news

The Multiethnic Advocates for Cultural Competence (MACC) and RAMA Consulting Group are pleased to be partners once again on the management of the Cultural Competence Content Workgroup of the State of Ohio Transformation Incentive Grant (TSIG). In 2005, Ohio received one of nine federal Mental Health Transformation State Incentive Grants allocations of $12 million over five years.

The purpose of this grant is to transform the infrastructure of mental health services and supports to achieve the six goals and the recommendations of the President's New Freedom Commission on Mental Health so that persons with mental illness can live, work, learn and participate fully in their communities. Among the goals to be achieved is cultural competence in service delivery.

Building on our work with MACC’s 2006 and 2008 Statewide Cultural Competence Needs Assessment projects, RAMA was asked to serve as project consultants/managers of the TSIG Cultural Competence Content Workgroup. This committee is primarily charged with the following objectives:

1. Engage liaisons/representatives of state departments and system partners in development of a common definition of cultural competence to be utilized by all state of Ohio agencies and system partners regarding cultural competence
    

2. Outline appropriate role of the MACC Research Advisory Committee (RAC) (i.e. Training/Trainer standards, technical assistance needs, curriculum objectives, etc.)
     ▪  Determine ideal process for integration and utilization of the cultural competence common definition within state
        departments
     ▪  Determine profile of individuals to serve as members of the RAC who represent the diversity of needs in Ohio
     ▪  Identify areas for further research/learning opportunities within state departments and Ohio in general
     ▪  Determine what infrastructure and critical linkages need to develop in order to achieve the mission of the  
        statewide Cultural Competence definition
    

3. Make recommendations for use of TSIG funds for translation of current operational documents to assist organizations in better meeting the needs of diverse consumer, customers, and constituents
   
   
   RAMA’s role in the project includes:

1. Facilitation of the process of reviewing, analyzing, synthesizing and recommending a common definition of Cultural Competence among all state of Ohio cabinet level departments
    

2. Providing meeting facilitation and adjunct support to MACC on management of the TSIG Cultural Competence Content Work Group (CWG)
    

3. Assisting in planning and management of endorsement process of cultural competence common definition among state agencies and officials

“We are excited to work on a project that benefits our client but more importantly has implications for all Ohioans and how we deliver services in our state. Cultural Competence is a critical issue for our state, particularly as we continue to work to attract the very best and brightest talents, many of which who will be from diverse communities and backgrounds” remarks Mo Wright, President and lead consultant.

For more information on the Multiethnic Advocates for Cultural Competence or to become a member, visit www.maccinc.net or call 614-221-7841.


 

RAMA celebrates 5 Years of Inspired Performance and Successful Outcomes



The beginning of 2008 year does not just represent another turn of the calendar for RAMA Consulting Group, it marks 5 years of doing what we do best…Inspiring Better Outcomes. Since our founding in May 2003, the RAMA family has committed itself to excellence in project management and consulting. This discipline and attention to detail has proven fruitful for the company which has experienced over 500% growth since its first year of operations.

In addition, RAMA has continued to support worthwhile community based programs and projects that align with the company’s strategic vision.

“I am both blessed and humbled to have experienced the growth of RAMA over these past five years” remarks RAMA President and Founder, Mataryun “Mo” Wright. “I am equally excited about the future of our company as we launch new products and services this year.”

RAMA Consulting Group will officially celebrate its founding with a reception in June of this year as well as by launching “THE RAMA WAY”, its company newsletter and the RAMA Institute, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit dedicated to inspiring excellence in public sector and non-profit organizations and systems.

Stay tuned to our website for more exciting news on RAMA’s five year anniversary.

RAMA works to strengthen Tech Prep in Urban School Districts

The RAMA Consulting Group is pleased to be partnering for a second year with the Ohio College Tech Prep Urban Network. The Urban Network is a consortia of Tech Prep and Career and Technical Education professionals from the eight largest urban school districts in Ohio.

The group has developed as its purpose: During Year 1 of the project, RAMA managed research and analysis of the urban school districts secondary and post-secondary academic data, transition rates, and program participation statistics as well as facilitated the development of the network’s strategic plan.

The plan includes 5 broad goals with supporting objectives along with key stakeholders and relevant timeframes to accomplish the work. The plan is expected to be a key ingredient into understanding the challenges as well as opportunities in improving the delivery of the Tech Prep program and Career and Technical Education within urban school districts in Ohio.

The process also included the design of an online resource inventory which can be queried for resources on best and promising practices in urban and Career Technical Education.

For more information on Tech Prep: www.techprepohio.org.