NPN Board

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Mission Statement

The mission of the Neighborhoods Planning Network is to provide an inclusive and collaborative city-wide framework to empower neighborhood groups in the New Orleans planning process.

Contents

Objectives

  • Foster collaboration and information sharing among neighborhood groups by:
    • Providing a regular forum for groups to meet, and
    • Organizing events relevant to neighborhoods.
  • Coordinate neighborhood groups' access to expertise in community development, media, planning preservation, grantwriting/fundraising, architecture, and technology in order to:
    • Increase equity in rebuilding (helping local expertise in neighborhoods connect with outside professional organizations and civic individuals to assist in the rebuilding process)
    • Provide resources for neighborhoods
    • Facilitate displaced residents' involvement in planning decisions and their return to New Orleans
  • Advocate for city policies and programs that support neighborhoods and incorporate neighborhood plans into city redevelopment efforts by:
    • Acting as a watchdog organization on behalf of neighborhoods
    • Proposing policies and programs to support or implement just, equitable, and comprehensive neighborhood efforts
  • Develop a framework that supports meaningful deliberation and problem-solving within and among neighborhoods.

Draft Bylaws

ARTICLE I

Neighborhoods' Planning Network

The name of the Association shall be Neighborhood Planning Network, hereinafter called NPN or Association. The Association headquarters has been established in New Orleans, Louisiana. The headquarters and other offices as established by the Board of Directors shall exist for the purposes described herein and in the Association Articles of Incorporation.

ARTICLE II

Purpose

The purpose of the association shall be to provide an inclusive and collaborative city-wide framework to empower neighborhood groups in the New Orleans planning process.

ARTICLE III

Membership

Section 1. Types of Membership

Section 1-1. Voting Membership.

Voting membership in the Association shall be limited to city-wide recognized neighborhood groups.

Section 1-2. Affiliate Membership.

Non-for-profit associations that have an interest in neighborhood redevelopment but do not represent a neighborhood are recognized as Affiliate Members.

Section 1-3. Associate Membership.

Neighborhood associations that are not currently recognized by the city are Associate Members. Once Associate Members are recognized by the city, then they are eligible to change their Association status to Voting Member.

Section 1-4. Individual Membership.

Membership shall be open in individuals who wish to participate in the activities of the Association.

Section 2. Membership Rights

Section 2-1.

Individuals from all membership types are encouraged and eligible to participate in committee activities, attend general meetings, and participate in NPN events.

Section 2-2.

Only duly elected representatives of the Voting Membership may hold positions on the Board of Directors.

Section 2-3.

Individuals from any class of membership may serve on committees or chair committees except for those as specified in the bylaws under Article VI.

Section 3. Selection of Members

Section 3-1

Associations or individuals apply for membership to the Executive Director.

Section 3-2.

Executive Director has the authority to grant individual memberships based on the criteria stated in Article III, Section 1. The Voting, Affiliate and Associate Members must be approved by a majority vote of the Board of Directors.

Section 3-3.

At the time of the adoption of these Bylaws, any organization that has attended three or more meetings of the NPN will automatically be granted membership status appropriate to their association, i.e. Voting, Associate, Affiliate.

Section 4. Termination of Membership

A membership (of any class) may be terminated by a two-thirds majority vote of the Board of Directors if the member has not abided by the Bylaws or other restrictions placed on all members by the Board of Directors. The member will be allowed the opportunity to present argument to the full Board of Directors prior to any action of the Board.

Article IV

The Board of Directors

Section 1. Board Authority

The Board of Directors shall be the governing body of the Association, charged with the responsibility of conducting necessary business. The Board of Directors shall serve without compensation. The Board may perform such acts and make such rules, regulations, and policies, and repeal, alter or amend the same, consistent with the Articles of incorporation, these Bylaws and as applicable by law. The Board shall establish and periodically update the Association's strategic plan. Each Director shall have the unqualified right to, at reasonable times, inspect and copy all Assocation documents of any kind, and to inspect all Association properties and holdings. The Board may, in the execution of its powers, delegate certain of its authority and responsibility to the Executive Committee or Executive Director. The Board shall select an Executive Director, define the duties, set compensation and set policy under which the Executive Director administers the association.

