FAQs Scanning the Horizons
Q. How often will the Scanning the Horizons Web site be updated?
A: The Web site will be updated according to a time frame ranging from every week to every few months, depending on the topic. There will always be a lag time between when the information is gathered and when it will be posted, since some topics need further review and analysis before publishing.
Q. Will the trend report be published anymore?
A: Yes, a Scanning the Horizons booklet will be published annually. It will be an executive summary of that year's top trends, issues and concerns.
In addition, the trend and impact statements will be available for download in PDF format. These catalogs of trend and impact statements will be updated as needed. Let the
know if you need a current report and we will do our best to provide you with one.
Q. How can I submit a trend or impact suggestion or make a general comment about a trend statement?
A: to submit any information to the Severson Center for review. You can request to join the Trend Committee if you would like a more active role in creating the Scanning the Horizons Web site.
Q. I disagree with some of the information posted. How can I give my views?
A: You can email the to share any views you have on the subjects we cover. Please be specific about what you are commenting on.
Q. Where do you get the information that leads to trend statements?
A: We review journals, newspapers, reports, and other media every day. We also subscribe to many e-newsletters in the human services field for daily and weekly updates on specific topics. We conduct teleconferences with member agencies to get their feedback as well. We meet with Alliance for Children and Families, Ways to Work, and UNCA staff periodically for any updates they can give us. We also interview experts in the field, and seek input from national trend committee members made up of Alliance for Children and Families members' staff.
Q. What is the difference between a trend statement, impact statement and trend subject?
A: Trend Statement: A summary sentence(s) of a trend, issue, or concern that is supported by the information excerpt printed below it. The supporting information is usually from a report, article, conference, radio show, interview or other media source and is fully referenced. Trend statements are the content of the report and Web site and are organized under trend subject areas.
Impact Statement: How a trend, issue, or concern will affect Alliance for Children and Families members and the broader nonprofit human service field. An impact statement is drawn from member feedback, interviews with national experts or from original source materials; not always supported directly with statistics or research, includes expert opinions.
Trend Subjects: These are the areas in which we look for trends. The current top-level trend subjects are: Business/Economy, Demographics/Population, Education, Health, Nonprofits, Social Service Issues, Technology/Science and Work.
Q. Who generates the Scanning the Horizon report and Web site?
A: The main trend librarian is Liz Caldwell, who gathers and compiles the information, writes the preliminary trend statements and adds trend subjects as needed. She conducts most of the interviews. Susan Hornung is the editor-in-chief of the Scanning the Horizons report and Web site. Susan edits down the report, adds content, helps direct all facets of the report and networks to find experts to interview.
Q. What is the difference between Top Trends and Emerging Trends?
A: Top trends are those that are well established as trends within the human service field. Emerging trends are topics that have appeared in the past few months or within the last year.
Q. I want to suggest someone to be interviewed for Scanning the Horizons. How do I submit their name?
A: Please send your suggestions with any pertinent information to the . Provide their contact information, any background information you have on them and the reason why you feel they should be interviewed. Keep in mind that interviewees for Scanning the Horizons are not compensated in any way, and we reserve the right to decide who is interviewed.
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