2015 SCOPE Community Report Card

Seeking a better way to address emergent issues, community leaders in Sarasota County sought a means to bring greater civility to community discourse and public policy discussions. Finding a non-profit model in the Jacksonville Community Council Inc., our founders created Sarasota County Openly Plans for Excellence (SCOPE) to harness both objective data and the wisdom of our residents to enhance the quality of life and development of the entire County. Since its founding in 2001, SCOPE has convened study groups, produced data rich Community Report Cards, and has developed citizen leadership through the Grass Roots Leadership Initiative. SCOPE has delved into issues such as race and ethnicity, transportation, and aging with dignity and independence. As a result of SCOPE’s work with aging, the Institute for The Ages was created. Throughout its history, SCOPE has been a consultant to foundations, non-profits and local government. This work has allowed a deeper understanding of our community. SCOPE continues to serve as a consultant, bringing together the wisdom of people – with objective community data - to serve the specific needs of clients. Through this work we help others achieve their goals – while embracing our mission “to connect and inspire citizens to create a better community.”