Section 2. Board Composition and Term.

The Board of Directors shall be composed of the Presient, Vice President, Treasurer, eight other eligible Association members, and the Executive Drector as an ex-officio member. The number of Voting Board of Director members shall be fixed at twelve (12). The Board shall serve three-year terms beginning January 1 immediately following their election. Board Membership shall be staggered so that no more than four will end in one year. Board member terms are limited to one term, but are eligible for election after a period of one year whenthey are not on the Board. The Officers: President; Vice President; and Treasurer, serve one year terms and their term limitation on the Board of Directors is waived during their tenure in office. Officers are elected for a term of one year with the excdption of Treasurer, who serves a term of two years. Officers may not secceed themselves in office.

Section 3. Nomination of Board of Director Candidates.

Voting Members in good standing are eligile to be nominated as Director Candidates. The Nomination Committee shall present a slate of candidates for the Board of Directors for each vacancy and for the expiring terms of existing Directors. As much as practicable, the slate shall reflect the ethnic, geographic and economic diversity of the City of New Orleans. The Nominations will be presented to the full voting membership by written communication a minimum of one month before the eletion. Nominations for candidates will be accepted from the floor at the time of election, by any voting member in good standing.

Section 4. Notice of Board of Directors Election.

Notice of election shall be provided to Board of Directors and voting members one month prior to the election day. Notice of the election shall contain the names of the nominees, nominee bioigraphic information, and the election date, time, and place. Notice may be sent by electronic means.

Section 5. Board of Directors Regular Elections.

Board of Director regular elections shall occur at the last meeting in May. The chair of the nominations committee, or a personally appointed representative, will attend this meeting to oversee and administer the regular election process. Voting members may vote for as many candidates as are vacancies. The voting members must vote in person. Based on one single aggregate ballot, the number of nominees corresponding to the number of open seats who receive the highest numbers of ballots cast shall be deemed elected. No nominee shall receive more than one vote from an eligible voter.

Section 6. Board of Director Election Tie-Breaking Process.

In the event the First Board of Director ballot results in a tie, a second ballot shall be taken. The voting members present at the meeting will be the electing body. A second ballot shall only contain the names of the individuals who are tied in the first ballot. The candidates who receive the highest number of votes cast shall be deemed elected.

Section 7. Board Member Vacancy Elections.

A vacancy on the Board of Directors may be caused by resignation, incapacity, death or removal. Vacancies shall be filled by the Board of Directors by appointing an interim director who will serve until the next election. At the next full election, the unexpired terms will be assigned to the candidate with the lowest aggregate votes. The partial term will not be considered against the term limit of the person filling the interim director position.

Section 8. Board Member Removal

The Board, by a two-thirds vote of the Directors present at any regular or special meeting, may reprimand, suspend, or remove a Board member for neglect, incapacity, malfeasance, or disloyalty to the Association. The unexcused abesnce of any Board Member of three (3) meetings shall constitute neglect. The Board shall consider each absence as a separate circumstance and may find that absences are justified.

Section 9. Regular Board Meetings.

A regular meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held four (4) times per year. Notice of regular meetings, including the date, time, and place of the meeting, shall be given to the Board of Directors at least 30 days before the date of the meeting.

Section 10. Special Board Meetings.

Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the President upon seven (7) days notice to each Board member, and may be convened by telephone conference. Such notice may be provided by telephone, with ordinary mail confirmation, and shall contain the general nature of the business to be considered and meeting time and place. Special meetings may also be called by two Officers or by five Directors. Special meetings not called by the President require written notice, containing the general nature of the business to be considered and the date, time, and place of the meeting, be given to the Board of Directors at least fifteen (15) days before the date of the meeting.

Section 11. Board Meeting Procedures.

A quorum of the directors shall consist of six (6) Board Members declared present at any Board Meeting. Except where these Bylaws otherwise provide, or whether otherwise established by rule of procedure or law, a simple majority vote of a quorum shall be binding and constitute the decision of the Board. Compliance with regular and special Board meeting notice rules shall be reflected in meeting minutes.

Section 12. Board Compensation and Reimbursement.

