Assessment Resources

Resource:Retirement Policy

Notes:A project of the Urban Institute that uses research results and analytical powers to design creative but practical policy options and assess emerging ideas across the political spectrum about how retirement issues intersect with employment, income, savings, health, family welfare, housing, philanthropy, government budgets, and other issues. Current focus is Social Security reform, older workers, future medical and long-term care expenses, and the changing pension landscape.

Resource:Urban Libraries Council

Notes:As a membership organization of North America’s premier public library systems and the organizations that serve them, the Urban Libraries Council (ULC) serves as a forum for thought leaders sharing best practices resulting from targeted research, education and emerging trends. ULC programs are recognized for creating new frameworks that invigorate public libraries and their communities, with initiatives in four strategic areas: 1) enhancing recognition of the strategic value of the 21st century library as an essential asset within the community, 2) leading education and lifelong learning initiatives in public libraries, 3) spearheading new research that supports the digital evolution, and 4) building libraries’ capacity to serve as a key partner for local sustainability.

Resource:The World Café

Notes:This is a simple, effective, and flexible format for hosting large group dialogue. World Café can be modified to meet a wide variety of needs. Specifics of context, numbers, purpose, location, and other circumstances are factored into each event’s unique invitation, design, and question choice.

Author/Presenter:Kretzmann, Jody and Rans, Susan.Resource:Engaged Library: Chicago Stories of Community Building, The.Publisher:Chicago, IL: Urban Libraries Council, 2005.Notes:Highlights several Chicago public libraries and their efforts in strengthening community and effectively enhancing the well-being and capacities of urban neighborhood residents, associations, non-profits and public institutions
WorldCat:www.worldcat.org/oclc/65546889

Author/Presenter:Krile, James; Curphy, Gordon and Lund, Duane.Resource:Community Leadership Handbook: Framing Ideas, Building Relationships and Mobilizing Resources, The.Publisher:St. Paul, MN: Fieldstone Alliance, 2006.Notes:Gives community members the tools to bring people together to make changes. Some of the useful resources included are: Identifying Community Assets; Community Problem Analysis; Accessing Community Data; Appreciative Inquiry; Translating Vision to Action; Interpersonal Communication for Leaders; Managing Interpersonal Conflict as a Leader; Building Social Capital Across Cultures; Network Mapping: Locating Your Social Capital; Stakeholders Analysis; Building Coalitions; Building Effective Community Teams; Recruiting and Sustaining Volunteers; Getting the Most from Your Meetings.
WorldCat:www.worldcat.org/oclc/62408668

Author/Presenter:Lukas, Carol and Hoskins, Linda.Resource:Wilder Nonprofit Guide to Conducting Community Forums: Engaging Citizens, Mobilizing Communities, The.Publisher:St. Paul, MN: A.H. Wilder Foundation, 2003.Notes:Provides step-by-step instructions for planning and carrying out effective community forums with lasting results. Discusses how community forums can be powerful tools for educating the public, building consensus, focusing action, and influencing public policy
WorldCat:www.worldcat.org/oclc/51764127

Author/Presenter:Mattessich, Paul and Monsey, Barbara.Resource:Community Building: What Makes it Work – A Review of Factors Influencing Successful Community Building.Publisher:St. Paul, MN: Fieldstone Alliance, 1997.Notes:Discusses what does and doesn’t contribute to community-building success. Reveals 28 keys to more effective and efficient community-building
WorldCat:www.worldcat.org/oclc/36676036

Author/Presenter:
National Association of Area Agencies on Aging

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Resource:
Blueprint for Action: Developing a Livable Community for All Ages, A

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Publisher:
Washington, D.C.: National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, 2007

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Notes:
Discusses the key challenges and action steps needed to focus community energies on aging in place and developing livable communities for all ages
WorldCat:
www.worldcat.org/oclc/155718471