development manager, “not only were
we pleased with the depth and content of the instruction, they
brought us high quality instructors. We didn’t have to
worry about many of the details that typically take up an
exorbitant amount of staff time. Who could ask for
more?”
Among the general interest programs
being planned are a forum on wireless communications
technologies to be held in Abingdon in partnership with
Virginia Tech, and a seminar on behavioral based interviewing
in Richmond with VCU’s Center for Public Policy.
MASTER TRAINING
GUIDE ON THE WEB
GUIDE ON THE WEB
The Institute’s first major project
was publication of the Master Training Guide, a comprehensive
listing of educational opportunities for Virginia’s local
government professionals. Up to now, the guide has existed in
print and electronic versions, but beginning in 2005, it will
appear only on the Institute’s website. Users can access
continuously updated information through links to every
training provider, including professional associations, higher
education institutions, public service centers, and state
agencies. Also included is a calendar of major meetings
sponsored by Virginia’s local government associations and
their national counterparts.
EBIS (EMAIL BROADCAST INFORMATION SERVICE)
One of the Institute’s most popular
services is EBIS, an e-mail, and rapid response system, begun
seven years ago by the Institute’s Associate Director
Tedd Povar. The EBIS propels the adage, “Let’s call
five communities and find out what they’re doing about
it.” Within minutes, a locality’s inquiry is
broadcast anonymously to over 200 Virginia local governments.
Only relevant responses are forwarded back to the inquiring
locality. With EBIS participants benefit from this fast, easy
way of sharing the expertise of colleagues who have faced
similar problems.
Altogether, EBIS fields questions on
about 350 new topics each year. Its library includes
information on over 1,725 topics. Recent inquiries cover many
issues, including policies on out of office use of laptop
computers; rental fees and ordinances for boat slip/wharf
space; major disaster compensation for extra work hours;
transportation policies for mental health case workers and
clients; and tipping/collection fees
The author is the training director for
the Virginia Institute of Government.
he Virginia
Institute of Government celebrated its tenth birthday this
summer with a membership roster that has grown from 60 local
governments to 223. Created by the 1994 General Assembly,
the Institute grew from a coalition of local officials and
associations who realized the need for a new organization to
expand the training, technical assistance, and information
resources available to Virginia localities.
Although the Institute operates with
a small permanent staff, its capabilities are enhanced by its
affiliation with UVa’s Weldon Cooper Center for Public
Service. John Thomas, the Center’s director, also serves
as the Institute’s director, and the Institute draws
regularly on the Center’s intellectual and technological
expertise to develop and deliver services.
Institute members, who make annual
contributions based on population, receive an array of
benefits, including the following services.
TRAINING
The Institute works with public
colleges and universities, professional associations, state
agencies, local governments, and private consultants to develop
seminars. Customized programs are delivered on site; programs
of general interest are held centrally to attract employees
from many localities.
In responding to requests for made
to order classes, the Institute works quickly to find quality
trainers; listens carefully to a locality’s requirements
to deliver customized training; modifies class content and
structure based on feedback; limits class size to foster
student-instructor interaction; promises that students will
leave class armed with a stack of useful materials; offers a
competitive fee structure; and eliminates the pain of planning
logistical details.
For example, since fall 2003, over
175 Prince William County employees who were recently promoted
to supervisory positions have received on site, practical
training by instructors from Chesterfield County’s
Chesterfield University. The Institute coordinated five classes
for Prince William County with plans for at least three more in
2005. “When we partnered with the Institute,” said
Sarah Ray, the county’s training and
