Time to Renew Your AIRS Membership

Alliance of Information & Referral Systems December 2006 Volume XXXI No. 11 Time to renew your

Time to renew your AIRS membership.....1 AIRS membership The mission of AIRS is “to provide tently impact local change and pro- Accreditation Committee makes leadership and support to our vide local support as effectively as progress in 2006...... 2 members and affiliates to advance a state/regional affiliate. And for the capacity of a Standards-driven that to happen, our Affiliates need See if you qualify for the federal tele- Information and Referral industry to be stronger and this is what is phone tax refund...... 2 that brings people and services being created through the new together.” membership structure and fee-shar- Message from the AIRS Board ing arrangements. President...... 3 Noble words, found with minor variations, in most mission state- In 2007, in addition to further AIRS secures project support from Dammann Fund...... 3 ments. In reality, as with the agen- strengthening the core, AIRS is cies of our members, it often boils providing additional funding and 211s in the news across the country....4-6 down to a small number of people human resources to its Committees working very hard trying their best concerned with issues such as Make a New Year’s resolution: Join an to do the right things in the right Public Policy, Disaster, Technology AIRS committee...... 7 way. And usually the list of proj- and Training in order to support ects completed, is a shadow of the I&R on a broader front and in spe- Updated list of AIRS Affiliate roster...... 8-9 list of projects that people would cific areas. like to see completed. Note from the editor...... 9 There are many tangible reasons to 2007 AIRS Conference details being Over the past two years, AIRS has renew your membership of AIRS finalized...... 10 been engaged in attending to our in terms of products, services, dis- core services. Significant work has counts, cost savings, information Standards Corner: The Standard of taken place within the Standards, and communication. For each indi- Hiring...... 11 new accreditation criteria have vidual member, the most intangible been created, certification has reason is probably the most impor- Child abuse hotline connects with expanded along psychometrical tant -- because the membership callers...... 12 principles, the ABCs of I&R have pledge of each agency allows AIRS undergone a major revision and to provide an international infra- AIRS certifies new specialists...... 13-14 online training is coming around structure of I&R that everyone can the corner. draw upon. The Alliance of Information & Referral Systems 2007 Affiliate Agreement....15-16 The most significant change has If you have not done so already Certification Test Dates...... 17 been with the integration of our (and thank you if you have), please membership with our 28 state and go to the AIRS Web site at Contact Us regional Affiliates. As a national www.airs.org and return your organization, AIRS cannot consis- membership renewal forms! www.airs.org Officers of the Accreditation Committee Corporation makes progress in 2006 Faed Henry, Caty Jirik, President Accreditation Committee Chair Kathy O’Connor, President-Elect The AIRS Accreditation Committee has been busy on several Georgia Sales, Secretary fronts. The two new AIRS Standards, Crisis Intervention and Jamie Moore, Treasurer Disaster Preparedness, have been written in to the new accreditation criteria and will come into effect on January 1st, 2007. The Alliance of Information & Referral Systems, Inc., was The Committee is also exploring ways to conduct the Accreditation incorporated in 1973 to improve Questionnaires online by using SurveyMonkey. This is a tool that access to human services for all will allow AIRS to design the survey, collect responses and analyze people through the mechanism of results in a more efficient manner. This will also make it easier for information and referral. It is a staff, board and community organizations to fill out the question- member organization serving I&R naire and increase the response rate. interests. To date in 2006, 23 organizations have joined the growing family of The AIRS Newsletter is provided as AIRS Accredited organizations from both the United States and a benefit to all AIRS members. For Canada. There are 72 organizations/programs that are currently information about annual dues for accredited and another 59 in varying stages of the process. Three both agencies and individuals, new site reviewers were recruited from accredited organizations. contact us at (703) 218-AIRS (2477).

AIRS accepts paid advertising for See if you qualify for the federal inclusion in its publications for products and/or services which are telephone tax refund related to the purposes of AIRS and Last spring, the Internal Revenue Service agreed to stop collecting its members. The products and the 3% federal excise tax assessed on long-distance telephone calls. services advertised in AIRS The money will be returned to people via the 2006 federal income publications do not necessarily tax return. imply endorsement by AIRS or its membership. The telephone tax refund will be a one-time payment and it will be available to anyone who paid long-distance taxes on landline, cell For more information about placing phone or Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service. For those an ad or article in the AIRS people who do not otherwise have to file a tax return, there will be Newsletter, contact: a new simple form (1040EZ-T) that can be used to get the refund. Nonprofits must fill out the new Form 8913 and base their refund requests on the actual amount of tax they paid. The IRS is consid- Hannah Newton, ering an estimation method that businesses and nonprofits could use AIRS Newsletter Editor for figuring the tax paid and is asking for public suggestions on PO Box 33095 potential methodologies that are both accurate and relatively easy Portland, OR for taxpayers to use. [email protected] For more information: http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=161506,00.html

December 2006 Alliance of Information & Referral Systems 2 Message from the AIRS Board President Another While much progress has been Their collective talent, creativity, year has made, there is still much to do. commitment and innovation are come and Since this is a season of thanks, I unsurpassed and the field owes almost want to take this opportunity to them a great deal. gone, with thank the membership for all of a whirlwind your continued contributions of Finally, as we all count our bless- of activity time, talent and resource to AIRS. ings, I know we are all thinking and seem- The level of commitment in this about the men and women serving Caty Jirik, ingly end- organization is extraordinary and in Iraq and Afghanistan, of all of AIRS Board President less chal- to be applauded. All of the hard the families living in those coun- lenges for the world of Information work that goes on locally, positive- tries and around the world, torn and Referral and Assistance and ly impacts, leverages and compli- apart by war and violence. It is Crisis. Along with those chal- ments the work being done nation- truly difficult to celebrate the holi- lenges have come opportunities. ally. It’s like voting - your voice day season without feeling deep Our field is now, more than ever, really does count! sadness about the state of our very engaged and visible as a critical vulnerable and fragile planet. Yet, service system in communities. As I want to take this opportunity to this is a season of hope and renew- our membership continues to grow, deliver a very special thank you to al. We can pray for peace, for tol- AIRS continues to raise the bar on Maribel Marin of 2-1-1 LA erance, for the alleviation of quality standards for the industry. County and her extraordinary staff, hunger and poverty and disease. The credentialing and training two in particular, Marianne And we can renew our collective tools are ever expanding to meet Galleon and Georgia Sales. These commitment to a better world for the needs of a changing field, and folks have contributed endless our children to inherit. On this, we those tools have really become the hours to AIRS, but also have been can all agree. benchmark for establishing the integral to putting AIRS at the public’s expectations for high qual- forefront of the industry, including I wish you all a safe and happy ity I&R systems and services, developing the InfoLine Taxonomy and peaceful holiday season. including 2-1-1. and forwarding the work of the XML protocol, among others.

