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Question:
Hello! I work for a safety-net community health clinic in Berkeley, CA. We are trying to more fully engage our highly diverse community of patients in how we plan and deliver our health services. In an effort to make our care more patient-centered, more culturally appropriate, and more aligned with our patients' real life experiences, we established a patient advisory council at one of our Oakland clinics, with promising results. We are hoping to build on this success, yet keep things sustainable for our struggling non-profit, by bringing patients into the patient satisfaction process. We're hoping to train patient advisory council members to develop and conduct patient surveys, one-on-one interviews and facilitate focus groups to address Quality Improvement initiatives. I am wondering if you know of any other community health clinics who have tried to do this. I am also wondering if you are aware of any training programs or literature that we could use to help orient and train our patient advisers so that they feel more confidant and can fully participate in this process. Thank you for your help!
Answer:

We responded to a similar situation recently. Graduate students, with supervision from faculty and a health center manager, conducted a community needs assessment, including many focus groups and individual interviews, for the only health center in a rural community. The purpose was to assist the health center to better serve the needs of the community. The students began by learning about the community, reading previous reports, talking with community residents, and analyzing census data. In their interviews and focus groups, students assessed the community's health issues, access to health care, needed services, knowledge of available health services, and quality of available services, and solicited advice for health providers. Two students were used in each interview/group and the sessions were recorded and then transcribed. Qualitative data were analyzed using a qualitative software program and reported with the quantitative data they gathered. The community was compared using state and national data. Their report was presented orally to community residents and leaders, and submitted in written form to the health center. Training for the students included reading a book on conducting focus groups (there are several excellent ones), practicing with faculty, and conducting the procedures with a small pilot sample. In each interview/group session topics, such as those above, were introduced and participants encouraged to respond. A question and answer format was deliberately not used. In the groups, participants often responded to the comments of others and the discussion provided useful information. In addition to the center's clients, a sample of community residents who did not use the center was recruited. They provided information on where they obtained health services and why they didn't use the center. Best wishes for your project!

Question Date: Tue, 10/14/2008
Question:
Hello: for a school project my group is trying to determine: How, as community organizers/leaders, can we inspire members of the community to "buy into" our message and become actively involved in the overall "change effort"? We anticipate your response. Thank you!
Answer:

See The Community Tool Box to develop an action plan: http://ctb.ku.edu/tools/EN/sub_section_main_1089.htm

Question Date: Tue, 11/25/2008
Question:
I'm doing a search project on Healthy Community, and now I'm in the writing part of my project oh! i'm second year student in social services worker program... in this course i need all the help i can get..thank you
Answer:

A useful sourse of information is: www.mrsc.org/Subjects/HumanServices/healthyWhat.aspx

Question Date: Thu, 11/27/2008
Question:
Where can I find information on how to draft a strategic plan for my community change efforts?
Answer:
Question Date: Mon, 12/01/2008
Question:
I am looking for information on dealing with roadblocks to change. In my situation the teachers at a school and the administrators have different views on how to change. The admin listen to our (teachers) input and take partial steps toward doing these things but often it is incomplete, does not last or we just talk about it and the admin does not do their part. I think that one of the main problems is in communication because even when the admin do things they don't tell us. Any suggestions?
Answer:

Please see The Community Tool Box section on communication problems: http://ctb.ku.edu/en/solveproblem/Troubleshooting_Guide_4.htm

Question Date: Thu, 12/04/2008
Question:
Hi, I am a Settlement Outreach Worker for Cornwall Immigrant Resource Centre. I am trying to start up workshops and activities to promote community awareness. Because I am working with immigrants, I try to find out what it is they are looking for. I have been told that conversion circles, as well as cooking clubs are great.
Answer:

An excellent souse of information is The Community Toolbox: http://ctb.ku.edu/en/tablecontents Especially see Part B on comunity assessment and Part C on promoting interest and participation. Often immigrants are concerned about their youth. If that is true for your group, consider starting a youth mentoring program focussed on immigrant youth. For a review of mentoring, see http://www.melissainstitute.org/documents/TMI_Mentoring_Report51-2.pdf

Question Date: Fri, 12/05/2008
Question:
Our non-profit is planning an educational health fair around health disease to increase the awareness that heart disease is the #1 cause of death in the U.S. We would like to kick-off the health fair with a community 5k and family fun run/walk. How do we plan a community run? Thank you!
Answer:

Below is a link to a section on the ToolBox about special events that provides lots of information and asks a number of good questions. http://ctb.ku.edu/ar/tablecontents/sub_section_main_1070.htm There are some additional links at the bottom of that page also for more information. Beyond reading, a good next step would be to reach out to another local organization(s) that routinely sponsors road races and fun runs. They might do it in collaboration with a local running club but can tell you about some of the planning and prep work involved. Do not be surprised if you get initially discouragement as these special events are time and labor intensive and typically do not raise a lot of money but can be great for public awareness and getting some important local media coverage which is your stated goal. The planning and lead time for such events typically is 6 to 9 months and advance planning and getting lots of individual and volunteer help is the key. If you do this keep everything to make the 2nd year easier.

Question Date: Fri, 01/09/2009
Question:
Hello- Would you know how I can find a training on forming and leading a taskforce or coalition? I work at a University and will have the charge of leading a group that will work to change the culture of college drinking on our campus. Thank you
Answer:

Like many coalitions it is important to have the right people involved in terms of their ability to impact issues and their "stake" in seeing things improve. David Crislip has an excellent model for think about who to include in coalitions generally with some good thinking about who NOT to include. For this particular set of difficult issues it is helpful to have a number of students from diverse experience in terms of drinking. Too often the students selected for such a coalition are from student government and the greeks but are underrepresented by more typical students who likely drink in more typical ways. Having local community (non-campus) participation can also be helpful including stakeholders who make their living from students drinking as they have first hand and experienced insights.

