[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 40 (Tuesday, March 1, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-4564]
[[Page Unknown]]
[Federal Register: March 1, 1994]
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NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
NATIONAL CIVILIAN COMMUNITY CORPS
AGENCY: National Civilian Community Corps.
ACTION: Changes and additions to previously published notice of
availability of funds.
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SUMMARY: The National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) published a
notice in the Federal Register, Volume 59, Number 20 on January 31,
1994, announced the availability of funds for a summer national service
program. This notice changes the requirement that the NCCC summer youth
camp be located in the Northeast region of the United States and
expands acceptable locations to any area of the country that meets the
criteria published in this notice. Additionally, this notice provides
more background information, more details on criteria that will be used
to select a non-profit organization to operate the camp, and extends
the application due date from February 28, 1994 to March 21, 1994. The
primary purpose of the previous notice--to establish a cooperative
agreement with a single non-profit organization capable of setting-up
and operating a youth camp in support of the summer national service
program--remains the same.
DATES: Applications must be received no later than 5 p.m. EST on March
21, 1994, to be eligible. The NCCC will announce its determination not
later than March 31, 1994, and reserves the right not to award any
funds for this purpose if no acceptable applications are received.
ADDRESSES: To receive an application kit, contact: National Civilian
Community Corps, Corporation for National and Community Service, 1100
Vermont Avenue NW. (11th Floor), Washington, DC 20525.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Gregory Knight at (202) 606-5000 ext. 103 or (202) 606-5256 (TDD).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
On September 21, 1993, President Clinton signed into law the
National and Community Service Trust Act (the Act), which created the
Corporation for National and Community Service. The Corporation's
mission is to engage Americans of all ages and backgrounds in service
that addresses the nation's education, public safety, health, and
environmental needs to achieve direct and demonstrable results. In
doing so, the Corporation will foster civic responsibility, strengthen
the ties that binds us together as a people, and provide educational
opportunity for those who make a substantial commitment to service.
The Corporation is a new federal agency that encompasses the work
and staff of two existing independent agencies, the Commission on
National and Community Service and ACTION. The Corporation also funds
the new national service initiative called AmeriCorps, service-learning
initiatives in elementary and secondary schools and institutions of
higher education, and the new National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC).
The Corporation will also engage in efforts to improve the quality of
service programs and continue to support the Volunteers In Service To
America (VISTA) program and the senior volunteer programs previously
sponsored by ACTION.
The National Civilian Community Corps
The NCCC, a new federally managed program under the AmeriCorps
umbrella, is in the process of establishing several residential sites
across the country for national service. A main objective of NCCC is to
utilize excess military capacity and personnel as the Department of
Defense (DOD) down-sizes. The purpose, authority, and guidelines for
the NCCC are written under Subtitle E of the Act which provides a basis
for determining:
(1) Whether residential service programs administered by the
Federal Government can significantly increase the support for national
service and community service by the people of the United States.
(2) Whether such programs can expand the opportunities for young
men and women to perform meaningful, direct, and consequential acts of
community service in a manner that will enhance their own skills while
contributing to their understanding of civic responsibility in the
United States.
(3) Whether retired members and former members of the Armed Forces
of the United States, members and former members of the Armed Forces
discharged or released from active duty in connection with reduced
Department of Defense spending, members and former members of the Armed
Forces discharged or transferred from the Selective Reserve of the
Ready Reserve in connection with reduced DOD spending, and other
members of the Armed Forces not on active duty and not actively
participating in a reserve component of the Armed Forces can provide
guidance and training under such programs that contribute meaningfully
to the encouragement of national and community service.
(4) Whether domestic national service programs can serve as a
substitute for the traditional option of military service in the Armed
Forces of the United States which, in times of reductions in the size
of the Armed Forces, is a diminishing national service opportunity for
young Americans.
In accordance with the Act, the Corporation has established the
NCCC demonstration program to carry out the purpose of Subtitle E.
