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HISTORY
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The California Monitors Network was originally formed for
the purpose of providing training to staff employed by Job Training Partnership
Act (JTPA) Service Delivery Areas (SDA's). Due to the requirements for
monitoring staff to be knowledgeable about various facets of these programs, and
limited sources available for obtaining that training, staff initiated these
meetings with their peers. Most of the members are primarily employed in
monitoring and oversight functions at the local level, but other interested
staff are welcome to join our group.
The Network started as two separate groups that began around
the same time in northern and southern California in the early 1990's, comprised
of a handful of SDA's in each half of the state. The two groups combined
forces in about 1994. The group gradually grew, to include almost all of
the 52 SDA's in California after several years. In 1998, the Network
approved operating by-laws, and shortly after, elected the first officers.
In 1999, the group welcomed staff from 12 SDA's in five other states to the
roster. In the same year, staff from five of the LA Prime Agencies were
approved for associate membership status. Currently, the mailing list has
almost 200 names nationally.
In July, 2000, JTPA yielded to the Workforce Investment Act
(WIA), which still requires oversight of local programs by Local Workforce
Investment Areas (LWIA's). Although the scope and nature of monitoring has
changed somewhat, the need for training and networking remains.
The fundamental service of providing training is based on
the premise that participating entities take turns hosting meetings, which are
normally held three times a year. The hosting local areas determine
program content, inviting state, national or local presenters on topics related specifically
to monitoring or generally to workforce investment programs. Speakers
appear at no charge, or are underwritten by available state training
monies. Nominal charges for meetings cover only the expense of facilities
and refreshments. There are no fees assessed for membership.
Additional services and resources are available or are
planned for the future, to assist the monitors and related staff to be informed
and proficient practitioners in the workforce development system. This
website describes what the California Monitors Network has to offer as the
future unfolds.
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