Question Date: Tue, 01/13/2009
Question:
We are a small, rural health department in NE. There are several collaborative projects underway. Any suggestions on the use of a project management process and/or software which will allow us to improve our successes and outcomes? Thanks. Ken Johnson
Answer:

There are software packages for strategic planning (e.g., MyStrategicPlan.com) that can be used to build plans and have the capacity to incorporate into a "master" plan multiple strategic plans and community initiatives. Coordinating the multiple plans in a County or region it a good idea and a broad based community coalition is a good group for such a task so it appears that you are already heading in a good direction. At the same time, regardless of the sophistication of the software, such a set of tasks will need a person or small group who will take responsibility to coordinate the multiple strategic plans and/or integrate initiatives and grant requirements into that plan. Tracking outputs, outcomes, grant requirements, and other deliverables over time and updating the master plan and the individual plans will take considerable effort and vigilance but is likely beneficial as it will encourage the meeting of goals, allow the successes to be celebrated and shared with funders, and will keep the plans updated and nimble in responding to changing community conditions. Unfortunately, this happens less often than it should as it is a time consuming task that takes someone(s) knowledgeable of the broad set of initiatives in a region and works best if it is actually part of the person(s) job at a participating organization as it builds in accountability. (sorry I accidently deleted your question last week)

Question Date: Mon, 02/02/2009
Question:
I'm going to be graduating this Fall of 09 and I was wondering, what can I do with a Health Studies major? I also plan to go to graduate school, but I was looking towards like internships or volunteer work beforehand. Thanks!
Answer:

Not sure

Question Date: Wed, 02/04/2009
Question:
anyone who has worked with groups of adults who are in ESOL programs and have completed the program and still do not understand English. Where can I get resources to find out more about such issues especially in communities that do not speak English and always need an interpreter to get information from them
Answer:

Any "second language" is difficult to learn but the adult education literature might be helpful. On the toolbox are some useful ideas about supporting those learning a second language at: http://ctb.ku.edu/tools//sub_section_examples_1349.htm One useful website at Purdue University is: owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/586/01 and includes other links for teacher resourses. Another link is: http://iteslj.org/links/ Be encouraged to reach in your own community for interpreters and master teachers of ESOL who can help you understand if the issue is about content or method or interesting cultural meaning.

Question Date: Tue, 02/10/2009
Question:
I am currently in a health education course and I am trying to find information on how to design a tertiary mental health program in a urban community. I would like to know if you could provide me information on this subject matter or can you direct me to the best source to find this information. Thank You .
Answer:

One of the most comprehensive sources of information is the SAMHSA website: SAMHSA.GOV You will find lots of useful information on this site along with another site www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10742878 Best of luck

Question Date: Tue, 02/10/2009
Question:
I am a development practitioner, Development Planner to be specific. I am interested in knowing and getting access to Guides or Toolboxes on Outcomes Based Planning, Outcomes Based Monitoring and Evaluation, and Impact Evaluation. In addition, material on Social Facilitation.
Answer:

There are a number of resources for outcome based planning available including some material on the Toolbox: Chapter 36 of the toolbox is on evaluation which includes much about outcome based planning at: http://ctb.ku.edu/tools//chapter_1036.htm Another fully developed model is the "Getting To Outcomes" (GTO) model by Abe Wandersman which is a 10 step approach useful when working with community based groups and non-profits There are two workshops coming up on outcome based planning in Topeka, Kansas on monday March 16 and thursday March 19 in Wichita Kansas sponsored by the Center for Community Support & Research at Wichita State University.

Question Date: Thu, 02/12/2009
Question:
I have recently been tasked with evaluating and writing a comprehensive health education curriculum for PreK-12. We have reached the point where we need to bring in our community experts, and we want to create an advisory council to aid in our efforts. Initially, I would like to send out an letter of invitation along with a timeline, goals of the advisory, etc. The letter will be signed by our Superintendent. Does anyone have a draft of such a letter? Any advise and/or suggestions as I begin this process?
Answer:

While we do not have a model letter you outline much of what you need to say in your question. On the Community Toolbox there are a number of ideas about writing letters to stakeholder. Check out: http://ctb.ku.edu/tools//sub_section_main_1081.htm

Question Date: Tue, 03/03/2009
Question:
I AM I NEED OF A STARTING POINT. I HAVE A NON PROFIT THAT SERVES THE COMMUNITY AND WOULD LIKE ANY PAMPHLETS, BOOKLETS, HANDOUTS THAT I CAN USE FOR MY ORGANIZATION AND TO PASS OUT TO THE COMMUNITY. ALSO I AM A CERTIFIED MEDIATOR AND WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW CAN I USE THESE SERVICES TO ASSIST THE COMMUNITY. I SPECIALIZE IN EMPLOYMENT AND REAL ESTATE CASES.
Answer:

You can make your own brochure by going to: ctb.ku.edu/tools//sub_section_main_1071.htm some additional resources at the bottom of this page Check with your local United Way for information and brochures about area nonprofits

Question Date: Thu, 03/05/2009
Question: How best can I assess effectiveness of the supportive supervisory visits
Answer:

It is important to have a clear goal of what components of supervisory visits you want to evaluate and possibly asking all parties how "satisfied" they were with each component. Perhaps you can start with simply asking their overall satisfaction on a 4 point scale: 1=very satisfied 2=satisfied 3=dissatisfied 4=very dissatisfied This same scale could be used for each component of a supportive supervisory visit. For more information on how to assess on the Community Toolbox go to the powerpoint presentation at: ctb.ku.edu/tools//documents/38.4_000.ppt

