Accountability
The Office of Community Partnerships and Strategic Communications (OCPSC) built its model on the California Census 2020 and Vaccinate ALL 58 campaigns, both with extensive strategic planning and data collection. OCPSC gleaned lessons learned and recommendations from the evaluations on the effectiveness of these campaigns.
California Census 2020
Disaggregated data is used for transparent accounting. Accountability is required in different phases including the application process and quantitative and qualitative reports.
Vaccinate ALL 58 Campaign
Disaggregated data is used for transparent accounting. Accountability is required in different phases including the application process and quantitative and qualitative reports.
Fruitful Partnerships
How State Government and Community-Based Organizations Reach California’s Most Vulnerable Communities
An analysis offering valuable insights into how State government and CBOs can create cost-effective, highly efficient partnerships to save lives, reduce vulnerability, and address equity gaps.
Framework
OCPSC’s framework for Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) ensures a robust and multi-tier system for evaluation. The framework also provides opportunities for community participation and engaging stakeholders in data collection, analysis, reflection, and strategic thinking. This approach enables ongoing reflection and adaptive management to strengthen the process towards results.
Monitoring
A data platform (CORD) informs decision-making and tracks activities and metrics using Census and Healthy Places Index to ensure equity by disaggregating population and other characteristics.
Evaluation
Quantitative and qualitative collection of data and stories are used to assess effectiveness and impact. Methodologies include desk research, surveys, interviews, and focus groups.
Accountability
Disaggregated data is used for transparent accounting. Accountability is required in different phases including the application process and quantitative and qualitative reports.
Learning
OCPSC creates collective learning opportunities and captures and shares knowledge. A culture of learning facilitates expansion of peoples’ capacity to create the results they desire.
Learning for Action
OCPSC’s engagement with the trusted messenger network is an investment for California.
We designed a knowledge management system to enhance equity-centered outreach and public education strategies.
Technical Resources
Discover how OCPSC’s technical assistance supports partners to meet their goals.
Collective Impact Tables
A monthly virtual engagement meeting keeps state and CBO partners apprised of emerging insights and good practices, as well as compliance issues to adapt and pivot strategies. In May 2023, OCPSC provided technical assistance and training to 121 CBOs (224 representatives) to create regional hubs called Collective Impact Tables. The planning led to regional action plans to achieve outreach goals.
CORD
A statewide data platform, CORD, allows CBO partners to make data-informed decisions by targeting their geographic outreach by language and demographic characteristic, track their progress toward their grant goals, and access a digital library of campaign materials.
Disability Inclusion and Access Training
The Disability Rights and Education Defense Fund and OCPSC provided 11 regional trainings on disability inclusion and access for 130 CBOs, reaching 366 participants.
CBO Convenings
CBOs from across California come together to share experiences, learn about resources, and strengthen the Trusted Messenger Network ecosystem. CBOs develop collective action plans to foster community resilience for the long-term.
Amplifying Voices
Listen to success stories and emerging perspectives from CBOs and communities to improve equity and inclusion.
Community Connections
Through a series of gatherings with CBOs and state staff, Community Connections aim to gain a deeper understanding of the context and issues affecting communities.
Trusted Messenger Learning Labs
In a monthly virtual webinar (averaging 140 attendees), CBO leaders and resource persons amplify voices from the field to ensure outreach tactics resonate with communities. Action Briefs highlight key takeaways to expand opportunities.
OPR Climate Nexus Extreme Heat Workshop
At the 2024 Climate Nexus Symposium, OCPSC partnered with Climate Resolve and the Office of Planning and Research to bring together a group of CBO and resource partners to discuss reaching communities with vital information on safety during extreme heat events.
CBO Consultation Workshop
OCPSC regularly consults with CBOs for projects and strategies. In February 2024, twelve CBOs provided feedback on priority campaigns and on a proposed state resource guide.
Collaborative Solutions Workshop
This pilot initiative by OCPSC focuses on lessons learned and networking to improve language and communication access, canvassing, and data equity. With the aim of replicating successes, the office gathered representatives and community leaders to improve their understanding of urban challenges and identify solutions.
Focus Groups and Community Reflections
In-person focus groups, organized in partnership with CBO partners across the state provided insights directly from community members to effectively operationalize the state’s campaign on extreme heat. Ten focus groups representing populations deemed to be at significant risk during COVID or extreme heat episodes addressed areas of concern related to its impacts.
Tools
Equip your organization and staff members with these tools.
U.S. Census Bureau Data Training
U.S. Census Bureau Data Dissemination Specialists provide useful training on the use and application of census data to ensure our programs reach all Californians.
Capacity Building Toolkit for CBOs
The toolkit for small CBOs provides guidance on project development, monitoring and evaluation, financial systems and budgeting, grant proposal writing, and reporting.
Disability Access and Inclusion Guides
OCPSC co-created guides with Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund to strengthen outreach to people with disabilities. Guides in 6 languages help users to ensure accessibility and inclusion and create a welcoming environment for in-person events, virtual events, outreach and communications, and social media.
ENGLISH | SPANISH | CHINESE | TAGALOG | VIETNAMESE
The Fieldbook: Strategies and Insights for CBOs
Learning from the CBO Trusted Messenger Network is key to recognizing the vital role community partners play in addressing the State’s most critical issues. The Fieldbook chronicles OCPSC’s public engagement with CBOs and is a tool for other public agencies to build upon these insights.