FAQs
Q: Am I eligible?
A: You are eligible if you are a community member in Edgecombe or Robeson County OR a UNC-Chapel Hill faculty or researcher. Community members and academic partners must apply in teams and must commit to participation in all levels of the program. Teams must be comprised of 2 community members and 2 UNC-CH members.
Q: What is the time commitment required of me?
A: All 4 members of the team are expected to participate in the Virtual Orientation (Time TBD.) and the following:
- Project work = The hours spent implementing a project with additional support from UNC-CH interprofessional students available if needed.
- In-person convenings = Approximately 7 days spent together in Edgecombe and Robeson County learning and networking.
- 2024: January 17-18, May 8-9, September 11-12, and December 4
- Individual and team coaching, mentoring and independent learning = Approximately 5 hours per month (60 hours total)
All the leadership development is co-led by WCC staff, community advisors, and partners on various topics across six main competencies:
- Collaboration and Partnerships
- Awareness of Community Historical Context, Traditions, Trauma, Culture & Language
- Communications
- Conflict Resolution & Reciprocal Negotiation
- Self Actualization & Life-long Learning
- Systems Thinking (Formal & Cultural)
Q: What deliverables are expected of my team?
A: Teams are expected to complete brief six- and 12-month narrative and financial reports on their progress and use of funds and at least one communications deliverable, such as an op-ed or video about their project.
Q: How will the $45,000 project funding be distributed and managed?
A: Funds will be distributed to the UNC-CH academic department that is identified by the team, an internal transfer from WCC’s home department, Social Medicine. It is then the sponsoring department’s responsibility to be in direct communication and work with each team to disburse funds according to the budget provided in the application phase, including payments to community partner team members.
Q: What can we use funds toward?
A: If selected, your team will receive $45,000 for one year. Appropriate line items include personnel, nonpersonnel (supplies, travel, training, equipment), and subcontracts. Indirect costs cannot be taken from this award.
Q: What does the in–person training include?
A: Whole Community Connection will begin with a virtual orientation. In–person retreats alternate between the two focus counties – Edgecombe and Robeson. They include activities related to each county’s history and culture, leadership tools related to each team member’s individual leadership development and working as a team, and progress updates from teams. Lodging is provided by WCC during these sessions and teams will use project funds for travel reimbursement.
Q: Are all the trainings in–person or virtual?
A: The Whole Community Connection gatherings alternate between taking place in the two focus counties (Edgecombe and Robeson) including time experiencing the local community and its history and culture. WCC works to make the program as accessible and inclusive as possible so trainings can be made hybrid for anyone joining virtually. Some activities are best conducted in-person and internet access may limit hybrid participation. Please communicate any ways we can support your participation to WCC Project Director Melissa Green.
Q: Who can participate in the in-person trainings?
A: All four members of the team are expected to attend teach in-person training. Training content builds on prior sessions.
Q: Can you describe what’s available as part of the continuous learning offerings?
A: Whole Community Connection offers multiple, tailorable learning opportunities that WCC Champions are able to select through in–person gatherings, virtual team coaching meetings for your project team, executive coaching calls for each individual project team member, virtual peer coaching practice sessions, virtual book club sessions, and asynchronous online learning modules.
Q: What does the interprofessional support from students look like?
A: Teams can identify students on their own or request access to student assistance through the UNC Office of Interprofessional Education and Practice led by Meg Zomorodi. Teams can be paired with 2-4 students (coming from study programs such as health affairs, business, government, or law).
Q: I may be too young or too old for this program. Is there an age limit?
A: Passion and commitment to serving your community is prioritized over age. The minimum age is 21 years old and there is no maximum age. All participants must have basic working knowledge of computers to participate in continuous learning.
Q: I am considering applying, who can I contact with my questions?
A: Contact Melissa A. Green at wholecommunityconnection@unc.edu