Under the demonstration program, NCCC Corps members (participants) may
receive training and perform service in one of two program components:
(1) A national service program or (2) a summer national service
program. Both components are residential programs. The members of each
program shall reside with other members of the Corps in Corps housing
during the period of service. This notice addresses the summer national
service program component of the NCCC only. The summer component is
tailored to support Corporation objectives for the Summer of Safety.
The Summer of Safety
The Summer of Safety is being launched by the Corporation to
respond to the growing fear of and frustration over the levels of crime
and violence in every part of the country. The 1994 Summer of Safety
will demonstrate the potential of national service to respond to these
urgent needs by using the talents and energies of young Americans. The
Summer of Safety will specifically address the public safety needs of
communities by achieving the following Corporate objectives:
(1) Make direct and demonstrable impacts on crime, violence and
fear by identifying and meeting public safety needs.
(2) Build new partnerships and collaborations for safety that
capitalize on all of the community's resources.
(3) Demonstrate that young people can help make communities safer.
(4) Stimulate public interest in national service as a means to
respond to America's problems.
The Corporation has established a range of Summer of Safety
initiatives which will focus on enhancing public safety. The NCCC is
sponsoring one of these initiatives which, as stated above, is tailored
to support Corporate objectives.
Under the NCCC's sponsored Summer of Safety program, approximately
200 young people, ages 14-17, will do public safety-related service
projects with schools, local law enforcement agencies, and community-
based organizations. The young people, known as Corps members will
receive leadership training and a mix of the best military and civilian
youth service programming during their eight weeks at the camp on an
underutilized military installation. The broad objectives established
by the NCCC to support the Summer of Safety are as follows:
(1) To demonstrate that youth, properly trained and led, can have a
direct and demonstrable impact on community public safety.
(2) To demonstrate that 14-17 year old youth Corps members from
diverse, economic, geographic, and ethnic backgrounds can work together
in teams to address community safety problems and concerns.
(3) To demonstrate that the service-learning model, created by
combining the best elements from military training techniques and
Civilian Conservation Corps values, is an effective means of preparing
youth for public service.
NCCC Summer of Safety Program Overview
The NCCC seeks to set up a cooperative agreement with a single,
innovative nonprofit organization (including institutions of higher
education) to operate a summer camp for youth 14-17 years of age in
support of the Summer of Safety. Preference will be given to
organizations with previous experience and demonstrated success in
similar operations. The applicant selected will be known as the
Cooperator. A cooperative agreement was chosen as the vehicle of funds
award (instead of a grant) to allow the NCCC to work hand-in-hand with
the Cooperator on this program.
The NCCC is sponsoring only one national summer camp program for
the summer of 1994. This camp will run for approximately 8 weeks
beginning July 5, 1994. Long range plans are to sponsor additional
summer camps in 1995. This notice is for the 1994 camp only. As a
demonstration program, future camps will be impacted by the results of
the 1994 effort.
The Cooperator selected must handle all aspects of camp operation
except where stated otherwise in this notice. The main areas of concern
for camp operation include the following: finding and securing a
suitable camp location, logistics (food, lodging, supplies,
transportation, support, etc.), recruitment of Corps members, hiring of
staff, training of staff and Corps members, and identification,
development, and performance of community service projects that support
the goals of the Summer of Safety.
Eligibility
All nonprofit organizations, including institutions of higher
education, may apply to be selected as the Cooperator for this project.
Prior experience is highly desirable but not mandatory.
Guidelines
Camp Selection: The summer camp may be located anywhere in the
United States on a military base or other under-utilized DOD facility.
The applicant must find a suitable camp location and obtain approval
for its use. Letters of intent or agreement from installation command
personnel should be provided with the application. The applicant should
show what services will be provided by the base and what must be
provided by the Cooperator. The camp should include suitable living,
classroom, and support facilities for the diverse group of up to 200
young men and women aged 14-17. Support facilities should include but
not be limited to: food service, laundry, clinic or first aid station,
and places for appropriate recreational activities. The camp should not
be in an extremely remote area. Travel to and from the camp should be
possible on a cost effective basis. Care should be taken to select a
camp in an area where community projects can be done near-by the camp
location. Although meaningful public safety projects may be
accomplished in rural, suburban, or urban areas, excessive travel time
from the camp to the project area should be avoided.
