SLU Public Policy Studies

Missouri Association for Social Welfare, providing leadership, research and advocacy for social justice since 1901, seeks committed professional for a full-time position of Project Coordinator with the Homeless Management Information System. (see Position Description below)
 
The HMIS Project administers an on-line database system that serves agencies providing shelter, housing and services to homeless individuals and families and those who are at risk of homelessness in 101 rural counties of Missouri.  For more information on this project please see the website www.masw.org/HMIS.
 
Please submit resumes no later than Friday, March 4, 2011.  Resumes will be accepted via 1) Email to wilson@masw.org, 2) Fax to 573-635-1648, or 3) U. S. Postal Service at MASW, Attn:  Sandy Wilson, 606 E. Capitol Ave., Jefferson City, MO  65101
 
Missouri Association for Social Welfare
Job Description
HMIS Project Coordinator
 
“It is the mission of MASW to provide the leadership, research, education and advocacy to improve public policies and programs impacting the health and welfare of all people in Missouri.”

“MASW envisions Missouri becoming a more just, equitable and democratic society that assures every person’s health, safety, security, independence, human rights, dignity and the opportunity to reach full potential.”

Purpose: To assist the Director of the Homeless Missourians Information System (HMIS) in the day-to-day operation of the project.  The purpose of the project is to help end homelessness by: establishing and maintaining a statewide on-line information network to improve the data collection efforts of homeless services providers; assisting provider agencies improve their services with better, readily-available information; supplying access to information necessary for providers to obtain funding for homelessness services and better serve their clients; and developing the information necessary to improve public policy toward homelessness.
 
Responsibilities:  Work with Director of HMIS & Special Projects to develop and maintain Policies and Procedures for the project.
·         Work with Director of HMIS & Special Projects to develop data quality monitoring tools.
·         Monitor data quality within the HMIS database system.
·         Produce database reports of agencies for quality data review
·         Work with the Director of HMIS & Special Projects to facilitate ongoing identification      
          and enrollment of agencies into the HMIS.
·         Provide technical assistance and educational outreach to providers of homelessness   
          services statewide through telephone, email, written contacts, quarterly regional
          meetings, and site visits.
·         Schedule and oversee ongoing database training facilitated by Municipal Information
          Systems Inc.
·         Conduct site visits with existing project participants, monitoring compliance and
          assisting with issues.
·         Facilitate the bi-annual sheltered point-in-time count for the Balance of State
          Continuum of Care.
·         Work closely with statewide policy makers and shelter directors in scheduling,
          correspondence and notices of meetings.
·         Coordinate printing of written materials, brochures, mailings, dissemination of
          materials, and meetings.
·         Assist in generating HMIS related information needed by Director of HMIS & Special
          Projects or Executive Director.
·         Prepare and submit required reports on the project to the HMIS Steering Committee,
          HUD and other grantors.
·         Maintain and develop e-community through list serves, newsletters and web site
          content.
·         Attend a variety of meetings relating to the HMIS project as directed by Director of
          HMIS & Special Projects.
·         Provide administrative assistance to the Director of HMIS & Special Projects.
·         Other duties as specified by the Director of HMIS & Special Projects.
 
Reports to: Director of HMIS & Special Projects.
 
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in field closely related to database management or public policy.  Any combination of education and relevant experience can substitute.
- Working knowledge and understanding of homelessness, as well as regional and community diversity within the State of Missouri.
- Working knowledge of Excel, Access, Word, and PowerPoint required; knowledge of HMIS data systems helpful.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Good written and verbal communications skills.
- Experience with public policy advocacy, not-for-profit associations and volunteer organizations helpful.
- Understanding of federal program requirements.
- A strong passion for social justice.
 
Logistics:
The office of the HMIS Project Assistant is in the Center for Social Justice, 606 East Capitol Avenue, Jefferson City, MO 65101.  Travel – mostly in-state – is required for site visits and meetings, and should not exceed 50%, with mileage paid by MASW at the current IRS rate, and with other approved expenses also reimbursed.  Some evening and weekend work will be necessary.
 
