Programs

During 2005-2006 Cluster Groups will continue to meet in four neighborhoods, East Cambridge, Cambridgeport/Riverside (Portside), Area 4 and Northwest Cambridge, facilitated by trained and supported Quality Facilitators (QFs). Cluster members will brainstorm together and determine topics and themes for discussion for the year. On-going reflection on successes and challenges implementing program improvement efforts at sites will be encouraged. QFs will receive a three-part training series in "Facilitation and Leadership". Organizations' supporting staff acting as QFs will continue to receive a $1,000 gift. A shared facilitation model will take place in all four clusters, where by members who wish to facilitate a meeting or share facilitation will be encouraged and supported. Any members who anticipate wishing to do this will be encouraged to attend the "Facilitation and Leadership" training. The QFs have participated with the Leaders Group at the summer 2005 retreat in a shared leadership model and the QFs will continue to participate at all subsequent Leading for Quality "Reflection/Strategic Implementation" sessions scheduled throughout the year. History: Cluster Meetings In February 2002 the city was broken up into four geographic sections and programs began to meet in Neighborhood Clusters. By September 2002 the clusters were running strong with on-going monthly Cluster Group meetings. These meetings provide a time where program staff discuss practice in peer groups lead by Quality Facilitators. Quality Facilitators The QFs traveled as a team in March 2002 to the NSACA annual conference. As the programs became more familiar with the NSACA standards they were asked to select, by cluster, one of the eight Human Relationships keys to receive additional training and to work very intentionally toward the improvement in that specific area. In our Fourth year, 2004-2005, the QFs participated in a three-part training in facilitative approach, "Appreciative Inquiry". QFs meet regularly as a Team to insure continuity of the initiative across the city and to provide support to one another in this effort. Evaluation: Evaluation efforts are focused on strengthening and improving Out-Of-School Time programming.    Schedules and Forms Information, schedules and forms are available through the following links: Leading for Quality 2005-2006 Neighborhood Cluster Groups Leading for Quality "Facilitation and Leadership" Training Schedule