MISSION
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Coalition of job training providers, advocates, employers, labor representatives, research institutes, social service agencies and funders who advocate for DC workforce system that meets needs of all DC residents and that responds to DC economy
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Accomplishes goals through multi-faceted strategy including provision of policy materials, advocacy to policy makers and city agencies, public education, organizing and coalition building
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Serves as nexus among myriad components of workforce system, including K-12 education, adult education, literacy, workforce readiness, job development, job creation, and self-sufficiency
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Convenes broadest network of organizations concerned with workforce development
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Facilitates coordinated effort to change and strengthen systems, structures, regulations, and laws that affect individual’s ability to find and keep a good job.
Together, we believe that District leaders should make an effective and efficient workforce system a city priority, and that every DC resident should have the job training and education opportunities necessary to succeed in jobs that pay self-sufficiency wages and that meet the skill needs of District of Columbia employers.
HISTORY
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Founded as informal volunteer consortium in 1999 by Wider Opportunities for Women (DCJC’s fiscal sponsor), DC Employment Justice Center, and grantees of Moriah Fund
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Original purpose to help nonprofits navigate landscape changed by passage of Workforce Investment Act
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Reactivated in 2005 because of potential for change afforded by election of new Mayor and Councilmembers, and appointment of new WIC chair
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Hired first staff member in February 2007
MEMBERSHIP
MEETINGS
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Monthly meetings on 2nd Thursday of each month, 2:30-4:30 pm
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Recent guest speakers – Neil Albert, Deputy Mayor for Planning & Economic Development; Deborah Gist, DC State Superintendent of Education; David Gragan, the District’s Chief Procurement Officer; Barbara Lang, President & CEO, DC Chambers of Commerce; Victor Reinoso, Deputy Mayor for Education; Patty Rose, Executive Director, GreenHOME & GreenSPACE; Joseph P. Walsh, Director of the DC Department of Employment Services; Connie Spinner, University of the District of Columbia
RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS
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Worked successfully with Council of the District of Columbia’s Committee on Economic Development and other advocates to facilitate passage of Compliance & Enforcement Agency Establishment Act of 2008. Participated in earliest discussions with Councilmember who introduced the bill, and offered substantive input regarding language at his request.
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Testified before Council of the District of Columbia on several occasions, making known our members’ positions on increasing adult education and training, the District budget, paid sick leave, better enforcement of the District’s First Source law, and the criticality of jobs in helping citizens escape poverty permanently.
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Continue to strengthen our relationships with members of Council and their personal and committee staff members. Growing and improving relationships with officials in Executive branch and with highly regarded individuals and organizations in nonprofit and business sectors.
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Held several successful educational events that brought our work to larger audience:
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The Jobs Budget Briefing we held in May 2008 brought together national and District experts to address specifically how the proposed FY2009 District budget supported – or did not support – workforce development.
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A Research Roundtable enabled our members to hear from think tank and research organization representatives about recently-issued reports. This event helped to clarify the intent and theses of the reports, identify common issues, and inspire further work.
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Our successful Department of Employment Services/Office of Contracts and Procurement Post-Award conference addressed concerns regarding the DOES Transitional Employment Program RFP. Because of carefully nurtured relationships with DOES and OCP staff, DCJC members had direct access to eight senior-level staff members able to answer very specific questions and candidly address areas of concern. The conference laid groundwork for what we intend to be significant changes to the District’s contracting and procurement system.
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Facilitated member advocacy by providing information to members and allies on a regular basis – particularly during the District’s budget season. Technical assistance and intelligence provided by DCJC allowed its members to maximize staff resources regarding advocacy.
PRIORITIES FOR 2009
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Ensure access to local adult training funds by qualified applicants through a fair and transparent process;
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Work with DC Department of Employment Services and other stakeholders to restructure One-Stop Centers to improve services and outcomes.
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Develop holistic workforce development legislation and see to its introduction within the next 12 months;
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Facilitate access to ARRA funds for DCJC members;
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Increase access to employment for returning offenders.
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