NCWM.net

Issued: 7/25/05

Purpose

These guidelines highlight the criteria used by the Associate Membership Committee to assist in the approval process to allocate AMC funds for training. They are established for the benefit of both the request initiator as well as the AMC, so that requests submitted are aligned with common goals and are more likely to be approved. Furthermore, when requests exceed AMC funds available, these guidelines help prioritize which requests are approved among those submitted.

Procedure

By December 1st, the AMC Chair must inform the NCWM Chair of the approximate amount of AMC funds available for requests. Typically, AMC budgets approximately $10,000 for the Special Event at the annual meeting, and the remainder of AMC funds available for other requests, including those for training. These guidelines are focused on the criteria used by AMC for the approval of training funds only.

Appendix A is an excellent example used by the Associate membership committee and NCWM to determine funds for 2004-2005. This form assists State and Local W&M officials to submit requests for training funds to NCWM Headquarters. This form is available on the NCWM website.

NCWM staff collects and compile these requests in November and December annually and provide them to the AMC Chair within 30 days of the Interim Meeting. During the Interim Meeting, the AMC votes on approval of all fund requests, including those for training. Results are then forwarded to the BOD for final approval.

AMC Training Fund Request Selection Criteria:

1. Training fund request forms that are complete, specific and detailed will receive priority attention for approval. Based on the degree of missing or ambiguous information provided, individual requests may not be given any consideration during the AMC review process. (Note that the request from the State of Ohio in the attachment above is good example of a well-written request).
2. Training requests that benefit higher numbers of participants are generally preferred over those for fewer or single-person benefit. Multi-state training that encourages uniformity will also be given priority consideration.
3. In general, meetings will not be considered training, especially requests for travel expense or attendance fees for NCWM Annual, Interim or Regional meetings.
4. As a lower priority, requests for the purchase of training materials will be considered, but requests for purchase of assets (such as LCD projectors) will not.

Reimbursement

Once granted, funds must only be used for the specific approved purpose. Training must occur and request for reimbursement made to NCWM Headquarters no later than August 31st annually. Reimbursement requests must include legible receipts confirming funds were spent against the approved purpose. Approved training funds that are not used by August 31st remain in AMC control and subsequently become available for fund allocation at the next Interim Meeting. This form is available on the NCWM website.

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APPENDIX A
Application For Request For AMC Training Funds

Please return no later than June 15 for Annual Meeting Consideration, December 15 for Interim Meeting Consideration by the AMC to: NCWM, 1135 M Street, Suite 110 / Lincoln, NE 68508.

JURISDICTION: Ohio Department of Agriculture

CONTACT NAME: Kenneth Wheeler

AMOUNT REQUESTED (mandatory): $450

TRAINING FUNDS TO BE USED FOR (may be used for individual training [specify number of individuals], joint training activities, training and equipment, etc.) be specific: to purchase additional training materials for the Training Assistants (TA) Program

JUSTIFICTION FOR FUNDS: Ohio developed a TA Program several years ago. These TAs help with several trainings in formal settings as well as training new inspectors on a one-to-one basis. There are now a total of twelve TAs. Six of the twelve are new having replaced some that resigned or retired.

The TAs are selected on their skills of working & communicating with people, as well as such things as years experience, completion of the Natl. Training Program courses, etc. The program has worked out very well. They helped revise our EPOs this past year.

The last several years I proposed and was awarded scholarships to develop a library for trainers. We were able to purchase two different sets of training videos each year and some books. I am proposing the same again this year to purchase additional training materials. There are numerous additional videos and books that are also available from a number of sources that I would like to be able to purchase to add to the training library.

My proposal for this training library would hopefully also include trainers who are in the CWMA as well as to possible reach out to other in the US. The training library will consist of books and materials to improve their skills and provide other helpful suggestions.

The selection of the items to be purchased for the library will again be decided upon with the help of TAs in Ohio after reviewing some of the possible sources.

My thanks go to the AMC for again considering this proposal.

Did you request funds last year? Yes X No ______

If approved, did you use your funds? Yes X No ______

If not, why not?

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