The Community Agenda Snapshot is the result of hundreds of volunteers committed to making Volusia and Flagler counties a better place to live, work and play.  The motivation behind this work is to create a data-based picture of health and social trends and conditions -- to be reviewed, revised and updated every year. Never before within the circles of the health and human services field has there been an annual report collectively tracking so many community issues. This is truly just the beginning of a long-term process shaped and driven to fulfill the goal of the initiative.

The Goal of the Initiative: To engage the community by examining data and establishing priorities to improve local health and human services.

Featured here are approximately 43 unduplicated indicators identified and recommended by nearly 200 community members. The initial indicators were chosen with significant diverse consultation with residents representing all sectors of Volusia and Flagler counties (Florida) through the work of a Steering Committee, five community workgroups, area-wide presentations and Town Hall meetings. During the second year, 16 existing and knowledgeable human service organizations were consulted as well as myriad state and local agencies.

What is an Indicator? An indicator is a measurement which reveals how we are doing in a specific area, and in this case, regarding health and human services. Indicators are pieces of information and data that may shed light on the bigger picture of the system or a social issue, are intended to be clear in measuring outcomes and are reflective of general community interest and appeal.

Using the Snapshot Report: This report is to be used as a tool for opening conversation about a particular issue, and helping understand the overall community outlook in regards to issues concerning children, families, the elderly, the disabled, and health. Hopefully, this report will also contribute to more than a better understanding of social issues and conversation. People can use this report to educate and monitor trends specific to our area and compare ourselves from year to year. Most importantly, it can aid planning, policy, funding, and other decision-making by exploring ways to improve the wide range of social and health conditions in our area.

In addition to the indicators and list of participants and financial supporters for this report, the process involved is also described should other communities want to implement a similar effort. This effort was modeled after a successful quality of life initiative in the Jacksonville area, led by Jacksonville Community Council, Inc.

The 2011 Community Agenda Snapshot annual report serves as the benchmark in galvanizing the community to improve and monitor issues specific to:

• Children and Youth
• Families and Neighborhoods
• Creating Independence for Elderly
• Creating Independence for Adults with Disabilities
• Health and Wellness