Members of the Board may be reimbursed for pre-approved or Board approved expenses incurred while fulfilling their duties as Members of the Board of Directors of the Neighborhood Planning Network. Board Members may not otherwise accept compensation from the Association.

Article V. Officers

Section 1. Officers and Officer Terms.

The Officers of the Association shall be the President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Executive Director. The President, Vice President, and Treasurer are elected officers. The Executive Director is retained by the Board of Directors. Elected Officers may not hold more than one office in the Association at a time. Regular terms for elected officers shall be one year and run from June 1 through May 31. The term of Officers elected to complete unexpired terms shall end on May 31.

Section 2. President.

The President is the Chairman and Presideing Officers of the Board of Directors. The President shall preside at all board meetings, and shall act in such a manner and be responsible for such duties appropriate to the Office and as may be assigned from time to time by the Board of Directors. The President is a member of the Executive Committee.

Section 3. Vice President.

The Vice President shall be responsible for assuming the duties of President in the event that the President is unable to perform such duties or is absent where the President would ordinarily be present. The Vice President shall perform such other duties as may be assigned from time to time by the President or the Board of Directors. The Vice President is a member of the Executive Committee.

Section 4. Treasurer.

The Treasurer shall be responsible for remaining fully advised as the financial condition of the Association and shall regularly report to the Board of Directors on the financial condition of the Association and the adequacy of the accounting records of the Association. The Treasurer shall perform such other duties as may be assigned from time to time by the President or the Board of Directors. The Treasurer is a member of the Executive Committee.

Section 5. Executive Director.

The Executive Director shall be the Administrative Officer of the Association, selected by and retained by the Board of Directors to implement and manage the strategic plan, rules, and policies approved by the Board of Directors. The Executive Director shall receive all monies and funds and shall deposit the same in the name of the Association in an insured depository designated by the Board of Directors. The Executive Director shall be an ex-officio member of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee. The Executive Director shall attend all Board of Directors meetings, and all meetings of the Executive Committee.

Section 6. Election of Officers.

Association Officer elections are to be held by the incoming Board of Directors at its first meeting following its election. This meeting must be held prior to the first day of June. A separate election is held for the Office of President, Vice President, and Treasurer. Continuing board members and board members-elect are eligible to one vote in each election. Those eligible to vote may become candidates for office by self-declaration or by being nominated by another board member or board member-elect. Declarations of candidacy and nominations, to be valid and finalized, must be received at the Association headquarters at least one week before the general election. The same candidate may not be a candidate for more than one office in a year. The candidate receiving the highest number of votes on the first ballot for each office shall be deemed elected. In the event a first ballot results in a tie, subsequent ballots shall be taken until a single individual is deemed elected for that office. Subsequent ballots shall contain only the names of the candidates who tied on the immediately preceding ballot. The Officer elections shall be completed by May 31 of each year.

Section 7. Officer Vacancy and Removal.

In the event of the resignation, incapacity, death or removal from office of President, the Vice President and then the Treasurer shall succeed to the Office of President. Any vacancy occurring in the Offices of the Vice President or Treasurer shall be frilled from the Board of Director membership by election by the Board. The Board, by a two-third vote of Directors present at any regular or special meeting, may reprimand, suspend or remove the President, Vice President or Treasurer for neglect, incapacity, malfeasance, or disloyalty to the Association.

Article VI. Committees.

Section 1. The Executive Committee.

The Officers are members of the Executive Committee, with the President serving as Chair. The Executive Director is an ex-officio member. The Committee may act for the Board of Directors in between board meetings on all matters, expect those specifically reserved by these Bylaws to the Board. The Executive Committee, at its first meeting each year, shall schedule a Board of Directors meetings. The Committee is responsible for developing and reviewing fiscal policies and the annual and projected budget. The Committee may from time to time submit major amendments to the budget for the current fiscal year, which may be adopted by the Board. The Committee may appoint members to ad hoc committees or task force work groups, and make other appointments as deemed necessary to the administration of the Association. Any Officer may call a meeting of the committee by giving notice containing the general nature of the business to be considered and the date, time, and place of the meeting at least seven (7) days before the date of the meeting. The majority of the committee shall constitute a quorum at any duly called meeting of the committee. In the case of a time vote, the President shall decide the matter before the committee unilaterally. Within a reasonable time, actions of the committee shall be reported to the Board of Directors.

