Promising Practices
The Promising Practices database informs professionals and community members about documented approaches to improving community health and quality of life.
The ultimate goal is to support the systematic adoption, implementation, and evaluation of successful programs, practices, and policy changes. The database provides carefully reviewed, documented, and ranked practices that range from good ideas to evidence-based practices.
Learn more about the ranking methodology.
Filed under Effective Practice, Environmental Health / Energy & Sustainability, Families
Goal: Currently, the average U.S. family spends nearly $1,300 a year on energy bills, with much of that energy being wasted due to air leaks, inefficient appliances, and a general lack of attention to this important issue. The Community Associations Institute (CAI) and the Department of Energy (DOE) are dedicated to educating the community association industry--and the significant portion of the U.S. population it represents--on the many ways to increase the energy efficiency of their homes, and thereby reduce both energy consumption and costs.
Filed under Effective Practice, Health / Children's Health, Children, Adults, Women, Men, Families, Racial/Ethnic Minorities
Goal: To partner within communities and organizations to train professionals, community and parent leaders so the “Best Start” program can reach and support all families, but especially marginalized or struggling families and communities; to build the strong family/home, school and community environments that are necessary to support positive mental health, confidence, resilience and hope to achieve health equity, academic and economic opportunities for positive futures for all.
The Changing Children’s Worlds Foundation (CCWF) mission is for every child and adolescent to be supported in positive development by caregivers and professionals within loving, non-violent families and peaceful communities. Through parent groups and educational workshops we strive to promote a sense of community and foster empathy.
Filed under Effective Practice, Environmental Health / Air
Goal: The goal of this program is to reduce the environmental impact of commuting and to help get employees to work safely, on time, and free of commute-related stress.
Filed under Effective Practice, Education / Childcare & Early Childhood Education, Children
Goal: Big Brothers Big Sisters' mission is to provide supportive relationships for young people to assist them in realizing their potential.
Filed under Good Idea, Health / Alcohol & Drug Use, Women, Racial/Ethnic Minorities
Goal: To address the detrimental impact of alcohol on women in the African American community.
Filed under Effective Practice, Health / Wellness & Lifestyle
Goal: To increase quality of life and longevity among members of a community through community-wide interventions which address community, social network, habitat, and inner self.
Filed under Good Idea, Health / Physical Activity, Teens, Urban
Goal: The goal of Brainfood is to engage young people in healthy, creative cooking activities to build life skills and promote healthy living.
Filed under Good Idea, Environmental Health / Air, Children, Teens, Adults
Goal: The Breathe Better Air at School Program aims to educate parents, staff, bus drivers, and faculty about the importance of not idling vehicles on campus.
Filed under Good Idea, Health / Adolescent Health, Teens
Goal: The goal of this program is to educate teen parents about pregnancy, birthing, and parenting.
Filed under Good Idea, Art & Recreation, Children, Racial/Ethnic Minorities
Goal: The goal of the paper is to introduce effective practices for building a summer learning program that reaches the neediest kids, gets kids learning, and keeps going strong.