The CQI Community Group consists of human service agency CQI (Continuous Quality Improvement) professionals throughout the nation who are interested in sharing resources, supporting professional development, and networking with peers in the area of continuous quality improvement. We realize this work is challenging and resources are limited, and having peers to learn and be inspired by is invaluable. We also embody the desire to professionalize the field of CQI in human services. The CQI Community meets to discuss topics relevant to current CQI practice. Topics covered at CQI Community meetings in the past have included Excel Basics, Preparing for COA Accreditation, Utilizing Survey Monkey, Data Visualization Techniques, Client Involvement in CQI Efforts, and Quarterly Reporting and Staff Engagement. In the past, CQI professionals participated in sessions that take place in-person across the state of Illinois and via web conferencing for those who are out-of-state. These sessions decreased as the CQI Conference expanded in duration and attendance. But, one of our goals for 2020 was to reignite our CQI Community events outside of the conference. Currently, CQI professionals participate in sessions that take place every other month via virtual platforms so no matter where you are, you can be engaged. Topics in 2020 have included: Checking-In During This Time of COVID-19; Measuring and Monitoring Our Impact During a Pandemic; A Seat “At the Table”: Issues of Equity; and Demographic Data Collection-A Tool for Change.

In Fall 2014, the CQI Community had the innovative idea of holding a conference centered around CQI. A committee was formed, a sponsor was found in the University of Illinois School of Social Work and we had our first conference in October 2015 at the School of Social Work in Urbana (in their classrooms)! We had about 80 people attend from Illinois (mostly in child welfare), and the conference was a day. In 2016, we expanded the conference to 2 days and over the past 5 years, participation has increased to approximately 200 attendees from multiple states. Past conference themes include In Pursuit of Quality; Achieving Impact; Data Literacy; and Building a Dynamic CQI Culture.

To join the group and receive meeting notices, conference information and group updates, contact us at CQICommunity@gmail.com.