Technical Assistance and Training Strategy

Neighborhoods Using Data and Indicators

The Technical Assistance and Training Strategy implements the use of the Alliance's uniquely innovative curriculum designed to enhance clarity about data and indicators, and help neighborhood residents and leaders understand and utilize data and indicators strategically in their work toward improving neighborhoods and overall quality of life.

The Training curriculum was designed by the organizations who are affiliated with the Alliance and work one-on-one with neighborhood groups to assist them in improving their quality of life. These groups include the Neighborhood Design Center, the Baltimore City Planning Department, Baltimore Neighborhood Collaborative, Cherry Hill 2000, Citizens Planning and Housing Association, and others.

Technical training is delivered through:

Workshops integrated into current community building, organizing, and leadership trainings such as the Citizens Planning and Housing Association's (CPHA) Leadership Institute and Citizen Action Days, the Baltimore Neighborhood Collaborative, and many others.

Other events and trainings which the Alliance co-sponsors or is asked to participate.

One-on-one sessions with communities, non-profits, funders, businesses, and others who work to improve neighborhoods.

The curriculum contains workshops and activities that can be tailored to a variety of participants and skill levels, and adapted to fit the goals and interests of the group.

Throughout this past year, the Alliance implemented this strategy with neighborhood residents, non-profit groups, funders, city agencies, businesses, and several others.

Contact the Alliance directly for more information about the curriculum.

This innovative curriculum consists of two major sections::

What are Data? What are Indicators? Participants learn:

The basics of data and indicators, using and understanding data, data terminology, and the definitions and caveats of specific data items.

About indicators, how to use indicators, the indicators development process, and benchmarks.

How to obtain data through various sources including the Alliance's tools - the Vital Signs Reports, the interactive mapping tools on the Alliance website, and from the Alliance office.

Bringing it all together: Using the Vital Signsin a "results-based approach to decision making" process, participants learn:

The process for choosing the Vital Signs - outcome indicators to help track progress;

To utilize the Vital Signs to plan strategies and direct resources to improve neighborhoods for the long term;

To understand the overall impact these strategies have on changing neighborhood conditions;

Adapt this process to work for their respective communities.

Estabishing "Access Points"

Partnerships with the public libraries, job training centers and community centers are being established in order to provide portals or "Access Points" to the Vital Signs reports and resources on the Alliance website. Staff of the organization designated as an "Access Point" are trained to use the website and can answer specific questions in order to be a helpful resource for users.

Contact the Alliance for more information.