Compensation:
HMIS Project Coordinator is a full-time, professional position.  Starting salary range is $29,000 to $34,000 annually.  Position will be eligible for a cost of living adjustment, pending successful completion of performance expectations.
 
Benefits include health insurance, employer-match for IRA contributions, paid vacation, holidays and sick leave, as specified in the MASW Personnel Policy.

PMR (13, 2) is now published. It is a special issue on research methodologies in public management, guest edited by Christopher Hood and Stephen P Osborne.

Contents
Helen Margetts ‘Experiments for public management research’

Guro Huby, John Harries and Suzanne Grant ‘Contributions of ethnography to the study of public services management: past and present realities’

Rhys Andrews, George Boyne and Richard Walker ‘The impact of management on administrative and survey measures of organizational performance.’

Mary Dixon-Woods and Charles L Bosk ‘Defending rights or defending privileges? Rethinking the ethics of research in public service organisations’

Chris Huxham and Paul Hibbert ‘Use matters… And matters of use: building theory for reflective practice’

Deborah Wilson ‘Comparative analysis in public management: reflections on the experience of a major research programme’

Tracey Wond and Michael Macaulay ‘Extending time – extended benefits: using longitudinal research in public management evalaution’

SLACMA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
BOND FINANCING 101
THE BASICS OF GOVERNMENTAL DEBT FINANCING

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2011
9:00 AM TO 12:00 NOON
CENTER OF CLAYTON
50 GAY AVENUE, CLAYTON

PRESENTERS:  Carl Ramey, Vice President, Stifel Nicholas
Mark Grimm, Attorney at Law, Gilmore & Bell

PROGRAM: At some point in most public service careers, professional administrators and elected officials encounter the process of issuing municipal bonds to finance important capital investments and economic development projects in their communities. Two experienced practitioners in municipal bond financing in Missouri will cover the basic principles of municipal bond financing for local government officials, including definitions, terminology, process, legal requirements, credit worthiness, credit enhancement, bond ratings, issuance requirements and costs and other topics. The goal is to give participants a working knowledge to effectively interact with public finance professionals when the time comes to issue public debt in their community.

AUDIENCE:  City Managers and Administrators, Elected Officials, Finance Directors and staff, Public Works Directors, Public Administration Students

COST:  None

Please contact James Mello at the St. Louis County Municipal League to indicate how many from your community will be attending.   314-726-4747 or staff@stlmuni.org.

May 9–11, 2011
Chase Park Plaza | St. Louis, Mo.
Visit 2011.exploringinnovation.org for conference agenda and registration information.

We’ve lined up three keynote speakers who truly define “innovation” to enlighten attendees on some critical areas of community development—regulatory reform, microlending and comprehensive positive community change. Don’t miss this chance to learn from the best!

Elizabeth Duke, Federal Reserve Board of Governors, will kick off the conference with a discussion on regulatory reform and the future of financial services. In the recent debate over financial reform, Governor Duke drew on her extensive background in banking to emerge as a pivotal figure in moving the legislation to implementation.

Jessica Jackley, co-founder of Kiva, the world’s first peer-to-peer online microlending service, will tell the story of Kiva. Ms. Jackley is currently founder and CEO of ProFounder (www.profounder.com), a platform providing new ways for small business entrepreneurs in the U.S. to access start-up capital through crowdfunding and community involvement.

AC Wharton, mayor of Memphis, Tenn., will close the conference with innovative solutions to on-the-ground community challenges and opportunities. He’ll share his formula for comprehensive positive community change.

Who Should Attend
Bank CEOs and CRA officers
Philanthropic leaders
Government leaders and community economic developers
Leaders of nonprofits and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs)
Students

Don’t miss out! Save money and ensure your spot by registering today. Space is limited, and early bird registration closes on March 14.

Register Today!
2011.exploringinnovation.org

Justice Research and Statistics Association
2011 Student Paper Contest

JRSA is pleased to announce the 2011 Student Paper Contest for graduate students in fields related to criminal or juvenile justice.  The contest winner will receive a plaque stating his or her accomplishment and a one-year subscription to JRSA’s journal, Justice Research and Policy.  
 
