GIS stands for Geographic Information Systems and if you've read any of the articles on my blog or in this newsletter, you've seen my commitment to using maps to show where kids need extra help and to draw attention, volunteers and donors to volunteer-based tutor, mentor and learning programs in these areas, while helping new programs start where more are needed.

Last month ESRI, the GIS mapping software company that donated software to the Tutor/Mentor Connection from 1995 to 2011, posted an article on their blog, with the headline, "Why Governor Tim Walz is a 'GIS Nerd' and What that Means for the US."

It points to a Minnesota Executive Map Portfolio, with interactive maps that political leaders use to make policy and funding decisions. It's a model that could be duplicated in every state.

I put the link to that article in a story I posted on the Mapping for Justice blog, which has been used since 2008 to show ways maps can be used by leaders, foundations, media and others to build strategies that reach K-12 kids in EVERY high poverty area of cities like Chicago. Read the story - click here

When Governor Walz becomes Vice President Walz, can he become a champion for the strategies I've shared for so many years? He can, but first he needs to win the election.

Then, you need to point him to the articles about mapping on the Tutor/Mentor Institute, LLC website.

Want to make a difference? Re Think Philanthropy

This graphic is one of four that I created several years ago to show the need for on-going, flexible, operating dollars to support volunteer-based tutor, mentor and learning programs in EVERY area of persistent poverty. Visit this article and take a look.

"Should we pay for relationships? Why Philanthropy needs to invest in social capital."

That's the title of a new article in InsidePhilanthropy, written by Julia Freeland Fisher, of the Christensen Institute. I encourage you to read it.

I've used the graphic above since the 1990s to show how organized, site-based, tutor/mentor programs can expand the networks (social capital) of kids living in areas of persistent poverty, by recruiting volunteers from multiple backgrounds and keeping them connected to kids for many years, or keeping the kids connected to the program, all the way through high school.

Funding on-going operations of such programs is the challenge. I faced it for 18 years and was ultimately defeated. Is there a way to educate donors to understand the value of social capital building within tutor/mentor programs, and to show on your website how you're connecting kids and volunteers in multiple-year relationships?

Here are three articles to stimulate your thinking.

• Building youth networks - click here
• Maps, time and social capital - click here
• New research on mentoring shows funding challenges - click here

During this week's Democratic National Convention and over the next few months, share articles like this in your social media and your newsletters. Attract leader attention and educate donors.

Finally, look at your website. Does it show your strategy and ability to connect youth with volunteers from multiple backgrounds for many years? If donors go to your website they need to see reasons to support you.