For quick reference to categories within this list, use the following links.
Bibliographies/Indexes/Information Resources
Citizen Participation/Collaboration/Community Development
Data Sites
Economic Development
Environment/Energy
Government and Extension Sites
Health
Housing
Institutes/Centers/Networks
Papers/Publications/Newsletters
Planning
Research
Rural Development
Bibliographies/Indexes/Information Resources
Building Community: Online Resources
A collection of papers, resources, and links on community networks. Part of the Boulder Community Network home page.
City of Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada
Access to pages on strategic planning, performance measurement, GIS, and more.
Operated by Contact Center Network, this searchable, interactive site contains a global directory (with hot links) of more than 8,000 nonprofit Web sites.
Librarian's Guide to the Best Information on the Net
"How Much, How Many? Statistical Sources and Calculation Tools on the Net," including economic and social statistics, plus useful formulas. Maintained by St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa!
Michael G. Dolence & Associates
Although geared toward academic administrators (through "Transforming Higher Education World Tours," virtual, of course), the section on strategic planning in complex organizations may be of interest.
NASA Library's Program/Project Management Resource Lists
An incredible 50 bibliographies, such as The Benchmarking Process, Creative Problem Solving, Partnering, Vision & Strategic Planning, with each bibliography containing many references for books and articles.
On-Line Resources for Rural Community Economic Development
This is part of Aspen Institute's Web site in the Rural Economic Policy Program. The long list contains databases, e-mail group lists, news groups, Web sites and more. Unfortunately, there are currently no hot links (11-96).
"A multi-state Extension materials database." Documents are not available online, but there is ordering information.
"StateSearch is a service of the National Association of State Information Resource Executives and is designed to serve as a topical clearinghouse to state government information on the Internet." Categories of interest may be Economic Development and Tourism, for example.
US Community Building and Renewal Resources
Links to organizations and publications.
Links to US cities.
W.K. Kellogg Collection of Rural Community Development Resources
Although the actual materials are non-circulating, the bibliography is annotated and contains ordering information. Topics include: community development, strategic planning, telecommunication/education, leadership development, economic development, land use/natural resources, and health care.
Citizen Participation/Collaboration/Community Development
Alliance for Redesigning Government
Searchable site with case studies and an online newsletter, The Public Innovator.
An initiative of the National Civic League. Offers "Community Stories Index" and "Community Renewal Resource Listings," plus an online newsletter.
"The American News Service reports on citizens creating safer neighborhoods, better schools, jobs for the unemployed and homes for the homeless." Free subscriptions are currently available. ANS is a project of the Center for Living Democracy (www.sover.net/~cld).
Asset-Based Community Development Institute
John P. Kretzmann and John L. McKnight, authors of Building Community from the Inside Out, co-direct this institute based at Northwestern University. Several online essays and information on publications.
Building Collaborative Communities
Building Collaborative Communities by Scott London, November 1995. Discusses principles of collaboration, collaborative leadership, limits of collaboration, and has a reference list.
Focuses on using electronic networks to increase civic participation. Project examples and links.
Citizen Leadership Institute of Gulf Coast Community College (FL) provides training "to cultivate grassroots citizen leaders who will engage in problem solving at the community level." Articles, newsletter, and program information available online.
Sponsors interactive workshops.
"Civic Practices Network (CPN) is a collaborative and nonpartisan project bringing together a diverse array of organizations and perspectives within the new citizenship movement." A searchable site containing online publications, case studies, and links to other organizations.
"The Community Development Society (CDS) exists to encourage and facilitate the exchange of ideas, information and expertise among individuals and organizations engaged in, or concerned with, community development as a vehicle for change in a constantly evolving world civilization." Contains an online library with links to CD-related Web sites, including health and participatory research.
Community Information Exchange
An information service with online databases and customized service.
Community-Oriented Government (COG)
Questions and answers about Fort Wayne, Indiana's COG, a step beyond Community Policing, to "empower citizens so they can work in partnership with local government to solve problems at a grassroots level."
Federal Programs and Community Renewal
White House releases and links to federal agencies/programs in economic & community development, jobs, environment, education, etc.
"Linking the human services community" with news, action alerts, and links to congressional, White House, and Supreme Court information, including a link to Congressional Quarterly.