For contest rules, including deadlines and judging criteria, go to http://www.jrsa.org/pubs/JRSA-Student-Contest-Announcement-2011.pdf.
 
For more information about JRSA, visit our Web site at www.jrsa.org.

I am writing on behalf of the Electronic Hallway<http://hallway.evans.washington.edu/> at the University of Washington’s Evans School of Public Affairs. The Electronic Hallway is an online resource for quality teaching cases and other curriculum materials for faculty teaching in the areas of public policy, nonprofit management, and related subjects. This June we will be offering our annual Case Teaching & Writing Workshops <http://hallway.evans.washington.edu/case-teaching/workshops> here at our Seattle campus which are designed to help faculty effectively incorporate case teaching methods and techniques into their curriculum and provide faculty with guidance on how to design, develop, and write new case studies. We believe that these workshops would present PMRA members with a dynamic learning opportunity to improve their performance in the classroom and would like you to consider including information about these workshops on your website or in an upcoming newsletter.

Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or requests. Thank you in advance for your time, and I look forward to hearing back from you soon.

Best,

Jason Adams

Electronic Hallway Program Manager
Evans School of Public Affairs |  University of Washington
Box 353055 | Seattle, WA 98195-3055
hallhelp@u.washington.edu<http://hallhelp@u.washington.edu/>  |  206.221.3676<tel:206.221.3676> | M-Th: 9am-5pm

 The Inter‑university Consortium for Political and Social Research (ICPSR) is pleased to announce the 2011 Summer Program in Quantitative Methods of Social Research.
 
As many subscribers to this list already know, the main component of the ICPSR Summer Program is held on the campus of the University of Michigan, in Ann Arbor. Lectures and workshops on a wide variety of topics in research design, quantitative reasoning, statistical methods, and data processing are presented in two four‑week sessions. The first session runs from June 20, 2011 until July 15, 2011. The second session runs from July 18, 2011 until August 12, 2011. The contents of the two sessions are largely independent of each other, although some second‑session workshops do assume that participants are familiar with material from first‑session courses.
 
The 2011 ICPSR Summer Program will also offer a number of three‑ to five‑day workshops on both statistical and substantive topics throughout the summer. Most of these shorter workshops take place in Ann Arbor, but there are several that will be held in other locations: Amherst, MA; Bloomington, IN; Chapel Hill, NC; and (for the first time) Berkeley, CA.
 
We would like to draw your attention to several noteworthy features in the 2011 ICPSR Summer Program. 
 
Three new four-week workshops: “Network Analysis” during the first session; “Applied Multilevel Models”, and “Causal Inference for the Social Sciences” during the second session.
 
A number of new three- to five-day statistical workshops, including: “Estimating Geometric Models of Choice and Judgment”, “Missing Data: An Introduction to the Analysis of Incomplete Data SetsA (in Bloomington, IN), “Doing Bayesian Data Analysis: An Introduction”, “Monte Carlo Simulation and Resampling Methods” (in Chapel Hill, NC), “Item Response Theory”, and “Spatial Econometrics: Statistical Models of Interdependence Among Observations”. 
 
Expanded offerings in the field of network analysis. In addition to the new four-week workshop mentioned earlier, we will have the following short workshops: “Network Analysis: An Introduction”, “Advanced Network Analysis” (offered for the first time), “Social Network Analysis: An Introduction”, and “Network Analysis: A Second Course”. 
 
A new three-day workshop on “Mixed Methods: Approaches for Combining Qualitative and Quantitative Research Strategies” (in Chapel Hill, NC).  
 
Two five-day workshops on the analysis of panel data: A new course on “Panel Data Analysis Using SAS and SPSS” and another on “Panel Data Analysis Using Stata.” 
 
Continued emphasis on multilevel modeling. In addition to the new four-week workshop mentioned above, we offer the following short workshops: “Hierarchical Linear Models I: Introduction”, “Applied Multilevel Models Using SAS and SPSS”, “Analyzing Multilevel and Mixed Models Using Stata”, and “Hierarchical Linear Models II: Special Topics”.
 
