Ask an Advisor Answers

Question: Do you have any ideas on volunteerism at Senior Centers? If so, what type of volunteer service would you suggest?
Answer: Hi Blanka, Thank you for your question. Without knowing your exact situation, there are two ways we can address your question. First, are you interested in volunteering at a senior center? If so, simply contacting the senior center(s) in your area and asking them what their specific volunteer needs are would be the best place to start. Many senior centers rely on volunteers to do various jobs and activities around the centers to lower costs. Second, are you looking for ways people can volunteer at your center? Many senior centers have people come in to run activities (exercise classes, art classes, educational classes, etc), or to do daily organizational tasks such as calling members, data entry, and answering phone calls. If you are trying to get the older adult clients at your senior center to volunteer more, asking them their skills and abilities, and what they would be willing to be for the center tends to get them more engaged in volunteerism. If you are looking for volunteers besides older adults, contacting local high schools and colleges would be a good place to start. I hope we answered your question. Please let us know if you have any further thoughts or questions.
Question Date: Tue, 02/25/2014
Question: How do I get the residents to come to our resident meeting that's downstains in the building?
Answer: Hello, Jenifer. Thank you for your question. One suggestion that might help is to provide food or other incentives to come to the meeting. Also making sure that the meetings are during a time of day that works best for those in your building. You might also consider using social networking sites to advertise the events/meetings. Also, identifying and recruiting key residents who can help to increase buy-in for the meetings will help improve attendance. We hope these suggestions help. Please let us know if you have any other questions.
Question Date: Thu, 02/27/2014
Question: I am working on women empowerment project through livelihood and education. can you provide useful faculty, students or program that would be useful to meet and learn.
Answer: Hello! Thank you for your inquiry. While we cannot answer your question directly (not knowing where you are located), you might find the Women's Empowerment Resources of the UNDP helpful: http://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/ourwork/womenempowerment/overview.html Resources related to poverty reduction are available here: http://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/ourwork/povertyreduction/overview.html Best wishes with your important efforts. The Community Tool Box Team
Question Date: Fri, 02/28/2014
Question: Hi,
I would like to know more about online courses available? free online courses preferable, and do you provide certificate after completion of these free online courses.
Answer: Hello, and thank you for your inquiry. Yes, the Community Tool Box does offer some free online courses via www.TRAIN.org. More information on course topics, and how to register, is available here: /en/online-courses Each course, once successfully completed, does offer the option to print a certificate of completion. We hope you find these online courses helpful to your efforts! Best wishes, The Community Tool Box Team
Question Date: Fri, 02/28/2014
Question: Hi, i would like to know if you have any sample exercises to teach and engage the class in a lecture about empowerment evaluation? meaning if there is an exercise they can do in order to get a sense of what is empowerment evaluation..
Answer: Hello, Amira! Thank you for your question. You may look at these slides by one of the developers of empowerment evaluation . Also, selecting a problem ahead of time for the audience to discuss in small groups. See for some case examples. Hopefully this helps answer your question. We wish you the best, and please let us know if you have any other questions.
Question Date: Sat, 03/01/2014
Question: I am disable I get around in a power wheelchair.
Whenever I go get my food at a place the only wheelchair access they have is inside the store when I go in the store it is so crowded in there I can hardly move around in there and then the area is so small the tables that they have put in there for people to dine-in are wide due to the place being so small can anything be done about this?
Answer: Hello, Chanda! Thank you for your question. You may want to talk with the store owner about making accommodations to their building for wheelchair accessibility. If you are unable to negotiate a workable solution with the store owner or management, you may want to consider contacting ada.complaint@usdoj.gov. Hope this helps. Please let us know if you have any more questions or concerns.
Question Date: Tue, 03/04/2014
Question: Is it best when beginning the strategic planning process to have an outside facilitator or have the division head lead the process?
Answer: Hello, Debbie! Thank you for your question. When first starting the strategic planning process, it may help to have the division head be a part of the process instead of just a facilitator of it. That way they can give their opinion while still having someone there as an outside, unbiased organizer of the group discussions. Also, a skilled facilitator has a specific skill set that will allow each individual invited to participate in the strategic planning a voice in the process, so that a varied amount of opinions and ideas can be engaged during the process. There may be an opportunity for you to "barter" with non-profits or coalitions for a facilitator in exchange for technical or other assistance they may need from your organization. We hope these suggestions help. Please let us know if you have any other questions.
Question Date: Tue, 03/04/2014
Question: What does it mean geographic and social boundaries in which a community exists?
Answer: Hi Jose, Thank you for your question. A boundary is a real or imaginary line that separates two things. In geography, boundaries separate different regions of the Earth. This could be county lines or city lines, or specific neighborhood boundaries. Social boundaries are still a bit different. Social boundaries are defined by the roles, norms and customs which prescribe certain appropriate types of behavior. Social norms segregate ethnic groups, social classes, and genders as well. We hope we answered your question. Please let us know if you have any others. Thank you.
Question Date: Wed, 03/05/2014
Question: I am writing a speech on culture and how it contributes to our social identity. I came across this site and found useful information. I, however, would like help in citing this resource. Is there a particular name or organization I should use in citing your cite?
Answer: Danielle, Thank you for your submission. The proper citation is Community Toolbox, Workgroup for Community Health and Development, University of Kansas. Good luck with your speech!
Question Date: Thu, 03/06/2014
Question: I am writing a speech on culture and how it contributes to our social identity. I came across this site and found useful information. I, however, would like help in citing this resource. Is there a particular name or organization I should use in citing your cite?
Answer: Thank you for your submission. Check out https://owl.englsh.purdue.owl/resource/747/08/ for MLA, https://owl.englsh.purdue.owl/resource /560/10 for APA and https://owl.englsh.purdue.owl/resource/717/05 for Chicago style. You might also try a citation program that can help cite and organize citations such as EndNote. There are many free programs like this one for citations. If you are doing a powerpoint and wish to reference the community toolbox, the proper citation is Community Toolbox, Workgrou for Community Health and development, University of Kansas. Good luck with your writing!
Question Date: Thu, 03/06/2014
Question: When collecting signatures for a petition, it is unclear to me where I am aloud to collect the signatures. For example, do I need to ask permission to collect in a plaza parking lot? Is it ok for someone to chase me off of convocation center grounds? What about a state park?
Answer: Hello, Walter. Thank you for your question. Unfortunately, state and local ordinances vary widely according to this issue. There may be "no soliciting" rules that would prohibit these activities. We would suggest contacting your local city council person for more information on the specific regulations for your area. It is always better to get permission beforehand, than face conflict about your rights. If you have any further questions, please let us know.
Question Date: Fri, 03/07/2014
Question: I have been researching and formulating MCOTS Modular Community Owned Transit Systems for a good while. In community Toolbox it is like having someone with a masters in community organizing. Would it be possible to work with an Advisor that can help me become We?

