Toledo supports its young people - From the Glass City Jungle: "The organization, “America’s Promise” just released it’s 100 best communities for young people and Toledo, Ohio made the list. If you would like more information on the criteria, it can be found on their website where it gives you a break down. The criteria involve: Community support of children and youth, Resources children and youth receive (the Five Promises), Children and youth outcomes."
From the America's Promise Web site:
"We will also ensure that the 2007 100 Best list includes adequate representation of communities based on: Region of the country, Population density, Ethnicity rates, Population siz, Poverty rate."
"Cities as diverse as Grand Forks, North Dakota, Anchorage, Alaska and Chicago, Illinois, tackled unique challenges and went the extra mile to deliver the Five Promises young people need to succeed. Sponsored by Capital One, 100 Best showcases those communities whose innovative efforts to make children a priority inspire cities and communities across the country to take action."
"Toledo is one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People, in part, because of "Building for Success,” the single largest building project in the history of the Toledo. Through a city-school partnership, Toledo park land was exchanged to rebuild and renovate all district schools, in order to improve educational opportunities for generations."
WTVG story:
"There were 750 communities that applied for the top 100 distinction. Leaders talked about their vision to continue moving forward. The committee cited Toledo's construction of new schools, and increasing graduation rates as major contributing factors to its selection. Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur emphasized the need for a continued commitment to local museums and the zoo. The United Way of Greater Toledo nominated the city for the award."
Communities/regions on the top 100 list:
Ohio
- Findlay-Hancock County
- Toledo
Michigan
- Greater Midland Community
- Kalamazoo
- Lenawee County
- Marquette and Alger Counties
- Saginaw County
More detailed info about the 2007 100 Best Selection Criteria:
1. Community support of children and youth
* Engaging committed partners and collaborating effectively across sectors in order to provide public and private resources for children and youth
--- Convening community-wide cross-sector collaborations and/or small-group partnerships to work on behalf of children and youth
--- Providing opportunities for youth leadership and voice in the community decision-making process
--- Establishing a comprehensive community plan for addressing the needs of children and youth
--- Providing a wide range of programs for children and youth for each of the resources children and youth need to thrive
* Raising Awareness, using data, and driving action toward the needs of children and youth
--- Created one or more public awareness campaigns to promote positive youth development
--- Analyzing and/or reporting data on the well-being of children and youth in the community
--- Making children and youth a policy priority in the community
* Overcoming challenges that are facing a community and its children and youth
2. Resources children and youth receive
* Caring adults
* Safe places
* Healthy start
* Effective education
* Opportunities to help others
3. Children and youth outcomes
* Educational attainment/achievement
* Psychological health
* Physical health
* Healthy behaviors
* Self-sufficiency
* Civic engagement
Other important factors in determining the 100 Best include:
* Community innovations in the areas of policy, practice and resources
* Progress to date and plans for the coming year
posted by jr to news at 5:37 P.M. EST
(3 Comments)
Comments ...
Nice to see Toledo getting praise for something it is doing!!
posted by NIMBY at 08:34 P.M. EST on Thu Jan 25, 2007 #
love it! I like living in Toledo, but so many people I know only want to focus on the negatives. It's nice for the city to be recognized for something positive.
posted by frosty at 01:01 P.M. EST on Sat Jan 27, 2007 #
And,--3 of the communities are in our Lake Erie West Region! From a global perspective, a region with many communities is an easier sell than individual cities. Our region has sustainable competitive advantages that both coasts can't emulate. What is needed is leadership from the private sector to make the world sit up and take notice.
posted by lew at 03:41 P.M. EST on Sun Jan 28, 2007 #
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