A searchable site connecting people and organizations "that are coordinating action to change our world for the better."
Institute for the Study of Civic Values
A searchable site with papers, speeches, program descriptions and links to a wide range of organizations (left and right), around the basic principles of civic values, community, civic literacy and democracy.
Municipal Information Exchange
"Linking local governments in New York State to Cornell University resources," with links in the areas of telecommunications, local government and community development.
As of 12/96 the only link with information was to Alliance for National Renewal. Under construction???
National Network for Collaboration
"The National Network for Collaboration (NNCO) provides technical assistance in building collaborations at the community grassroots level...." Online materials available.
Start here and access papers, search for non-profits, and look for email discussion groups. A link to NOL National, which has links to agencies and programs in housing, crime, education, etc.
Training and linking "online activists." NetAction Notes newsletter and links.
New Iowa Schools Development Corporation (NISDC)
A broad-based effort to create "new Iowa schools." Program information and an Internet address directory of NISCD training participants.
North Central Kansas Community Network
An example of a regional project with the slogan, "The Internet Solution for the Rural Community," and a goal "to bring a true sense of community to all residents of a region known only by a generic name North Central Kansas." Meet the people and places.
PRAXIS: Resources for Social and Economic Development
Focus is international development, designed for "social work educators and students with international interests; and, other educators and students who require assistance in locating useful national and international resources on social and economic development." MANY links.
Pew Partnership for Civic Change
"The Pew Partnership is a national initiative committed to community building, especially in the smaller cities of our nation." The site contains some online reports and brief descriptions of participating communities.
"Official network of the International Association for Public Participation." Searchable library with online papers.
"The principal objective of these educational programs is to provide information that enables citizens to become more informed and effective participants in the policymaking process at the local, state and national levels."
Sustainable Communities Network
"A comprehensive resource for citizens working to create healthy and vital communities." Searchable site with layers of resources and links in the areas of: creating community; smart growth; growing a sustainable economy; protecting natural resources; living sustainably; and governing community.
Information on the Sustainable Seattle initiative, discussion of indicators.
"The Tucson Institute is a nonpartisan, nonprofit, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt educational charity for better citizenship."
"The overall theme here is to make the world a better place, to see things in a positive light..." Contains: Positive Vibrations, Whole Systems, Global Ideas Bank, Links, among others. A bit beyond the mainstream.
Government Information Sharing Project
Operated by Oregon State University's Information Services, this is an excellent, easy-to-use, well-organized site with demographic, economic and education data from a number of sources. Data set examples: USA Counties 1996; 1992 Economic Census; Census of Agriculture ('82, '87 and '92). Also has excellent links to government Web sites in 18 subject areas.
ISU maintains Iowa Public Resources Online, which is "dedicated to providing information in support of local community education, planning, and change."
Office of Social & Economic Data Analysis
U.S. and Missouri-specific demographic and economic data, public policy projects, several online newsletters, and links to social and economic Web sites.
Access to US census data and more.
Contains a sample of data found in Statistical Abstract of the United States, including Frequently Requested Tables, State Rankings (by various categories, such as infant mortality, average annual pay, energy consumption per person), State and County Profiles, and USA Statistics in Brief.
"A nonprofit organization promoting excellence in research for economic and community development."
Aspen Institute's Rural Economic Policy Program
Publications listing, online resources (not linked) and program descriptions.
Empowerment Zone and Enterprise Community Program
Describes program efforts, tools, and success stories, plus other community development information.
Somewhere in the many, confusing layers are links to sites like Bureau of Labor Statistics, Census Bureau Home Page, and Department of Labor.
Short articles directed toward business development, on topics like market research, retail strategy, organizational vision, strategic planning.
Small Business Administration (SBA)
Searchable site with information on SBA programs, workshops, shareware and more, plus links to SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Exectives), Small Business Development Centers (including Iowa), Women in Business sites, and MORE.
"Strategic Management Group is an internationally recognized management development and training organization providing business seminars, business simulations, and business training products to clients around the world." Offers a Business Resource Library and links to training and development Web sites.
Center for Global & Regional Environmental Research, U of Iowa
IOWATCH newsletter, links to Web sites on Iowa's environment, and more.
Community-Based Environmental Protection
Case studies, tools and resources.
Searchable site with citations for DOE scientific and technical reports, links to other sites, news from DOE, and more.
Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDE)
ETDE is a program of the International Energy Agency. The searchable site contains an Energy Database and several online newsletters.
Institute for Environmental Studies, University of Toronto
Search for environmental studies literature and monographs (one full-text), then go to ES home page and find research papers, current contents of environmental journals, and excellent and extensive links.
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
"NREL is the nation's leading laboratory for renewable energy and energy efficiency research." Research and program information, full-text papers, links, and an online form to "Ask an Energy Expert."
Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
"This new service will assist communities throughout the United States by providing world-class consultation and information on sustainable development."
"Internet Information Center of the Center for Renewable Energy & Sustainable Technology," with case studies, papers, and MANY links.
Government and Extension Sites
"A*DEC is a national consortium of state universities and land grand institutions providing high quality and economic distance education programs and services via the latest and most appropriate information technologies."
"Cooperative Extension System's (CES) children, youth and family information service," with links to National Decisions for Health Network, National Network for Child Care, National Network for Collaboration, National Network for Family Resiliency, National Network for Science and Technology Literacy, and Community-based Programs.
Overview of services offered, information on ordering publications, instructions on accessing Natural Resources GIS library.
Iowa State University Extension
Home page for ISU Extension.
Searchable site with fact sheets; news releases; biology, geology and water resources information; and links to related information sources.
Searchable home page. Also, "Government Information Locator Service" and "Government Information Exchange" availabe under Search.
USDA Cooperative State Research, Education & Extension Service
Success stories, program and grant information, newsletters, and links.
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
All about NRCS.
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
The searchable site contains reports, links, Hazardous Substances & Public Health newsletter, and Environmental Data Needed for Public Health Assessments (manual).
Center on Aging and Health in Rural America
Barebones information about this research organization located at Penn State.
"Join Together Online is a resource center and meeting place for communities working to reduce the harms associated with the use of illicit drugs, excessive alcohol and tobacco."
National Decisions for Health Network
"The mission of the National Decisions for Health Network (NDHN) is to support and empower individuals, children, youth, families and communities as they make decisions about health and health care and adopt healthy lifestyles."
RuralNet: Marshall University School of Medicine Rural Health Resource
Links to rural health resources, Reuters daily health summaries, and more.
Links to related resources, Web pages of cohousing community groups, discussion group.
Community Connections Information Center
HUD's Office of Community Planning and Development operates this site. Program information, newsletter, and MANY links.
ISU's Department of Community and Regional Planning, in cooperation with IDED, assists communities with housing needs assessments.
National Housing Institute (NHI)
"NHI is committed to solving the nation's low-income housing crisis by providing information, developing innovative programs and supporting a broad coalition to focus the nation on housing and related community issues." The site contains Neighborhood News, the NHI newsletter Shelterforce Online, and housing related links.
US Department of Housing and Urban Development's Home and Communities Page
Downloadable documents, links to public policy sites, HUD program area pages, community center with information and links.
"The Aspen Institute is an international nonprofit educational institution dedicated to enhancing the quality of leadership through informed dialogue." This site contains press releases, current events listings, programs descriptions and full-text publications.
"The Carter Center in Atlanta, Ga., is a nonprofit, nonpartisan public
institute founded by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn, in 1982.
The Center is dedicated to fighting disease, hunger, poverty, conflict,
and oppression through collaborative initiatives in the areas of democratization
and development, global health, and urban revitalization."
Center for Living Democracy (CLD)
This site provides basic information about CLD, which is directed by Frances Moore Lappé and Paul Martin Du Bois, a brief newsletter ("Doing Democracy"), and a link to American News Service (www.americannews.com), one of CLD's major initiatives.
Center for Neighborhood Technology
"To promote public policies, new resources and accountable authority which supports sustainable, just and vital urban communities."
Center for Sustainable Communities
An excellent site which contains a library, a 10-step tutorial on developing a sustainable community, community case studies, plus links and contact information for other sustainable development sites.
Center of Excellence for Sustainable Development
Contains a "Sustainable Development ToolKit" with indicators, success stories, papers, and links.
Information on events, publications, articles from The Responsive Community, links to other sites, and the newsletter, The Communitarian Reporter.