to get the pilot phase of capital investments done and paid off in 4-8 months with each community of 5,000 having $25,000,000 equity and [most/all] workers in the community can save $10,000 a year in commuting and not be landlocked to employment opportunities. these MCOTS cover a 60 mile radius.
Answer: Allen, Thank you for your submission. You have obviously done your homework to this point. We recommend that the your next step might begin with reading the strategic planning information at /en/table-of-contents/structure/strategic-planning/vmosa/main on the community toolbox. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact Ask an Advisor.
Question Date: Fri, 03/07/2014
Question: My name is Dean Goddard from BC and have been investing in a property for sustainable long term care and am now ready to move to the next phase.

We grow food of outstanding quality with no pesticides, fungicides, or fertilizers. We have purchased a 23 acre ranch in Barriere, just North of Kamloops which has exceptional water and air quality. Last year we grew over 30 crops and realized about 4 tons of food, as a test and preparation of the fields. This year we would like to begin sharing the message to Canadian communities so we can begin developing the core group of individuals to start-up and operate. We have acquired the lands and invested over $200,000 to prepare the property for this intent. Now we need to complete the addition to the main home and start with a core group of individuals.

It is hoped this gives some idea of the multiple benefits of rural community care. It improves local farm land while also helping in a meaningful way to care for the aging population. We are however in need of determining the most effective retired individuals to form the core group. This requires great thought and effort to ensure the core group has similar emotional intelligence thinking, yet also has the complementary skills needed to start up and operate the facility. Loneliness and poverty are becoming epidemics while many others are yearning for a simple, active, and healthy way of life.

We are hoping to attract 100 seniors for this special event , and be able to have 5 seniors committed to our growth and expansion. This group would then be responsible for the 1-5 year plans while slowly expanding the senior and worker base. The first year will consist of 5 senior members and 3 co-workers (1 cook). The second year is planned for 9 seniors and 4 co-workers. Year 3 is to rezone and build additional dwellings surrounding the main facility which will house those needing 24 hour care and include the main dining room, theater room, and library.

We are starting our vegetable production with a June planting so we would like to have the special event on the Ranch for July 1st.

If you have any suggestions they are appreciated.
Answer: Hello Dean, Thank you for your submission. Your progress thus far sounds outstanding, and we commend you on your program. As far as recruiting the 5 core older adults to form your core group, we recommend looking at this chapter in the community toolbox . The whole chapter would probably be beneficial to your process. Once your core group is established, it might also be beneficial to look at Chapter 8 of the toolbox to assist you in creating a strategic plan for the sustainable long term care facility. We hope we have addressed your concerns. Please let us know if you have any further questions. Thank you.
Question Date: Fri, 03/07/2014
Question: Hi, I would like to cite Section 8. Identifying and Analyzing Stakeholders and Their Interests, but can't find all of the relevant information for citation. Can you provide citation information, so I can use your information in my assignment?
Answer: Charlene, Thank you for your submission. Check out https://owl.englsh.purdue.owl/resource/747/08/ for MLA, https://owl.englsh.purdue.owl/resource /560/10 for APA and https://owl.englsh.purdue.owl/resource/717/05 for Chicago style. You might also try a citation program that can help cite and organize citations such as EndNote. There are many free programs like this one for citations. Good luck with your writing!
Question Date: Fri, 03/07/2014
Question: How to write a letter of invitation to agency and individual honorees?
Answer: Hersey, Thank you for your submission. Without more information about the purpose of the invitations or the nature of the event, we suggest that you try contacting other organizations that have organized similar events to enlist their help in developing an invitation. You may also find templates of such invitations for similar events/purposes by searching online. If you have additional questions please contact Ask an Advisor again.
Question Date: Sun, 03/09/2014
Question: why can a cummunity be unable to perceive problems or not consider them priority issues that needed to be addressed?
Answer: Hi Jackson, Thank you for your question. Typically for an issue to become a priority, several things have to happen. We recommend looking at Malcolm Gladwell's "Tipping Point" to gain an understanding of what those issues are here In the community toolbox, there is also a chapter devoted to getting issues on the public agenda . This chapter may be helpful to you in determining how to engage your community. Keep in mind, sometimes it takes a powerful advocate to get communities to take note of an important problem or issue because communities deal with or have a multitude of concerns at any given time. Frequently it takes the powerful person (county or city commissioner, organizations, etc) to get the issue on the agenda for a community. Coalitions concerned with similar issues can also be formed and help bring an issue to the forefront. We hope this has been helpful to you. Please let us know if you have any further questions. Thank you.
Question Date: Sun, 03/09/2014
Question: I am looking for is a possible template how do decisions get made in a collaborative setting. So if two people are trying to decide about an issue an both voices have equal "power" but their ideas are not in alignment would you know of a process you can use to work through that.