AIRS secures project support from Dammann Fund Two new online training courses -- one focusing on The New York City-based foundation has supported providing I&R for individuals with mental health I&R in the past and, through connections with former issues and one for improving I&R services for young 211 New York State Director, Linda Daily, was aware people -- will be created over the next 15 months with of the AIRS Standards and the importance, particular- the help of $26,000 from the Dammann Fund. ly with the growth of 2-1-1, in providing enhanced training to help all AIRS members meet those stan- The courses will be developed and evaluated with the dards and further improve I&R services in their com- assistance of three AIRS Affiliates, each located in a munities. geographic area served by the Dammann Fund and with each affiliate sharing some of the funding.

December 2006 Alliance of Information & Referral Systems 3 211s in the news across the country California stop in Marion for advice.” The http://www.earthtimes.org/arti- “Largest Census Of Homelessness, state is looking at using the public cles/show/news_press_release,316 Volunteers Needed.” The biennial libraries to help promote 2-1-1. 64.shtml head count of the county’s home- http://www.chronicle- less population is part of the ongo- tribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?A “Healthy financial prognosis for ing Orange County Homeless ID=/20061215/NEWS01/6121503 Huron Valley Ambulance: After 25 Continuum of Care program, a col- 30/1002 years, nonprofit keeps sharp eye laboration of the county's Housing on its bottom line.” Service con- and Community Service Iowa tracts with the United Way of Department, the 2-1-1 information “Kraft workers buy holiday gifts Washtenaw County for the 211 and referral agency, the United for kids.” Those who need help social service line that offers infor- Way and OC Partnership, a non- can call InfoLINK, United Way’s mation on food and housing and profit homeless services advocacy information and referral service, at volunteer opportunities. agency. (563) 355-9900 or from Iowa dial http://www.mlive.com/mbusiness http://cbs2.com/topstories/local_sto 2-1-1. review/stories/index.ssf?/mbusi ry_352171740.html http://www.qctimes.net/arti- nessreview/se/sto cles/2006/12/16/news/local/doc458 ries/20061213_4.html Florida 38842e4aa6144796129.txt “Holidays can deepen melancholy New Jersey of loss: Most grieving people suf- Kentucky/Indiana “State would be overwhelmed by fer silently, a help line director “United Way needs help to help flu pandemic.” New Jersey has says, but there are other ways to families.” The Christmas assis- set up a “2-1-1” phone system with cope.” For those grieving who tance program is coordinated by call centers where trained staff can aren’t comfortable talking with United Way’s 211, a free and con- give information during an emer- family members, the crisis center fidential information and referral gency, to relieve the 9-1-1 system. suggest calling 211 and speaking line. People needing help locating http://www.courierpostonline.com/ to a counselor. services or volunteer opportunities apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/200612 http://www.sptimes.com/2006/12/1 can dial 2-1-1 to get connected to 16/NEWS01/61216004/1004/LIV- 5/Brandontimes/Holidays_can_dee local agencies. ING pen_m.shtml http://www.courierpress.com/news/ 2006/dec/06/united-way-needs- “Gift idea: Donate a mammogram Indiana help-to-help-families/ for the holidays.” Residents can “2-1-1 service launches.” Lake and call 2-1-1 to see if they qualify for Porter County residents now have Michigan the free mammogram. access to a new 2-1-1. “United Way’s 2-1-1 Celebrates http://www.c- http://www.thetimesonline.com/arti First Year Serving Southeastern n.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/ cles/2006/12/19/updates/top_sto- Michigan.” United Way for 20061215/FRONT01/61215011 ries/eaf50a78ad2c3a468625724900 Southeastern Michigan celebrated 634af1.txt a successful first year of its 2-1-1 Ohio call center today, which received “Domestic violence: Safety plan- “Transportation, food hot topics 97,959 calls since its launch last ning helps victims reduce risk of for seniors: State worker makes December. injury.” People who work in the

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December 2006 Alliance of Information & Referral Systems 4 Continued from page 4 domestic violence field recom- South Carolina Texas mend that anyone who is in an “Lonely Callers Slow 911.” “On “Smoke detectors being given abusive relationship get individual- top of the calls out of holiday des- away.” For information about the ized safety planning from a trained peration, people call 911 looking smoke detector distribution, resi- professional - someone at a shelter for phone numbers, insurance dents may call the United Way of such as the Cocoon or the YWCA information and sometimes just San Antonio and Bexar County at or an agency such as Adelante, for looking for the time. People are 2-1-1. example. People who are in non- urged to call 211 if they have a http://www.mysanantonio.com/new emergency situations can dial 2-1- non-emergency issue. The number s/metro/stories/MYSA122106.dete 1 for information about agencies connects to the United Way.” ctors.e-n.2d3974c7.html that can help. http://nwitimes.com/arti- http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dl cles/2006/12/20/news/top_news/dd “United Way line links callers with l/article?AID=/20061210/ART16/6 7b05dbfc5431338625724a000a782 assistance.” The 211 office that 12090336/-1/ART b.txt serves Tarrant and seven other nearby counties recently moved “Legislature, agencies focus on Tennessee from the United Way headquarters foreclosure.” “FirstLink, an infor- “Police aim to keep all safe.” in Fort Worth to central Arlington. mation and referral agency for the “Many police hours are spent Between Jan. 1 and Nov. 1 this United Way, has developed a con- handing out 211 literature advising year, the 211 call center in Tarrant venient 211 telephone number that of where shelter, bathrooms, food, County handled more than 87,000 provides callers with a variety of mental and medical services are calls from Erath, Hood, Johnson, community resources, including provided.” Palo Pinto, Parker, Somervell, food, clothing and shelter. “ http://www.tennessean.com/apps/p Tarrant and Wise counties. http://www.thisweeknews.com/?sto bcs.dll/article?AID=200661217036 http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/news ry=sites/thisweeknews/120706/Gra 4 /local/16113818.htm ndview/News/120706-News- 274733.html “Help Needed: Organizations offer Utah a hand to those who need assis- “Utah’s Special Needs Registry in “United Way wins $3M grant.” tance.” “211/Contact-Concern of Effect.” Governor Jon M. The United Way of Greater Northeast, TN is a telephone Huntsman, Jr. announced the cre- Cincinnati will receive a $3 mil- helpline that provides services to ation of Utah’s Special Needs lion U.S. Department of Education the community. They have com- Registry. The registry is a collec- grant to teach parents how to prehensive information and refer- tive effort by the Utah Division of become involved in their children's rals on health and human services Homeland Security, 211 education. Some of the funds will available to those in need; crisis Information and Referral Center, be used to expand United Way 211 intervention with trained volun- United Way of Northern Utah, service to provide information for teers who answer the phones 365 Utah Citizen Corps, Utah parents on district and school per- days a year, 15 hours a day.” Department of Health, American formance and how to access sup- http://hawkins.xtn.net/index.php?te Red Cross of Northern Utah, and plemental services like tutoring. mplate=news.view.subscriber&tabl the Northern Utah Homeland http://cincinnati.bizjournals.com/ci e=news&newsid=135737 Security Coalition. ncinnati/stories/2006/12/18/daily39 http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid .html =711475 Continued on page 6

