Building Infrastructure to Support Asset-Based Approaches

To maximize the potential and impact of the Forum’s work across the state, in 2004 a system of ten Regional Partner Organizations (RPO) were established to support the movement to asset-based approaches in New Mexico. These organizations are vital to connecting regional needs and assets with statewide systems and resources and thus the RPO network represents an infrastructure for the Forum across the state. Regional Partner Organizations are staffed with a VISTA volunteers and provided with funding through the Forum to support the adoption of assets-based approaches in youth and community development. The RPO network is the primary structure established to support the Forum’s ability to sustain connections in communities and provide support and leadership for organizations implementing local solutions to local problems.

The Forum’s Regional Partner Organizations represent a diversity of assets, skills, partnerships, and abilities that serve as local intermediaries and centers for training, technical assistance, and convening of community partners. Many of the regional partner organizations are already engaged in local, regional and statewide workforce development efforts; through these efforts, they support design and implementation of local workforce development programming.

All of the regional partner organizations have youth related career development/entrepreneurship components in their existing programming; most of these are facilitated through strategic partnerships with vocational training centers or higher education institutions. The regional partner organizations place a strong emphasis on leveraging AmeriCorps and VISTA volunteers in the building of local capacity. The regional partner organizations are already engaged in local asset-mapping, data collection, and asset-building efforts as part of their partnership agreement with the Forum. Through their services and programs, regional partner organizations are focusing on direct and systems-based solutions to the challenges of poverty, low education rates, low family income and asset development, racial/cultural inequities, environmental stewardship, health and wellness, and tribal sovereignty.

The regional partner organizations have a strong focus on supporting individuals from rural areas, communities of color, and in areas with minimal resources available to the general population. The regional partner organizations have committed to supporting and providing the training and technical assistance needed for communities and community organizations to respond to the demands of a new economy.

Regional partner organizations are selected for terms of three years via contractual obligation/memorandum of agreement. Each is tasked with coverage of one or more counties to ensure that all areas of the State have local/regional supports. Coordination of the Forum’s infrastructure network is conducted at the Executive level, allowing for the Forum’s staff and networks to engage as needed to support local community efforts.

For more information on individual regional partner organizations, click on the map below. For more information on the Infrastructure Network, or to inquire about becoming a regional partner organization, please contact Everette W. Hill, M.A., Executive Director (Everette@nmforumforyouth.org).

Want to know more about our networks?  Click on the links here to find out descriptive information about our networks, including infrastructure, capacity-building and advocacy efforts.