Civic Engagement
Community Building Resource Exchange
www.commbuild.org
links visitors to a large, regularly updated database of resources and information about innovative and significant efforts to rebuild and rejuvenate impoverished communities and improve the lives of the families in them. A forum offers a place to share information and resources, and to give suggestions. The site is a project of the Aspen Institute Roundtable on Comprehensive Community Initiatives for Families and Children.
NetAid
www.netaid.org
is a United Nations Development Program effort to increase worldwide consciousness of the fight against poverty. The UNDP teamed up with Cisco Systems to produce a graphically subtle and pleasing site. The uncluttered pages connect viewers to organizations that need financial or volunteer help, providing direct access to their online application or contacts. A great resource for anyone interested in getting involved in thinking and acting globally.
Education
BrainPOP
www.brainpop.com
is an engaging website designed to teach younger kids about health issues, technology and science. The websites features dozens of three- to four-minute animated movies to help youth learn about specific topics. There are also experiments, time lines and printable activity sheets. For each activity completed, users get points to win prizes such as T-shirts and video games. One caveat: In order to view more than three educational videos a day, visitors must have a yearly subscription to the site ($49.95 for families and $99.95 for schools).
Health/Mental Health
Children with Disabilities
www.childrenwithdisabilities.ncjrs.org
offers a wide range of information about children with physical, emotional or developmental disabilities. The site provides information about educational, health-related and housing opportunities for such youth, with links to relevant local, state and national organizations. The site also features a calendar of youth events and information about grants for disabled children. A “Youth to Youth” section features books and games, as well as links to bulletin boards where kids talk to other kids. The site was developed by the U.S. Coordinating Council on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.
Media/Technology
Children’s Partnership
www.childrenspartnership.org
can help parents learn about technology and help their children use it better. The “Parent’s Guide to the Information Superhighway” section helps parents determine what type of software is age-appropriate for their children. The “Parent’s Online Resource Center” provides information on helping youth with homework and school activities, and points them toward independent learning projects on the Web with postings on online museum exhibits, potential field trips and sites for academic competitions. The partnership is a nonprofit youth research and advocacy organization.
Research
The Promising Practices Network on Children, Families and Communities
www.promisingpractices.net
highlights programs and practices that research shows are effective in improving outcomes for youth. Site content is organized into three major areas: Proven and Promising Programs, Research in Brief, and Strengthening Service Delivery. Network members include organizations like RAND, the Colorado Foundation, the Family and Community Trust, the Foundation Consortium and the Family Connection Partnership.