December 2006 Alliance of Information & Referral Systems 5 Continued from page 5 Washington State http://www.thedailyworld.com/arti- emergency number, that would “Power Restoration Update for cles/2006/12/05/local_news/02new have trained staff answering pan- Kitsap.” For more information, s.txt demic questions from the public.” residents can call the Red Cross at http://www.happynews.com/news/ (360) 377-3761, or call 211 or 911. “Calling For Help Just Got 12172006/pandemic-preparations- http://www.kitsapsun.com/bsun/loc Easier.” Overview of 2-1-1 serv- state-state.htm al/article/0,2403,BSUN_19088_52 ice. 26444,00.html http://www.kndo.com/Global/story. Canada – Ontario asp?S=5759101&nav=menu484_1 “211 - Help for the Holidays.” “If “211 assistance center coming you or someone you know needs soon” The 211 network is United States help over the holidays, Toronto’s designed to be a sort of one-stop “Pandemic Preparations, State-By- 211 telephone service is available “shopping center” to connect resi- State.” Listing of what each state 24 hours a day and seven days a dents in Grays Harbor, Pacific, is doing in way of preparations. week, 365 days a year.” Thurston, Mason and Lewis coun- New Jersey “has put together a 211 http://www.cnw.ca/fr/releases/archi ties to service providers. phone system, similar to the 911 ve/December2006/19/c8873.html

REMINDER As your contact information changes, please remember to let us know at the AIRS office by sending an e-mail to [email protected]. We want to make sure you continue to get your newsletter and other important information.

December 2006 Alliance of Information & Referral Systems 6 Make a New Year’s resolution: Join an AIRS committee Just like many other national asso- Accreditation Committee Standards Committee ciations, AIRS functions through Chair: Faed Hendry Chair: Margaret Strachan Committees. AIRS Committees are Members: Beth Pline, Debby Members: Randy Nicklaus, Faed all volunteer-based and supported Kimbrell, Georgia Sales, Lynne Hendry, Georgia Sales, Cathleen by at least one staff person. The Engel, Roberto Armijo, Micki Kelly, Diane Barrett, Linda Daily Chair is generally, but not always, Thompson an AIRS Board member. Technology Committee Certification Committee Chair: Marianne Galleon The members of the Committees Chair: Cathleen Kelly Members: Cathleen Kelly, Diane are drawn from a variety of Members: Anne Fogoros, Diane Barrett, Georgia Sales, Kathy sources, and over the past year, Barrett, Georgia Sales, Greg Link, O’Connor, Mary Damsgaard, AIRS has attempted, with great Jacky Roddy, Maurine Strickland, Maurine Strickland, Richard Stahl success, to recruit additional mem- Steve Nagel, Theresa Lambert, bers from Affiliates. But we want Roberto Armijo XML sub-committee to remind all our membership that Chair: Marianne Galleon they would be most welcome to Conference Committee Members: Carolyn Keyser, Diane join an AIRS Committee We can Chair: Peter Hebertson Barrett, Georgia Sales, Nancy use all the help we can get! Members: Bernice Hutchinson, Shank Debby Kimbrell, Gary Strickland, All committees do their primary Karen Hyatt, Maurine Strickland, Web site sub-committee work by teleconference and e-mail Sharon Doner Chair: Kathy O'Connor - generally about a one hour a Members: Cathleen Kelly, Diane month. However, from time to Disaster Committee Barrett, Marianne Galleon time, committee members may be Chairs: Karen Hyatt and Larry asked to do some specific work to Olness Software sub-committee further a committee goal. Members: Debby Kimbrell, Faed Chair: Shadow Foster Hendry, Jamie Moore, Alicia Jiron, Please note that the Accreditation Mary Maxwell, John Plonski Telecommunications sub-commit- and Certification Committees oper- tee: ate under their own confidentiality Marketing/Membership Members: Richard Stahl, Marianne agreement as the nature of their Committee Galleon, Mary Hogan, Steve work means that there is some sep- Chair: Doug Frank Parker aration from the main AIRS Board. Members: Jamie Moore, Mel But they still need volunteers! Favor, Sharon Doner, Cathleen Training Committee Kelly, John Plonski, Sharon Tierra, Chair: Linda Daily If you are interested in joining a Tim Sylvia, Trisha Ferrell Members: Bernice Hutchinson, specific AIRS Committee or would Beth Pline, Cathleen Kelly, Cathy like to have some more informa- Public Policy Committee Nellis, Eva McGinnis, Jayne tion, please email Charlene Hipes Chair: Richard Stahl Mullins, Mary Damsgaard, at [email protected]. Members: Steve Wertheim, Linda Michelle Pike, Rosanna Thoms, Daily, Maurine Strickland, Theresa Shye Louis, Tim Sylvia The following is a list of AIRS Lambert, Roberto Armijo Committee, their chairs and cur- rent members:

December 2006 Alliance of Information & Referral Systems 7 Updated list of AIRS Affiliate roster Arizona AIRS Illinois AIRS (410) 465-1352 180 East Fifth Building Roberto Armijo Karen Zangerle fax: (410) 461-1161 180 East Fifth Street Community Information PATH [email protected] St. Paul, MN 55101 & Referral 201 E. Grove (651) 291-8316 1515 E Osborn - The Bloomington, IL 61701 Massachusetts AIRS fax: (651) 291-8439 Annex (309) 828-1022 Gary Lever oconnork@united- Phoenix, AZ 85014 fax: (309) 827-7485 The Medical Foundation waytwincities.org (602) 263-8845 ex. 111 [email protected] Information and Referral fax: (602) 263-0979 Services AIRS New Jersey [email protected] AIRS Indiana 95 Berkeley Street Steven Nagel Stephanie Norrick Boston, MA 02116 INFO LINE of Central California AIRS United Way of SW (617) 536-0501 ex. 202 Jersey Nancy Findeisen Indiana 2-1-1 fax: (617) 292-5085 PO Box 159 Community Services 101 NW First Street, [email protected] Milltown, NJ 08850- Planning Council Suite 215 0159 909 12th Street, Suite Evansville, IN 47708 Michigan AIRS (732) 418-0200 200 (812) 421-7484 Sue Asher fax: (732) 418-0458 Sacramento, CA 95814 fax: (812) 421-2060 United Way of Midland [email protected] (916) 447-7063 ex. 328 [email protected] County fax: (916) 447-7052 rg 220 W. Main Street, Suite New York State AIRS nfindeisen@community- 100 John Plonski council.org Iowa/Nebraska AIRS Midland, MI 48640 Covenant House Nineline Karen Hyatt (989) 631-3670 346 West 17th Street Florida AIRS 1918 40th Place fax: (989) 832-5524 New York, NY 10011- Tim Sylvia Des Moines, IA 50310 sasher@unitedwaymid- 5002 First Call for Help (515) 778-8993 land.org (212) 727-4040 3747 W International [email protected] fax (212) 989-9098 Speedway Blvd [email protected] Midwest I&R Services jplonski@covenant- Daytona Beach, FL Alliance house.org 32124-1010 Louisiana AIRS Patt Harvey (386) 253-0563 Jewll Lowe Heart of America United Northwest AIRS fax: (386) 253-9517 232-HELP/211 Way Pat Williams [email protected] PO Box 52763 1080 Washington 2-1-1 Idaho CareLine Lafayette, LA 70505 Kansas City, MO 64105 IDHW Georgia AIRS (337) 232-4357 (816) 559-4670 1720 Westgate Drive, Ste Joy Lankford fax: (337) 232-1960 fax: 816 842-1007 A Atlanta Regional [email protected] [email protected] Bosie, ID 83704 Commission (208) 287-1020 40 Courtland Street NE Maryland AIRS fax: (208) 334-5531 Atlanta, GA 30303 Bill Moss Minnesota AIRS [email protected] (404) 463-3233 Linwood Center, Inc. Kathy O’Connor fax: (404) 463-3264 3421 Martha Bush Drive Greater Twin Cities North Carolina AIRS [email protected] Ellicott City, MD 21043 United Way Jo Paul Continued on page 9

December 2006 Alliance of Information & Referral Systems 8 Continued from page 8 Office of Citizen [email protected] Salt Lake City UT 84104 Wisconsin AIRS Services (801) 887-1237 Jayne Mullins 2012 Mail Service Center South Carolina AIRS fax: (801) 746-2880 AgeAdvantAge AAA, Raleigh, NC 27699-2012 Melina M. Favor [email protected] Inc. (919) 855-4408 United Way of the [email protected] 2850 Dairy Drive, Suite fax (919) 715-8174 Midlands 200 [email protected] P.O. Box 152 Vermont AIRS Madison, WI 53718 1800 Main Street Sharon Tierra (608) 224-6305 Ohio Council of I&R Columbia, SC 29201 c/o United Ways of fax: (608) 224-6306 Providers (803) 733-5447 Vermont [email protected] Richard Stahl fax: (803) 779-7908 95 St. Paul Street, Suite Info Line, Inc. [email protected] 210 Staff: 474 Grant Street Burlington, VT 05401 Charlene Hipes Akron, OH 44311 Tennessee AIRS (802) 864-7541 ex. 49 AIRS (330) 762-5627 Ron Reid fax: (802) 864-7401 PO Box 33095 fax: (330) 253-1137 C/O Crisis Center [email protected] Portland, OR 97292 [email protected] P.O. Box 40752 (503) 257-3537 Nashville, TN 37204 Virginia AIRS fax: (503) 251-8383 AIRS Oklahoma (901) 415-2716 Joan Phelps [email protected] Edwina Reddick-Scott fax: (901) 323-7206 United Way of Central United Way of Lawton- [email protected] Virginia Contacts for Potential Fort Sill 1010 Miller Park Square New Affiliates: 1116 SW A Avenue Texas AIRS Lynchburg, VA 24501 Colorado Lawton, OK 73501 Janna Shoe (434) 455-6906 Alicia Jirón (580) 355-0218 2-1-1 Coastal Bend fax: (434) 847-8753 Mile High United Way fax: (580) 355-0810 United Way of Coastal joan.phelps@unitedway- alicia.jiron@unitedway- [email protected] Bend cv.org denver.org P.O. Box 9011 Pennsylvania Corpus Christi, TX WV Mountain AIRS Nevada Association for I&R 78469 Nancy Mayle John Miller Anne Fogoros (361) 882-4636 United Way Information United Way of Southern United Way of Allegheny [email protected] & Referral NV County 1701 5th Ave., Box 2 [email protected] PO Box 735 Utah AIRS Charleston, WV 25312 Pittsburgh, PA 15230 Josh Pedersen (304) 414-4405 Wyoming (412) 456-6886 211 Info Bank fax: (304) 414-4404 Casey Woods fax: (412) 394-5376 1025 S 700 W [email protected] [email protected] Note from the editor: will be clues to a crossword puzzle. You will need to Thank you to all of you who participated in the bi- send me the correct answers to the fill-in-the-blank monthly AIRS Standards tests. This past year we questions to have your names printed in the newslet- have worked through all the standards. I hope you ter. Happy puzzle solving! learned a little and had fun as well. This year, we are -- Hannah Newton going to go back through the Standards every other [email protected] month, but this time your answers (fill in the blank)

December 2006 Alliance of Information & Referral Systems 9 2007 AIRS Conference details being finalized Sharon Galler AIRS Conference Coordinator The date for the 29th Conference in sunny Jacksonville, Florida, is getting closer, and members of the Florida AIRS are looking forward to seeing you all there May 6-9, at the beautiful, scenic Hyatt Regency Hotel.

