Maps, Maps and More Maps

The concept map below shows some of the data/visualization platforms I point to. These and many more are highlighted in stories on the Mapping For Justice blog, which I've hosted since 2008 to highlight the use of maps as part of planning and leadership strategies. If you don't visit that blog regularly, you're missing out on some great resources.

As we head into Labor Day, leaders of volunteer-based tutoring, mentoring and learning programs in every city and state are looking for volunteers to pair with kids as school starts, or to help them build and sustain strong organizations. Here's a list of Chicago area organizations who all need volunteer and donor support. I organize this by sections of the city and suburbs for two reasons. a) It helps volunteers and parents locate programs near where they live/work. b) It highlights the need to help programs in every neighborhood grow to become great programs.

As you browse the list of programs you'll see fewer programs in some parts of the region than in others. You'll also see a big difference in the information posted on web sites, and the strength/sophistication of programs. With consistent volunteer and donor support we ought to be able to look at this list every year and see constant improvement in every program.

I created this graphic almost 20 years ago to illustrate the role business should be playing in pulling kids through school and into the workforce. One of the primary roles every business can take is to encourage employees to become volunteers in youth serving organizations and schools, offering time as tutors/mentors and talent as leaders, planners, tech support, fund raisers, etc.

Chris Jarvis Owner, RealizedWorth, posted this article showing the Unique Role of Corporations.

While it's too late now to do creative planning that results in more volunteers supporting more programs in cities across the country, it's a great time to recruit a team of volunteers who will dig into the information and ideas I share, and build a strategy that begins to mobilize volunteer time and talent by next spring.