Question Date: Mon, 03/09/2009
Question:
We are a national non-profit - FragileX.org that supports a network of volunteers resource groups around the US - typically one per state, but sometimes more depending on geography. A few of our groups are very active - regular meetings and activities - social outings, education & awareness events and fundraising events. Most are groups in name only and consistently struggle to get momentum. We try to help by contacting potential members that we know whenever the group leaders organize an activity,but they are often discouraged by the low turnout/lack of interest. I am concerned that the model we use - an expectation for face-to-face meetings or social activities yearly at minimum plus a willingness to take on educational &/or fundraising events is not realistic in today's world and that we are essentially setting up volunteers who are initially excited and enthusiastic to fail. The fact that there is often only one group per state is also a factor. My question - are you familiar with other npo's with a volunteer chapter network that is working effectively? We are planning a series of online leadership training seminars this year, but I want to be much clearer about if we are promoting the right model. Thanks!
Answer:

A first step might be to concretely determine what you need from volunteers and also asking volunteers what they want to do. There are lots more good ideas about volunteers on the Community Toolbox at http://ctb.ku.edu/tools//sub_section_main_1106.htm The issues you outline are common for many organizations. Habitat for Humanity has a webbase way of working with volunteers that is worth a look.

Question Date: Thu, 03/12/2009
Question:
My county does not yet have a Healthy Carolinians Partnership? How can I get one started, and what do I have to do to get certified? Hope this helps Vince!!
Answer:

More information can be found on the HC website at: http://www.healthycarolinians.org/certific.htm. There you will find some initial guidance, contact information you will need, and the forms and procedures to follow.

Question Date: Mon, 03/23/2009
Question:
Our Preschool is in Grandview,MO. it sits right next door to the Mid-Contienent Library and on the Left is Booth Salvation Army Senior Living Apt. in the back of us sits a shopping center, and some apt. Our Pre-school would like to put together a Community Block party,in order to improve community relations and give the youth in our neighborhood something to do. who would we talk to, for permits,and how do we get more funding.
Answer:

Check with the city for a permit as that is likely the right place. In terms of participation including funding, inviting your "neighbors" and asking them to bring something to the party and/or donate to make the block party a success is an important first step. Another important point is to encourage everyone to invite broadly so everyone will enjoy interacting with the kids. Considering the different audiences having things to do for everyone is important. Check out the Community Toolbox about event planning at http://ctb.ku.edu/tools//sub_section_tools_1341.htm

Question Date: Wed, 03/25/2009
Question:
Me and some students at City College of San Francisco in the Healthcare Interpreter Certification Program were looking to facilitate langusge access to Limited English Proficiency (L.E.P.) Patients in San Francisco. We wanted to do this by educating healthcare providers and helping them comply with SB 853 as well as rising patient awareness. In helping healthcare providers comply with SB 583, we would create a non-profit medical interpreting agency very much like ACCLAH in Alameda County, but for San Francisco. This non-profit would have as goals educating healthcare providers, raise patient awareness, screen interpreters until the national medical interpreter certificate process is in place and act as a broker between healthcare providers and our pool of medical interpreters. A big percentage of the reimbursement received will paid to the medical interpreter and the rest to maintaining an active presence in the community. Our question would be, is there such an effort already in place? If there is, who are they and how can we join them. If there is none, can you provide any suggestions as to how we can go about creating one?
Answer:

Thank you for contacting Ask an Advisor. It sounds like your issue is very important and it is reasonable to check and see who else has similar concerns and even may have an intervention already operating. Unfortunately, we do not know the details of your community. If you determine that you want to form a non-profit organization 501c3, the CTB website has specific step-by-step info for assisting you. In particular, look at the "Do the Work" and the "Use Promising Approaches" tabs located on the home page. Each of these have links to step-by-step tasks, checklists, and overviews of common issues in starting organizations. You will also need some legal assistance to formally incorporate as a non-profit. Frequently law firms will offer this service for free as pro bono work. If there are law firms already focused on issues of health care or immigration, they may know whether there is already such a service available in the Bay Area. Thank you again for contacting Ask an Advisor and CTB. All the best in your work.

Question Date: Thu, 04/02/2009
Question:
At the public library where I work as marketing and outreach coordinator we are working to build interest and participation in adult programming. Attendance is often low for those programs that teach life skills, (adult literacy, how to manage finances, etc.). Can you suggest resources I could explore to see how we can effectively market our programming and what adult programming is most popular in the public library setting? Thank you.
Answer:

Thank you for contacting Ask an Advisor of the CTB. We do not have expertise about which programming is most effective in public libraries. However, it may be worth the time and resources to conduct a needs and resource assessment in your community to determine which issues higher priority for people. One strategy for a broad-based community assessment would be to identify organizations in your community that share interest in promoting life skills. Finding a few organizations to partner with could provide feedback about priorities, partners in marketing, and potential presenters. On the CTB website, you may want to look at the "Solve a Problem" tab listed on the purple bar on the homepage. In particular, Solve a problem / 5. There is not enough community participation . This has a list of common issues related to low rates of participation. You may want to use the questions to reflect on your programming. Additionally, some of the resources links listed on this webpage may be helpful. Again, thank you for contacting Ask an Advisor. Hopefully the ideas and information was helpful.