Section 2. The Nomination Committee.

The Executive Committee shall appoint a Nomination Committee composed of seven (7) members. The Executive Committee shall appoint a Director to be the Chair of the Nominations committee. The Nomination committee shall be representative of the Association. No more than three (3) committee members may be from the Board of Directors. Nomination Committee members are ineligible to be nominated themselves in the year of service on the Nomination Committee.

Article VII. Association Records, Reports, and Procedures.

Section 1. Maintenance of Records.

The Association shall maintain accurate books and records of the assets and liabilities, and shall keep records of all proceedings involving members and Board of Directors. All books and records must be kept in written form, except those books and reports that can be kept in a form convertible into written form.

Section 2. Examination of Records.

The Association's records of the membership, the books and records of the assets and liabilities, and the approved records of the meetings and proceedings shall be open for inspection at the Association Office during normal business hours by any member upon advance written request. The Association's three most recent annual returns (Form 990), any application for tax exemption, any papers submitted in support of such application, and any letter or other document issued by the Internal Revenue Service with respect to such application shall be available for public inspection at the Assocaition Office during normal business hours.

Section 3. NPN's Fiscal Year.

The accounting year of the Association shall end on December 31 of each year. The Board of Directors shall cause the Association's books and records of account to be independently reviewed annually and independently audited upon the expiration of the treasurer's term of office.

Section 4. Parliamentary Authority.

The rules contained in the current edition of Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern the Association in all cases to which they are applicable and not inconsistent with law or these Bylaws.

Article VIII. Amendment of Bylaws

Section 1. Elibible to Vote to Amemd these Bylaws

Board of Directors and Voting Members are eligible to vote for or against Bylaw amendments that have been proposed in accordance with this Article. The vote of each voting member shall represent the membership of the neighborhood association such that the neighborhood association takes every reasonable measure to ensure the highest practical level of member participation.

Section 2. Time and Place for Bylaw Amendment Voting.

These Bylaws are subject to amendment at any regular meeting of the Association. When a proposal to amend the Bylaws is submitted to the Association, the entire membership will be notified of the proposal, the justification, and the Board recommendation. The Board will set a time, date and place for a Bylaws and business meeting. At such a meeting, the Board President or other designee shall present proposed Bylaw amendment.

Section 3. Bylaw Amendment Proposal Process.

No proposal of Bylaw amendment may be considered unless it is sponsored by a combination of five (5) voting members of the Association. Properly sponsored Bylaw amendments shall be signed by the minimum number of sponsors and submitted in writing to the Association headquarters at least 60 days before the bylaws business meeting.

Section 4. Notice of Bylaw Amendment is Required.

A notice of properly proposed Bylaw amendments shall be given to all Board of Directors and Voting Members at least thirty (30) days prior to the Bylaws business meeting. Proper notice shall contain the neames of the proposed amendment sponsors, the precise text of the amendment, a rational basis in support of the proposed amendment, and a proposed date, time and place of the Bylaws business meeting. Notice is satisfied by being included in regular mail and the Association's website accompanied by electronic notification to Voting Members.

Section 5. Voting to Amend the Bylaws.

Voting is limited to a properly set Bylaws business meeting. Voting shall be either for or against each amendment as originally sponsored; no amendment of an amendment is permitted. Only present Board of Directors and Voting members may vote. Voting rights may not be delegated or exercised by proxy. Effective amendments of these Bylaws requires a quorum and two-thirds majority vote of the quorum. A quorum consists of 50% fo the total number of Directors and Voting Members.

Section 6. Effective Date of a Bylaw Amendment.

Unless a Bylaw amendment states otherwise, all amendments of these Bylaws shall be effective immediately upon their adoption.

Article IX. Initial Election of the Board of Directors.

Section 1. Election of the First Board of Directors.

Voting members may nominate candidates to serve as members of teh Board of Directors. All nominations will be accepted at the formation meeting of the Association.

Section 2. Information on Candidates.

Each candidate will submit a written summary of his or her background, a statement detailing why she or he wants the office, and the endorsement of at least two neighborhood association representatives.

Section 3. Distribution of Information on Candidates.

