A People's Assessment of Our Communities - Brainstorming Session Report
This report, distributed in February 2003, offers an overview of the input of 3,600 people who participated in Opportunity Works Community Brainstorming Sessions. It includes a description of participants; a description of how we described ourselves; our families and our communities; themes that emerged; a catalog of strengths, problems, opportunities, and threats in the community; and bold ideas for action. This information can be used for environmental scan; needs assessment for community/region; or specific queries can be made of the data.

Facilitation Materials
Developed by the Iowa State University Extension, these materials are used in a half day training session for gaining basic facilitation and meeting skills. Opportunity Works is currently working with Iowa State Extension to acquire new materials.
Download these materials here.

Web-based Links / Resources
These links include local, state and national resources. This list was developed in cooperation with Cedar Valley's Promise. These links provide information on:
• Understanding Poverty
• Numbers and Data
• Research and Ideas
• Community Planning

Resource Guide
A one-page chart that explores 13-dimensions of poverty and self-sufficiency.

Web-based Local Data Charts
This link also contains many tables of relevant community data for this region, including maps.
Use it for: Efficient access to a variety of information and resources.

Research / Reports
In order to fully understand our communities, Opportunity Works has developed several publications to understand poverty and our region.
• Community Snapshot - an overview of statistics for the region
• Understanding Poverty : A Roadmap for a Complex Issue - research on poverty
• A Review of Community Development and Poverty Intervention Projects and Strategies - review of strategies around the nation
• An Analysis of the Charateristics of Wages, Occupations and Educational Attainment in the Context of Potential Underemployment - a review of low-wage work in the region
• Literature Review of Collaboration Best Practices - a brief review of best practices for working collaboratively
Use it for: Great research and data on community development! A good starting point for planning and learning.

To Request Information
1. Go to www.opportunityworksiowa.org
2. Call OpportunityWorks at 319.226.3560 or 866.696.3560
3. Email Project Director, Morgan Hoosman at morgan@opportunityworksiowa.org