Question Date: Sat, 04/11/2009
Question:
Hello - I'm working on community-building with residents of affordable housing properties. We're starting to have community nights, but I'm struggling with activities for residents that don't depend entirely on speaking the same language. Many members of the community are native Spanish speakers, and others are native English speakers. While we'll often have someone there that can help interpret, I'd like to find some activities that don't rely on interpretation & can allow residents to interact in a fun, one-on-one way. I've looked in many places and haven't found many ideas - do you have any suggestions? Anything is appreciated - as is the entire website - it's amazingly useful!
Answer:

Thank you for contacting Ask an Advisor of the CTB. It sounds like you are engaged in important work. While we do not have particular expertise for this situation, we did want to share a few ideas. Often, common tasks are a helpful way of building community. For example, creating a community garden can bring a lot of people together for planning, cleaning up the area, digging the earth, tending to the garden, a celebration for the garden's creation. There may be other improvements in at your development or neighborhood that people can participate in. Sometimes having meetings to articulate concerns, finding common concerns, and then addressing what is manageable can document similarities between people and build trust in a series of small wins. Similarly, celebrations for particular events, preparing for the start of the school year, exchange of food, etc. If you have not already checked the CTB website, "Do the Work" tab listed on the homepage, take a look at Point 9. Enhancing Cultural Competence. This has links to external resources, activities, ideas about building a culturally competent organization that may be helpful. Again, thank you for contacting Ask an Advisor at CTB. Hopefully the ideas and information are helpful.

Question Date: Fri, 04/17/2009
Question:
I would like to implement a wellness program in the small to mid size companies in the surrounding community. I believe there is a need as many large companies have added these and reaped the benefits. I am not sure how to go about getting my vision to be a reality-get my foot in the door. I have some understanding of compiling a formal presentation to the powers that be. Any advice would be appreciated.
Answer:

Thank you for contacting Ask an Advisor of the CTB. Promotion of wellness (and the prevention of life problems) is a goal that we share at CTB. Perhaps there may be a niche for this work with not-for-profit companies, as well. It sounds as if your idea is developing and would benefit from formally articulating a vision statement and systematically planning for how you will realize the vision. The "Do the Work" and "Using Promising Approaches" tabs on the CTB website would have useful information about the steps in taking an idea and translating that into a program. Formally developing a model for change (#4 on "Do the Work") would be a good first step; this tab offers a "how to guide" for developing a logic model that both helps you plan for the resources and partnerships needed to implement your program. Developing a model for how services would be delivered and how they would be tailored to the needs of the organizations will be helpful. In addition, the "Do the Work" point #5 about Developing a strategic plan may be helpful to articulate before you approach companies and organizations. "Using Promising Approaches" outlines the most common stages in beginning a program, getting it established, evaluating it, and maintaining its success. You can click each of these stages for checklists, step-by step guide to common issues in starting programs. Again, thank you for contacting Ask an Advisor at CTB. Hopefully the ideas and information are helpful.

Question Date: Sun, 04/19/2009
Question:
I have been asked to volunteer in a different community - program is just starting up- I have been asked to go in and talk about advisory boards and recruit volunteers - ther person is new - I'm having difficulty in trying to deterimine how to proceed
Answer:

Thank you for your question and for contacting CTB Ask an Advisor. Based on your brief message, it was not clear who was asking you to volunteer and how the person working for the program in the new community views her or his work. Of course, a very positive relationship between the two organizations can help bridge your "entry" into the new community. Alternatively, you may want to emphasize your personal experience and interest in being a resource to the new worker. If you have not already done so, perhaps it would be best to talk with the new person and help determine what her or his needs are. After better understanding the needs of the program in the new community and the new person working for the organization, you may want to help assess resources in the community and build leadership in the community (e.g., an advisory board). The CTB "Do the Work" Tab on the purple bar of the CTB homepage has links to several resources that may be helpful. 1. Creating and Maintaining Coalitions and Partnerships. This has practical information about outreach and organizing interest in your program. 6. Building Leadership. This has practical information about how to communicate the vision of your program and encourage people to join in the work of carrying it out. Finally, if you are focused specifically on recruiting volunteers, look at the following info from the CTB site. Table of Contents > Part D. Developing a Strategic Plan, Organizational Struc... > Chapter 11. Recruiting and Training Volunteers > Section 2. Recruiting Volunteers > Again, thank you for contacting CTB. Hopefully the information was helpful. All the best in your work.

Question Date: Tue, 04/21/2009
Question:
my name is mark c,im a recovery advocate for recovering addicts and alcoholics.my goal is to open several recovery houses in madison wisconsin, these houses will be ran by peers,[other recovering addicts and achoholics]this project will help several problems facing our society,1. it will help people in early recovery stay clean and sober,2.create jobs for our community,3.save lots of money to our correction community for people returning to jail, or prison ,or state funded treatment centers,4.save lots of money in loss productivity in our state,5.most of all stop discriminating against addicts,alcholics,mentally ill,felons,and thousands in homeiess,in our state,please respond on how i could proceed on this mission,thank you for your time !!! I have alot of good ideas just dont know how to kick them off!!!PLASE RESPOND I COULD USE THE HELP.
Answer:

Thanks for the email. Your vision is exciting and we have heard of several similar programs around the U.S. Have you heard of the Oxford House movement? If not, they could be a tremendous resource for you. They have over 1,200 groups in the U.S. and each house has a relationship to other houses. The organization has resources for starting up houses and expectations for how they are run. You can find more information at www.oxfordhouse.org. I expect that by contacting them, they have a whole team of folks ready to help. Below is an excerpt from the organization. Also if you look at The Community Toolbox website, there are two tabs in the purple bar on the homepage that provide helpful step by step information: Doing the work and Using Promising Approaches. The Using Promising Approaches describes a 12-stage process for taking ideas like yours, starting a program, sustaining, and evaluating it. If you click on each of the stages, there are checklists of step-by-step tasks and other resources for getting the work done. Thank you for contacting CTB and all the best in your work. The Purpose and Structure of Oxford House Oxford House is a concept in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. In its simplest form, an Oxford House describes a democratically run, self-supporting and drug free home. Parallel to this concept lies the organizational structure of Oxford House, Inc. This publicly supported, non-profit 501(c)3 corporation is the umbrella organization which provides the network connecting all Oxford Houses and allocates resources to duplicate the Oxford House concept where needs arise. The number of residents in a House may range from six to fifteen; there are houses for men, houses for women, and houses which accept women with children. Oxford Houses flourish in metropolitan areas such as New York City and Washington D.C. and thrive in such diverse communities as Hawaii, Washington State, Canada and Australia; but they all abide by the basic criteria. Each House represents a remarkably effective and low cost method of preventing relapse. This was the purpose of the first Oxford House established in 1975, and this purpose is served, day by day, house after house, in each of over 1,200 houses in the United States today. The Oxford House Network: A Self-Run Structure Three or more Oxford Houses within a 100 mile radius comprise an Oxford House Chapter. A representative of each House in the Chapter meets with the others on a monthly basis, to exchange information, to seek resolution of problems in a particular House, and to express that Chapter's vote on larger issues. The World Council is comprised of 12 members: 9 of which presently live in an Oxford House, and 3 alumni. Members are elected each year at the Oxford House World Convention. The primary mission of the Oxford House World Council is to facilitate adherence to Oxford House Traditions' concept and system of operations, by providing effective means of communication and mission focus between the various organizational structures of Oxford House as a whole. In carrying out its mission the Council always keeps a focus on expansion of the network of individual Oxford Houses, to provide all recovering alcoholics and drug addictions the opportunity to develop comfortable sobriety without relapse. The Board of Directors maintains the sole right to Charter, and to revoke the Charter of, individual Oxford Houses and exercises authority over the policies and officers of Oxford House, Inc. In this way, Oxford House, Inc. remains responsive to the needs of the population it serves.

Question Date: Wed, 04/22/2009
Question:
I am looking for a job description for a community mobilizer related facilitating policy and system change in the built environment and access to healthy foods that will help people become more physically active and eat heatlhier
Answer:

CTB provides general information about development of job descriptions that may assist you in transferring to paper your concept of the specific duties that will be involved in this project. However, we do not have models of job description content for specific positions. Enter "job description" in the Search CTB box in the upper right corner of our face page and you will find several entries. The chapters on Improving Organizational Management and Development may be particularly helpful. See Table of Contents.

Question Date: Sun, 04/26/2009
Question:
We have an issue here in Roswell, New Mexico. The Boys and Girl's Club is in danger of shutting down due to money mismagement; and my Human Services class is trying to come up with ideas to try to help them. I was hopeing that maybe you could give me some suggestions.
Answer:

Thank you for writing to us at Ask an Advisor. We appreciate your question and how important the Boys and Girls Club is to your community. As an outsider to the organization, it can be difficult to address how the organization has acted in the past. Without knowing much about what led to the consideration of closing down, let me suggest a few things you might do and resources on the CTB site. 1) You might mobilize resources in your community that care about the mission of the Boys and Girls Club. Such action could be aimed at (a)raising awareness about the situation, (b)identifying allies and resources for helping the club, and (c) bringing people to together for action. The "Do the Work" tab on the CTB website has several chapters that are relevant: 1-Creating and Maintaining Coalitions, 3-Analyzing Problems and Goals, 5-Developing Strategic Action Plans, 6-Building Leadership While this work may take some time to accomplish your goals of sustaining the B&G Club, it could bring together stakeholders that will be committed to the organization for the long term and support long term success. 2) If there are specific questions about management, Chapters 15 - Improving Organizational Management and 16 - Sustaining the Work or Initiative could be helpful. 3) For your class, it may be helpful to use the "Solve a Problem" section of the CTB website. These offer common scenarios community organizations face and suggested links for info. This will help refine your questions and your plans for action. We hope some of these ideas may be helpful to you. Thank you again for writing, and all best wishes for success with your class and helping the Boys and Girls Club.

Question Date: Thu, 04/30/2009
Question:
We have a small non-profit to provide affordable housing for persons who had been homeless. We want to expand by purchasing more homes to meet the need for affordable housing in our community, but we are uncertain about how we might raise the funds necessary. Any advice would be appreciated.
Answer:

Thank you for contacting Ask an Advisor. With recent federal policy changes, there are more funds available to promote affordable housing. You may be able to qualify for some of this funding. There are two main types: rental assistance funds, usually for new tenants & housing development funds. Most of these funds are directed to state housing authorities and then to city or county government. Each locality determines how to use the funds within federal guidelines. Some might be used for Section 8 type programs (i.e., a housing subsidy based on economic need), some might be used to support Community Housing Development Organizations (CHODO) or several other programs. If you have not done so, it may make sense to talk with city and county housing development offices and your local housing authority to see whether your organizations can qualify for one of these programs. Often they have stipulations about how your board is configured and where you operate. Second, it sounds as if your organization would benefit from strategic planning about how you intend to expand and sustain the effort. The CTB website has helpful information about articulating your vision and developing "logic models" that helps you put ideas on paper for which resources you need to carry out your vision. We encourage you look at the "Do the Work" tab on the CTB website. This has useful information in several categories related to your project: fund raising, building a coalition of community support, strategic planning. Thanks again for contacting Ask an Advisor at CTB. We hope the information was useful.