In developing the course list for the 2011 ICPSR Summer Program, we are responding to the expressed interests of the social scientific research community, and providing coverage of statistical procedures that are receiving increasing attention within methodological circles. We hope you find something that will be useful for your own work in the 2011 Program. And, we are always interested in feedback: Please let us know if you have any thoughts about our current course offerings or new topics that you would like to see us include in the curriculum.
 
The current course list for the 2011 ICPSR Summer Program is provided below. This list gives the complete set of statistical courses that the Program will offer in 2011. Note that the roster of short substantive workshops is still being put together; additional information will be provided on the Summer Program web site as it becomes available. 
 
Registration is now open for all of our statistical courses and for several of the substantive workshops. The application form, registration instructions, fee structure, and further information about the ICPSR Summer Program are all available on our web site:
 
     http://icpsr.umich.edu/sumprog/
 
Please feel free to e‑mail us with any further questions at: sumprog@icpsr.umich.edu 
 
 
                                         2011 ICPSR SUMMER PROGRAM COURSE LIST
 
All classes are held in Ann Arbor, MI, unless otherwise noted.
 
First Four‑Week Session (June 20‑July 15, 2011):  Lectures:
 
Mathematics for Social Scientists, I
Mathematics for Social Scientists, II
Introduction to Computing
Introduction to the R Statistical Computing Environment
Introduction to the LaTeX Text Processing System
 
Workshops:
 
Introduction to Applied Bayesian Modeling for the Social Sciences
Introduction to Game Theory
Maximum Likelihood for Generalized Linear Models
Methodological Issues in Quantitative Research on Race and Ethnicity
Network Analysis
Quantitative Analysis of Crime and Criminal Justice
Rational Choice Theories of Politics and Society
Regression Analysis I: Introduction
Regression Analysis II: Linear Models
Scaling and Dimensional Analysis
Introduction to Statistics and Data Analysis, I
Time Series Analysis
 
Second Four‑Week Session (July 18‑August 12, 2011):
Lectures:
 
Introduction to Computing
Introductory/Review Lectures on Matrix Algebra
Introduction to the R Statistical Computing Environment
Introduction to the LaTeX Text Processing System
 
Workshops:
 
Advanced Bayesian Models for the Social Sciences
Categorical Data Analysis
Causal Inference for the Social Sciences
Complex Systems Models in the Social Sciences
Advanced Game Theory
Longitudinal Analysis
Longitudinal Analysis of Historical Demographic Data
Advanced Topics in Maximum Likelihood Estimation
Applied Multilevel Models
Advanced Multivariate Statistical Methods
Regression Analysis II: Linear Models
Regression Analysis III: Advanced Methods
Simultaneous Equation Models
Introduction to Statistics and Data Analysis, II
Structural Equation Models with Latent Variables
 
The Hubert M. Blalock Lecture Series in Advanced Methods of Social Research (Preliminary List of Topics):
Data Mining
Latent Class Analysis
Missing Data: Statistical Analysis of Data with Incomplete Observations
Statistical Graphics for Visualizing Data
 