Institute for Global Communications (IGC)
"IGC sustains five online communities of activists and organizations through PeaceNet, EcoNet, LaborNet, ConflictNet, and WomensNet." The respective sites contain headlines, action alerts, and features. A Members Directory provides links to many projects and organizations.
Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR)
"ILSR is a non-profit research and educational organization that provides technical assistance and information on environmentally sound economic development strategies."
Institute for the Study of Civic Values
A searchable site with papers, speeches, program descriptions and links to a wide range of organizations (left and right), around the basic principles of civic values, community, civic literacy and democracy.
"Making Science and Technology Responsive to Democratically Decided Social and Environmental Concerns." Information from a Community Research Network conference, articles, and links.
National Network for Family Resiliency (NNFR)
"The goal of NNFR is to bring together educators, researchers, agency personnel, families, advocates for families, and practitioners who share interest in strengthening families."
National Network for Science and Technology
The site "is comprised of activities and experiments to enhance non-formal science and technology programs for youth."
Online newsletter, bibliographic and ordering information for publications in the areas of energy, water, economic renewal, agriculture, global security, green development, transportation.
Strategic Futures International (SFI)
Although SFI works at macro, policy-level issues in strategic planning, their "Links to the Future" may be of interest, and includes organizations, people, publications and more.
Papers/Publications/Newsletters
Found under research and then research publications.
Building Collaborative Communities
Building Collaborative Communities by Scott London, November 1995. Discusses principles of collaboration, collaborative leadership, limits of collaboration, and has a reference list.
Communications as Engagement: A Communications Strategy for Community Revitalization
A report commissioned by the Rockefeller Foundation. The site also contains a searchable, extensive resource list divided into 15 areas, including visioning, leadership development, citizen participation, and neighborhood & community organizations.
The Community Visioning and Strategic Planning Handbook
Seven chapters and an extensive bibliography.
Found under research and then research publications.
The Makings of a Good Meeting: A Skills Development Manual
By Kevin Wolf. Can be downloaded or ordered by email.
"The Update addresses rural and small town community economic development, with summaries and pointers to items on the Internet, in major media, and in organizational newsletters and journals." Not available online, but subscribe electronically, which is free.
Good books.
Electronic Discussion Groups in Planning
A listing of just what it says.
Gregory D. Shanklin, Attorney, Planner & Architect
Internet resource listings and links in law, planning and architecture.
"Performance Strategies, Inc. empowers people and organizations to envision their success, create their opportunities, assess their strengths and resources, and increase their effectiveness." Online articles on strategic planning.
Pratt Institute Center for Community & Economic Development
An example of a university planning department's partnership with local organizations (established in 1963) to "enhance the capacity of low- and moderate-income communities to develop innovative solutions to the physical, social, and economic challenges facing them." The site contains online papers, links, and publications/research to order.
A course at the University of Sydney. Contains a few links.
Institute for Advanced Interdisciplinary Research
Futures-oriented. Some papers available under Issues.
Participatory Action Research Network (PARnet)
Publications online, useful techniques, and a registry of PAR colleagues.
Aspen Institute's Rural Economic Policy Program
Publications listing, online resources (not linked) and program descriptions.
The site is under construction, but looks like it will provide information on a specific rural development initiative in Ohio.
Rural Clearinghouse Information Server
"The Rural Clearinghouse for Lifelong Education and Development is a national effort to improve rural access to continuing education." Full-text articles and links to rural resources on the Web.
Rural Economic Development Action Team
"USDA agencies working together for rural development."
Rural Information Center (RIC)
RIC, located at the National Agricultural Library, "provides information and referral services to those working with and for rural communities and rural community groups and individuals." Searchable site with extensive bibliographies, information on rural conferences, links, and more.
Rural Policy Research Institute
Publications to order, some links, and a general overview.
Part of the National Rural Development Partnership. Links to resources in areas such as government/extension, agriculture, telecommunications, health, economic development.
Rural and Small Town Programme (RSTP)
RSTP, located at Mount Allison University in New Brunswick, is a research center "dedicated to exploring and resolving social, environmental, and economic issues facing small communities in Canada." Rural-interest listserves and discusssion groups, plus links, may be helpful.
Searchable site with extensive links.
"Development Ideas That Work," online discussion groups, community
development information, rural issues and the 1996 Farm Bill, and links with economic
development resources.
Building Communities for
Tomorrow
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