Regional Learning Opportunities (RLOs) Overview

Although the primary "products" of WV's Strategic Prevention Framework State Incentive Grant (SPF SIG) county-level grants were countywide comprehensive prevention plans and the implementation of prevention programming, capacity building was an even more important result.

Capacity can be defined as the ability to perform or produce. More specifically, having the resources to accomplish something such as making positive, sustainable changes to tackle whatever issues a community faces. Capacity is made up of three components or capitals - physical/fiscal, human, and social capital. Physical/fiscal capital refers to money and other material resources such as facilities, supplies, etc. Human capital refers to the knowledge, skills, abilities and experiences of individuals and groups. Social capital refers the quality of relationships within (bonding) and between (bridging) groups.

In addition to awarding prevention planning and implementation grants (sources of physical/fiscal capital) to counties, WV's implementation of its SPF SIG includes Regional Learning Opportunities (RLOs). The RLOs - open to SPF SIG grant recipients, regional professionals, members of community organizations, and other interested individuals - are intended to serve as a systematic approach to building human and social capital. They provide a venue for:

• Networking and Information Sharing: Participants can get to know each other, share information and processes pertinent to their jobs, and have a little fun.
• Training and Technical Assistance: RLOs will provide a forum for increasing the quantity and quality of training and technical assistance available for local organizations throughout the state.

RLO logistics and content in 2006 was coordinated by the West Virginia Prevention Resource Center. In order to meet SPF SIG requirements, the following topics had to be covered: assessment, strategic planning, implementing evidence-based strategies, evaluation and other topics. Although the RLOs were open to anyone interested, planning grant recipients (the project director and one additional individual from the local prevention partnership) were required to attend.

RLOs continue as a venue for local capacity building. Each region now takes a more active role in determining content and facilitating logistics.