Three‑ to Five‑Day Statistical Workshops:
Analyzing Developmental Trajectories (June 6-8, Amherst, MA)
Mixed Methods: Approaches for Combining Quantitative and Qualitative Research
      Strategies (June 6-8, Chapel Hill, NC)
Panel Data Analysis Using SAS and SPSS (June 6-10)
Estimating Geometric Models of Choice and Judgment (June 13-17)
Hierarchical Linear Models I: Introduction (June 13-17, Amherst, MA)
Network Analysis: An Introduction (June 13-17)
Missing Data: An Introduction to the Analysis of Incomplete Data Sets
      (June 15-17, Bloomington, IN)
Advanced Network Analysis (June 20-24)
Doing Bayesian Data Analysis: An Introduction (June 20-24)
Causal Inference in the Social Sciences: Matching, Propensity Scores, and Other Strategies (June 27-July 1, Berkeley, CA)
Structural Equation Models and Latent Variables: An Introduction (June 27-July 1)
Monte Carlo Simulation and Resampling Methods (June 27-July 1, Chapel Hill, NC)
Applied Multilevel Models using SAS and SPSS (July 11-15)
Item Response Theory (July 11-15)
Introduction to Spatial Regression Analysis (July 11-15, Chapel Hill, NC)
Models for Categorical Outcomes Using Stata: Specification, Estimation, and Interpretation (July 11-15, Berkeley, CA)
Panel Data Analysis Using Stata (July 18-22)
Social Network Analysis: An Introduction (July 18-22, Chapel Hill, NC)
Time Series Analysis: An Introduction for Social Scientists (July 18-22)
Categorical Data Analysis: A Second Course (July 25-29)
Designing, Conducting, and Analyzing Field Experiments (August 1-5)
Latent Growth Curve Models (LGCM): A Structural Equation Modeling Approach (August 1-5, Chapel Hill, NC)
Spatial Econometrics: Statistical Models of Interdependence Among
      Observations (August 15-19)
Analyzing Multilevel and Mixed Models Using Stata (August 15‑19)
Network Analysis: A Second Course (August 17-19)
Hierarchical Linear Models II: Special Topics (Dates TBD)

About the Organization

Trailnet is a not for profit 501 (c) 3 organization with a twenty-two year history of Promoting Active Living as a way of life that encourages people to integrate physical activity into their daily routines. Trailnet leads in fostering healthy and active communities through innovative programs, planning, and policy that promote walking and bicycling throughout the St. Louis bi-state region.

General Summary
The TravelGreen program promotes commuter cycling and increases awareness for cycling safety in the St. Louis region with the added benefit of improving the health, environment, and economy. Trailnet works with communities and businesses to enhance their built environment, policies, and social networks in order to promote bicycling as a viable and practical form of transportation. The TravelGreen program identifies and engages a strong cycling contingent—those who are ready to change old behaviors and shift gears toward a new and healthier commute on a daily basis.

Responsibilities
• Help to coordinate and implement Trailnet’s contributions to the St. Louis Earth Day event on April 17, 2011.
• Assist in developing the community aspect of the TravelGreen program.
• Assist in coordinating Bike to Work Day planning efforts along with Trailnet staff and local groups, government agencies, transit agencies, employers and other key stakeholders. Must be available on the morning of May 20, 2011.
• Promote Breakfast for Bikers, a monthly incentive for bike commuters.
• Employ evidence based methods to increase use of alternative transportation.
• Write content for the Bike to Work Day/TravelGreen pages of the Trailnet website/blog and help to maintain the site.
• Promote National Bike Month through challenges, give-aways, education, electronic media, etc.
• Assist with other tasks related to the TravelGreen program including grant writing, phone calls, data entry, mailings, running errands throughout the St. Louis Metro Area, etc.

Qualifications/requirements
• Experience in organizing and coordination events
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Creative
• Enthusiasm and experience bicycle commuting
• Available for specific events
• Knowledge of active living and obesity prevention

The start date for this position is April 4th, 2011. This position can be used for practicum credit (up to 360 hours). Interested and qualified applicants, please send resume to emily@trailnet.org.

We have a few scholarships available to attend this event free, students normal cost is $40.  Please contact Dr. Cropf for more information about the scholarships.

 Housing: Building a New Foundation for Economic Prosperity
 
FOCUS St. Louis, in partnership with the Des Lee Collaborative Vision, presents Housing: Building a New Foundation for Economic Prosperity. This symposium explores affordable housing in Missouri and Southwest Illinois, taking a close look at the disparity between the location of many jobs and the location of housing that is affordable for workers who fill those positions, and ways to resolve these issues to help build sustainable, prosperous communities.
When: March 3-4, 2011Where: Millennium Hotel, St. Louis, MOFee: $75 early-bird registration before February 1, 2011 ($95 after) | $40 for StudentsExhibit tables available at no charge

Who Should AttendThose involved in the housing industry would find this conference valuable, particularly developers, finance specialists, attorneys, policy makers, local government representatives – elected and appointed as well as those involved in community grassroots efforts to promote affordable housing.
 
