Using maps. Take a look at the new Tutor/Mentor Interactive Program Locator

While the Tutor/Mentor Connection uses concept maps, it also uses real maps, like this one, to tell the story of poverty, poor schools, and tutor/mentor programs.

We've launched a new interactive Chicago Tutor/Mentor Program Locator and Mike Trakan has written a great introduction on his blog.

This map is an example of how we tell stories. It shows participation in the May 2008 Tutor/Mentor Leadership and Networking Conference. The next conference is May 28 and 29 and we're accepting registrations now. You can already see names of some people planning to attend. As you register, you can choose to add your own name to the list. That way other people who are attending can make plans to meet you, and you'll be able to connect with more of the people you want to me.

Thus, when we do the map following this conference, hopefully we'll show participation from the same locations as in 2008, but we'll also add people from other parts of the city where tutor/mentor programs are needed.

That's the beauty of the new interactive program locator. You can create views that not only show what programs are in different parts of the city; you can now create view showing potential partners, such as banks , or faith groups, who are in different neighborhoods.

Using these maps tutor/mentor programs can mobilize more support from the other stakeholders in the neighborhood, working in collaboration with others. Thus, when you're thinking about the May conference, think of the partners who you might bring to the conference so they can learn how to help your neighborhood have a world-class, Olympic Gold-level tutor/mentor program.

We'd like to hear comments about how people are using the Program Locator, and any problems. Just email me at tutormentor2@earthlink.net or post comments on our blogs.

I'd like to thank the anonymous donor who gave Cabrini Connections, Tutor/Mentor Connection $50,000 in 2007 to build our mapping capacity and this Program Locator. We could not have done t his without your help.

Now, I'd like to find another donor who will help us keep this going for the next year or two!!