Search results for ""Author Rhonda Phillips""

Community indicators measuring systems represent a mechanism to improve monitoring and evaluation in planning, incorporating citizen involvement and participation. They reflect the interplay between social, environmental and economic factors affecting a region's or community's well-being, and, as such, can be extremely valuable to planners and developers. Yet, little research has been conducted on their efficacy. This book provides a comprehensive review of how community development indicators evolved and examines their interplay with planning and development. It questions how we adequately measure concepts associated with indicators systems and whether these systems are sustainable and can best evolve. In doing so, the book allows a better understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of community indicators measuring systems, as well as how best to design and implement them.

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Build a better society through happiness policyThomas Jefferson said that “the purpose of government is to enable the people of a nation to live in safety and happiness.” Yet only now, 270 years later, is the happiness of citizens starting to be taken seriously as the purpose of government. While happiness science is advancing rapidly, and governments and organizations are creating indices for measuring happiness, there is little practical information on how to create policy to advance happiness. Drawing from a deep well of expertise and experience, The Happiness Policy Handbook is the first step-by-step guide for integrating happiness into government policy at all levels. Coverage includes: A concise background on happiness science, indices and indicators, and happiness in public policy Tools for formulating happiness policy and integrating happiness into administrative functions A concept menu of happiness policies Communicating happiness policy objectives to media and engaging with the community A happiness policy screening tool for evaluating the happiness contribution of any policy Policy perspectives from seasoned experts across sectors. The Happiness Policy Handbook is the essential resource for policymakers and professionals working to integrate happiness and well-being into governmental processes and institutions.

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This timely Research Handbook offers new ways in which to navigate the diverse terrain of community development research. Contributions from leading experts unpack the foundations and history of community development research and look to its future, exploring innovative frameworks for conceptualizing community development. Chapters consider the trajectories and impact of global community development research, offering critical insight into the methods and frameworks that are currently being used in the field. Covering varied topics, from housing and food availability, to revitalization and faith-based regeneration, this Research Handbook provides a broad and in-depth exploration of the state of the field today. Comprehensive and unequivocally progressive, this is key reading for social and public policy researchers in need of an understanding of the current trends in community development research as well as practitioners and policymakers working on urban, rural and regional development. Contributors include: N. Al Sader, K. Anacker, C.J.L. Balsas, L.J. Beaulieu, G. Bonilla-Santiago, E.A. Dobis, B.M. Elias, K. Flowers, S. Frimpong, J. Fursova, I. Garcia, F. Handy, B. Hofstedt, J.B. Hollander, J.G. Huff Jr., M.R. Islam, S. Khademi, R. Kleinhans, R.C. Knopf, P. Kraeger, I. Kumar, R. Lewis, D. Mason, J. McGrath, A. Meshkini, M. Norouzi, M. Page, C.B. Peterson, J. Reece, K.A. Rouf, M. Roseland, A.R. Russell, R.M. Silverman, M. Spiliotopoulou, C. Sutton-Brown-Fox, C.A. Talmage, H.L. Taylor, Jr., T.D. Thomas, G.H. Tonon, L. Townsend, D.P. Varady, C. Wallace, L. Yin

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Combining theoretical and empirical research with global case studies, this innovative book examines the complex relationships between social (in)equality, community well-being and quality of life. Insightful and forward-thinking, it explores strategies for fostering strong communities, focusing on the importance of social connections, shared resources and a sense of belonging.Centred on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 10, which advocates reducing income inequality, promoting social inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities and advocating for egalitarian policies, the book explores the interconnectedness between these targets and quality of life and community well-being. Chapters address critical issues such as income disparities, access to healthcare and education, community philanthropy, reforms in historic preservation recognizing inequalities and systemic barriers that perpetuate inequality. SDG 10 is a baseline in some chapters, connecting to one or more of the other 16 SDGs as collective indicators for global change.Extensive and multidisciplinary in its analysis, Social (In)equality, Community Well-being and Quality of Life will be an enlightening read for students, researchers and academics in the fields of development studies, human geography, public policy, sociology, planning and urban studies. It will also benefit international practitioners and policymakers working in sustainable development, social policy and public policy.

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