I am envisioning that it could be a set of questions like:
What is best for the organization? Is it covered in the budget? Does it match the the organization's mandate? Is it ethical?
But not sure - was wondering if you have something on this
Answer: Hello Ann, Thank you for your question. Our Community Toolkits are often helpful for people who are facing issues similar to yours. We would suggest that you look through Chapter 1 and the resources listed there. You could also refer to Chapter 15 , as it also has some helpful tools. You may also consider bringing in a neutral party (either someone in your organization who is not involved in the current discussion/coalition or a professional facilitator) who can help bring perspective to both sides of the issue. If you have any other questions, please let us know.
Question Date: Mon, 03/10/2014
Question: i have to prepare a press kit. i have to include a log sheet . i dont quiet understand what a log sheet is . please explain
Answer: Hosein, Thank you for your submission. The log sheet usually keeps track of some type of data, such as inquiries for more information. To be sure that you are creating one that meets the needs of your organization, check with whoever suggested the log sheet to confirm the purpose of the log. Depending on the answer, there may be existing templates available online. If you have additional questions, please contact Ask an Advisor.
Question Date: Tue, 03/11/2014
Question: What grants are available that focus on retention and graduation of first-generation college students?
Answer: Ann, Thank you for your submission. Please refer to /en/table-of-contents/finances/grants-and-financial-resources/grant-application/main for more information to determine how to access grants that will meet your needs. If you have additional questions, please contact Ask an Advisor.
Question Date: Wed, 03/12/2014
Question: Is it possible to get an electronic copy or hard copy of the entire book on "step by step guidance in community building skills" as contained in the community toolbox
Answer:
Question Date: Thu, 03/13/2014
Question: Looking at setting up a social skills workshop for child and youth workers and educational assistant's not sure what to charge for this type of workshop. Needs some fee guidelines.
Answer: Hi Clarissa, Thank you for your question. Without knowing specifically what your workshop will entail, it is hard to tell you specific fee guidelines. We would recommend getting in contact with other groups or consultants doing similar work in your area to determine what they charge. Your program participants' demographics may also influence what you charge, and this will need to be considered as well. We hope we have addressed your concern. Please let us know if you have any further questions. Thank you.
Question Date: Thu, 03/13/2014
Question: Looking to establish and network to incorporate my youth program
as well as expand horizons. Where do I begin?
Answer: Hello Yolanda, Thank you for your question. By networking and incorporating your youth program, we are assuming that you are talking about building relationships with other organizations within your community. If this is the case, our Community Toolkit, Chapter 1 , can be very helpful when starting this process. You may consider reading through this Toolkit. Hopefully this helps. If this information is not helpful, please contact us again with more information about the specific goals you wish to achieve.
Question Date: Thu, 03/13/2014
Question: Hey!

I would like to cite Chapter 18, but can find neither the authors, nor the year of publishment. Could you help me with hat please?
Answer: Beate, Thank you for your submission. Check out https://owl.englsh.purdue.owl/resource/747/08/ for MLA, https://owl.englsh.purdue.owl/resource /560/10 for APA and https://owl.englsh.purdue.owl/resource/717/05 for Chicago style. You might also try a citation program that can help cite and organize citations such as EndNote. There are many free programs like this one for citations. Good luck with your writing!
Question Date: Fri, 03/21/2014
Question: I am looking to gain public support for building a walking path. How do I show I have this support?
Answer: Hi Corrine, Thank you for your question. One step may be to hold a "town hall" meeting in which you invite all the key stakeholders to show that you have community buy-in. It seems like the following chapter in our toolbox might also be helpful in addressing that question. Take some time to look the chapter over, and if you have any further questions or concerns, please let us know. Thank you.
Question Date: Mon, 03/31/2014
Question: It is said that self efficacy increases the participation of physical activity in individuals. My particular community is the workplace and to decrease obesity. What are some strategies I can implement to increase self-efficacy in this population?
Answer: Hi Tara, Thank you for your question. One way to increase self-efficacy is through "small wins". This could be as simple as implementing workplace challenges, i.e. water consumption challenges, Walk-at-Work, Biggest Loser challenges. Sometimes you can get health coalitions or insurance companies to donate money or resources to help with these challenges. Coupled with motivation and awareness of other resources may help them become more aware of their options. You may want to consider a measure of self-efficacy to see where people are currently. This will give you a better idea of how successful they feel they could be at weight loss. You may also give them nutrition information or provide classes to help build their knowledge base of weight management, and stressing that it is about small life changes instead of drastic ones. Please let us know if you have any further questions. Thank you.
Question Date: Tue, 04/01/2014
Question: Dear Sir's
I am very happy to find this tool box and I send my appreciation. This, for a very long time I have been struggling to find; thank you so much for exemplary good work.
However, I intend to create a social enterprise targeting working to build healthy community and bring about a social change. I am looking at how better I can prepare my community to work together to change conditions that affect their lives. My community (the Iteso) had a pride over their cows and this was their bank; it was a source of school fees and general well being of the community. Between 1986 to 1993, the Iteso lost their pride to cattle rustlers. The Iteso now rely on subsistence farming as a source of their general well being including school fees for their children. Through universal primary/secondary education, Educational standards have gone down as compared to years before 1986. Recent poverty statistics show 54% of the Iteso community are below poverty line. Please advise me.
Regards
Simon Peter Achaitum
Answer: Hi Simon, Thank you for your question. It can be hard to mobilize a community to change the conditions that affect their lives. There are a few chapters that might help you. First, chapter 1 might be a good place to start. This chapter focuses on community change and improvement. Another chapter that might be helpful is Chapter 4 . This chapter might be useful in helping to organize a community wide meeting. Other options include organizations such as World Vision or Global Volunteers. Organizations such as these work well with lower-income communities to increase capacity to educate. There are many organizations such as these who are already working in Africa, and you may need to research the one that would be the best fit for your community. We hope we have helped. Please let us know if you have any further questions.
Question Date: Tue, 04/01/2014
Question: I am part of a grassroots parents movement called Decoding Dyslexia. Currently we are located in 46 states. www.decodingdyslexia.net. We strive to raise dyslexia awareness, empower families to support their children, and shape policy regarding resources children with dyslexia receive in schools.

