting for the KANGO Project PartnershipMessage: Hello Everyone The KANGO grant was an enormous undertaking in a short amount of time but the work we put into the planning and execution is paying off! We are seeing the results of our efforts in many areas including 25 WORKReady certificates achieved, a class of nine completing the college certificate class, and scores increasing in skill and academic areas. The men involved in the project as well as those hoping to be included are excited and see new hope and opportunity because of this initiative. With one session under our belts, it is time to re-evaluate and review. I would like for all of you to plan to meet after the graduation. Please take time to review the grant and reflect upon how the partnership is working and if your expectations have been met. There have been many questions concerning who is doing what and why. For this meeting, plan to share your agencys focus. It will be a time to educate others on your specific roles in the community and with the grant. The more we know about each other, the better we can partner and assist one another in meeting the required criteria of each agency. To attempt to increase productivity and to be sure all involved have a voice, this meeting will be facilitate. Attached you will find a basic agenda, plan for the meeting to last about an hour and a half. Another meeting will be set to follow up the next session, and a final meeting at the conclusion of the grant. I look forward to seeing all of you at the ceremony and hope you will be able to stay for the meeting. Please feel free to include additional stakeholders that I have overlooked.

January 26, 2010Meeting in re-entry building following graduation ceremony AgendaReview of the meeting purpose.Set ground rules.Introductions.Discussion Topic 1: KANGO at NCF Define KANGO goals What is your agencys function? Topic 2: Current Status Positives Negatives Barriers and issues Change or delete Topic 3: Future College Adult Education Work Force NCF 5. Recap

A memo, agenda and copy of the grant were sent to all individuals identified as key stakeholders.12Room Set Up

A circle of chairs provided eye contact and easy communication for participants.

Due to the lack of free movement on the prison campus, the group met in the room where the graduation and reception took place. Chairs were placed in a circle. Because the meeting took place in a semi public area, some people attending the graduation event took an interest and asked to be included. This increased the number at the meeting by including a local newspaper correspondent, three inmates, a secretary and prison officers. There were plenty of chairs and the group moved to accommodate more participants. The circular set up made it easy to see all of the participants and discouraged the temptation of side bars. It would have been great to have a large table to work around giving participants a surface for writing. The open chair set up is not real conducive to taking notes.13Ground RulesNo side bars, let everyone hear all discussion Stay focuses on theOpportunity for all to be heardListen first, speak after digesting informationBe considerate of time constraintsAsk, dont assumeBe sure the recorder is able to write the meaning of your comments, be prepared to recap and/or summarize

With time of an essence and precious to all involved, and a desire for accomplishment, basic ground rules were set to facilitate the meeting. They were very simple and were basically a reminder or courteous participation. The consensus of the group was to be respectful and to spend a limited amount of time determining the rules so that we could move on to the content. However, as the meeting progressed we did reflect back on the rules when side bars and individual dominance occurred, so the rules served the group well.14Facilitation ProcessEmphasis on hearing and clarifying each participants responseAround the circle participation used to be sure all are heard process with the option to passResponses from individuals who were quietQuestions were asked in open ended formatNo conflict, interested and cooperative learning and collaboration

The facilitation process was exciting. It was interesting to see how some voices are stronger than others but the quiet have so much to offer. This group was very respectful and wiling to work together for a common goal. They were inclusive of one another and worked to bring out all points of view making the facilitation process easier. There were some individuals who were not initially included who gave excellent input, indicating the need to research even more closely who might be important to include. The group did not have any conflicts. Each individual spoke expressing their viewpoints and explaining their reasoning and were heard. This lead to more questioning and a clearer look at the project.

During the introduction segment, some individuals became excited about sharing their entire job and agency foundations. This was a time requiring some facilitating and gentle guiding to restore the direction of the meeting. Because there were some personalities that had never met and were interested in more than just the content and subject at hand, it was suggested that all parties exchange business cards and take time to become acquainted with one another and services available.15Participate PleaseExpertSponsorClarifyVisioningConcernsDevils AdvocateShare KnowledgeWhat is requiredRequest more informationPicture how it will lookLook at drawbacksBring out perspectives

Everyone had something valuable to add. Participants were encouraged to speak and their comments were given value about a well by the group. Personalities were identified that assisted in bringing a well balanced discussion. 16Key Points of DiscussionWhat see do you see as the major purpose of the grant project? Assist in changing individuals so they wont return to prison Be sure needs are assessed and appropriate education is provided Instill a less victimized thinking and become more focused on positive moves for the future Instruct individuals in gaining the skills (academic, social, and personal) needed for successful employment and contented lives. Outcomes, outcomes, outcomes. Hope and opportunity. Continue visioning for the remainder of the grantTopic 1