AIRS has negotiated special discounted hotel room rates of $119 single/double at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Jacksonville, Florida, located right on the scenic St. Johns river. In order to be able to bring you a conference of this magnitude, it is important that you stay at the headquarters hotel, so we can continue to insure the quality of our future programs and low hotel room rates. Call (800) 233- Department of Defense, Resource breaking conference news. 1234 and mention “AIRS” to make Taxonomy, Technology and 2-1-1. your reservations at this special For even more education, we are This year we will combine the off- rate. The deadline for this AIRS offering pre-conference intensives site event and “Friends of AIRS” discounted rate is April 09, so be for the opportunity to explore sev- auction and dance party. It will be sure to make your reservations in eral popular subjects in greater held on Tuesday evening and the plenty of time! detail. We will also have The friendly folks at Florida AIRS National Aging and Disability (FLAIRS) and Sharon Donor are The committees are already hard at I&R/A Symposium including an already planning the fun and fes- work planning and developing our all-day pre-conference retreat for tivities. Start collecting unusual best conference ever. This year we staff of State Units on Aging and creative items for your dona- have more than 70 workshops and (SUAs) and Area Agencies on tion as all of the proceeds benefit speakers on informative education- Aging (AAAs). A full schedule the Friends of AIRS Endowment al tracks including Aging, Basic will be available on our Web site Fund that provides scholarships to I&R, Disaster Response and www.airs.org by March, so please AIRS annual conferences for Planning, Management, visit our Web site for the latest deserving individuals. Call for Conference Presenters trate a theme. Complete the application form at It’s time to share your solutions, experience, knowl- http://www.airs.org/documents/callforpresenters2007- edge, novel approaches, new ideas and burning issues web.doc. with your peers. If you are interested in becoming a Presenters whose proposals are received by Jan. 31 conference presenter, now is the time to put together and selected for presentation will be entered into a a proposal. Remember you can present on your own lottery, and 50 will be selected to receive a compli- or form a panel with other colleagues to better illus- mentary room night at the conference hotel.

December 2006 Alliance of Information & Referral Systems 10 Standards Corner: The standard of hiring Mary Hogan shall objectively measure each federal, state or provincial employ- Past AIRS Board President candidate’s application for both ment laws, especially those dealing The Standards Corner is a periodic paid and volunteer positions with discrimination. feature which will discuss different against the position’s requirements aspects of the Standards for using a standardized form and Before even attempting the inter- Professional Information and screening procedure. view process, it is important to Referral. Wherever you are in the have a clear definition of the duties AIRS accreditation process, you Thomas Jefferson said: “No duty and competencies that your posi- may have a need for more in depth the Executive had to perform was tion requires, and clearly defined discussion of an aspect of the so trying as to put the right man in education and experiences levels Standards. This column will take a the right place.” that must be met by all applicants. section of the Standards and Use your baseline competencies, expand on either the whole stan- To update Thomas Jefferson for education and experience to meas- dard or a part of a Standard. the 21st century information and ure each resume fairly and objec- Information from accredited agen- referral provider (and to make tively. Some information and cies will be used if needed. We politically correct): “No duty the referral agencies have found it use- welcome your input - if you have a I&R Provider had to perform was ful to create a grid or form that burning question about an inter- so trying as to put the right I&R compares the applicant selection pretation of a standard, or if you professional in the right place.” criteria against each submitted see a need for clarification, please resume. A grid or a form helps to send your Standards Corner Effective hiring tools are essential rate the applicants fairly by the request to [email protected]. for setting the groundwork for a same criteria and gives a clear list Section V of the AIRS Standards high-performing information and of the candidates who meet your describes the governance and referral agency staff. The right per- baseline requirements and should administrative structure an I&R son in the right job ensures a moti- be scheduled for interviews. service needs in order to carry out vated, committed staff and con- its mission. Included in this section tributes to better service delivery. Check out the AIRS I&R toolkit: is Getting the wrong person in the www.airstoolkit.org for hiring job impacts productivity, turnover material samples from accredited Standard 18: Personnel rates, and absenteeism. agencies. Included are: New Administration Employee Interview Form, New The I&R service shall provide a It is good practice to standardize Employee Interview Guide, New framework and mechanisms for the hiring process for all informa- Employee Phone Screening, New program and personnel manage- tion and referral positions. Employee Resume Rating Form, ment and administration that guar- Inconsistent or poor administration Non-Discrimination Hiring antee the continuity and consisten- of the resume screening and inter- Guidelines, and Volunteer cy required for effective service viewing process can hamper effec- Screening Guide/Interview Form. delivery. tive hiring. Also, documenting the If you are from an accredited hiring process, and ensuring that agency and would like to submit One of three sections that specifi- screening and interviewing are samples related to your hiring cally deal with hiring is administered the same way every process, please send to 5. Screening: The I&R service time, protects the agency from [email protected]. accusation of possible violations of

December 2006 Alliance of Information & Referral Systems 11 Child abuse hotline connects with callers By Charlotte Anderson, Director Anne Lee says, “We don’t have to spend bil- 211 Director, Trident United Way, Charleston lions in laboratories to find a cure to child sexual 211 Hotline staff in Charleston, SC is updating the abuse. The cure is here. The cure is awareness and Darkness to Light network -- those centers who are common-sense proactive prevention steps that every answering calls to (866) FOR-LIGHT. If you’re won- adult can take. Every concerned adult can learn how dering who answers it in your area -- try dialing it. to better protect children.”

