Free Toolkits & Newsletters

Clearinghouse Toolkits

National Mental Health Consumers Self Help Clearinghouse publishes free booklets on running and starting consumer-run programs. Booklets include: Consumer-run Businesses and Services, The Art & Science of Writing Proposals That Win, Starting a Self-Help/Advocacy Group, Organizing and Operating a Speakers' Bureau, Raising Money for a Self-Help Group, and Drop-in Centers. You can order copies at www.mhselfhelp.org/techasst/order.php

You can also read these toolkits online:

Toolkit for peer-run businesses and services

Toolkit for peer-run drop-in centers

Toolkit for peer-run newsletters

Toolkit for peer-run speaker's bureaus

Toolkit for self-help groups

Organizers Toolbox

The Virginia Organizing Project toolbox provides a number of articles that can help you develop a strong community organization and work on important issues. http://www.virginia-organizing.org/toolbox.php  Articles include:
* Grassroots organizing and fear
* Community-Based Research
* Setting priorities in your organization
* Tips on Talking with Your Legislators
* Tips for Chairing Meetings
* Tips for Writing Effective Letters to the Editor
* Grassroots Fundraising

NCSTAC Publications

The National Consumer Supporter Technical Assistance Center publishes toolkits and fact sheets that you can read free online at http://www.ncstac.org/content/resource.htm Highlights include:

* Community Needs Assessment
* Assessing Communities for Systems Transformation
* A Cultural Competency Toolkit: Ten Grant Sites Share Lessons Learned
* Fundraising Basics
* Guide to Proposal Writing
* How to Work with the Media
* Launching a Successful Voter Empowerment Campaign
* Working with Volunteers Agenda Planning

VOCAL Toolkits

The following VOCAL CO-OP Toolkits are available to read or print free on our website at VOCAL CO-OP Tools. Tools include:

* Where to Find Grant Funding
* 21 Best Books for Programs
* Sample Grant Proposals from Peer Programs
* How to Start a New Program
* How to Become a 501c3 Nonprofit
* Tips for Buying a Computer for Your Program

Group Facilitation Tools

Tree Bressen has an excellent website with tools and resources on group facilitation. A superb resource for both new and experienced facilitators, or anyone who wants to improve their groups meetings.  http://www.treegroup.info/topics. Tools include:

* Agenda Planning
* Blocking & Concerns
* Conflict
* Consensus Decision-Making
* Dynamic Facilitation
* Equalizing Airtime
* Feedback
* Ground Rules
* Planning & Preparation
* Opening Meetings
* Reopening Decisions
* Roles in Groups
* Songs

Newsletters

The VANNO Voice is a free email newsletter for nonprofits in Virginia. Highly recommended. Click here to sign up.

The VOCAL CO-OP News is a free email newsletter for peer-run programs in Virginia. Everyone is welcome to join. Click here to sign up.

The Board Cafe is a free email newsletter for nonprofit board members. Highly Recommended. Click here to sign up.

The VOCAL Network News is a free print newsletter for consumers in Virginia. Highly Recommended. Contact the VOCAL Network to sign up.

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Find more tools:

VOCAL CO-OP Tools are available to read or print free on our website. Tools include Where to Find Foundation Funding for Peer-Run Programs, 21 Best Books for Programs, Sample Grant Proposals from Peer Programs, How to Start a New Program, How to Become a 501c3 Nonprofit, Tips for Buying a Computer for Your Program, and more. VOCAL CO-OP Tools