Question Date: Tue, 05/12/2009
Question:
I wish to create a youth group who will be trained in the field of crime prevention. Regards
Answer:

Raj, please take a look at our Table of Contents, Chapters 6 through 12. Also, I have checked what appear to be the most relevant competencies, and you can refer to those by clicking on our "Doing the Work" tab. Thanks for your question and we wish you success.

Question Date: Thu, 05/21/2009
Question:
Hello, I am planning to use event logs to track the activities & accomplishments of a coalition that is working to promote physical activity & healthy food choices among children. I am a researcher, and will be conducting the evaluation. I would appreciate knowing how others have analyzed the information provided in event logs. Thank you.
Answer:

Thank you for contacting Ask an Advisor. Steve Fawcett at the University of Kansas has published several academic papers on a related topic of coalition/ organizational developments that he calls process logs. I expect a data base search on that term or his name should be fruitful. In addition, Fawcett describes the process logs in his chapter in a 1996 empowerment evaluation book: Empowerment Evaluation: Knowledge and Tools for Self-Assessment and Accountability by Dr. David M. Fetterman, Dr. Shakeh Kaftarian, and Dr. Abraham Wandersman. Furthermore, Wandersman and colleagues describe a similar approach in their book published by search institute: Getting to Outcomes with Developmental Assets: Ten Steps to Measuring Success in Youth Programs and Communities by Deborah Fisher, Pamela Imm, Matthew Chinman, and Abe Wandersman (Paperback - May 1, 2006). Thanks again for contacting Ask an Advisor at CTB. We hope the information was useful.

Question Date: Fri, 05/22/2009
Question:
The Gold Country Computer Learning Center, Grass Valley, California, is non-profit org teaching Seniors computer literacy. We are looking for a new Director and would like some guidelines in regard to formulating questions for prospective applicants. Are there any "canned" or generic questions that need to be asked? Since we are all volunteers, salary is not an issue - but time commitment is an important issue. Thank you so much.
Answer:

Thank you for contacting Ask an Advisor at the Community Toolbox (CTB). The CTB "Table of Contents" Tab on the purple bar of the CTB homepage has links to several resources that may be helpful. The section on interviewing for positions is probably the most relevant to your needs: Chapter 10. Hiring and Training Key Staff. The chapter contains background information, real world situational examples, answers to common question, and checklists. It even has a powerpoint presentation summarizing the main points. Additionally, there is a section on the CTB website about responding to the challenges of leadership that may be helpful: Table of Contents > Part E. Leadership, Management, and Group Facilitation > Chapter 13. Orienting Ideas in Leadership > Section 6. Recognizing the Challenges of Leadership > It has a discussion of internal leadership and sustaining leadership in organizations that may be helpful for your group to consider. Again, thank you for contacting CTB. Hopefully the information was helpful. All the best in your work.

Question Date: Fri, 05/29/2009
Question:
I need peer reviewed journal articles on community coaltions. I was advised to check your web site. Please refer me to resources and background materials related to this. Thank you so much!
Answer:

Thank you for contacting Ask an Advisor. There is a wealth of information that may be helpful. Here is a brief sample. 1. Valente et al. (2007): Authors looked at structural characteristics of coalitions (e.g., density, centralization) that can enhance implementation of evidence-based prevention. 2. Riggs et al. (2008): Within a multi-state, multi-community prevention diffusion trial, authors tested factors that may improve coalition functioning (e.g., internal functioning, quality planning) 3. Goodman & Wandersman (1994): authors focus on development and evaluation of community coalitions for substance abuse prevention. You may also want to consult Google Scholar for an accessible data base of peer reviewed articles

Question Date: Wed, 06/03/2009
Question:
This past year I started implementation of a program which promotes a healthy active lifestyle to older adults in my community. The reception has been warm but I would like to involve others yet I have a hard time turning my baby over. Do you have any advice, I know conciously if I wish to reach as many participants as possible training others would be the ideal situation yet I have a problem handing over my name and reputation to someone else. Thank you for your time.
Answer:

Thank you for contacting Ask an Advisor. It sounds like you have developed an important program. The set of tasks and skills needed to translate the program as you have developed it into something that others can follow can be a challenge. Many programs have encountered these challenges. We suggest that you use the CTB website resources for reading material that will help you as you proceed to include others in your intervention. In particular, we suggest looking at "Table of Contents" tab on the purple strip at the top of the CTB homepage. Part D. Developing a Strategic Plan, Organizational Structure, and Training System(Chapters 8 - 12) * Chapter 8. Developing a Strategic Plan * Chapter 9. Developing an Organizational Structure for the Initiative * Chapter 10. Hiring and Training Key Staff of Community Organizations * Chapter 11. Recruiting and Training Volunteers * Chapter 12. Providing Training and Technical Assistance This section contains information about developing a strategic plan (e.g., vision, mission, action plan) and organizational structure (e.g., bylaws, board of directors) and hiring and training staff, recruiting and training volunteers, and providing technical assistance. Thanks again for contacting Ask an Advisor at CTB. We hope the information was useful.

