Knowledge
The Knowledge Center contains reports and presentations authored by the National Assembly and others. This
information is provided for those engaged in research, practice and policy on human services and community
development; and on nonprofit leadership. All material prepared by others is provided by permission from the author.
Featured Publications
Through a New Lens: Toward a Fundamental Reframing of ‘‘the Client’’
As those of us in human services well know, the scope and implications of these conditions are alarming. Increased health problems, higher incidence of domestic violence and substance abuse, increased likelihood of dropping out of school, and diminished prospects for the future are only some of the risks associated with financial instability and impoverishment. Simultaneously, our human services infrastructure – at both the community and government levels – shudders under the weight of the crisis as it struggles to keep up with the increased need, despite a significant decline in philanthropic giving, federal funding that is limited to “economic stimulus” purposes, and near-bankrupt state budgets.
Read publication»Reinventing, Re-imagining Voluntarism and the Voluntary Sector
- Irv Katz observes that the nonprofit sector sells itself short by not using clear language about what it is, how complex it is, and how essential it is to society. He asserts that language is a part of the solution, opting for terms like civic sector and civic enterprise over nonprofit sector and charity. Other strategies are suggested, including competing for talent. Read publication»
National Collaboration for Youth: Recommendations for the Reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act
At a time when statistics show the decreasing chances of an at-risk young person graduating from high school, or graduating with the skills to continue onto higher education or into meaningful employment, our recommendations focus on relevance and readiness – making education and the future relevant for youth, and preparing them for success in their world.
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