We are planning a "meet your Congressperson" day in Washington DC to raise dyslexia awareness. Do you know of helpful tools to organize this event. And funding opportunities?

Great website and work -- by the way!

Thank you,
Diana Sticker
Answer: Hi Diana, Thank you for your question. There may be some chapters in the Community Toolbox that will be helpful to you. Chapter 25 may be especially helpful as it is about changing policies, and has an accompanying toolkit . Another couple of chapters that may be useful are Chapters 30 and 33 . Another resource may be the LD advocates guide . This website speaks specifically about advocacy work. In terms of organizing with the Congress people, you may be best suited contacting their staff to get the event on their calendar. And as far as funding opportunities, we are unsure as to what types of funding you need, so without more information, it is hard to steer you in the right direction. Please contact us with any further questions or concerns. Thank you.
Question Date: Tue, 04/01/2014
Question: Hi, my name is Stephanie Dunn. I am receiving a Bachelor of Science in Mental Health and Human Services in September 2014. I served my internship at Hartford Sumner Elementary School school year 2012-2013, in my community. Since then I have been finishing up by degree and volunteering at the same Elementary school, I intend to begin graduate school fall 2015. I am interested in the grant process and what that would require. My community is in the Western foothills of Maine. We are a rural area and one of the highest areas of substance abuse in the United States. I am interested in continuing my work with the school system, working with students and educators. I currently volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters program that is at our school. There are many needs in our community and I would like to be part of the support services.
Our Elementary school just lost 4 teachers, and there were 20 more district wide jobs cut. I would like to get some information in what a grant requires ,and if would be possible for me to do. Thank-you
Answer: Hi Stephanie, Thanks for writing to us. Your commitment to Western Maine is impressive and worthy. Maine has a long history of working on issues of substance abuse prevention. Below are some Tool Box resources that might be helpful. First, some sections on the overall approach and then the second reference is to address specifically writing grants. You will need to find funding sources (see references at the end of the first section). You will also need to find a local non- profit that could submit the grant. Best of luck as you proceed. If you need more help please turn back to us here at the Community Tool Box. Resources: Applying for a Grant –The General Approach Do you really want to apply for a grant? What are grants? Why should you apply for grants? When should you apply for grants? How should you apply for grants? /en/table-of-contents/finances/grants-and-financial-resources/grant-application/main Writing a Grant Application for Funding /en/writing-grant-application
Question Date: Wed, 04/02/2014
Question: We are going to promote health and prevent diseases in the slum areas, in a simple table form, can you send me the operational model we should use and the most effective way to mobilize the community?
Answer: Dear Shamim, Thanks you for writing to the Community Tool Box. The goal of promoting health and preventing disease in a slum area is a significant challenge. We are so glad that you are willing to tackle that challenge. The Tool Box is actually set up to help you follow a straight forward process for addressing these very large issues. The section entitled: ”How do we begin taking action in the community?” will be good place to start: /en/get-started Here’s a simple model for taking action you can use, to give you some general guidance. For each point below you’ll find more details in the toolkits and other resources in the bulleted points below. Best wishes for success as you work to bring about positive change in your community! Begin by learning what issues matter to the community, and what resources may be available. Planning provides overall direction on the road that leads from where things are now to where we hope they will be. It can be helpful for a group to develop a clear vision, a mission statement, objectives, strategies, and an action plan. An Overview of Strategic Planning or “VMOSA:” (Vision, Mission, Objectives, Strategies, and Action Plans) You have identified something that you and your community care about, and it is time to take action. This involves mobilizing people around the effort and implementing some sort of intervention. How do you know that your initiative is working? It’s important to monitor what is happening and make adjustments as necessary. Some important work has been started. How do you keep your efforts going? Please let us know if we can be of more help.
Question Date: Thu, 04/03/2014
Question: We the Navajo Nation, have a serious educational problem and that is our student achievement is very low. We would like to improve the student achievement from within. There are method that could be used such as the "Action Research" method, but this would take working on each individual school to address this problem. Any advice would be appreciated.
Answer: Thanks Ernie for your wonderful question and your concern for the young people in your schools. One of the first steps to creating change in schools is to get those in the community to be concerned about the outcomes. You raise a great question that faces us when we address significant issues - Do we have tackle the problem one site at a time or can we create system change? In your case is it one school at a time or something larger in scope. Many of the tools in the Tool Box can be applied to either situation - an individual school or a whole school system. So it really is somewhat your choice? What advantages do you see to tackling the whole system vs. one school? Do you feel you have greater leverage with the whole system or just one school? Creating community change often is better done with a group of allies so these questions might be ones to pose to those willing to work with you. Does that make sense? Feel free to come back to Ask An Advisor and ask follow up questions. We really appreciate your interest.
Question Date: Thu, 04/03/2014
Question: I work at a Kansas City non-profit that provides medical services internationally. I am looking into redesigning our international scout trips. These trips are designed to look into potential sites to send medical teams to provide healthcare. I hope to put into place a formalized needs assessment using a CBPR approach to implement into each proposed international site. We are looking into grants to help fund the endeavor of implementing the needs assessment overseas. I was wondering if you had any tips on creating a budget for needs assessments. Thank you.
Answer: Thank you Rebekah for your inquiry. Your international work is very impressive. The Community Tool Box does provide some materials on developing budgets in general see: /en/table-of-contents/finances/managing-finances/annual-budget/main What are the elements of an annual budget? Why should you prepare an annual budget? Some practical considerations Planning and gathering information to create a budget Putting it all together: Creating and working with a budget document The specifics on your budget will depend on the form of needs assessment that you decide to perform. Would these be on-site teams using checklists? Or interviews with local key informants and institutions? Survey instruments? All of these will have different cost structures. So there is no easy set of tips for developing a needs assessment budget. We would be happy to attempt to answer follow up questions. Best wishes on your important work.
Question Date: Wed, 04/09/2014
Question: I want to start an organization that will work to maximize potentials and to empower the youth to make the most of all opportunities.How will my action plan be?
Answer: Hi Rauhel, I am so glad that you wrote to us. Empowering youth is a very critical issue and it is so good that you are willing to tackle it. The Tool Box has some specific Sections that hopefully can be of use to you in this pursuit. I would suggest looking at: Community Action Guide: Framework for Addressing Community Goals and Problems What is action planning? How does action planning help a community? Why is action planning important? When should you create an action plan? What are the components of an action plan framework? /en/table-of-contents/overview/model-for-community-change-and-improvement/community-action-guide/main Another helpful reference might be this free manual available from the Global Journal of Community Psychology Practice: Changing the Landscape: Involving Youth in Social Change : A Guidebook for Youth Engagement http://www.gjcpp.org/en/tool.php?issue=5&tool=5 Please let us know if this helpful and if you have further questions Best of luck
Question Date: Mon, 04/14/2014
Question: I have an assignment to pick a health policy and to a policy analysis.

