GoodNeighbors.net is a web-based database free for anyone to use to pool and publish alphabetized lists of resources and track frequency, levels and types of engagement at the grassroots. It was developed as an on-line Open Space architecture where individuals and groups function as a whole integrated system at all levels of community. Enter NCDD in the Group ID to be interconnected with NCDD members. Submitted by Cheryl Honey of the Family Support Network, International. Cheryl is a social architect who pioneered Community Weaving, a ... (continue)

A Resilience Circle is a small group of 10 – 20 people that comes together to increase personal security during these challenging times. Circles have three purposes: learning, mutual aid, and social action. The economy and environment are going through a deep transition, leaving many of us feeling anxious and economically insecure. We’re facing unemployment, foreclosure, lost savings, and a rapidly changing environment. Many of us are isolated and face these challenges without the support of a community. In response, people are forming small “Resilience ... (continue)

“Hawo’s Dinner Party” is a resource to support conversations and actions around building bridges between refugees from Muslim majority countries and receiving communities in the U.S. in the lead up to the 10th Anniversary of 9/11. This 30-minute DVD will serve as a tool for service providers, grassroots community groups and employers nationwide that are helping to integrate newcomers with unique needs, often against considerable obstacles. NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS. Contact sahar@activevoice.net to learn more. (continue)

This 2008 book by Peter Block (Berrett-Koehler Publishers) is an exploration of the exact way community can emerge from fragmentation: How is community built? How does the transformation occur? What fundamental shifts are involved? He explores a way of thinking about our places that creates an opening for authentic communities to exist and details what each of us can do to make that happen. Here’s an excerpt from a review of the book by Scott London: In his much-discussed new book, Community: The Structure of ... (continue)

How can collective deliberation by citizens lead to wise and timely action on climate change, including by municipal and provincial governments? Alberta (Canada) is a testing ground for this question over the next five yearsn (2010 to 2015). An international team of scholars, NGOs, businesses, and governments will be addressing it, supported by $1 million in funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and over $3 million in contributions from other sources. (continue)

The issue guide, “Fulfilling Our e-State Potential: Building Community in a ‘Connected’ Age” on Everyday Democracy’s Issue Guide Exchange, is designed to help citizens deliberate about ways to use e-state technology to help enhance community and civic life. It’s designed to be used during a one-day symposium and includes an exploration of community, scenarios to help explore e-state opportunities and challenges, an exercise to identify e-state values, and opportunities to identify action steps. (continue)

This 2004 case study by the Public Agenda examines the organization’s work with the Nebraska State Board of Education and the Nebraska Department of Education, where it helped to design and implement a public engagement process to address the issue of how to define the “essential education” for all students. Public Agenda conducted focus groups and helped selected districts facilitate discussion forums with more than 370 parents, students, educators (teachers, principals and superintendents) and members of the general public. Resource Link: http://www.publicagenda.org/public-engagement-projects/nebraskans-weigh-essential-educational-opportunities-all-students (continue)

A 2005 report by Public Agenda on 10 years of public engagement on public education topics in over 70 communities across Connecticut. Supported by the William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund, the report serves as a comprehensive case study of how public engagement can work in communities across America and discusses the specific accomplishments in Connecticut. (continue)

This primer for revitalizing democracy from the ground up can be downloaded for free or ordered for $1.50 per copy. (continue)

CBCRC is a network of researchers, mediators and facilitators, government agencies, community groups and environmental groups which seek to understand and assess local collaborative efforts involving natural resources and community development. CBCRC provides a venue for the sharing of research, evaluation and case studies; emerging stewardship issues and practice; and policy outcomes concerning community based collaborative processes. (continue)