In an earlier article, we explored Strategic Planning as a tool for community development. In classic strategic planning, stakeholders are involved in considering the current situation of a community, the trends that are impacting the community, and discovery of gaps in services and resources. The process is generally led by an external facilitator. Very often it includes a SWOT analysis, where the organization's strengths (S) and weaknesses (W) are identified, andthe opportunities (O) and threats (T) it is facing are examined. The outcome from a SWOT Analysis enables organizations to focus on strengths, minimize weaknesses, address threats, and take advantage of opportunities available.

Another approach to planning for community development is asset-based community development (ABCD), which focuses on recognizing and mobilizing individual and community talents, skills, and assets, rather than focusing on problems and needs. Much of the research and development of this method was done by John McKnight and John Kretzmann, from the Asset-Based Community Development Institute, at Northwestern University.

ABCD builds on several assumptions and skills:

• Appreciative Inquiry, which identifies and analyzes the community's past successes. Through this process, past success lead the community or organization to future action.
• ABCD focuses on the power of relationships and informal linkages within communities, as well as relationships with external institutions.
• Asset Based Community Development has an internal focus, which encourages ownership of the development process.
• ABCD places priority on collaborative efforts that make the best use of the community or organizations' own resource base.
• ABCD engages people as citizens rather than clients in development.

Strategic planning, visioning, appreciative inquiry, and Asset-based Community development have all been shown to be effective for organizations and communities. The key to success appears to be the inclusiveness of the process and the efforts made to put the plan into effect.

For more information about Asset-Based Community Development: http://www.northwestern.edu/ipr/abcd/abcdbackground.html

- By: Jeri Marxman, Extension Specialist, Public Policy

. SPRINGFIELD – The legislature proclaimed the first full week in March as "Local Government Week" in Illinois. The Senate adopted the resolution on May 18 with SR0152, while the House of Representatives had adopted the resolution earlier on April 14 with HJR0023.

A coalition of Illinois local government associations and state legislators proposed the designation of "Local Government Week" beginning in March 2008. The drive was announced during a press conference at the Illinois State Capitol on March 6.

State Representative Michael Tryon (R-Crystal Lake) sponsored the resolution to create "Local Government Week." The proposal was an outgrowth of the Partnership for Local Government Education, a collaboration between the Illinois Association of County Board Members and Commissioners, the Illinois Municipal League, the Township Officials of Illinois, and University of Illinois Extension

One goal of the Partnership, which provides a curriculum for use in Illinois high school classrooms, is to further the understanding of the role that local government plays in individual lives and collectively.

"These governmental bodies, officials, and appointees provide critical services to the people of Illinois ranging from maintaining roads and bridges to providing fire protection to parks and libraries," said Jeri Marxman, U of I Extension public policy specialist who oversees the local government curriculum now available for Illinois high schools.

"We believe that 'Local Government Week' focuses attention on the need for strong, independent, and active local government," said Kelly Murray, executive director of the Illinois Association of County Board Members and Commissioners.

Bryan Smith, executive director of the Township Officials of Illinois, said creation of Local Government Week will help citizens find services.

"Observing the week each year will allow local officials to showcase the many services and programs provided by local governments," he noted.

B.J. Hackler, president of the St. Joseph Village Board who is also president of the Illinois Municipal League, termed local government "the backbone of our state."

"It is vital that our young people know the role local government plays in our daily lives," he said.

The Partnership plans to observe "Local Government Week" with a series of programs offered throughout Illinois, including:

--development of an interactive video describing the
types and functions of local government;

--school visits by elected officials;

--expansion of teacher training;

--placement of local government curriculum up
dated material online; and

--presentations of possible career/volunteer oppor-
tunities in local public service.

What do you think about when you read the words "Elder Friendly"? Often we think of the basic needs, which may be in short supply in our own communities such as; transportation, affordable housing; assisted living, strong senior service organizations; safe and caring environment to live in. Indeed these are the typical responses seniors in southern Illinois give when asked about needs and then also add interests in education about crime, elder abuse, scams, fraud, and personal safety.

Gaps in services for the elderly are not uncommon. In some locations there is a need for more nursing home staff, assisted living facilities, information on volunteer opportunities, respite care for caregivers, transportation across county lines for health and safety issues, increased home health assistance, evening transportation and much more. While many of these services depend on more public support for service agencies, there are also entrepreneurial opportunities and things local governments can do to make Illinois more Elder Friendly.

Yet, aging seems to be an issue we like to sweep under the carpet and avoid. Even though most of us try to keep an eye on our IRAs and plan for retirement, we fail to see the impact on our lives now. Whether we like it or not the median age is rising. The median age for the southern most 25 counties in Illinois is about 38.4. Many of us have already lost parents or have are personally caring for them, or had to help them find alternative living arrangements from what they are use to. This is never easy and often very emotionally and physically exhausting for people to deal with. In many ways these are seen as private family matters, but the issues of transportation, housing, and other services should be taken seriously as community and local government issues.

What should a community and its local government consider? More people are living longer and staying active well into their retirement years. Many people are retiring younger and want opportunities to start a business, or volunteer opportunities. What kinds of recreation do they want? Are businesses carrying the product lines they want and are the displays set up in ways that make them easily accessible? Some Chambers of Commerce have created "Elder Friendly" programs to encourage businesses to look at the way they are serving senior customers. Is there coordination among service providers, or are there opportunities to create better cooperation and services? Does your community have potential to attract retirees to live in and nearby your community? Many retirees bring money, energy and knowledge to a community and can have a quick and positive impact.

Jim Becker is a Community and Economic Development educator working in southern Illinois. Jim has been involved in several projects dealing with creating elder friendly communities for the last few years.

- James Becker, Community/Economic Development Educator, University of Illinois Extension, Mt. Vernon Center

AARP
http://www.aarp.org/

Illinois Department on Aging
http://www.state.il.us/aging/

National Association of Area Agencies on Aging
http://www.n4a.org/

National Council on Aging
http://www.ncoa.org/

American Society on Aging
http://www.asaging.org/index.cfm