The 2017 NAWRS Bi-Annual Workshop will be held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania from July 30 – August 2. The theme of the conference is: Moving Forward to Reduce Poverty, Increase Opportunity, and Improve Human Service Delivery.

When public systems reduce poverty, increase opportunity, and support the well-being of America’s families, people are better able to reach their full potential and contribute to their communities. The human services field has made great efforts to achieve these important societal goals, but progress has been slow and difficult. The causes of poverty are numerous, and families are diverse in both their structure and their individual needs. Moreover, advances in technology and changes in our social and political context are challenging the viability of existing programs and services.

Effectively addressing these challenges requires us to think creatively about how programs and agencies serving families can best work together, try out new strategies, and harness advancements in technology and science to improve human service delivery. Our vision for the 2017 NAWRS workshop is to highlight state and local government innovations that advance progress toward these three goals. In particular, we seek promising approaches that reach across programs, agencies, levels of government, and the public and private sectors.

The 2017 NAWRS Workshop will bring together people, research, and ideas around state and local government innovations to improve service delivery, research, and policy as we look toward the future. The Program Committee is especially interested in proposals that contribute to the theme, with a focus on the following programs and topics:

Programs

Topics

1. 1. Cross-program integration, such as between TANF and WIOA
   2. New uses of data and technology, such as predictive analytics, use of administrative data, social media, and mobile apps
   3. Innovative research and evaluation methods
   4. Innovative strategies, including two-generation initiatives, social impact bonds, and uses of behavioral science
   5. Issues and interventions for particular demographics and social groups, including race, ethnicity, gender, sexual or gender identity, rural location, and immigration status
   6. Issues and policies related to children, including child support, child care, early childhood education, and health
   7. Issues of affordable housing and homelessness
   8. Intersections of economic development and human services to enrich quality of life and place
   9. Research Academy, which are “hands on” sessions designed to offer specific strategies and technical assistance for conducting rigorous research at the state and local level (please see below for more details)

President’s Reception in the Speakeasy 

Tuesday Evening with Heinz

It’s more than pickles and condiments. The Heinz History Center offers five floors of interactive information about Pittsburgh, sports in western Pennsylvania, and – of course – America’s most famous ketchup brand. The museum is named for Senator John Heinz, who fought for social protections through Social Security and health care, among other issues affecting industrial middle America. On Tuesday, August 1, one hundred NAWRS attendees will partake in a scavenger hunt, cocktail hour, dinner, and networking (or dancing) in this former ice house. Some brave NAWRSians might even take a ride down the spiral slide!