Community toolbox

Want to improve your community or organization's efforts but don't know
where to start? The Community Tool Box™ may be the answer.

What is the Community Tool Box?

The Community Tool Box is a free, Internet-based service to assist you in addressing community health and development issues in your community.

What practical information will I find in Community Tool Box?

On the Community Tool Box Web site, you will find many different resource materials for building healthy communities. These resources include step-by-step guidelines, real-life examples, checklists and training materials—all in friendly language. The 16 core skill areas include how to:

• create and maintain coalitions and partnerships
• assess community needs and resources
• analyze problems and goals
• develop a framework or model of change
• develop strategic and action plans.
• build leadership
• develop an intervention
• increase participation and membership
• enhance cultural competence
• advocate for change
• influence policy development
• evaluate the initiative
• implement a social marketing effort
• write a grant application for funding
• sustain the work or initiative

The Troubleshooting Guide provides help for struggling initiatives. This guide covers 24 specific problems with community planning and action; achieving the outcomes you want; and evaluating and institutionalizing your work.

Who uses the Community Tool Box?

Community Tool Box users include: RWJF grantees, members of community partnerships, agency directors and staff, organizations that support community initiatives (universities, hospitals, foundations, and state and federal agencies), citizens, and members of grassroots organizations. Their interests include—but are not limited to—health promotion, child health, youth development, health disparities and building healthy communities.

Where do I find the Community Tool Box and how do I start?

The Community Tool Box can be accessed on the Web at http://ctb.ku.edu. Instructions for using the Community Tool Box are built right in. A recommended place to start is the Orientation where you will find a Guided Tour.