NAWRS convened virtually in 2018 with free web-based sessions. In each of these sessions, experts shared insights and best practices for researchers and practitioners working across the spectrum of human services.
June: Communicating with Data – Visualizing Data in the Public Sector
This inaugural session of the NAWRS 2018 Virtual Workshop featured presentations from three experts on research and data visualization. NAWRS community members learned about innovative approaches to data visualization, including an overview of best practices and concrete examples of how state and municipal government agencies can use and present data in innovative ways to support program and policy goals.
- Cambria Brown, former Performance Management and Data Specialist at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, discussed specific examples of her approach to data visualization.
- David Yokum, Director of The Lab @ DC, discussed the role of data visualization in recent Lab research projects and how it supports policy and program improvement in the District of Columbia.
- Jonathan Schwabish, Senior Fellow at the Urban Institute and founder of PolicyViz.com, provided an overview of best practices around data visualization.
Sponsored by the Urban Institute. Organized by Asaph Glosser, MEF Associates.
View the recording:
July: Human Centered Design for Social Programs
This second session in the NAWRS 2018 Virtual Workshop featured presentations from three federal and local government experts on human centered design (HCD). NAWRS community members had the opportunity to learn about principles of HCD and their application to social services. What is HCD and why is it important? How can government promote and foster an HCD-oriented approach? What do providers need in order to realize the promise of HCD in practice? Panelists included:
- Blair Corcoran de Castillo, Design Strategist, The Lab at OPM
- Mari Nakano, Acting Design Director, Service Design Studio, NYC Mayor’s Office for Economic Opportunity
- Sasha Easton, Talent & Workforce Engagement Manager, Arapahoe/Douglas Works! Workforce Center
Organized by Edith Kealey, New York City Department of Social Services and sponsored by Abt Associates.
August: The Changing Nature of Work
Today, independent workers (short-term, task-based, autonomous, or part-time) make up almost 30% of the American workforce, and the numbers are projected to grow significantly by 2025. The workspace itself is evolving with new technologies, greater business outsourcing, and more flexibility. Workers, now more than ever, need new training, technology tools, and financial and business literacy skills to help them succeed in the new 21st Century labor market. Programs like entrepreneurship training and financial coaching are now proven to improve employment rates and increase wages.
This discussion covered new approaches to employment services aimed at helping jobseekers adapt to the emerging reality of the changing labor market.
Panelists included:
- Angela Pate, Founder of Opportunity Quest, Public Consulting Group
- David Parker, CEO, Entrepreneurship for All
- Carlos Moreno, Coordinator of the Mobility Mentoring Center, EMPath
Moderated by:
Organized by Tony Ong, Public Consulting Group, and Sponsored by Public Consulting Group.
View the recording (click here).
September: Rethinking Welfare: Promoting Opportunity and Independence
NAWRS, IRP, Center for Poverty Research, and the U.S. Collaborative of Poverty Centers co-hosted a livestream event on poverty and opportunity.
NAWRS co-sponsored this year’s Poverty Research and Policy Forum, which focused on state implementation of federal policies for promoting work, economic stability, and intergenerational mobility.
At this year’s forum, nationally recognized researchers presented the latest research on mechanisms for promoting employment, economic mobility, and strong social networks to increase independence and family well-being. Check out the agenda here.