Recruitment: As this is a national program, recruitment should be
accomplished on a national basis. All recruitment activities for this
NCCC Summer of Safety summer camp program are to be accomplished by the
Cooperator. Up to 200 Corps members shall be selected. Corps members
shall be at least 14 but not over 17 years of age during the period of
camp which will be approximately from July 5, 1994 through August 24,
1994. Application procedures and a time period for potential Corps
members to return applications will be established by the Cooperator.
Also, a fair application review process must be used. Precise
guidelines will be coordinated with the selected Cooperator for
recruiting Corps members.
In general, Corps members will represent economically,
geographically, and ethnically diverse backgrounds. To the extent
practicable, at least 50 percent shall be economically disadvantaged
youths. The term ``economically disadvantaged'' follows the guidelines
established by the Job Training Partnership Act. A precise definition
of this term will be provided by NCCC for the applicant selected as
Cooperator. Corps members must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents,
have no felony convictions or adjudications, and have no current
substance abuse problems (drugs or alcohol). Recruits must have no
chronic or life threatening physical conditions. Procedures to make
these determinations will be researched and recommended by the
applicant. NCCC reserves the right to approve any method(s) of
determination to be used.
Reasonable accommodation will be made for Corps members with
disabilities. Disabled Corps members must be capable of self-care and
able to accomplish project tasks. Disabled recruits will be evaluated
on a case-by-case basis and fair methods of evaluation jointly
established by the Cooperator and NCCC.
The Cooperator and the NCCC shall establish standards of conduct
that apply to Corps members. The Cooperator shall appoint a camp
superintendent who will enforce the standards of conduct, through his
or her staff, to promote proper moral and disciplinary conditions in
the camp. Enforcement methods for standards of conduct shall be jointly
determined with the NCCC. If enforcement fails, a Corps member may be
dismissed if the superintendent determines the retention of the member
in the Corps will jeopardize the enforcement of the standards or
diminish the opportunities of other Corps members.
Camp Staff: Applicants will screen, select, and hire a qualified
camp staff. The staff may include administrative personnel and Corps
member supervisory and training staff as determined necessary by the
applicant. All staff personnel should reflect the principles of
diversity established by NCCC, be quality-oriented with high personal
standards, and be capable of being good role models for Corps members.
An appropriate method of accomplishing a background check and
certification of potential staff members should be established by the
applicant. Preference will be given to applicants who show intention
and ability to recruit qualified retired, discharged, and other
inactive members and former members of the Armed Forces, and former
VISTA, Peace Corps, and youth service program personnel as staff
members. The NCCC will provide trainers and a one-week training program
for the camp staff members who will work directly with Corps members.
Therefore, plans should be made to have those staff members available
to receive training not later than one week prior to the camp start
date. The applicant shall be responsible for supervising the camp staff
and administrative personnel and for all required personnel actions
such as record keeping, salary payments, scheduling, insurance, and all
other details.
Corps Member Compensation & Benefits: As stated above, Corps
members shall be recruited nationally. They will receive a one-time
round-trip transportation allowance to and from the camp location, a
living allowance, and an education benefit upon completion of the
program. These funds shall all be provided by the NCCC but managed and
disbursed by the selected Cooperator. The amount of each funding
element will be determined by NCCC and provided to the Cooperator under
a jointly established procedure. These funds need not be included in
proposals. However, a plan to provide an accounting system to manage
and disburse these funds to Corps members should be included and the
cost of this service should be shown.
Uniforms: The NCCC will provide uniforms for Corps members and camp
staff. Applicants shall manage and distribute clothing items. Clothing
items are now being determined by NCCC. An estimate of clothing items
includes; 3 shorts, 3 pants, 3 tee shirts, 2 polo shirts, 1 light
windbreaker, 1 cap, one pair of sneakers, and one knapsack per camper.
Similar items will be available for staff. Spare items will need to be
stored, accounted for, and distributed as required. Laundry plans
should be considered among other logistics details.