Question Date: Fri, 06/05/2009
Question:
I have nursing students working at a subsidized housing complex. The tenants have multiple issues - mental illness, drug and alcohol addictions, past homelessness. The students plan is to help the community to determine a health concern and then work together to develop a strategy. The problem is that none of the tenants will come to any of the introductory events, such as Meet and Greet, Coffee and a Chat. They do not fill out any surveys even though the students deliver door to door. I have asked the students to look at what might be some of the reasons that could be keeping the ten ants from participating. Do you have any suggestions on how to gather feedback from the actual tenants themselves though? Would you suggest that we access this data by going through some of the other local agencies that support the tenants?I did access your chapter on difficulties in getting people to participate, but our problem is that they will not participate at all, even when there is food!
Answer:

Thank you for contacting Ask an Advisor. This is not an unusual challenge when persons from "outside" come to a setting where local residents are guarded or need to be cautious. The chapter on promoting participation can be helpful, but this is a bit of a different situation where developing trust when you enter a new setting is very important. We have found that developing partnerships with persons who are trusted at the setting is a helpful strategy when they can introduce you to the setting. Talking with service providers who have worked in the area can be helpful in starting. Perhaps a systematic assessment of the setting resources, its history of past interventions, and community gatekeepers will help to understand how your initiative is viewed by the residents. When we have tried similar initiatives, the preparation needed to build trust among residents to allow students to "enter" into their setting may be hard to accomplish in one semester. There is a section of the website "Understanding Culture, Social Organization, and Leadership to Enhance Engagement" than can be helpful. The website path to this section is: Table of Contents > Part H. Cultural Competence, Spirituality, and the Arts a... > Chapter 27. Cultural Competence in a Multicultural World > Section 10. Understanding Culture, Social Organization, and L... > Main Section - Introduction, what, why, when, who, and how. > Thanks again for contacting Ask an Advisor at CTB. We hope the information was useful.

Question Date: Tue, 06/09/2009
Question:
I am opening a temporary housing program in a resource-poor country for patients who are in treatment for drug-resistant tuberculosis and whose unstable housing has become a barrier to treatment adherence. The patients will be in a non-infectious phase of treatment. I am looking for outcome data tools to monitor and measure the success of the program.
Answer:

Thank you for contacting Ask an Advisor. The "Do the Work" tab on the purple strip of the CTB homepage includes a section on evaluating interventions (#12). It includes "how to" sections, links to evaluation tools on the CTB website, and links to other resources. We do not know whether there has been similar housing work done in relation to TB. If you are familiar with the work of Paul Farmer, he may have written about such initiatives related to TB. If you cannot find evaluation tools specific to housing for persons with TB infections, you may look at housing for persons with mental illness. The Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) has many tools on their site related to housing interventions. The CTB evaluation tools and those of CMHS may provide good examples of how you may adapt tools for your particular project. Thanks again for contacting Ask an Advisor at CTB. We hope the information was useful.

Question Date: Sat, 06/13/2009
Question:
Hello over the past three years I have devoted my time to developing a program which promotes a healthy active lifestyle for older adults. I enlisted a local community group and we applied for government funding under their mandate. That is where the partnership came to a grinding halt. The money was approved and I am being compensated for an information session I give once a month yet all other promises have been neglected. I am setting up an advisory council made up of all the local leaders of community groups for seniors. The community group that applied on my behalf has taken over my idea including the name as its own. What can I do . Thank you for your time
Answer:

Susan, this sounds like a situation in which the advice of an attorney would be most helpful; not to sue the organization, but to review any formal agreements between you and them and to write letters reminding them of their obligations -- IF those were spelled out in a written agreement when you all got together. The attorney might also advise you about what to put in future agreements so you don't find yourself in a similar situation. Unfortunately, such situations happen too often. Finally, you might want to put the organization on notice that you will suspend your teaching efforts until the dispute is resolved. Again, an attorney's advice should be obtained before doing that. Thanks for your question and best wishes for a successful resolution.

Question Date: Tue, 06/16/2009
Question:
I am being interviewed for a Community Education Coordinator position at a community college. The coordinator will be responsible to seeking out local community agencies to help them provide ESL, ABE, GED, etc courses for adults. I have to give a 10 min. presentation on "How to enhance adult education course offerings at your site" to a mock audience of 3 people in the community organization. I was wondering if you might help me find specific information on this to help create my presenation. Thank you!!!
Answer:

Chris, I suggest that you take a look at the websites linked to our "Working With Others" and "Using Promising Approaches --> Best Practices" tabs. The Education link in the Best Practices database may be helpful. I have also flagged the competencies that seem to me most relevant to your question.

Question Date: Sat, 06/20/2009
Question:
Please can you suggest some research topics for me in the area of community health & development, for the award of a post gradaute diploma in community development
Answer:

Ogar, I am afraid we cannot give you specific and useful answers, because the best research topics will be found in evaluation of needs in your region/community and development of intervention plans that can be tested as part of your thesis. We suggest that you consult with your professors, with public health and/or community development authorities to find a topic that is of significant concern and lends itself to outcome-based research. Take a look at the competencies I have marked, for help in designing your research. Thanks for your question, and best wishes for a useful and successful research effort.

Question Date: Thu, 07/02/2009
Question:
Examine the problems of effective community development in developing countries of the world.
Answer:

Take a look at the Table of Contents section, parts B, F, and H for general information and several checklists that may be of assistance. I hope this is helpful.

Question Date: Thu, 07/02/2009
Question:
What are the roles and responsibilities of a community mobilizer, what sort of job discription would be offered to one?
Answer:

You will find useful information about developing a "community mobilizer job description" if you enter that phrase in the search box in the upper right hand corner of our opening page. The first item that comes up will help address your question. You might also look at the Table of Contents under Strategic Plan for discussion of job description issues.

Question Date: Tue, 07/14/2009
Question:
Hello! I am confused what forms to fill out when I want to approve a non profit organization to the secretary of state in California. Is there any more paperwork than just the articles of incorporation and the bylaws?
Answer:

I'm sorry, but we can't help you. I suggest you contact the Secretary of State office for guidance.

Question Date: Tue, 07/21/2009
Question:
I need to do a needs asessment of the residents of our organisationto provide good programs..where do I start? Any examples of surveys, etc
Answer:

I suggest that you enter "needs assessment" in the Search the CTB box. That will bring up a number of places within CTB that address your question. Also, see chapters 3 - 5 in our Table of Contents.

