change agents
October 2010

Community Science: On the Forefront of Community Change Initiatives
Community Science has long been recognized for our expertise and knowledge in the development, implementation and evaluation of comprehensive community and other large systems change initiatives. 


For those interested in learning more about what's really working in Community Change Initiatives, here's a brief overview of three current Community Science projects.
 

Crossroads Charlotte:  Community ScienceCrossroads Charlotte logo is working with the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation to learn about the impact of the Foundation's grant making in Charlotte, North Carolina through a project called Crossroads Charlotte.  Continue reading...


Building Healthy Communities Community Capacity Assessment:  Community Science continues to work with The California Endowment on executing its strategic vision - bringing about community change in order to make measurable differences in improving the health of underserved communities and in creating environments where children are healthy, safe and ready to learn.  Continue reading...


Next Generation Community Change:  What have we learned about implementing successful CCIs?  What works and what doesn't?  The Annie E. Casey Foundation has contracted with Community Science to help them plan the next generation of CCIs.  Continue reading...


NEW CLIENT:  Knight Foundation
Assessing the Impact of Crossroads Charlotte

Community Science is working with the Knight Fdn logoJohn S. and James L Knight Foundation to document and ass
ess the impact of Crossroads Charlotte, an initiative begun in 2001 when Charlotte, North Carolina, was one of 40 communities that participated in a survey that revealed the community had high levels of faith-based involvement and philanthropy but ranked next to last in levels of social and interracial trust.

Using qualitative and quantitative methods, Community Science's team is examining the impact of the initiative through interviews with key stakeholders and a survey of community leaders. In addition, Community Science will generate useful lessons about the grant making and community engagement work in Charlotte that may help inform future efforts in other communities.  Community Science is also using the data and its consultation and planning skills to assist Crossroads Charlotte in developing plans to strengthen the initiative.  Continue reading...
Community Science Announces Two Staff Promotions

Kien Lee, Ph.D., has been promoted to Vice President and Principal Associate.  In addition to her ongoing leadership of various K Lee headshotprojects and services, Kien will also now be responsible for managing our network offices and government grants and contracts.  Kien joined our company as its second employee soon after it was founded in 1997 and has grown into an internationally recognized expert in the evaluation and implementation of immigrant integration, cross cultural competence, community change and leadership diversity programs. Her abilities and commitment to excellence have been an essential part of Community Science's success. Among her current projects, Kien is leading Community Science's team evaluating the U.S. Health and Human Services Department, Office of Minority Health's National Partnership for Action to End Health Disparities.

LaKeesha Woods, Ph.D., has been promoted to Senior Associate. Over the past three years LaKeesha has contributed significantly to LaKeeshaCommunity Science's success through her technical,
management, and leadership skills on several highly visible projects.  She is now charged with facilitating growth and assisting clients with long-term strategy and implementation.  LaKeesha is the co-Project Director for the Nassau County Family Support System of Care and The Partnership for a Drug Free America Parents: You Matter! Initiatives. 
Community Science in the Community...
David Chavis Selected for the Class of 2011 of Leadership Montgomery
A nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, Leadership Montgomery brings together current and emerging leaders in Montgomery County, MD and offers them intensive hands-on study and a forum to discuss issues and challenges such as communities, transportation, education, public safety, sustainability, multiculturalism, and the arts.  Program participants are identified as individuals who will use their leadership for the long-term benefit of the community.
Community Science is Growing
Further your interest in promoting social change

If you're interested in a dynamic work environment and want to use your professional skills to promote social change, Community Science is currently recruiting for the following positions:

1) Senior Associate - Research & Capacity Building to lead and manage research and technical assistance tasks for national, state, and local projects addressing health disparities, comprehensive community change, and community substance abuse prevention coalitions.

2) Managing Associate - Research & Capacity Building to lead research and technical assistance tasks for national, state, and local projects addressing health disparities, comprehensive community change, and community substance abuse prevention coalitions.
To view the full position descriptions and learn more about Community Science and our team approach (plus great benefits) to promoting social change, visit Community Science.com.
About Us

At Community Science, our group practice of social change professionals is committed to building healthy, just, and equitable communities.  Our practice areas include:

  • Community & Systems Change
  • Immigrant Integration 
  • Innovating for Social Impact
  • Social Return on Investment
Our Services include:
  • Research and evaluation, and evaluation capacity building
  • Consultation and technical assistance
  • Training
  • Educational products
  • Performance monitoring and learning systems
  • Initiative support
To discuss how Community Science can collaborate with your team, contact us at 301-519-0722 or [email protected].

Connecting Knowledge with Social Change
In this Issue...
Learning from Crossroads Charlotte
David Chavis Recognized as Community Leader
Promote Social Change
Conferences of Note
In every community, there is work to be done.  In every nation, there are wounds to heal.  In every heart, there is the power to do it.
 - Marianne Wiliamson

Conferences of Note:
APHA Annual Meeting and Expo, November 6-10, Denver, CO; for information: APHA

BoardSource Leadership Forum, Nov. 10-11, San Francisco; for information: Board Source

AEA Evaluation 2010, November 10-13, San Antonio, TX; for more information:
AEA

Global Health & Innovation Conference, April 16-17, 2011, New Haven, CT; for information: Unite for Sight
U.S Census Bureau releases the American Community Survey e-Tutorial
American Community Survey shows how people live
The U.S Census Bureau has announce the release of the American Community Survey (ACS) e-Tutorial, an interactive program that will assist users by educating them on a wide range of topics, such as how communities benefit from participation and how to access data using American FactFinder (AFF). The e-Tutorial can be accessed directly from here or on the main ACS site (view the menu under "Guidance for Data Users").
 
The ACS is conducted every year to provide up-to-date information about the social and economic needs of  communities. The ACS shows
how people live--education, housing, jobs and more. For example, results may be used to decide where new schools, hospitals, and emergency services are needed. In contrast, the census is conducted once every 10 years to provide an official count of the entire U.S. population to Congress.