ORGANIZATIONS AND WEBSITES
Globally, there are many non-governmental organizations needing the help of volunteers. The U.N. and relief and development organizations can be found by asking those who are concerned with development and community. In America, volunteers and those who want to be change agents can find many organizations through which to work: Kiwanis, the Lions Club and other service organizations, the United Way, PTAs, Junior League, and churches. Also, state and local public health departments often run programs to build healthy communities.
America's Promise
Check the Five Promises and "Why We Are Here," "Community Action," and "Youth Action.
Center for Public Justice A DC-based public policy and civic education organization that promotes "principled pluralism" - the encouragement of all faiths to flourish in the public square to bring justice to all. Coming from a reformed faith background, CPJ manages to avoid partisan politics and offer thoughtful reflection on cultivating justice for all (with a special focus on faith-based social service providers) in the public arena.
CCDA (Christian Community Development Association) Large and small intentional communities and community organizations from all over America are brought together in this network for mutual vision and support.
CLIKS: County-City-Community Level Information on Kids
An initiative of the Annie E. Casey foundation, CLIKS allows users to access state-specific inventories of data from local sources, such as health departments, human services agencies, and schools. CLIKS is e a powerful new tool for community leaders, policymakers, service providers, parents and others who want to take a closer look at the local factors that affect the lives of children and families.
City Cares of America P.O. Box 27595, Washington, D.C. 20038, (202)887-0500 This rapidly growing non-profit organization puts busy, working people in direct-service, team volunteer projects with a variety of schedules and time commitments. Hands on Atlanta is an example. You can find this organization in Austin, Baltimore, Boston.
Civic Enterprises
"Civic Enterprises is a public policy firm that helps corporations, nonprofits, foundations, universities and governments develop and spearhead innovative public policies to strengthen our communities and country."
Communities in Schools (703)519-8999 This organization brings the resources of a city into the education of promising inner city youth. It is not a grant-making organization but establishes schools within schools with mentors and resources.
Community Toolbox
One of the most comprehensive websites out there with tools to do community development work well.
The Corporation for National and Community Service
1100 Vermont Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20525 This organization, centerpiece of President Clinton's national service program, has a mandate to engage Americans of all ages and backgrounds in community-based service. AmeriCorps is one of its programs. The corporation functions as a clearinghouse of information and technical expertise for service initiatives in the U.S. and as a service "venture capitalist," providing funding on a competitive basis for state and national programs.
Communities by Choice
A great, comprehensive resource on advancing the practice of sustainable development.
Emmanuel Gospel Center
"Dedicated to the vitality of urban churches and communities." Check "Ministries and Staff" and "Urban Ministry Resources
Fasten
A network of faith-based urban organizations-"sharing knowledge, strengthening connections, improving outcomes." Encourages successful planning, practices, and evaluation of programs.
Healthy Cities Resource List Although a bit dated, this online resource of organizations and websites holds numerous valuable links to developing and sustaining healthy communities around the world.
KidsCount Data Book Online (2004)
10 key measures comprise an index of child well-being used to rank states and supplemental data on education, health, and economic conditions for each state. (Annie E. Casey Foundation)
KidsCount Census Data Online
KIDS COUNT has compiled indicators of child well-being released by the 2000 U.S. Census. View data on Age and Sex, Race, Hispanic Origin, Living Arrangements, Income and Poverty, Employment, Education, Language, and Disability Status. Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Lost Angeles, Memphis, Nashville, New York, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, San Diego, Washington, D.C., and many other cities.
Leadership Foundations of America