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PEN's Theory of Action
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Standards & Accountability Initiative

Community Organizing:
Resources for High-Performing Communities

A key component of PEN's Theory of Action is for local education funds to build grassroots constituencies for public education through community organizing, for the purpose of leading a participatory community-wide planning process.

The following resources represent the best thinking in the country on community organizing and public deliberation in high-performing communities. PEN does not endorse one method over another but leaves it to LEFs to explore what model best fits local needs.

The national groups that can offer models and assist LEFs are:

ACORN

Public Agenda

Industrial Areas Foundation

Future Search

National Issues Forums

Citizens Jury

Study Circles

National Civic League


Valuable sources of introductory information, case studies, and best practices in the areas of organizing and deliberation include:

Civic Practices Network

Housing and Urban Development

The Seven C's for Increasing Participation in Public Discussion

Download Mobile, AL community agreement for high academic standards and greater accountability from public education.