Community Leadership Handbook

Tools for people seeking to improve their communitiesThis significant guide puts the tools of democracy into everyones hands. Based on the best of Blandin Foundations 20-year experience in developing community leaders, it gives community memberslike yourselfthe tools to bring people together to make changes.Here are some of the useful resources youll find:Identifying Community AssetsCommunity Problem AnalysisAccessing Community DataAppreciative InquiryTranslating Vision to ActionInterpersonal Communication for LeadersManaging Interpersonal Conflict as a LeaderBuilding Social Capital Across CulturesNetwork Mapping: Locating Your Social CapitalStakeholders AnalysisBuilding CoalitionsBuilding Effective Community TeamsRecruiting and Sustaining VolunteersGetting the Most from Your MeetingsYour roadmap to community leadershipAcross the country, individuals and groups are hearing a bugle call to action. Rural, urban, rich, poor, left, right, and everywhere in betweencommunity members are waking up to bridge differences and make their communities the best they can be. If you want to make a difference where you live, this book is your roadmap. If you attend early and late night meetings to figure out what needs to get done, this book is your handbook. If you give your time and energy to make things happen, this book is your guide. If you work to involve your neighbors to solve problems, this book is your ally. Carefully crafted examplesbased on real-life leadership issueshelp you see how to put the tools of leadership to work where you live, today.Whether you are an active community member who wants to make a difference, a nonprofit leader serving the community, a leadership advisor, a government liaison called on to convene the community, a business leader, a public servant, or a foundation program officer specializing in community needs, you will find in this book the tools and theories essential to getting your work done.