Mapping and Documenting Strategies

I'd like to point to three links on the Tutor/Mentor Connection web site that I think would be valuable resources for anyone working to help kids move from poverty neighborhoods to 21st century jobs and careers.

Pathways Mapping Initiative
In their overview they write, "This website holds a wealth of findings about what it takes to improve the lives of children and families living in America's tough neighborhoods. Community coalitions, providers of services and supports, funders, and policymakers will find a broad collection of information about what works in social programs and policies to achieve desired results, including increased rates of children ready for school and higher numbers of economically successful families."

Community Toolbox of the University of Kansas
This site provides tools that non profits and community organizations can use. This particular link goes to a page focused on gathering information and evaluating progress.

Tutor/Mentor Leadership and Networking Conference, Nov. 21 at Chicago Field Museum
This is an event we host in Chicago every six months to draw people together to network and learn from each other. The people who attend these conferences, and visit our web sites would probably find a lot of value from the Pathways Mapping Initiative and the Community Tool Box, if they knew they existed and had the manpower in their own organizations to put these ideas to work. One of the goals of the conference is to attract donors who might fund the work of the conference participants, so the do have the resources they need to apply these ideas.

Tutor/Mentor Connection Organizational History and Tracking System
This is the documentation system T/MC created in 2000, borrowing from ideas being created at the University of Kansas. Click into the discussion pages to ask questions and share your own ideas about how such a system is intended to be used.