Corps Member Training: NCCC objectives for the Summer of Safety
relate directly to the accomplishment of community service projects
supporting public safety needs. However, to prepare Corps members to
accomplish these projects successfully, careful training and learning
must take place. To that end, Corps members will receive training that
includes a comprehensive service-learning curriculum designed to
promote team building, discipline, leadership, work training,
citizenship, and physical conditioning. The NCCC will provide a
curriculum to the selected applicant. The Cooperator's camp staff will
administer the training to the Corps members. The NCCC reserves the
right to be involved closely in all training. The Cooperator may
provide additional training and perhaps modify or adapt the curriculum
provided by NCCC when changes are coordinated with NCCC and receive
NCCC approval. All training must reflect an innovative and structured
approach that combines the best of military training techniques,
Civilian Conservation Corps values, and service learning models. For
the purposes of training, the following definitions apply: (1) Military
training techniques relate to leadership/followership skills, self
discipline, self responsibility, and teamwork; (2) Civilian
Conservation Corps values focus on love of one's fellowman, personal
responsibility for one's own actions, justice, compassion, humility,
respect for self and others, concern for the environment, and community
service (3) service learning with respect to Corps members means a
method--(a) under which Corps members learn and develop through active
participation in thoughtfully organized service experiences that meet
actual community needs, (b) that provides structured time for a Corps
member to think, talk, or write about what the Corps member did and saw
during an actual service activity, (c) that provides Corps members with
opportunities to use newly acquired skills and knowledge in real life
situations in their own communities, and (d) that helps to foster the
development of a sense of caring for others, good citizenship, and
civic responsibility.
Applicants should be innovative in applying or suggesting other
areas of training or education that may be available. For example
evening instruction in such areas as computers, foreign language, and
so forth may be considered. Also, field trips or other activities
directly related to the objectives may be proposed for consideration.
Project Development/Service Activities: Community service projects
shall focus on public safety needs. All service projects carried out by
Corps members shall: (1) Meet an identifiable public need, (2)
emphasize the performance of community service activities that provide
direct and demonstrable community benefits and opportunities for
service learning and skills development, (3) to the maximum extent
practicable, encourage work to be accomplished in teams of diverse
individuals working together, and (4) include education and training in
various technical fields. The Summer of Safety program must consider
projects appropriate to the ages and capabilities of the Corps members.
The applicant may consider having Corps members accomplish one
relatively large project or a series of smaller projects. The NCCC will
work closely with the applicant selected to develop service projects in
public safety. Appendix 1 gives suggestions for how the applicant may
approach the development of Summer of Safety projects. The applicant
should begin to work with the community and describe some candidate
projects in the proposal. The NCCC reserves the right of final project
approval.
Camp Operations and Logistics: The Cooperator is responsible for
all logistical details of camp operations. Areas that must be
considered include: medical care and first aid, food for off-site meals
during projects, camp transportation, and tools and proper safety
equipment for project work. This is by no means an exhaustive list but
is provided as examples only. In some cases, innovative solutions may
be possible. For example, community groups may agree to provide tools
and/or safety equipment needed for Corps members to work on projects.
Applicants should develop a time-phased plan or realistic schedule for
accomplishing all tasks and include this information with the proposal.
A detailed budget must be included as well.
Appropriate opening and closing ceremonies to kick off this program
and end it in a positive manner should be planned. Details of these
events must be coordinated with NCCC for approval.
The applicant must be prepared to make an on-site presentation to
NCCC that explains all aspects of camp operations and program
activities. The date for the presentation will be jointly arranged but
should be no later than two weeks prior to the camp start date.
Evaluation: Evaluation is an important aspect of the NCCC Summer of
Safety camp program. The goal is to take lessons learned from the
design of this year's program and apply those lessons to future camps.
The applicant should include a detailed evaluation plan consisting of
the following components; (1) progress toward achievement of program
objectives, (2) measurement of the quality and effectiveness of service
provided to communities, (3) changes in behavior of Corps members, and
(4) management effectiveness of the delievery of the total program.
