2. Why is this problem important?

TONS of agencies, programs, government units, etc. working to help kids, but there doesn't seem to be any coordination. Also, some groups are hampered because of their political nature (e.g., Mpls Youth Coordinating Board). Some issues studies but the public is unaware of follow-up to the studies e.g., University's Minnesota Commission on Out-of-School Time.) Some are marketing (e.g., Success by Six)and supporters don't understand the difference between marketing and delivery.) Everyone wants to help but we don't appear to be set up very efficiently or effectively.

3. How could the Citizens League make a unique contribution?

Lots of opportunity for creative recommendations -- and light that League could shine on issue is sure to have impact.

4. What are prospects that project would yield recommendations that could be implemented and have a major impact on the problem?

Hard to tell -- but I think recommendations about infrastructure would be welcome by the public and helpful to service delivery organizations.

5. Explain how this problem can be addressed by data, research, and reason? Identify probable sources for data and research.

Lots of research about what's best for kids, but the step about HOW TO ORGANIZE AND DELIVER what's best rarely considered.

6. Explain how this proposal can be framed without partisan bias.

This is not a partisan issue -- everyone cares about youth, everyone cares about their safety. Lots of inequities in funding and organization, especially in metro area where old systems in inner-cities and new systems in suburbs show very different ways of keeping youth busy when they are not in school.

7. Why would this project be attractive to members?

New and different topic should appeal to younger members. Lots of agencies go to legislature seeking support, so this could also help elected officials think about a SYSTEM, as opposed to lots of free agents.

8. How would this project reach out to under-represented segments of the community?

Most issues are in the metro area -- lots of cultural implications for new immigrant groups.

9. What is the potential for making this issue visible to a broader public? Why?

Huge, because the broader "policy" and "infrastructure" is rarely discussed by the groups who do the work.

10. What resources—funding, experts, etc. might be available to support this project?

Lots of need and interest in community to get some organization around the issue.