Darkness to Light (D2L) is a national child sexual The callers sometimes start out a bit hesitant and it abuse prevention campaign begun in Charleston, SC, takes them a minute to get to their question, other in 2000. Their media messages and training pro- times they go straight to the point. Some times they grams focus on: want help for themselves, once in a while it's for a Shifting responsibility for child sexual abuse pre- family member or friend. You can hear them relax as vention from children to adults they experience our compassion and acceptance; and Reducing child sexual abuse begin to realize that they’ve called a “safe” place. through adult-based education and They don't seem to mind when we awareness have to explain that we don’t have all the answers or that we aren’t Providing adults with informa- the “experts” in this field. They're tion to prevent, recognize and react glad they found us and I’m glad responsibly. they found us too. Though much of their service is provided through the So, a special thanks to those of you who have been network’s Web site and training programs, D2L responding to calls that come through the D2L knows that local helplines provide the best link to helpline. And to every one of you that pick up the services and support when people are searching for phone ready to help in your community - Thank you help. When people call that number, they get routed for caring and doing your part to break the cycle and to the nearest participating hotline or information line. reduce the incidence and impact of child sexual abuse Many of you agreed to take these calls for your area; every day. We DO make the world a better place! however, it’s been a while since anyone has been in touch. Darkness to Light also offers many other services and As the first hotline to take these calls and the center products through their Web site at www.d2l.org. that covers “uncovered” areas, we've been asked to Their “Stewards of Children Training” and “7 Steps” communicate with helplines in the network. We are booklet are professionally developed, evaluated and ready to answer your questions, offer some training presented. Their media partners are names you’ll and get you back in the information loop. know, like Time, Inc and Lifetime Television. Cyndi Lauper and Anne Heche are featured in two of the Hundreds of callers say thank you for helping them PSAs. find the help they need and for your wonderful compassion that allowed them to address the tough issue If you’d like to know more about this program or how of child sexual abuse. Once again, that core mission you can be involved - contact Caroline Byrd, of linking people and services together is making a [email protected] or call (843) 566-7183. huge difference.

December 2006 Alliance of Information & Referral Systems 12 AIRS certifies new specialists Since the last newsletter, the following people have been awarded the Certified Information and Referral Specialist, Certified Information and Referral Specialist in Aging, or the Certified Resource Specialist desig- nation in acknowledgement of their demonstrated competencies in the field of Information and Referral. CERTIFIED INFORMATION & REFERRAL Switchboard of Miami, Miami FL Center, Chilton WI SPECIALISTS Fernandes, Joaquim - Switchboard Lasaga, Ana Maria - Switchboard Acord, Maggie - DETCGOG of Miami, Miami FL of Miami, Miami FL AAA, Kirbyville TX Fischer-Kamenick, Jennifer - Dane Legg, Kimberly - Vermont 2-1-1, Adams, Debra - AAACT, Belton County Human Services, Madison Burlington VT TX WI Lehman, Marie - , Montello WI Blizard, Jennifer - People for Flores, Dora - El Paso City - Leverette, Carolina - 211 LA People, Yakima WA County Health and Environment County, San Gabriel CA Brewington, Kristye - United Way District, El Paso TX Luna, Elizabeth - United Way of 211, Cincinnati OH Galeano, Anthony - United Way of Laredo Inc., Laredo TX Bruce, Mark - TCOG Information the Texas Gulf Coast, Houston TX MacLeod, Anne - FIRST Line- and Access Center, Sherman TX Gonzalez, Elizabeth - Switchboard Information Referral, Winston- Buycks, Crystal - 211 United Way, of Miami, Miami FL Salem NC Arlington TX Harper, Mitchell - United Way of Mendl, Mary Ellen - United Ways Cabanillas, Maria - 211 LA Metro Atlanta, Atlanta GA of Vermont, Burlington VT County, San Gabriel CA Heindel, Michelle - Dane Co. Miles, Laura - Care Connection Castilla, Ana - People for People, Dept. of Human Services, Area Agency on Aging, Yakima WA Middleton WI Warrensburg MO Castro, Rafael - Switchboard of Hines, Sharon - United Way 2-1-1, O'Sullivan, Dulcie - Crisis Clinic- Miami, Miami FL Asheville NC Seattle, Seattle WA Coons, Madelyn - Warren Co Hollis, LaJuan - 2-1-1 East Texas Paez, Deborah - 211 of LA County, Community Services Inc, Lebanon United Way of Tyler/Smith San Gabriel CA OH County, Tyler TX Phillips, Jo An - SARPC/AAA, Coronado, Susana - Switchboard Huisheere, William - Dane County Mobile AL of Miami, Miami FL Human Services, Madison WI Purcell, Joseph - Dane County Costa, Andrea - Switchboard of Huschka, Ronni - Community Dept. of Human Services, Madison Miami, Miami FL Living Alliance, Sun Prairie WI WI Dahlberg, Kirsten - Crisis Clinic- Hutson, Jennifer - United Way of Ray, Sandra - United Way of the Seattle, Seattle WA Greater Cincinnati, Cincinnati OH Texas Gulf Coast, Houston TX Delys, Dana - Crisis Clinic-Seattle, Juliao, Yocasta - Switchboard of Reed, Stephanie - United Way, Seattle WA Miami, Miami FL Tyler TX Duncan, Peggy - United Way of Kaiser, Shelly - United Way's 2-1- Riebe, Jamie - Area Agency on Laredo Inc., Laredo TX 1, Wausau WI Aging of Dane County, Madison Escobar, Ricardo - NC Family Kelly, Zoe - United Way of WI Health Resource Line, Durham NC Asheville-Buncombe, Asheville Root, Leslie - Great Rivers 211, Farnum Rendino, Cheryl - United NC Lacrosse WI Way of Chittenden Kinard, Theresa - United Way of Rosario, Maria - Montgomery County/Vermont 211, Burlington Greater Cincinnati, Cincinnati OH County Child Care Resource and VT Krueger, Nancy - Calumet Co. Referral Center, Kensignton MD Farnum-Donk, Christine - Aging and Disability Resource Running, Laura - Great Rivers Continued on page 14