My topic is "issues that arise due to an aging population" medical conditions that will arise, living longer and assisted living, the workforce depletion, healthcare costs will rise, etc. the policy that is attached to this issue is the "Prevention and Healthcare Fund". I believe prevention through education and motivating each individual to remain as healthy as possible is most important, because doing this affects and decreases the negative impact of these issues. My instructions are to pick a policy, pick an issue, and write a policy analysis. I am to identify key stakeholders, provide 3 to 5 options to consider, inform pros and cons of each and apply each criterion to all my options. I am confused about the options. What do the options mean is it the education, the rising healthcare costs. Can you please help me.
Do I need to change policys?
Thank you
Kim Helton
kimandherdog@bellsouth.net
Answer: Pending 04/20/2014 Hi Kim, Thanks for writing to the Tool Box. Sounds like a challenging assignment. And you are well on your way to answering it. The assignment seems to be to do a policy analysis which does not necessarily mean changing policies but rather analyzing the options. You could decide to propose policies to encourage physicians seeing aging patients to promote health and then discuss policy options – have insurance companies put down mandates vs providing financial incentives if the MD promotes health etc. The following sections of the Tool Box may help. /en/table-of-contents/advocacy/advocacy-research/influence-policy/main What do we mean by conducting research to influence policy? Why conduct research to influence policy? Who should conduct research to influence policy? When should you conduct research to influence policy? How do you approach conducting research to influence policy? Thanks for writing to us and we hope this helps.
Question Date: Sun, 04/20/2014
Question: Dear Advisor,
This is Dr. Manal Bamousa , a female forensic doctor from Saudi Arabia.
Recently,I got a proposal of making ideal building under name of: family protection centre.
I need to work on that Golden project by writing every thing related to this project from A-Z.
I would appreciate your help and suggestions.
Thank you very much and looking forward to hearing from you.

Regards,
Dr.Bamousa
Answer: Dear Dr Bamousa, Thank you so much for writing to us. What a wonderful opportunity and what a wonderful challenge you have before you. The Tool Box is designed to assist in all the steps of such a planning process. The best resources are the Tool Kits that give go a step by step A to Z approach to planning:. /en/toolkits Also you can check out the specific Sections on Participatory Planning: What is a participatory approach to planning? What are the advantages of a participatory planning approach? What are the disadvantages of a participatory planning approach? What are the levels of participatory planning? When is participatory planning appropriate? When is participatory planning not appropriate? Who should be involved in a participatory planning process? What do you have to do to get a participatory planning process up and running? Two important aspects to keep in mind: Engage the community in your planning and together set the goals. Once you have the goals always keep them in the forefront so that you do not get distracted. Best wishes. Stay in touch
Question Date: Sun, 04/20/2014
Question: Hello,

How do I cite a quote from your website in APA format?
Some sections have a contributor, some do not.

