One way SCOPE seeks to connect and engage citizens is through data, which creates a neutral space for citizens to learn about their community and work with other community members.  In 2001, SCOPE began publishing the Community Report Card, an indicators report on eight areas of life in Sarasota County.  Our Community Report Card has gone through several revisions since then, and we are happy to continue to partner with other organizations in Sarasota County to share data relevant to our community.

Community indicators are bits of information, collected annually, that tell stories about the place in which we live.  The indicators show us where we stand today, and also where we’ve been. Community indicators don’t provide a comprehensive illustration of an issue, but rather, tell one important part of the story. Community indicators can:

• Help policy makers make informed decisions
• Initiate and inform dialogue about the community
• Highlight positive trends so that they may be maintained
• Detect negative trends early so that they may be addressed