Though the Kids Count in Nebraska 2011 Report isn’t released until January, we here at Voices for Children are busy collecting, sorting, analyzing, charting and occasionally scratching our heads over all the data that we’ve received from our loyal data providers. Since it’s my day to blog, I thought I’d give you a little behind-the-scenes look at how stacks and stacks (and more stacks) of data get turned into a tidy 88-page book.
There are several key components to a successfully-compiled report. Just to name a few:
The many data providers, many of whom work for the state, who provide top-notch data year after year. And they don’t just send it and wash their hands of me, even if they’d really like to. The Kids Count Tech Team, as they’re called, are also incredible to work with and field my many questions quickly, thoroughly and in a way I can understand.
- My Voices for Children colleagues, who are some of the toughest but most brilliant editors I’ve had the pleasure of working with. They never let me get away with syrupy language or vague definitions, and they always catch a rogue comma.
- Graphic designer extraordinaire, Wayne Kobza. He’s the endlessly patient guy who turns my bland Word documents into the sleek pages that find their way to the public. And did I mention that he’s endlessly patient?
- Coffee and Diet Coke. Let’s be honest.
So while we’re still a few months out from the release of the new report, know that we are busy behind the scenes, working to bring you a comprehensive picture of how children are doing in the state of Nebraska. And then comes the truly exciting part: what you do with the data.
Whether you’re a service provider, policymaker, grant writer or advocate, we can’t wait to see how you take our work to the next level on behalf of Nebraska’s children. How do you use Kids Count? What are you most looking forward to in the 2011 Report?
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