Agenda | Register Online

Keynote Speaker
 
Angela Glover Blackwell is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of PolicyLink. PolicyLink continues to drive its mission of advancing economic and social equity. Under Blackwell’s leadership, PolicyLink has become a leading voice in the movement to use public policy to improve access and opportunity for all low-income people and communities of color, particularly in the areas of health, housing, transportation, education and infrastructure.
 
Blackwell is the co-author of Uncommon Common Ground: Race and America’s Future (W.W. Norton & Co., 2010), and contributed to Ending Poverty in America:  How to Restore the American Dream (2007) and The Covenant with Black America (2006).

Experience the Millennium Hotel St. Louis, located on the banks of the Mississippi River at the heart of the city’s best dining, entertainment and sporting venues. Adjacent to the Gateway Arch, our downtown hotel is within walking distance to attractions including Busch Stadium, Edward Jones Dome, Old Cathedral and Laclede’s Landing.
 
Soak in the views from one of our St. Louis hotel’s 780 guestrooms and 29 suites, offering amenities such as a fitness center and indoor and outdoor pools. Our Club Rooms feature premium amenities like complimentary breakfast and plush bathrobes.

For more information, please contact:
John Wagner
Community Policy Director
FOCUS St. Louis   
(314) 622-1250  extension 105
johnw@focus-stl.org

Notice of RFP Release
 
The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA) has recently posted a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the study and evaluation of multidisciplinary teams. The vendor is to conduct a process and impact evaluation on four (4) multidisciplinary teams (MDT) currently operating in Illinois counties (Kankakee, McLean, Peoria and St. Clair). Three of the counties operate a domestic violence MDT and one operates a sexual assault MDT. This research project is to include an assessment of each site’s operations and design, as well as an assessment of program impact as it pertains to system efficiency, victim service and public safety. Overall, the study will describe if and how the coordinated response produced a more effective service delivery for victims and successful prosecution of offenders. The Vendor will be responsible for: (1) developing a research design, (2) providing continuing feedback to the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority concerning the research design and progress of the research, (3) carrying out the research in a manner that provides quality information, contributes to the understanding of criminal justice issues and complies with accepted principles of confidentiality and standards relating to social science research, (4) delivering a final research / evaluation report and data file(s) to the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, in a form and manner specified by the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, and (5) completing the project within the required timeframe (one year beginning approximately May 1, 2011).
 
Interested vendors are required to register on the Illinois Procurement Bulletin website in order to download the RFP. If you have not registered previously, you will need to do so on the website. An e-mail will then be sent to you confirming your registration. Registration is free and is required so that any changes or addendums to the RFP can be made available to you via your e-mail. You may view basic information regarding the RFP without registering, but registration is required to download the full copy.
 
The solicitation (RFP) has been posted at www.purchase.state.il.us
 
Use this link to view the Solicitation:
http://www.purchase.state.il.us/r.nsf/g?open&d=BEBED532B661BB098625782D005E4E5C
 
Class Code(s): S380 Management; Consulting; & Public Relations (non-EDP) Services,
Title: Evaluation of Multidisciplinary Teams
Reference Number: 22020726
Agency Reference Number: CJ 0104
 
Due Date: 03/14/2011  3:00 PM Local Time
 
IPB Help desk contact information:
Email:     webmaster@purchase.state.il.us
Phone:     1-866-ILL-BUYS (1-866-455-2897)
Use this link to go directly to the Illinois Procurement Bulletin:    http://www.purchase.state.il.us
 
Some e-mail systems may have difficulty displaying the link above.  If you experience difficulty displaying the link above, please copy and paste the following address into the address/location bar of your browser window:   http://www.purchase.state.il.us/r.nsf/g?open&d=BEBED532B661BB098625782D005E4E5C
 
If this does not work, you can manually search IllinoisBID at our website at:  http://www.purchase.state.il.us
In IllinoidBID, enter the Reference Number above in the Search field and click Search