The Association will distribute information about the candidates to all Voting Members at least two (2) weeks before the election. This will allow the neighborhood associations to discuss the candidates and direct their voting members about the associations' wishes.

Section 4. Election of Directors.

At a duly called meeting, announced at least two weeks in advance by all available means, the Association will hold the election of the Board of Directors. All candidates will be elected at the same time. The eleven (11) candidates with the highest total vote count will serve on the Board.

Section 5. Terms of Office.

After election, the numbers 1, 2, and 3 will be written on slips of paper, folded and placed in a holder. The newly-elected Directors will select a slip of paper and will serve a term of one (1), two (2), or three (3) years, corresponding to the number on the slip.

Section 6. Election of Officers.

The Board of Directors will elect the following officers from its membership. This election is consistent with Section 6 of Article V of these Bylaws.

Section 7. Selection of the First Executive Director

Within 90 days of taking office, the Board of Directors shall elect an Executive Director to serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors. At the expiration of Article IX, Section 5 shall apply.

Section 8. Expiration of Article IX.

Once the initial election of a Board of Directors and Officers occurs, Article IX of the Bylaws expires.

Proposed Memorandum of Understanding with MercyCorps

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING

This Memorandum of Understanding (herein after referred to as "MOU") is entered into effective July 1, 2006 between Mercy Corps, a not-for-profit corporation incorporated under the laws of the State of Washington, United States of America (herein after referred to as "MC"), having its registered office at 3015 SW Ave, Portland, OR 97201 USA, The Neighborhoods' Planning Network, a not-for-profit community-based organization, applying for incorporation under the laws of the State of Louisiana and having its office at ______, New Orleans, LA (herein after referred to as "NPN"), and the New Orleans Neighborhood Development Collaborative, a coalition of non-profit public, private, community-based, and faith-based organizations incorporated under the laws of the State of Louisiana, United States of America (herein after known as "NONDC"), having its registered office at 1055 St. Charles Ave., Ste. 120, New Orleans, LA, 70130, USA. Hereinafter, the three agencies shall be referred to collectively as the "Parties" to this MOU.

RECITALS:

1. MC, NPN, and NONDC, as the fiduciary agent for NPN, have decided to join hands in support of neighborhood planning and development and the development of the NPN as a representative organization to member neighbouhoods in New Orleans, LA, USA.

a. Mercy Corps is an international relief and development organization whose program in the Gulf Coast aims to, inter alia, empower local partners to implement their own projects and other activities aimed at social, economic and political transformation. Mercy Corps' Gulf Coast Hurricane Recovery Program is particularly committed to supporting initiatives that increase people's participation in the process of recovery and change. Due to the unique damage caused by hurricanes Katrina and Rita in New Orleans and the subsequent flooding of much of the city, coupled with unique opportunities to support residents of New Orleans participate in the planning and implementation of neighborhood recovery strategies, MC has created a Neighborhood Revitalization Program consisting of grants and technical assistance. Through this program, MC aims to partner with neighborhood associations and other community-based organizations to help revitalize neighborhood businesses, non-profit and service organizations, as well as build the capacity of Neighborhood Associations as vital agencies for recovery and transformation in their own neighborhoods and the city at large.

b. The Neighborhoods' Planning Network exists to provide a collaborative and inclusive citywide framework that will empower neighborhood groups to guide planning decisions made in New Orleans. The NPN fosters collaboration and information sharing among neighborhood planning groups by providing a regular forum for groups to meet and organizing events relevant to neighborhood planning.

c. The New Orleans Neighborhood Development Collaborative is a coalition of non-profit public, private and community-based organizations working with New Orleans' neighborhoods to support and expand the production of quality, affordable housing. NONDC is committed to reinvigorating the physical, economic and social fabric of New Orleans by 1) fostering partnerships that increase the quality and quantity of housing for the people of New Orleans; 2) advocating for affordable housing policy; and 3) providing technical and financial support to CDCs and other organizations in the continuum of affordable housing. In the case of its relationship with the NPN, the NONDC has decided to serve as fiduciary agent until which time the NPN can stand on its own as an incorporated 501(c)3 non-profit.