December 2006 Alliance of Information & Referral Systems 13 Continued from page 13 211, Onalaska WI Cline, Karen - Area Agency on Agency on Aging, Houston TX Schwab, Kelly - United Way of Aging of East Texas, Kilgore TX Rankin, Alice - HOT 2-1-1, Waco Kitsap County, Bremerton WA Davis, Helen - City of Los Angeles TX Simon, Marlene - Switchboard of Department of Aging, Los Angeles Reed, Gretchen - Senior Services, Miami, Miami FL CA Edmonds WA Sims, Angela - United Way Texas DiLeo, Monique - United Way of Royal, Tabitha - EARPDC, Gulf Coast, Houston TX the Gulf Coast, Houston TX Anniston AL Straus-Bowers, Erika - Crisis Dorsey, Bailey - Heart of Texas Terry, Suzanne - Harris County Clinic-Seattle, Seattle WA Council of Governments, Waco Area Agency on Aging, Fresno TX Theodore, Debbie - United Way, TX Ustach, Leah - Seniors Plus AAA, Mason OH Edwards, Annie - Neighborhood Lewiston ME Thompson, Lena - United Way of House, Seattle WA Verbel, Linda - Senior Services, the Midlands/211, Omaha NE Ellis, Paul - Heart of Texas 211, Bellevue WA Tijerina, Maria - United Way TX Waco TX Gulf Coast, Houston TX Gaumer, Megan - Info Spherix, CERTIFIED RESOURCE SPECIALISTS Umentum, Kathryn - St. Vincent Cumberland MD Badke, Anthony - 211 Texas South Hospital Children and Youth with Hardy, Nawita - Harris County Plains, Lubbock TX Special Health Care Needs, Green Area Agency on Aging, Houston Baluja, Maryllis - Switchboard of Bay WI TX Miami, Miami FL Weiland-Heiden, Susan - ADRC Hellman, Mary - Arrowhead Area Cooksey, Mary - United Way of Sheboygan County, Belgium WI Agency on Aging, Duluth MN Abilene, Abilene TX Weir, Adrianne - United Way's 2-1- Jeske, Christine - Division of DuBose, Eliza - Family Support 1 of Western North Carolina, Aging, Sheboygan WI Network-NC, Chapel Hill NC Asheville NC Jun, Shannon - ACRS, Seattle WA Gardner, Fern - Family Support Kamenetz, Jill - MAP of Howard Network of NC, Carrboro NC CERTIFIED INFORMATION & REFERRAL County, Columbia MD Kirkpatrick, Paul - Community SPECIALISTS-Aging Kerr, Sarah - Info Spherix, Crisis Services, Inc., Hyattsville Ansah, Henry - Harris Co Area Cumberland MD MD Agency on Aging, Houston TX Leard, Kathleen - Crawford Kulish, Roland - SETRPC Area August, Jo Marie - Harris County County Senior Resources, Prairie Agency on Aging of Southeast Area Agency on Aging, Missouri du Chien WI Texas, Beaumont TX City TX Liss, Valerie - Howard County McGill, Darlene - 2-1-1 Info Line / Bloedorn, Lucy - Ozaukee County Office on Aging, Columbia MD United Way of Tyler, Tyler TX Aging Services Dept., West Bend Miller, Maureen - Aging and Miller, Jennifer - Heart of America WI Disability Resource Center of United Way, Kansas City MO Bosilevac, Donna - WY/Lev AAA, Portage City, Stevens Point WI Schumacher, Brooke - Crisis Kansas City KS Mitchel, Jane - Central AL Aging Clinic-Seattle, Seattle WA Bottila, Marjori - Arrowhead Area Commission, Wetumpka AL Serby, David - 211 LA County, Agency on Aging, Duluth MN Nguyen, Bao - ACRS, Seattle WA San Gabriel CA Camarillo, Roxanne - Middle Rio Paige, Carolyn - Harris Co Area Vallejo, Tina - Safe Haven, Racine Grande Area Agency on Aging, Agency on Aging, Houston TX WI Carrizo Springs TX Pena, Jose - Harris County Area

December 2006 Alliance of Information & Referral Systems 14 The Alliance of Information & Referral Systems 2007 Affiliate Agreement AIRS MISSION AFFILIATE DESCRIPTION The mission of AIRS is “To provide leadership and Organization: Affiliate organizations agree to meet support to the membership to advance the capacity of the following organization requirements. a Standards-driven Information and Referral industry 501 [c] (3 or 4 or 5 or 6) that brings people and services together.” A democratically elected and active Board of Directors that represents the diversity of its member- PURPOSE ship. The purpose of this agreement is to broadly define the Financial policies and practices that support the relationship between The Alliance of Information and financial obligations related to active participation. Referral Systems (AIRS) and AIRS Affiliate organizations. The agreement generally defines AIRS A resource development plan that meets the Affiliate purpose, services, organization and gover- goals of the Affiliate membership. nance. This Agreement may be revised as needed. The Affiliate name will incorporate the geographic area served and will contain the word PARTIES “AIRS.” Where possible, the state or region should The Alliance of Information & Referral Systems be listed first (i.e. Arizona AIRS). (AIRS) is a membership organization dedicated to improving access to health and human services via Governance: Affiliates will develop and adopt organi- the mechanism of comprehensive and specialized zational bylaws consistent with the AIRS bylaws. information and referral services. AIRS provides The bylaws will address, at a minimum, each of the national leadership and support to build the capacity organization requirements described above. of local affiliates and their members. Relationship: The relationship between AIRS and the AIRS Affiliates are statewide (or District of Affiliates will continue to be defined and developed Columbia) membership organizations representing mutually through the AIRS Affiliate Council and comprehensive and specialized information and refer- AIRS Board of Directors. The AIRS Board and the ral providers within a defined geographic area. Affiliate Council will strive to ensure that the rela- Multi-state affiliates (also membership organizations tionship is non-competitive with mutually beneficial representing comprehensive and specialized informa- roles and responsibilities. Affiliates will provide a tion and referral providers within a defined geograph- representative to the council and agree to actively ic area) will be recognized only when there is not a support the work of the council. The Affiliate Council statewide organization to facilitate the work of AIRS. will nominate a representative(s) to serve on the AIRS In addition, there will be only one recognized organi- Board of Directors. zation per state (or District of Columbia). RESPONSIBILITIES Affiliates shape, inform and carry out AIRS mission Together we will develop guidelines, policies and at the local level in order to support and build excel- standards for the field. lence in the profession of I&R/A. AIRS will provide affordable and high quality certification and accreditation resources and services. Affiliates will provide certification and standards Continued on page 16

