2007 NCAF Energy Programs Leveraging Conference

 Beginner’s Leveraging Session:

Getting Started – Options, Resources, Strategies

Lisa Kesecker, Weatherization Program Specialist – West Virginia Governors Office of Economic Opportunity

lkesecker@oeo.state.wv.us – tel – cell 304 767-5451

The development of leveraging and partnership strategies should be a thoughtful process, and include information that is specific to your organization, your goals, and your ability to oversee such leveraging goals/projects you may visualize

Step 1- Define Your Success this may take time, research, and revisions

• Write down desired project outcomes

• List demographics of those in need

• ID advantages-opportunities for all parties

• Invest time in developing reference library

• Finally, draft a project outline in draft proposal format

Step 2 Develop Internal Support

• Board of Directors• Executive Director• Program Director, etc.

• Organize a Strategic Planning Session, include

goals, assets, stakeholders, barriers, opportunities

Step 3 Find A Champion(s)

• Strengthen existing relationships (LIHEAP,

Fuel Fund, CAA Association, Volunteers)– or

• Get your foot in the door and start garnering support

Step 4Bring In Community Support

• Letters of support can be very useful – this may require background discussions and meetings

• Consider strength of Coalitions and Affinity Groups

Step 5Meet with Partner – Utility Reps

• Be prepared with background information, data, evaluations

• Meet with Utility Commission Staff and others identified

• For weatherization/energy efficiency partnership proposals, On-Site Weatherization Tech Demos can be useful

Step 6The Role of the Media - Powerful

Media exposure puts local pressure on decision makers and also better informs them of the program/proposal.

Step 7Utilize Successful Examples

• Examples of similar/like partnerships and programs run by others (research!)

Step 8 -- Participate In The Decision-making Process

• Visuals/handouts

• Presentations

• General information presentations

Step 9 – Always be present

• If you are not at the table, you may be on the menu

• Have depth within your group

• May require time investments

Step 10Persistence Is Key!

• Persistence

• Persistence

• Persistence