Set Up & Support: What Do You Need to Get Started?
Getting Started: The Basics
All “I Have A Dream” cohorts are governed by local “I Have A Dream” Foundation licensed Affiliates and operate as independent 501c3 organizations. In order to start a new Affiliate, the following steps are required:
- Recruit lead organizer(s)
- Form an Advisory Board/Expansion Committee to oversee and implement the planning process for a new Affiliate in identified community
- Schedule a site visit or call with another “I Have A Dream” Affiliate. When possible, attend the National Staff Conference (held every summer)
- Schedule a site visit for national “I Have A Dream” staff to meet with the Advisory Board/Expansion Committee and affiliate staff
- Identify and qualify a local school, housing authority site or community based-organization partner and complete a Partnership Analysis
- Sign a partnership agreement/MOU with relevant school, housing site and/or community partners
- Develop a long range projected budget
- Identify and secure funding sources (individuals, foundations, corporations, government)
- Hire an Executive Director (who hires additional program staff)
What Comes Next? Explore The Steps to Start Up