Questions were posed to begin discussion and to help find the platform of individuals. The recorder kept a list of responses.17Key Points of DiscussionGuidance and direction.Safety and foundational rules and regulations (NCF).Assistance in building skills.Assistance in preparing for college courses.High level skills.A certificate program for higher paying jobs.Provision of curriculum and materials.Provision of required equipment.Instructional power.Pre and post counseling and career/job assistance.Emphasis on constructive steps while incarcerated to assist on the outside.Opportunity to take aptitude tests to assist in career choices.Assuring the requirements of the grant are met.Tracking and administering the grant.Communicating with all partners What do you see your agency or institutions part in the grant?Topic 1

Sharing how the agency can contribute enlightened all partners to the full set of skills available and the responsibilities associated.18Key Points of DiscussionI got a lot out of all of the classes. My self esteem was boosted, I found I was able to focus and apply myself. My skills have improved in many areas including how I act in and out of class, my basic math, reading and writing, and of course the focus area of business and technology.Many inmates are benefiting: the work and life skill classes have been bolstered with more content, materials and extended time to work on more skill sets. Inmates involved with the grant are talking and sharing the positive changes in their life with others. This is becoming a desired course. It means changes in daily behavior and attitudes as the inmates strive to become a part of the program.Most of the participants have finished courses. Only one has been unable to complete the college course, and for the most part, those leaving work and life skills classes are due to unavoidable court dates.Collaborative efforts to serve specific individuals before release.Setting a higher standard for life.Changes the limitations inmates had because of their lack of tool set needed for a vocation.Interests individuals in furthering their education; these trickles down to family.Has individuals leaving with WORKReady giving them a step up.Beginning to reorient the inmate and the community through collaborative efforts and positive news and information shared outside the fence.

Current Status PositiveTopic 2

A concrete look at were the program is from many perspectives gave a clear perspective.19Topic 2Not a hard and fast determination of who is to be accepted in college courses. Suggest setting a good baseline of expectations for future groups and vetting names through all partners to determine best candidates based on the requirements outlined.Learners in college course are not as receptive unless they have already gone through the work and life skills course. Obvious difference in the first group. Suggest requiring it as a prerequisite.Not enough available, some are attending both work and life and college concurrently. Suggest doing a study to determine how students compare if they a) took work and life skills then the college course, b) took the course concurrently or c) had never taken the course at all.Large barrier we are currently overcoming has been misunderstanding of who was responsible for what and when. This problem didnt appear for a while, but when it did it merely showed a lack of communication. This meeting is an excellent right step in solving the problem.Trying to fulfill the requirements of all agencies. This will be easier now that we have shared what is required by all.Having inmates move or go to segregation.Lack of internet.Not knowing release dates.Provide more in depth curriculum for WorkReady specific instruction.More collaboration for resumes, cover letters and interviewing.Current Status: Barriers, Negatives, Change or Delete?Key Points of Discussion

Comments and discussion concerning perceived barriers and negatives were offered. 20Topic 3Possible follow up and tracking after release.Consider manufacturing skill set.Concrete application process for college classes.Only offering half the certificate without cost so more men can take advantage of the grant and also start a trend for continuing classes.Possible exceptions from the college concerning fees or tuition. What other grants are possible?Who might apply for them?Have Jess Randal go through volunteer training so he is able to work on the technology.Change the process for entering in Kansas Works. Go through Colby office to lessen work load for Hays. Meeting to identify WIA eligible.Review LSIR.Remember this is a gift through stimulus, what makes it successful is high expectations for staff and inmates.Prepare inmates for reality, to be ready for re-entry, not a watered down idea of what awaits them.Have collaborative re-entry plans for inmates designed with the assistance of the inmate so it is real and viable.Add more college credit classes.Have more specific classes leveled according to assessments.Year - long schedule to be used so courses can be identified and administered at the most optimum time for inmates.Follow up, follow up, and follow up.Look for continued financial support.

The FutureKey Points of Discussion

Future possibilities were explored. Comments were free flowing and productive.21Key Points of DiscussionProjectedWorkReady 30

Enter College Course 20

Complete College Course 10

Enter the workforce ?current statusWorkReady 25

Enter College Course 20

Complete College Course 9

Enter the workforce ?

Objectives**** Plan to test 30 additional in WorkReady and potentially have 20 more entering college courses. Difficult to determine job entry because of incomplete follow up information.

The goals and objectives of the grant are well underway and it is possible that the grant will exceed all expectations.22Outcomes of the MeetingSolid understanding of the projectAll agencies on the same pageClarification of all agency contributions Awareness of partner requirementsCooperative effortsCollaborative mindset Vision for the future

A positive meeting with desired outcomes.23Future PlansMeet again following second sessionFinal meeting after grant completionExplore collaborative projectsInvestigate continued funding

The group decided to meet at least two more times to study the effectiveness of the grant and potential of continued programming. The collaborative group is anxious to look at more projects together.24EvaluationFacilitation makes the difference between a time wasting and ineffective meeting and a well organized, efficient and productive meeting allowing for the voices of all and the coming together of many ideas and backgrounds.

Facilitation makes the difference between a time wasting and ineffective meeting and a well organized, efficient and productive meeting allowing for the voices of all and the coming together of many ideas and backgrounds.

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