Additionally, internal evaluation and monitoring should be a continuous
process, allowing for frequent feedback and quick correction of
problems. The selected Cooperator will be asked to present a briefing
of lessons learned to NCCC at the end of the Summer of Service camp and
provide periodic reports throughout the summer.
Application Procedures
An application kit can be requested by writing to or calling the
NCCC using the address or phone numbers listed in this notice.
Applications must consist of the following items:
(1) A narrative description consisting of not more than 25 typed
pages.
(2) Completion of an application for Federal Assistance (Form 424)
with budget sheet and required assurances (Included in application
kit).
(3) A signed and dated certification regarding drug free workplace
requirements (Included in application kit).
(4) A signed and dated certification regarding debarment,
suspension, and other responsibility matters (primary covered
transactions) (Included in application kit).
(5) A signed and dated certification regarding lobbying if the
Federal Assistance exceeds $100,000 (Included in application kit).
Proposal Narrative
Applicants should present their proposals in narrative form with
the other components of the application package. Where appropriate in
the narrative, methods to implement specific plans should be linked
with one or more measurable or demonstrable outcomes. Show not only
what tasks are planned, but also the conditions and standards by which
they will be accomplished (behavioral terms). The narrative should not
exceed 25 type written pages and include the following items as a
minimum:
1. Title page: Show the name and address of legal applicant
(include the signature of the authorized executive), the names of any
other organizations participating in a partnership and the amount of
federal funds requested. A section on the background of the
organization may be included showing experience and capability. Attach
a short resume or biography of the primary project director.
2. Location of camp: Identify a camp location suitable to support
200 Corps members in accordance with the guidelines provided in this
notice.
3. Recruitment plan: Include a detailed plan for recruiting Corps
members nationwide in accordance with the guidelines provided.
4. Standards of conduct: A plan for establishing and enforcing
standards of conduct for Corps members should be included in accordance
with the guidelines. Although establishment of standards of conduct
will be a joint Cooperator/NCCC responsibility, the applicant should
include plans for dealing with problems that may be anticipated.
5. Staffing plan: Applicants should explain in detail how staffing
of the camp will be accomplished in accordance with the guidelines.
6. Funds management plan: Explain in detail how the compensation
and benefit funds for Corps members (described in guidelines) will be
managed and disbursed.
7. Uniform plan: Explain details of how the uniforms provided by
NCCC for Corps members and camp staff will be managed. Include a
distribution, storage, and replacement plan.
8. Training plan: Include a detailed plan for conducting a training
program for Corps members using curriculum and educational materials
provided by NCCC and any other training proposed to help meet
objectives. Where possible explain any project-specific training
anticipated and methods of accomplishment.
9. Supplementary activities: Include a detailed explanation of any
additional activities proposed for Corps members such as: mentoring,
tutoring, skills training, recreation, education, or cultural
activities.
10. Projects: Include detailed plans to identify and implement
public safety projects that meet the criteria of the guidelines
provided. Include an overall project development plan including methods
to establish good working relationships with the military base, the
corps staff, youth corps members, and community leadership. (Community
leadership sectors may include, for example, business, labor,
foundations, colleges, universities, media, religious organizations,
other military services, government, and health care agencies.) Where
possible, include appropriate letters showing support from local
community leaders and elected/appointed officials.
11. Project tools and safety equipment: Explain in detail what
tools and safety equipment might be needed for any known or proposed
projects. Safety equipment may include such items as safety goggles,
gloves, hard hats, or protective clothing. Explain also how tools and
safety equipment will be obtained.
12. Budget: Provide a detailed budget plan showing how funds will
be used. Also, it is desirable to show experience in managing a budget,
including evidence of the applicant's fiscal capacity to administer
federal funds.
13. Medical and first aid care: Provide a detailed plan for
providing this service to Corps members and staff.
14. Transportation: Explain in detail all aspects of transportation
including getting Corps members safely from the camp to the project
site(s) and back on a routine basis.
15. Meals: Include a plan for providing meals at the camp and at
project sites when required.
16. Evaluation: Applicants should include an evaluation plan in
accordance with the guidelines provided in this notice.
