I created the Tutor/Mentor Connection in 1993 so the city would have a master list of who does similar work, with an understanding of where these programs were in relation to each other, and to where they are needed (high poverty, high concentration of poor schools, etc.). I’ve been building and hosting this database of programs ever since, and using Geographic Information Systems software to show where the programs are, along with what businesses, churches, hospitals, and/or universities are in the same part of the city, and who could be helping such programs get volunteers, dollars, job training and technology needed to succeed in their mission.

If others outoline strategies like this, and we connect via blog exchanges, we can learn from each other, and draw more of the people who are not involved, into this on-going effort to end poverty through education and expanding the network of adult support available to kids in neighborhoods of high poverty.