"The purpose of all education should be empowerment."
Paulo Friere, Brazilian Social Scientist

The Alliance formally established its capacity building and technical assistance program in 1995 for our partners, members and recipients of direct services funding to transfer knowledge and expertise about what works and how. Our conceptual framework for a quality learning process is based on an empowerment premise that is done by, with and for people, not to them. Having the capacity to effectively develop, implement, evaluate and sustain prevention programming and produce the desired outcomes must be a constant as we work together to build healthier communities in DeKalb County.

Capacity building refers to an organization’s ability to achieve its mission and is a process that results in increasing the core competencies of an organization. As a result there is an increase in the quality, quantity, cost effectiveness of activities and the sustainability of the infrastructure that support these activities. It also refers to the skills and capabilities of individuals to define and realize their goals and do their job more effectively. Our extensive trainings are delivered over a one- or two-day period with technical assistance follow-up. Trainings are hands on, interactive and task-focused. Delivery methods include: classroom style, on-site, web cast, audio teleconference, and large group with small group breakouts.

Technical assistance is a discrete, time-limited, goal-oriented consultation that can facilitate change and collaboration within an organization. Through technical assistance organizations are able to restructure their service delivery to better meet the needs and build the capacities of the people being served. Delivery methods include: telephone consultation, face-to-face, on-site, electronic and audio teleconferencing.

Expected outcomes include:

· Effective and efficient delivery of knowledge and information
· Facilitation of knowledge exchange
· Provision of management assistance to community and faith based organizations
· Deepen the understanding and use of science-based practices, principles and 
  methods
· Improved programmatic and organizational performance