General Criteria for Applicant Selection
Applications will be reviewed and evaluated using the criteria
below. Failure to respond to program requirements discussed in this
notice may result in the removal of a proposal from further
consideration. The narrative portion of the application should not
exceed 25 type-written double spaced pages. Please do not bind your
proposal, in case additional copies must be made.
The criteria noted below, which are based on the guidelines and
requirements contained in this notice, will be used for selection of a
Cooperator. Each criteria will be considered up to the total points
available as noted.
(1) Quality of Plans and Attention to Detail (60 Points)
A camp location suitable to support 200 Corps members in
accordance with the guidelines provided in this notice is identified.
The applicant provides evidence of the ability to
accomplish all tasks outlined in this notice successfully. This is
shown by outlining previous experience and in carefully formulated
written plans with a realistic time-phased scheduled for accomplishing
all tasks.
The overall implementation plan is feasible and has a
realistic time table.
Where appropriate, the applicant explains methods to
implement plans that are linked to one or more measurable/demonstrable
outcomes. Planned tasks, as well as the conditions and standards by
which they will be accomplished, are clearly shown.
Letters of intent or agreement from command personnel of
the chosen military or other DOD location are provided.
A detailed plan for recruiting Corps members nationwide in
accordance with the guidelines of this notice is provided.
A plan for establishing and enforcing standards of conduct
is included and is in accordance with the guidelines of this notice.
A detailed staffing plan for screening and hiring
qualified camp personnel is included and meets the guidelines provided
with this notice.
The staffing plan gives consideration to retired,
discharged, and other inactive members and former members of the Armed
Forces, former VISTA, Peace Corps, and youth service program personnel.
The staffing plan ensures the staff is comprised of men
and women of diverse ethnic, economic, professional, and geographic
backgrounds.
A detailed explanation shows how funds for Corps members,
such as the living allowance and the educational benefit, are to be
managed and disbursed.
Details are given of how Corps member and staff uniforms
and related items will be distributed, replaced, cleaned, and stored
for issue.
A detailed plan for conducting training program for Corps
members using curriculum and educational materials provided by NCCC is
provided.
Detailed plans for providing additional activities for
Corps members such as: mentoring, tutoring, skills training,
recreation, education, and cultural activities are included.
Detailed plans to identify and implement public safety
projects that meet the criteria of the guidelines of this notice are
provided.
An overall project development plan, including methods to
establish good working relationships with the military base, the corps
staff, youth corps members, and community leadership are included.
Specific plans to identify and coordinate community
service projects with the local community are included.
The plan identifies specific learning projects and methods
by which they will be structured to ensure true service learning takes
place.
Plans to involve Corps members in the use of a team
approach in daily camp and project activities are clearly shown.
Individual projects and tasks are appropriately matched to
Corps member age level and skills.
Letters showing support for projects and the Summer of
Safety program from local community leaders and elected/appointed
officials are included.
A detailed plan for providing medical and first-aid care
to Corps members and staff is provided.
All aspects of transportation, including getting Corps
members safely to and from project sites, is explained in detail.
A plan for providing off-site meals (at project sites)
when required is outlined.
A plan to supply tools and safety equipment that might be
needed to accomplish projects is explained.
2. Evaluation (10 Points)
A detailed evaluation plan is provided designed to: track progress
toward achievement of program objectives, measure the quality and
effectiveness of service provided to communities, measure the
satisfaction of both Corps members and camp staff, and assess
management effectiveness. Also, plans show that internal evaluation and
monitoring is a continuous process, allowing for frequent feedback and
quick correction of problems.
3. Leadership and management (10 Points)
Evidence is provided that the program director(s) and supervisor(s)
are well-qualified for their responsibilities, have a reasonable amount
of previous project and personnel management experience, and experience
in recruiting, selecting and supervising youth participants in
community service programs. Evidence of ability to establish and work
within a budget is provided.
4. Cost effectiveness (10 Points)
The proposal shows a cost effective approach to the use of Federal
funds and Federal/non-Federal resources. The submitted budget is
reasonable for the proposed service activities and the identified
community projects. Detailed budget plans clearly show how funds will
be used.