December 2006 Alliance of Information & Referral Systems 15 Continued from page 15 implementation assistance and actively encourage Together we will provide members with relevant and member accreditation. timely information. AIRS will provide and maintain a national infor- Together we will create, communicate and implement mation and communication network. a national public policy agenda that addresses Affiliates will provide and support information resource issues in the field. sharing and communication network at the state and AIRS will coordinate the national public policy local level (e.g. newsletters, website, listserv). agenda. Affiliates will endeavor to keep AIRS informed Affiliates will implement public policy strategies of activities at the state and local level. at the local level and coordinate outreach efforts with local service providers and government agencies. Together we will support the development of the Affiliate Council. Together we will ensure sufficient resources at the AIRS will provide leadership in building the affiliate and national levels. local affiliates. AIRS will coordinate a national resource devel- Affiliates will actively participate in Affiliate opment plan including foundation and federal funding Council activities. requests. Affiliates will use the AIRS logo on all promo- Affiliates will identify and actively participate in tional materials, following the AIRS Logo Style opportunities to raise resources, not limited to fund- Guide. ing, at the local and state level. Together we will work to build national partnerships. Together we will implement a consistent 2-1-1 service AIRS will ensure that within 48-hours (two busi- in all communities. ness days) of becoming aware of a partnership oppor- AIRS will create and implement a national 2-1-1 tunity, that the chair(s) of the Affiliate Council will be business plan and provide access to technical assis- informed. tance. Affiliate chair(s) will ensure that within 48-hours Affiliates will support and create or participate in (two business days) that each affiliate is notified of local/regional/state 2-1-1 planning and serve as a con- the opportunity. duit for 2-1-1 technical assistance and other special- Affiliates will ensure that their membership is ized consultation services. made aware of the opportunity and ask each member to inform AIRS, copying their respective affiliate, Together we will ensure high quality training materi- within 72 hours (three business days) of their interest als are available to the field. in participating or not. AIRS will provide high quality I&R/A training products and services. Terms: This agreement will be in effect from January Affiliates will identify and coordinate affordable 1, 2007, through December 31, 2007. The agreement training opportunities and professional development will be renewed annually. Either party may terminate opportunities at the local level and actively promote the agreement with 60 days’ notice and according to national products/services. procedures to be developed by the Affiliate Council.

December 2006 Alliance of Information & Referral Systems 16 Certification test dates Testing sites must first be approved by a state/regional/provincial I&R association. AIRS must receive notifica- tion at least 90 days in advance. The Certified Information & Referral Specialist (CIRS), Certified Resource Specialist (CRS) and Certified Information & Referral Specialist-Aging (CIRS-A) exams will be offered at each test site. Applications to take an exam are due in the AIRS office 30 days prior to a test. (Applications are available for download on the AIRS Web site.) The contacts listed for each site can provide information such as directions to the test site, whether training or a study session will be available before the exam, and if there are additional charges from the hosting organization. For an up-to-date list of tests visit the AIRS Web site at www.airs.org. For additional questions, or to schedule a test, contact the AIRS Headquarters at (703) 218-AIRS (2477) ext. 201 or [email protected]. FEB. 9 - MIAMI, FL to United Way of Greater St. Louis APRIL 19 - ATLANTA, GA 10 a.m.-Noon should be submitted by Feb. 14 10 a.m. - Noon Alliance for Aging and mailed to 910 N. 11th St, St. Atlanta Regional Commission 9500 S Dadeland Blvd. Louis, MO 63101, ATTN: Kay Area Agency on Aging Karlene Peyton (305) 670-6500 Archer. For more information 40 Courtland Street NE [email protected] contact Margi Valleroy. Joy Lankford (404) 463-3233 [email protected] FEB. 22 - EAU CLAIRE, WI MARCH 14 - JOLIET, IL There is an administrative fee of 1-3 p.m. 10 a.m.- Noon $25 per person that must be paid Eau Claire County Courthouse 251 N. Center St by March 15. Make checks 721 Oxford Ave, Room 2550 Marge Zajicek payable to Atlanta Regional Maurine Strickland (815) 723-9713 Commission and mailed to: (608) 266-4448 [email protected] Atlanta Regional Commission, [email protected] AAA - 40 Courtland Street NE - MARCH 15 - HOUSTON, TX Atlanta, GA 30303 -ATTN: Joy MARCH 6 - CLEARWATER, 1-3 p.m. Lankford FL 50 Waugh Drive Training on the ABCs of I&R will 9-11 a.m. Sandra Ray (713) 685-2469 be presented on April 17 from 9 2-1-1 Tampa Bay Cares, Inc. [email protected] a.m. - 4 p.m. at Atlanta Regional 50 S Belcher Road, Suite 116 There is a $20 administrative fee Commission. Micki Thompson due prior to the test, payable to (727) 210-4240 TAIRS c/o La Juan Hollis, United APRIL 20 - TORONTO, ONT [email protected] Way of Tyler/Smith County, 4000 1-3 p.m. Southpark Drive, Tyler, TX. Findhelp Information Services MARCH 13 - ST. LOUIS, MO 75703. 543 Richmond Street West, Suite 1-3 p.m. 125 United Way of Greater St. Louis MARCH 30 - COLUMBIA, SC Cristina Umana (416) 392-4558 910 N 11th Street 9 -11 a.m. [email protected] Margi Valleroy United Way of the Midlands Certification Preparation (636) 207-0847 ex. 110 1800 Main Street Workshop, April 13, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. [email protected] Barbara Link (803) 734-9919 Findhelp Information Services, A $25 fee will be charged for [email protected] 543 Richmond Street West, Suite administrative costs, lunch, down- ABCs of I&R 2-day course, March 125, Toronto. Fee of $149.00 + town parking and morning confer- 28-29, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at United GST. ence: Disaster Preparedness and Way of the Midlands, 1800 Main I&R, I&A. Check made payable Street, Columbia, SC.

December 2006 Alliance of Information & Referral Systems 17