2. The Parties intend to collaborate to implement priority projects and other activities in support of the development of the NPN and its members. ==NOW, THEREFORE,== in consideration of the mutual covenants hereinafter contained, the Parties agree as follows: 1. General Provisions

a) The Parties acknowledge that this agreement terminates on June 30, 2007. Owing to their shared values and goals, the Parties will work together with respect to the NPN's organizational development and program plans as they evolve in a participatory, inclusive manner of engagement with neighbourhood associations and other stakeholders and complete the tasks herein identified as their respective responsibilities.

b) NPN and NONDC may use the Mercy Corps name, logo and emblem, but only in connection with the Program, with prior approval from MC.

c) NPN and NONDC warrants that they are now, and agrees that so long as this MOU is in effect that they will be, in compliance with all of the laws of the State of Louisiana applicable to the performance of this MOU.

d) The Parties agree to participate in media, advocacy campaigns, festivals and other opportunities to promote neighborhood participation in New Orleans recovery planning, raising issues and successes along the way.

2. Responsibilities of the Neighborhoods Planning Network

a) The NPN Steering Committee, known also as the founders of the organization, will be responsible for facilitating or working with an appointed nomination committee to advance a timely, participatory, and inclusive process for establishing a membership=elected NPN Board of Directors (hereinafter known as "the NPN Board". The NPN Board shall be representative of the member neighbouhoods of the NPN and be in place at or within 90 days of the signing of this MOU.

b) At or within 90 days of the signing of this MOU, the NPN's Board will establish the bylaws of the organization and share those with the entire NPN membership. This document shall become Exhibit __ of this agreement.

c) The NPN shall have in place -- at minimum -- a one-year plan and budget, approved by the NPN Board, at or within 90 days of the signing of this MOU. These documents shall become Exhibit __ of this agreement.

d) In association with the NPN's plans, NPN's budget will indicate how the NPN will allocate, on a line-by-line basis, the $50,000 grant that MC is awarding the NPN, as well as other secured funding. The NPN shall prepare its budget for the MC grant according to the template provided (Please see Exhibit __).

e) The NPN's administrative budget (e.g., salaries and fringe benefits) shall not exceed 50% of the overall grant budget.

f) At or within 90 days of the signing of this MOU, the NPN will finalize its incorporation and share written verification of such with Mercy Corps. This document shall become Exhibit of this agreement.

g) At or within 90 days of the signing of this MOU, the NPN will demonstrate efforts to obtain 501(c)3 status. The 501(c)3 document, if received, shall become Exhibit __ of this agreement.

h) At or within 90 days of this MOU, the NPN will have made every effort to hire a permanent qualified Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer, and other staff and volunteers, replete with position descriptions and work plans to effectively implement the NPN plan and budget.

i) The NPN Board of Directors and its Interim and permanent Executive Director agree to accept Mercy Corps' local organizational development consultant and participate in its Neighborhood Capacity Collaborative initiative (hereinafter known as "NC2"), beginning in August 2006. The initiative brings together MC, Tulane School of Social Work, the International Project for Non-profit Leadership at the University of New Orleans, and other local partners interested in measuring and contributing technical and financial resources to the development of a targeted group of neighborhood associations and the NPN, as well as to the revitalization of the targeted neighborhoods over the next year. The NPN will also contribute ideas and vision for the development of the indexes for measuring its capacity and developing plans to address gaps. (Please refer to Exhibit __ for more information on the NC2).

j) The NPN must request the NONDC to submit a request for the advance of funds on its behalf, according to the Schedule of Advances (Exhibit __) and using the Advance Request Form (Exhibit __).

k) The NPN will maintain an inventory of any assets procured with Mercy Corps funding for the use of NPN as a whole. NPN will be responsible for maintenance and tracking of these assets.

l) The NPN, in collaboration with the NONDC as its fiduciary agent, will submit to Mercy Corps a brief monthly program progress and financial report by the 10th day of the month for the proceeding month's implementation, using the formats provided (see Exhibits ).