5. Innovation and replication (10 Points)
The proposal incorporates innovative approaches to community
involvement and service. The program is a good model adaptable in other
locations and circumstances. A plan for reporting and briefing results
of the summer of service program, including lessons learned, to the
NCCC staff is included.
Application Review Process
Applications submitted will be reviewed and evaluated by the NCCC
according to the above criteria. NCCC reserves the right to ask for
evidence of any claims of past performance or future capability.
Selection of a Cooperator must be finalized by execution of a
Cooperative Agreement which may require discussions between the NCCC
and the applicant to resolve any open issues and/or to further develop
plans or specific strategies.
Appendix 1
This appendix provides suggestions for how the Cooperator might
approach identification of projects for the NCCC Summer of Safety
program. This is meant to be thought-provoking and is not a required
process. It will be helpful if the Cooperator can do some
preliminary work with local communities to identify potential public
safety related projects. One approach to the project selection
process is to: (1) Find out what the community needs are (what
problems are important to the community), (2) identify other
community organizations with a stake in the problem that may be
recruited for support, and finally, (3) plan realistic response
activities. The following information expands on these steps.
I. Identify Crime/Violence Problems To Be Addressed
By working directly with local law enforcement, neighborhoods,
attending community meetings, setting up meetings for law
enforcement with community groups, contacting and surveying local
businesses, public agencies, service organizations, youth groups,
senior groups, etc., your organization can identify specific crime
problems which confront the community and concern residents. The
types of issues most readily identified through this analysis may
include:
--Specific population needs (e.g., seniors who are afraid to go to
the market after dark, or children who can't use playgrounds because
of drug activity, debris or disrepair, or teenagers who get into
trouble when a facility--theater, club, etc.--closes for the
evening, or groups are targets of hate crimes);
--Physical hazards (e.g., drug houses, vacant structures used for
drug trade or other illegal or disorderly purpose, abandoned
vehicles, missing street lights, broken fences, dangerous vehicle
traffic patterns, open-air drug markets);
--Unreported or undetected criminal activity (e.g., drug use/sales,
gang activity, prostitution, domestic violence or fraudulent
solicitors/practices).
II. Pick Community Partners or Collaborators
Think broadly about the range of organizations in the community
that may become involved or are already involved in reducing crime
and violence in the community. Try to identify which ones have
missions, resources or experience that may be useful. Examples are:
City agencies, law enforcement, schools, senior or neighborhood
centers, public/private organizations, etc. These organizations may
be willing to take part or support your efforts to resolve problems.
III. Craft a Specific Problem Response
It may help to have various activities linked with a common
theme. For example, ``victim support'' may include: Support of
victim services within the court, notification of victims for court
dates and procedures, meeting and accompanying victims to court,
providing child care for victims, follow-up on restitution orders,
etc.
You should try to ensure the activities are realistic. Ask if
the activities will make a difference in the community. It must be
realized that not all problems can be solved in a summer program.
Other activities for consideration are:
--Involve youth in senior escort service.
--Conduct and disseminate crime prevention surveys and information/
advice.
--Undertake community clean-up efforts, focusing on graffiti, vacant
lots, alleys, and other sites where fear of crime and disorder are
evident.
--Organize neighborhood watch programs.
--Initiate or enhance relationships between law enforcement and
local youth organizations.
--Develop a network of ``safe houses'' or ``safe corridors'' in
neighborhoods, and training parents and children about the program.
--Develop and conduct anti-violence presentations for youth groups.
--Develop and supervise youth activities that incorporate age-
appropriate personal safety/violence prevention training; e.g.,
illicit drug use, impaired driving, etc.
--Establish conflict resolution programs, including outreach,
training, and ongoing activities for youth.
--Lead public safety field trips for youth with appropriate
orientation; e.g., to jails/prisons, police stations, courts,
hospitals, etc.
Dated: February 23, 1994.
Fred Peters,
Deputy Director of Education, Training, & Military Affairs.
[FR Doc. 94-4564 Filed 2-28-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4430-61-M