Linking Communities to the Process

1.  A potential site sponsor (usually a Field Manager, a Forest Supervisor, a Park Superintendent or their equivalent) looks at the site readiness criteria listed on the following web site:  www.ntc.blm.gov/partner/text2.html. 

This is an important step!

2.  The potential site sponsor requests a class from the Partnership Series at charles_pregler@tc.blm.gov or by calling 602-906-5514.

3.  The potential site sponsor discusses with a representative of the Partnership Series his/her responses to the site readiness criteria.  Please have two or three tentative delivery dates and a town in mind when you call.

4.  The potential site sponsor is asked to pay a site sponsorship fee.  For the fee, site sponsors receive 40 seats in the course.   Site sponsors are encouraged to split the fee (and available seats) with other agencies or local community groups.  This is negotiated locally.

Five additional seats are available on a tuition basis at any class delivery.

5.  The Partnership Series will then:

A. Assess overall training priorities and requested locations.
B. Select the sites for which we have the capacity to deliver.
C. Check instructor availability for the proposed dates.
D. Confirm delivery date and location with the site sponsor.

6.  The site sponsor or his/her designate assists the Partnership Series with selection of local meeting location.  It is important that this is a gathering place commonly used by the community, NOT a federal facility.   Community centers, convention centers, or local hotel conference rooms are common choices.

7.  The Partnership Series dispatches two of the course instructors to meet with the site sponsor, staff and/or community members on site.   This occurs at least 4-5 months prior to the class delivery to assess the local management situation and to adapt the delivery to more closely fit the site sponsor needs.   The proposed meeting location is also evaluated for adequacy.

The site sponsor is encouraged to personally attend or send a representative to view a previous class delivery at least 2-3 months ahead of the proposed dates for his/her site.  This allows for better understanding of the event and helps with site preparation.

8.  It is important to start this step early (as soon as the delivery dates and location are firm)!

The site sponsor with his/her staff compiles a list of invited attendees (40 maximum), which are a cross-section of the community (ranchers, members of the chamber of commerce, environmentalists, off highway vehicle owners, miners, tribal representatives, military personnel, and others).  The site sponsor or his second-in-command personally contacts each one (face-to-face or via phone) to describe the event and invite that person to attend.

The site sponsor's office compiles the following information for each attendee and transmits to The Partnership Series at least 6 months prior to the class delivery dates.

A. Name
B. Job title (if applicable)
C. Mailing address
D. Telephone number
E. Email address

9.  A follow up letter from the site sponsor to the invited participants is recommended.  The Partnership Series has sample letters you may use.   A formal letter from The Partnership Series directly to the participants will occur about 4-5 weeks ahead of the delivery dates; this letter contains logistical details.

10.  The Partnership Series handles all instructor assignments, fees, travel and logistics associated with class delivery.  Assistance from the site sponsor's office with local logistics, ground transportation, room setup and breakdown and audiovisual equipment is appreciated.

The site sponsorship process is similar for the other courses in the Partnership Series.  The site sponsorship fee and maximum number of participants varies somewhat with each of the courses in the Series.