Thank you,
Sally
Answer: Thanks for the inquiry Sally. Here is the suggested format: Community Tool Box. [i.e., author name] Title of section [with only the first word capitalized]. Chapter and section number [e.g., Chapter 7, Section 5]. Retrieved from [then insert the full URL of the chapter and section] If there is a cited contributor, then: Contributor's name [last name, then first initial, as in Berkowitz, B.] Title of section [with only the first word capitalized] Community Tool Box [overall name of document] Chapter and section number [e.g., Chapter 7, Section 5]. Retrieved from [then insert the full URL of the chapter and section] Feel free to contact us again. And thanks for citing the Tool Box
Question Date: Tue, 04/22/2014
Question: My 3 yr old Grandson is blind and starting pre-cane training. Our street has no sidewalks so we must go in the road. The city of Boca Raton told us a "blind child in the area" sign cannot be installed because there is no such thing in traffic law. They said we could easily get a deaf person sign if we wanted. Aidan should safely be able to explore his own street and neighborhood. Do you have any suggestions? A local pre-school also ignored requests for admission, stating they were not equipped to take him. We explained that he has a small amount of functional vision in the 0-6 inch range, and we could assist in class if needed. Where do we start, sign being first priority. Thank you.
Answer: HiJanet We very much appreciate your question and your loving concern for your grandchild. We would suggest contact one of the advocacy groups for the blind that can help you navigate your rights in the system. two that are possible are: American Council of the Blind: http://acb.org/node/392 and Advocate for blind Children: http://advocatesforblindchildren.com/ Best of luck.
Question Date: Sat, 05/03/2014
Question: What are the main steps we need to follow while developing a baseline to measure the progress and success of a community based development project?
Answer: Thanks for the excellent question. I would suggest that you look at: Chapter 3 Section 9: /en/search/node/Developing%20baselines Topics include: What is a baseline? Why use baseline measures? How do you develop a baseline? How do you interpret changes from the baseline? How do you use baseline data to develop an intervention? Let us know if you have further questions Best
Question Date: Wed, 05/07/2014
Question: how Can I cite this page?
Answer: Thanks for the inquiry Karina. Here is the suggested format: Community Tool Box. [i.e., author name] Title of section [with only the first word capitalized]. Chapter and section number [e.g., Chapter 7, Section 5]. Retrieved from [then insert the full URL of the chapter and section] If there is a cited contributor, then: Contributor's name [last name, then first initial, as in Berkowitz, B.] Title of section [with only the first word capitalized] Community Tool Box [overall name of document] Chapter and section number [e.g., Chapter 7, Section 5]. Retrieved from [then insert the full URL of the chapter and section] Feel free to contact us again. And thanks for citing the Tool Box
Question Date: Mon, 05/19/2014
Question: Can an organization that has an advocacy role on ...ie issues, rights and challenges for seniors......................apply for grants and take money from federal or provincial agencies that have grants for seniors...........................
Answer: Hi Al, A great question and one that often confuses folks..... glad you asked. The answer varies depending on what country you are in. Here in the US there are limits and they are described well in this handout: http://www.njnonprofits.org/NPsCanLobby.html Hope it helps and good luck.
Question Date: Mon, 06/09/2014
Question: I work for a community benefit district and we are looking to hold a community meeting regarding renewing our taxing district. Can you give me any resources or good places to start in terms of planning a community meeting that successfully engages property owners in the neighborhood?
Answer:

Dear Tom,

Excellent question. We are glad you wriote the Tool Box.

See Chapter 16

/en/table-of-contents/leadership/group-facilitation/main

Section 1. Conducting Effective Meetings

 

Chapter 16 Sections

  • What are effective meetings?
  • Why do you need effective meetings?
  • How do you run effective meetings?
  • Phase 1: Planning the meeting
  • Phase 2: Setting up the meeting
  • Phase 3: Running the meeting
  • Phase 4: Following up on the meeting
  • Tips on handling difficult members

These will be good starting points. Good luck with your meetings.

Question Date: Thu, 06/12/2014
Question: If I were to reference this source, what would it be referenced as in APA? Thanks!
Answer: Thanks for the inquiry Elizabeth. Here is the suggested format: Community Tool Box. [i.e., author name] Title of section [with only the first word capitalized]. Chapter and section number [e.g., Chapter 7, Section 5]. Retrieved from [then insert the full URL of the chapter and section] If there is a cited contributor, then: Contributor's name [last name, then first initial, as in Berkowitz, B.] Title of section [with only the first word capitalized] Community Tool Box [overall name of document] Chapter and section number [e.g., Chapter 7, Section 5]. Retrieved from [then insert the full URL of the chapter and section] Feel free to contact us again. And thanks for citing the Tool Box
Question Date: Mon, 06/16/2014
Question: How can I set up a foundation for a brother that lost is life in a car crash in Nigeria. He was alive after the accident however he was stuck in the car for several hours without any emergency services or police. After he was brought out a few hours later he was then placed on the road side were he bleed to death.
Answer:

Dear Jay,

Thank you for writing to the Tool Box. Your story is very tragic and it is a wodnerful idea to create a Foundation. As far we know the rules and laws for setting up a Foundation vary from counrty to country so we would have to suggest that you search the web for the rules in your country.

Best of luckl with this important venture.

Question Date: Wed, 06/18/2014
Question: In forming a youth organization, do we need to be recognized by the state? will we need paper works? How are we going to open a bank account and will that account be subject to taxes?
Answer:

Dear Ana,

Thanks so much for writing to the Tool Box. How wodnerful that you are forming a Youth Organization.

Many Youth Organizations are just informal community organizations that do not have a formal structure or registration with the state.

On the other hand you may wish to become a recongnized non-profit organziation which involves a good deal of paper work.

In the beginning it is rarely needed to become that formal.

You can check with your local bank as to how to set up a bank acciount for such an informal organization.

One way that often works is to affiliate with an existiong non-profit organization who can become your "fiscal conducit" - meaning they manage your money.

See Section Four in the Tool Box: Section 4. Understanding Nonprofit Status and Tax Exemption

Hope this is helpful

Question Date: Sun, 06/22/2014
Question: I need to create a volunteer orientation program that is interactive and can be accessed online. Are there free software programs or websites that you know of that would allow me to design such a thing?
Answer:

Hi Marissa,
Great question.
The Tool Box has a start for you see:

See Section 4. Developing Training Programs for Volunteers
/en/table-of-contents/structure/volunteers/training-pro...

Chapter 11 Sections

    Section 1. Developing a Plan for Involving Volunteers
    Section 2. Recruiting Volunteers
    Section 3. Developing Volunteer Orientation Programs
    Section 4. Developing Training Programs for Volunteers

    Main Section
    Checklist
    Examples
    Tools
    PowerPoint

    Why should your organization have training programs for volunteers?
    Who should train new volunteers?
    How do you develop training programs for volunteers?
    Principles of adult learning

Hope that this helps

Question Date: Wed, 06/25/2014
Question: Does Community Tool Box offer planning and assessment for substance abuse program development? What are the steps involved?
Answer:

Hi Betsy,

Great question and indeed the Tool Box does have such resources:

See Chapter 2:

/en/table-of-contents/overview/models-for-community-hea...

