Community indicators measure conditions in the community within a framework that is intended to generate interest among the public and decision-makers about necessary improvements to quality of life, sustainability and equity.
With a recent rise in awareness and capacity around tracking indicators, it is more important than ever to explore and share ways for communities to define priorities through the selection of indicators and engage them to use data to act toward shared values, collective impact, and the common good.
The 2017 CIC Spring Symposium will be held June 12 and 13 in Winnipeg, MB - Canada.
The Community Indicators Consortium is partnering with the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and the Canadian Sustainability Indicators Network (CSIN) to offer a two-day symposium with a focus on community values and engagement.
This symposium offers a unique opportunity to build on all the activity around indicators currently underway in Canada and build bridges across projects throughout North America and beyond.
We are seeking innovative proposals that will show how metrics, rooted in community values, can be used as a basis for improving community well-being.
Proposals need to align with one of the following streams:
Stream #1: Community indicator basics
This stream will offer workshops that will use case studies and research to cover the basics of indicator project planning and implementation, e.g., data sourcing, data analysis, visualization, reporting. Proposals will be selected based on the experience of the presenters, their ability to engage newcomers to the field, and their focus on a particular slice of the field.
Format: 90 minute workshops
Stream #2: Community engagement
These sessions will present promising innovations based on practice or research that initiated and sustains collaborations with and among the public, policy makers, and other stakeholders. Examples include public policy initiatives, legislation, innovative partnerships, public outreach, participatory approaches to governance, or effective reporting methods using a variety of media.
Format: 25- or 50-minute solo presentations or panels
Stream #3: Knowledge translation
These sessions will highlight the work of individuals or organizations that can demonstrate creatively or innovatively their ability to move knowledge from the field, research or academia into the hands of those who can put it to practical use. Case studies, best practices, and methods can focus on specific areas of indicator development and implementation, such as the selection of measures and target populations; collection of useful data; methods to insure data accuracy and consistency; assessing the progress of communities; using sound evidence to make measurable and sustainable improvements in the well-being of a community; models for moving from data to action; initiatives that use indicators to reduce inequities or improve resilience in local or regional communities.
Format: 25- or 50-minute solo presentations or panels
Stream #4: Tools
Practical methods or technologies to measuring, connecting or having an impact. We invite practitioners, researchers, service providers, technology developers to propose presentations that focus on the benefits of the method or technology as it offers opportunities for indicator practitioners to improve their chances of developing effective measures, engaging the community and moving from data to action.
Format: 15-minute solo presentations or 50-minute panels that contrast different approaches to reach a similar goal.
Time: 10:30 am – 5:00 pm
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.