Question Date: Wed, 07/22/2009
Question:
hi, i am trying to apply the stages of community development in preventing teenge pregnancy in a certain community, however i am encountering problem can u please help
Answer:

In order to try and help, we need to know what problem you are encountering. Please write back and give us a bit more information. Thanks!

Question Date: Fri, 07/31/2009
Question:
i'M INTERESTED IN CREATING A LEARNING CENTER FOR COMMUNITY EDUCATION FOCUSED ON SOCIAL SKILLS AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN A LIFE SERIES SKILLS WORKSHOP AND TRAINING SERVICE FOR COMMUNITY MEMBERS, THEIR CHILDREN AND OTHER AUDIENCES FOR EDUCATIONAL AND COMMUNITY TRANSFORMATION. I'M NOT A CERTIFIED TEACHER BUT HAVE EXTENDED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, SKILLS AND EDUCATION WITHIN THE NON-PROFIT COMMUNITIES AS FACILITATOR, ADVOCATE, EDUCATOR, COACH AND MENTOR . ANY THOUGHTS ON WHAT KINDS OF OBSTACLES, RESISTANCE OR UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES THAT MIGHT INHIBIT MY FOCUS? THANKS MARLA 913-387-4008
Answer:

A lot will depend on how you want to structure your organization, what community needs you want to address, what community resources with similar objectives already exist, and your relationships with key people in the communities (physical and consumer) you want to serve. Your effort merits the development of a full business plan, if you have not already done one. That will help identify your "market," needed financial and educational resources, potential partners and competitors. It may also help you identify and plan for unforeseen circumstances as you develop the plan. You will need decisions about whether to incorporate, and what type of incorporation. Last, and certainly not least, you will need sufficient capital to survive the early development period of your business, when you may or may not have enough money coming in to survive. Within this Toolbox, I suggest you enter "business plan" in the upper right search box. That will get you a number of resources for planning how you want to proceed. A "Social Marketing" search may also be helpful. Feel free to peruse anything that looks relevant to you in our Table of Contents. There are good introductory books on business planning, and it would be helpful to get advice from an attorney and accountant as needed.

Question Date: Thu, 08/06/2009
Question:
Dear Colleagues Are you familiar at all with my work ... and development of Community Analytics (CA). CA has some of the mindset of the UK Community Toolbox, but probably is even more community centric. As well as being applicable for general community development, it is being applied for health initiative performance measurement. I would like to locate someone for a conversation ... I am in New York.
Answer:

I have forwarded your request, with a copy back to you, so you have opportunity to converse directly

Question Date: Mon, 08/10/2009
Question:
How can the inclusivity of a local and neigbouring community be achieved within a corporation?
Answer:

Slowly, with the help of a mentor/champion, and with intensive focus on the organization's mission and vision as the basis for building the "neighborhood." I have checked off the most relevant competencies on our list, and I encourage you to read through those portions of the Toolbox." You might take a look at Peter Senge's book entitled The Fifth Discipline: The art and practice of the learning organization." There are many other management books, but I like this particular one.

Question Date: Wed, 08/12/2009
Question:
Has anyone had sucess using Facebook for a Communities Mobilizing for Change on Alcohol program (CMCA)in Kansas? I would like to visit with a CMCA organizer that has finished the community proflie to see if there is anything I am overlooking.
Answer:

Thanks for your question, but I am afraid we can't help locate individuals with CMCA certification. I looked on Facebook and found one description of the Kansas program on the Promising Practices website, plus a link to a SAMHSA review of the general program, but no link to certified individuals. I suspect your best chance is to contact the program directly in Kansas and ask for names or for consultation..

Question Date: Mon, 08/17/2009
Question:
Do you have any power point presentation or reports on rural hospital community assessments of what community member want from their hospitals? My hospital would like to conduct focus groups regarding what they think of services at our hospital and what they would like to see in the future. I would like to see "the outcome" of such reports
Answer:

Take a look at materials under the "Do the Work" > "Addressing Community Needs and Resources." You will find some links to examples that might be helpful in your effort, as well as suggestions about things to consider in developing the questions you want to ask. Those links are the closest we get to compiling specific examples. Finally, take a look under the "Solve a Problem" > "We need to understand the situation or community better. Thanks for contacting Community Tool Box and best wishes for the success of your project. Hospital play a central role in many communities and can be tremendously helpful to community health and development when they seek and listen to people about community needs.

Question Date: Mon, 08/17/2009
Question:
How can we assess the relavance and impact of health education materials like brochure, Pamphlets etc? as well as the health education programme?
Answer:

Good question. Thanks for asking. An important step in your planning process is to decide what you want to measure, generally and then specifically: Do you want to measure consumer satisfaction with the information you deliver by brochure or class (or with the delivery process), what information the consumers actually learned, or what subsequent changes in consumer behaviors can be observed. Take a look at our "Doing the Work" tab and then click on "12. Evaluating the Initiative" for an extensive discussion of issues, evaluation processes, and examples that may assist you. Also, Review relevant sections of "13. Implementing a Social Marketing Effort." We hope this is helpful, and wish you success in your evaluation effort.

Question Date: Tue, 08/25/2009
Question:
Describe the community where you grow up in the term of it's existing socio-economics as well as culture political dynamics.
Answer:

CTB has a lot of information about community assessment and provides one example of a description checklist. Take a look at our Table of Contents, Part B, Chapter 3. Actually, you might want to review that entire chapter. Be sure to click on the hyperlinks to related topics, for additional information about how you might proceed. Thanks for asking, and best wishes for a successful project.

Question Date: Tue, 09/08/2009

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