Section 10. The Strategic Prevention Framework

 

Chapter 2 Sections

  • What is the Strategic Prevention Framework?
  • Why use the Strategic Prevention Framework?
  • When should you use the Strategic Prevention Framework?
  • Who should use the Strategic Prevention Framework?
  • How do you use the Strategic Prevention Framework?

Hope that this helpful

Question Date: Wed, 06/25/2014
Question: My name is Mahawa Komala I am from Liberia (West Africa) I want to establish in my community, but i have no knowledge no how to start the process. Please I need an adviser to educate me on how to being the process.

Note: I am just a high school graduate impending college but I have interested in developing my community and education youth on some major issues regarding our communities and health.

Thanks
Answer:

Dear Mahawa,

We are so glad that you wrote to us at the Tool Box with your question.

The Tool Box has many resources on beginning a program. Maybe the most useful would be the Tool Kit on Dveeloping a Framework

/en/4-developing-framework-or-model-change

Here is a summary of this Tool Kit:

 

Tool Kit

Developing a Framework

  1. Describe the intended uses of your framework or model of change:
    1. To convey the purpose and direction of your initiative or effort (i.e., the outcomes sought and how you will get there)
    2. To show how multiple factors interact to influence the problem or goal
    3. To identify actions and interventions more likely to lead to the desired result
      • How will your organization or effort use its framework or model of change?
  2. Outline your initiative or program's vision and mission:
    1. Vision - summarize your statement of your initiative's dream for the future. It should be:
      • Easy to communicate
      • Uplifting/inspiring to those involved in the effort
      • A reflection of the perspectives of the community it represents
      • What's your group's vision for the effort?
    2. Mission - provide your group's mission statement. It should communicate:
      • What the group is going to do (e.g., "...by connecting and supporting children and caring adults.")
      • What is going to do it (e.g., "Promote caring relationships...")
      • What's your group's vision for the effort?
  3. State the objectives of your initiative or effort:
    1. Summarize all of the specific measurable results of your initiative or program that you anticipate. These should include behavioral changes and related community-level outcomes.
    2. State your assumptions and hypotheses regarding the personal and environmental factors contributing to the problem or goal. Discover these using multiple strategies:
  4. Describe the appropriate scope or level of your framework or model of change:
    1. The overall initiative - may include all strategies and relationships used to affect change and bring about improvement for the overall problem or goal (e.g., reduce violence; promote caring relationships)
    2. A particular initiative or program - may include only the components and elements of a specific aspect of the overall effort (e.g., education programs; policy change)
    3. A specific work plan for an action or model for cooperation among stakeholders or participating agencies
  5. Identify ALL components to include in the logic model or model of change. Include:
    1. Purpose or mission - What the group is going to do and why?
    2. Context and conditions under which the problem or goal exists and which may affect the outcome (e.g., history of the effort, broad cultural and environmental factors, political situation, economic conditions).
    3. Inputs: Resources and barriers - include both resources and supports available and constraints or barriers to meeting the initiative's objectives
    4. Activities or interventions - what the initiative or program does to bring about change and improvement (e.g., enhancing support, modifying access)
    5. Outputs - direct results or products of the group's activities (e.g., number of people trained or activities conducted)
    6. Effects - more broadly measured outcomes or results (may include immediate, intermediate, and longer-term effects)
  6. Using the components, draft a picture of the framework or model of change. Include:
    1. An expected time sequence (what occurs before what) to arrange the components and elements of the framework or model.
    2. Arrows or other methods to communicate directions of influence and sequences of events. Some arrows may point in both directions to show and interaction or mutual influence.
  7. Check for the completeness of your logic model.
    1. Select a case situation (real or hypothetical) in which you can obtain feedback about your logic model
    2. Check for the usefulness of the elements of the model (e.g., Was it understandable?)
    3. Check for the completeness of the model (e.g., What was missing?)
    4. Revise and add to make it more complete.
      • After testing the usefulness of the model with a case situation, what revisions did you make?
  8. Once all current components and elements are identified and incorporated into the framework or logic model, put it to use. Uses may include:
    1. Orienting those doing and supporting the work - use to explain how the elements of the initiative or program work together, where contributors fit in, and what they need to be able to make it work.
    2. Planning - use to clarify your initiative or program's strategies, identify targets and outcomes, prepare a grant proposal, identify necessary partnerships, and estimate timelines and needed resources for the effort.
    3. Implementation - use to determine what elements you have and don't have in your initiative or program, develop a management plan, and make mid-course adjustments.
    4. d. Communication and advocacy - use to justify to others why the initiative/program will work and to explain how investments will be used
    5. Implementation - use to determine what elements you have and don't have in your initiative
    6. Communication and advocacy - use to justify to others why the effort will work and to explain how investments will be used.
    7. Evaluation - use to document accomplishments, identify differences between the ideal program and the currently operating one, determine which indicators will be used to measure success and frame questions about attribution (of cause and effect) and contribution of the program/initiative to the mission.
      • How might you put your model of change to work within your organization or community now? In the future?
  9. Revise the model (as needed) to adapt the elements and incorporate newly emerging ones. Using the model and seeing the interconnectedness of its components will allow you to:
    1. Link the path of activities to intended effects or outcomes
    2. Plan expansion of activities to reach your goals
    3. Understand the boundaries of your program or initiative
    4. Adjust course to allow for unanticipated changes
    5. Develop a new framework for an extended effort or new initiative

Example 1 - Work Group for Community Health and Development Logic Model

Example 2 - A Framework for Promoting Child Well-Being

Example 3 - Community Health Partnership Program Logic Model (Insurance and Service)

Example 4 - Community Health Improvement Process

Example 5 - Conceptual Model of Family Support

Example 6 - Overview of Logic Model and Strategies for the Kansas City-Chronic Disease Coalition to Reduce Health Disparities

Example 7 - Calhoun County Health Improvement Program Logic Model

Example 8 - Preventing Infant Mortality: State-level, State-systems level, Safe sleep, and Access to Health Care and Social Supports Logic Models

Example 9 - Latino Health for All Logic Model/ Framework

Example 10: A framework for promoting gender equality in education in Kenya

Example 11 - A Strategic Framework for Improving Racial/Ethnic Minority Health and Eliminating Racial/Ethnic Health Disparities

The Community Tool Box is a service of the Work Group for Community Health and Development at the University of Kansas. 

