The MCSC is committed to helping build the skills, knowledge, and capacity of individuals and the organizations they serve by providing effective training and technical assistance. Annually, the MCSC develops a training and technical assistance plan to meet the needs of National Service and volunteer programs. The plan is broad and covers various strategies including conducting needs assessments, developing and maintaining resources, providing specific training to grantees and other volunteer programs, connecting the broad spectrum of programs that are engaged in volunteerism and National Service, and enhancing partnerships and collaboration among members of the National Service field.

Grantee Meetings/Training
The MCSC regularly convenes its grantees to provide opportunities for program development, peer networking, and training. In addition, program specific conference calls occur regularly throughout the course of the year.

Training and National Conferences
The MCSC provides statewide training for all streams of service on an annual basis. As well, regional cross stream training is made available to Michigan's volunteer and National Service programs. Training events have covered such topics as sustainability, supervisory skills, and facilitative leadership. In addition, the MCSC has provided scholarships to state and national service conferences, such as the National Community Service Conference, Volunteerism SuperConference, and others.

Tailored Direct Technical Assistance
The MCSC provides direct technical assistance to its grantees. Once specific needs have been established, MCSC staff and consultants work to improve the issue(s) that is challenging the program.

Resources and Information Sharing
The MCSC maintains information on local, state, and national training and technical assistance resources for National Service and volunteer programs. Resources include information on effective program management, high quality National Service programs, strategic planning, grant writing, fund development, team building, developing effective partnerships, communication, supervision of National Service participants, disability awareness, reporting, and evaluation. In addition, The Workbench, a monthly newsletter, keeps volunteer and National Service organizations abreast of current training and technical assistance resources.

For more information on training and technical assistance opportunities email Megan Sargent, Training and Inclusion Coordinator, at sargentm1@michigan.gov or call 517.241.3494.