We accomplish this through national and regional trainings, and through mentoring relationships, resource development and technical assistance as follows:

Community Assessment and Analysis RCNO works with clergy and congregations to identify and research community needs and identify what services already exist in the community of interest through mapping and other methods. Structured, public, face-to-face actions are held with key business and political leaders on an issue-by-issue basis to explore and develop joint solutions to the root causes of problems in communities.

Strategic Planning RCNO helps congregations conceptualize a vision for thriving communities, and works with congregants and community groups to map out how to get there.

Meeting Preparation and Participation Maintaining an effective presence in meetings is critical to organizing success. RCNO's training covers how to develop clear meeting agendas, determine roles and responsibilities for meeting participants, how to gather necessary research and statistics to help make a case, and role-play and practice before attending sessions with public officials.

Program Development and Organizational Management RCNO helps congregations develop and strengthen programs to serve the needs of their members and the communities they serve. Trainings cover (1) identifying management and organization models that are best for managing public and private funds; (2) service models that are most effective when working with African American communities; (3) how to incorporate cultural considerations for African Americans in a multi-cultural program; (4) identifying appropriate staff, board and management training; (5) developing effective marketing materials; and (6) collecting, interpreting and disseminating relevant program information/data.

Policy Influence Through a social justice framework, RCNO works with congregations to promote private and public policy solutions to community problems by teaching them strategies for convening, informing, and influencing and holding accountable key decision makers in their communities.

Resource Development RCNO's training includes a range of strategies for foundation and corporate fundraising.

Grant and Report Writing Assistance Participants learn what the elements of effective grant requests are and how to craft them, and also receive guidance on how to write narrative and financial progress reports for funders.

Reflection and Evaluation Throughout training sessions with RCNO, congregations learn the importance of observation, participation, and study. RCNO emphasizes the key to successful public ministry: reflection…action…reflection.