Best of luck with your project.

Question Date: Thu, 06/26/2014
Question: Hello

I am a volunteer organiser of a community garden in London, England and I wonder if you can advise me as to quality of survey done by MEMO, the not-for-profit management organisation of the housing estate on which I lam a leaseholder and resident. Recently the management organisation decided to lock the gates to our community garden based on complaints about 'antisocial behaviour' from a handful of local residents. The antisocial behaviour amounted to nothing more than a few visitors to the garden forgetting to take their litter away with them.

MEMO justified their decision by saying it surveyed the 150 residents overlooking the garden as to whether they wanted it to be gated and locked. They did not consult the gardening group themselves as they knew we all opposed to the idea.

The letter was put through the doors of every resident overlooking the garden but without explanation as to why. it read as follows:

Do you want the gates to the community garden to be locked? (tick as appropriate)

Yes lock them

No, leave them unlocked

6 out of 150 forms were returned and all from people who wanted the garden locked. on this basis they made the decision to lock the garden. This seems to me to be wrong as those he did not return the form would have had no idea why they were even being asked.

All the gardeners will be given keys but we are still unhappy with this outcome because it goes against the whole ethos of a community garden and will prevent spontaneous visits by, residents, members of the public and school children.

I wondered if there is any best practice model of consultation that you could show me that I could then present to MEMO in the hope that they would re-do the survey. I would be grateful for any advice you could give me in this matter.

Kind regards, Valerie
Answer:

Thanks for your question, Valerie,

It raises a couple of related issues:

1.  Is the survey response a valid sample? No.  Surveys of this type generally tend to draw stronger response rates from those opposed to the issue or situation, and that appears to have been the case here.  We have no idea what those who chose not to respond might be concerned or satisfied about.

2. Did the landlord have unexpressed concerns before hearing the complaints?  If so, it would be a good idea to ask about those and to honor them by offering to collaborate in finding workable and mutually acceptable solutions.

Take a look at our section headed Learn A Skill, Item 2 and its related toolkit will give you a number of suggestions about both survey construction and procedures.  You may find it necessary to attempt a resurvey, in collaboration with the landlord, that includes a brief description of tye survey's purpose and the importance of hearing from the wider neighborhood.  Hand delivery to a person in each household may generate a higher response rate.  Also, add space for comments by respondents, and guarantee that results will be made public without identifing any individual.

 

Question Date: Tue, 07/01/2014
Question: Hi, my name is Lisa and I am a communications/PR major at Cal State Fullerton. I am interning for the CSUF School of Nursing and they want me to find a good internal strategic communication plan for their department. It can be through a school or business and while looking at your website I found you gave a lot of great information and suggestions. I was hoping you could either knew of one, or could help me find one.
Thank you in advance for your time,
Lisa Maltbie

Answer:

Hi Lisa; Thanks for your question.
Check out our Chapter 15 section 4, if you have not already done so.  That has general information about strategic communication and plans. 
However, I drew a blank when trying to identify a school or business that might serve as a model for your assignment.   My best advice isa go to whatever departments at your own university teach business administration and strategic communication.  Ask them for references to good examples of strategic communication plans (including those they may teach or use within their own departments), and also for contact persons within any company to which they refer you.

Question Date: Tue, 07/01/2014
Question: Please assist me with building a Porfolio of Evidence on the following Subject: Conduct learning experience design for Two learning facilitation sessions in which you use different learning facilitation methods each time. Provide me with documentation that will assist to compile my POE.
Answer:

Hi Saroj,

This Advisor does not fully understand your question and requests that you resubmit it with more information about what learning you need to facilitate and assess.  CTB has some general information about facilitation of learning, and you can access that by entering "learning facilitation" (WITHOUT the quotation marks) into the search box at the upper right of our page.  However, I am not certain whether it really addresses your question.

Are you needing iinformation about learning facilitation models or about how to evaluate the results generated by two different models?  If the latter, take a look at Evaluating the Results of the Intevention in the table of contents under Learn A Skill.  Also take a look at the Toolkit enntitled Evaluating the Initiative found under the Learn A Skill heading.

Question Date: Thu, 07/03/2014
Question: Good afternoon,
I am writing on behalf of FuseSocial which is a non-profit organization (we say social profit  ) in Wood Buffalo Region that exists to strengthen the capacity of local social profits.
We have found your online tool an amazing resource – so much to take advantage of. Thank you for kindly sharing it.
There is another challenging area that we have encountered with social profits and would like to ask for your advice. Due to non-profit activity specifics, as you certainly know, Human resource management can be very challenging as:
- The level of burnout is high
- Environment can be quite frustrating and challenging
- Clear benchmarks are difficult to achieve.
Keeping this in mind we wanted to ask if you had anything on “Work and life balance”, “Personal leadership and importance of self-care” (that is so often overlooked by non-profit workers), Benchmarking and results measurement in non-profits.

Would be happy to receive and informational tips.
Thank you,

Answer:

Hi Alexandra,

 

Thanks for your quesion.  First, try entering "staff Burnout" (WITHOUT the quotaton marks) into the search box at the upper right of our main page.  that will generate a number of "hits" that may be directly relevant to your question.  Regarding Benchmarking, we suggest that you look at Evaluating the Initiaive for possibly useful information.  Finally, you might try a search through "Connect With Others" for relevant information.

Question Date: Mon, 07/07/2014