- Health is created by positive physical, social and economic conditions for all.
- Community improvement comes with community involvement, community organizing and capacity building -- building on the assets within the community.
- Successful partnerships and collaboration are based upon respect, honesty and open communication.
- Strength lies in a diversity of voices and perspectives.
- Growing organizations embody continuous learning - the on-going exchange of experiences and information to benefit all participants.
The above are some of the core defining values of the Center for Civic Partnerships’ programs and services. The Center is a leader and partner in the healthy cities and communities movement (an international movement/blueprint for creating positive physical, social and economic environments that support the well-being of its residents/members) and in the development of the nonprofit sector. They provide intensive technical assistance and consultation services (including one-on-one consultation, site visits and group facilitation) to over 100 cities and communities both inside and outside of California. One of these groups is the California Health Advocates (CHA), which is currently participating in their Organizational Development Services program. As a part of the Public Health Institute, the Center supports, guides and strengthens individuals, non-profit organizations, and a diversity of communities to develop, implement and sustain positive growth and improvements.
Their website reviews these programs and services, has a database of potential funding sources, and provides an array of publications including the recently published report, A Healthy Community Perspective on Aging Well: New Ideas for an Older California. This report serves as a call to action for policymakers, chief executives, planners, businesses, nonprofit leaders and residents as California will see its 65+ population more than double in the next 25 years, from 3.5 million in 2000 (10.6 percent of the state’s population) to 8.2 million in 2030 (17.8 percent). Through the examples of six case studies, it features promising practices, strategies and resources that communities can use to improve the health and quality of life for older adults. The report also contains a list of 35 strategies that cities and their partners can begin working on immediately. These strategies focus on:
- Community Involvement
- Varied Housing Options
- Transportation
- Employment
- Lifelong Learning
- Supportive Services
Each of the featured, innovative case studies started as a spark of creativity in someone’s mind. They are not only inspiring to read, but also contagious in helping planners, leaders, communities to begin thinking and planning in novel ways. For example, one case study describes the ‘reinventing of the senior center’ with Mather’s More Than a Café. Based in Chicago, this colorful, spacious café attracts patrons of all ages, yet particularly those 55 years and older. For them, the ‘menu’ also includes dozens of fun, educational activities from line dancing and yoga to online genealogy classes. Run by Mather Lifeways, an Illinios-based nonprofit dedicated to helping people age well, the cafe is providing an inspiring new model of neighborhood-based wellness for older adults. Placing it in a pedestrian district and having it designed to serve a small geographical area also cuts down on transportation problems for customers, many who arrive on foot or via public transportation. In addition, the retail model helps customers feel more empowered. While meals and classes are inexpensive (generally $2-7 for meals and $1-3 for classes), these fees fund 20-40 percent of the café’s costs with the rest covered by Mather Lifeways.
While the above is just one example from the report of an innovative approach in the area of older adult services, the Center for Civic Partnership’s programs and website encourage this type of original and successful planning and action in all areas. Their Tools and Resources section provides a wealth of information on numerous topics such as: building a collaborative, nonprofit board development, community organizing, staff, volunteer and team management, building an individual donor base, collaboration and social capital, media advocacy, conflict resolution, and strategic planning. Each topic has summarized ‘top tips,’ links to several websites, organizations, and online tools, and a recommended book list. Again, this information is a spring board for the development of creative solutions and positive, healthy community and/or organizational growth and improvement.
If you haven’t already, visit the Center’s website and plethora of resources at www.civicpartnerships.org.