3. Responsibilities of Mercy Corps

a) MC will provide a grant of $50,000 to the NPN, in two installments according to the schedule in Exhibit __.

b) MC acknowledges that NPN may need to budget the grant to cover anticipated operational expenses and program activities for a period shorter than this actual MOU to meet its needs.

c) Mercy Corps will make every effort to release installments within ten working days of receiving the request for advance form Exhibit __) from the NPN and NONDC.

d) MC will provide technical assistance and other necessary, non-financial support to the NPN, especially, but not exclusively, in response to organizational capacity-building needs identified vis-a-vis the NC2 process and other needs expressed by the NPN.

e) Mercy Corps and its NC2 partners will implement monitoring and evaluation exercises together with the NPN to measure progress on the NPN's organizational development and program objectives, as planned.

f) Mercy Corps will make efforts to identify other sources of financial support for NPN from its own resources and other donors to the best of its abilities. There is no guarantee of additional funding.

4. Responsibilities of the New Orleans Neighborhood Development Collaborative:

a) As the fiduciary agent of the NPN and the receiving agent for the Mercy Corps grant, NONDC will maintain a separate bank account for the utilization of funds received from Mercy Corps and expended by the NONDC on the NPN's behalf. The NONDC shall maintain books of accounts and other operational records, including vouchers and receipts on expenditures, separately from the accounts and records of other NONDC projects.

b) The NONDC, on behalf of the NPN, must submit a request to Mercy Corps' Program Director for the advance of funds according to the Schedule of Advances (Exhibit __) and using the Advance Request Form (Exhibit

c) The NONDC shall fully cooperate and make available all financial and program documentation for inspection and review during MC site visits.

d)The NONDC as the NPN's fiduciary agent will submit to Mercy Corps a monthly program progress and financial report by the 1 0th day of the month for the proceeding month's implementation, using the formats provided (see Exhibits __).

e) At the end of the period defined by the MOU, the NONDC, on behalf of the NPN, will submit a final report using the format provided in Exhibit __.

5. The Parties acknowledge and agree that this MOU is for a 12-month period and that MC, the NPN or NONDC can terminate it upon 30 days' prior written notice. The NPN commits to completing any project or activity funded by Mercy Corps. Likewise, MC commits to providing funds and completing any technical service that the agency agrees to provide.

6. In the event of balances to the grant, or needs for budget or program adjustments, the NONDC shall, on behalf of the NPN, submit to MC a request for revision. MC is under no obligation to approve a budget or program revision. The NONDC or the NPN shall not overspend any line item in the budget without the express written consent of MC's GCHR Program Director.

7. This MOU is governed by the law of the State of Oregon, U.S.A. The Parties expressly waive any rights to invoke the jurisdiction of local courts where this MOU is performed and agree to submit to and accept the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the courts of the State of Oregon, U.S.A. and the State of Louisiana, U.S.A.

8. Neither Party shall disclose any proprietary or confidential information of the other Party relating to this MOU, or the other Party's business or operations without the prior written consent of the other Party.

9. This MOU and its attached Exhibits may not be modified except in writing signed by both of the Parties.

10. Both parties agree to operate in a transparent and non-discriminatory manner.

11. If any provision of this MOU shall be held to be unenforceable, the remaining portions of this MOU will remain in full force and effect.

12. This MOU constitutes the entire agreement of the Parties hereto and supersedes all prior agreements of the Parties relating to the subject matter hereof.

==The Parties below have read and agree to be bound by this MOU,== executed as of the date first written above.


For the Neighborhoods Planning and Community Development Network (NPN):

Signature:

By:

Its:

Date:

For the New Orleans Neighborhood Development Collaborative (NONDC)

Signature:

By:

Its:

Date:

For Mercy Corps (MC):

Signature:

By:

Its:

Date:


==EXHIBIT H:== Making and Measuring Impact: Neighborhood Associations and Neighborhood Revitalization in New Orleans

Under its Neighborhood Revitalization Program, Mercy Corps delivers a range of resources with the overall aim of helping to revitalize neighborhoods in New Orleans. The organization will channel many of its resources for this program through four partner neighborhood associations, including the Holy Cross Neighborhood Association, the Lower 9th Ward Neighborhood Empowerment Network Association, and at least two others to be determined. We also have some resources to support the development of the Neighborhood Planning Network (the NPN) to effectively serve neighborhood associations needs, at this critical time when neighborhood associations are participating in revitalization planning. We will spend resources on the following:

  • Training and other capacity-building of partner neighborhood associations (most of this work will be done with and through local technical partners)
  • Small community projects identified and managed by the neighborhoods themselves
  • Small loans through the HOPE Credit Union to small businesses in key sectors and targeted neighborhoods
  • Small grants to small businesses in key sectors and targeted neighborhoods
  • Grants to non-profits in targeted neighborhoods

Given its integrated strategies and resources in targeted neighborhoods, Mercy Corps will measure impact in two areas

1. Toward reaching the main objective of the program: Revitalized Neighborhoods in New Orleans. We will develop an index defining "revitalized neighborhood" - the vision of it — based on a participatory process of engagement with samples of neighbors, neighborhood association leaders and other stakeholders in each partner neighborhood. Working with these stakeholders, we will help define benchmarks over time: at one year, at three years, at five years and so on. We will also review neighborhood strategic plans, as developed through the neighborhood associations, which will also likely yield descriptive elements to help us develop the range of indicators in the index. A scoring system will complement the index and provide the basis for establishing the baseline and, over time, change against baseline to meet targets. To obtain scores on the index for each neighborhood, we will fashion a questionnaire that addresses each indicator in the index. [Note: the questions, indicators and scoring system can appear side-by-side in a matrix for ease of addressing a question or series of questions to an indicator, then assigning a value.] We will then conduct semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with random samples of neighbors from the partner neighborhoods to create a baseline — and set targets — with and for each partner neighborhood. After six-eight months, we will implement the questionnaire again to see if indeed we have met the targets.

2. In the result area - Increased Civic Participation in neighborhood revitalization - to measure the indicator, "Scores on organizational capacities index". For this indicator we will develop an index along the key areas of organizational capacities required for neighborhood associations to effectively and efficiently deliver on their mission, strategic and operational plans and their role within their community. Like the revitalization index, this will be a real time index, reflecting the real visions of neighborhood associations. Furthermore, we will establish benchmarks over time: "Given the opportunities and challenges neighborhood associations face, what are the critical skills and organizational capacities they need this year? Next year? In three years? In Five? Once we have defined the index, and a scoring system, we will develop and implement a questionnaire to capture the baseline for each partner neighborhood association, as well as the NPN. [Note: as with the revitalized neighborhood index, we can include the questionnaire, indicators and scoring system side-by-side in the organizational capacities index.] We will implement the questionnaire by conducting semi-structured interviews and/or focus group discussions with the organizations' leaders and a sample of members - and set targets - with and for each partner organization. Based on the initial baseline, we will work with each organization to develop a Capacity-Building Plan, marked in six-month sections of goals and targets. Working with partners, we will then implement a series of training workshops, coaching/mentoring sessions and other interventions to address the key capacity-building needs identified by the index and prioritized by the organizations over time. The organization's leadership may have several steps, as well, that they have to implement on their own. After six-eight months, we will implement the index/questionnaire again to see if indeed the organizations have met their targets, then address gaps with a revised capacity-building plan.

To develop the Neighborhood Revitalization Index and the Neighborhood Associations Organizational Capacities Index, we would like to collaborate with the International Project for Nonprofit Leadership, the Tulane School of Social Work, Rally, the New Orleans Neighborhood Development Collaborative, the Unified Nonprofits of New Orleans, and others, as appropriate and interested. We would call ourselves a "working group" (specific name to be jointly defined at first workshop).

In addition to measuring impact, the core of the work, as mentioned under point two above, is designing and implementing a capacity-building project that addresses the key skills and institutional capacity-building needs of neighborhood associations and the NPN. Mercy Corps has some resources to support these capacity-building interventions, but we may need to seek other resources to ensure full support of needs.

Since Mercy Corps will not be here for the long run, our intention is to support local technical service partners and neighborhood associations in developing and grounding a participatory learning process and program impact model. This model demonstrates local collaboration and yields data — lessons learned — for improving program and organizational performance, as well as demonstrates to donors and government the viability - fundability ~ of neighborhood associations in the New Orleans neighborhood revitalization process.


Prepared by: Denise Barrett, Program Director, Gulf Coast Hurricane Recovery Program Mercy Corps, DBarrett@MercyCorpsField.org, telephone: 503.679.2723

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