Communication

This section includes 15 resources on communication skills and strategies. Information on effective communication, marketing, public relations, and events planning is provided.

Active Listening (New)

Michael H. Hoppe

Active Listening helps leaders and managers improve their listening ability. This compact resource teaches many concepts helpful to principals, teachers, staff, and parents. The author suggests that, through listening, managers and leaders may more effectively arbitrate situations, handle problems, and detect miscommunications before tensions erupt. He discusses the importance of unbiased, objective listening and explains how active (rather than passive) listening fosters a sense of trust and respect. In addition, he shows step-by-step how to overcome challenges through listening. (32 pages)

© 2006 Print $9.95

Center for Creative Leadership P.O. Box 26300 Greensboro, NC 27438-6300 Phone: 336-288-7210 Web: http://www.ccl.org/leadership/Publications/index.aspx

Afterschool Action Kit

Afterschool Alliance

This kit explains what afterschool programs can and should do for young people and how to locate or start one. This resource is intended to promote afterschool programs within the community. The kit is also available in Spanish. (20 pages)

No Date Web Resource http://www.afterschoolalliance.org/publications.cfm

Afterschool Alliance 1616 H St. NW, Ste. 820 Washington, DC 20006 Phone: 202-347-1002 Web: http://www.afterschoolalliance.org

Breakthrough Thinking: Brainstorming for Inspiration and Ideas (New)

Nick Souter

According to the author, everyone has potential to brainstorm productively and fluidly. Souter helps make that inspiration happen in this graphically striking book. Each lesson includes lessons, tests, puzzles, and visual riddles that stimulate ideas and encourage breakthrough ideas. Part of the Creative Business Solutions series, this resource showcases Souter's graphics and creative, insightful analogies that help individuals overcome destructive work habits and reach their inner artist. Learn how to inspire others and maintain a "creative compass" in any atmosphere. A CD-ROM, which presents animated and interactive exercises related to those presented in the text, accompanies the book. (144 pages)

© 2007 Print and CD-ROM $17.95

Sterling Publishing Co., Inc. 387 Park Ave. S New York, NY 10016 Phone: 800-805-5489 Web: http://www.sterlingpublishing.com

Communicating the Afterschool Message Through the Media

National Center for Community Education with the Afterschool Alliance

The media exert enormous influence on the thinking of the American public. The various forms of media offer excellent opportunities to reach new and large audiences with important messages that influence public perception of afterschool programs or the need for afterschool programs. This practical guide discusses the various types of media and provides detailed guidelines for communicating with them. (40 pages)

No Date Web Resource http://afterschoolalliance.org/media.cfm

Afterschool Alliance 1616 H St. NW, Ste. 820 Washington, DC 20006 Phone: 202-347-1002 Web: http://www.afterschoolalliance.org

Communicating Your Vision (New)

Talula Cartwright and David Baldwin

Communicating a vision persuasively and clearly often presents a challenge to any leader. The authors of the resource, both veritable communication experts, discuss how to deal with challenges, such as a resistant audience. Afterschool programs run more smoothly when everyone supports and understands the ultimate objective. In order for this to occur, leaders must communicate the vision effectively. (32 pages)

© 2006 Print $9.95

Center for Creative Leadership P.O. Box 26300 Greensboro, NC 27438-6300 Phone: 336-288-7210 Web: http://www.ccl.org

Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion (New)

Robert B. Cialdini

This resource explains the psychology of why people say "yes" through six universal principles. Each chapter and accompanying anecdotes develop readers' skills in meeting crucial objectives, effecting behavioral changes, and ultimately influencing a positive atmosphere. The author invokes productive humor and personality throughout the text and uses literary, social, and historical references to illustrate principles in an interesting and educational way. (320 pages)

© 2007 Print $17.95

Harper-Collins 10 E. 53rd St. New York, NY 10022 Web: http://www.harpercollins.com

Making the News: A Guide for Activists and Nonprofits, Revised and Updated Edition

Jason Salzman

Written specifically for activists and nonprofits, this revised and updated edition of Making the News explains how to generate news coverage for important causes and issues. The book has a detailed index and table of contents to allow you to access information quickly without having to read entire chapters. Based on interviews with professional journalists and media experts, this user-friendly resource describes how to stage media events, write news releases, and promote stories. (289 pages)

© 2003 Print $16.95

Basic Books 1094 Flex Dr. Jackson, TN 39301 Phone: 800-343-4499 Fax: 800-351-5073 Web: http://www.perseusbooksgroup.com

Message Matters: Succeeding at the Crossroads of Mission and Market (New)

Rebecca K. Leet

The technology of today allows us to provide information quickly, but we still need to deliver content that will resonate with our audience if we are to be successful. Although this book is aimed at medium- to large-sized organizations, it is still applicable to all. The author emphasizes the strategic message and provides a five-step method for producing one. A case study is also included, as well as appendixes on organizational needs assessment and organizational readiness assessment. (150 pages)

© 2007 Print $26.95

Fieldstone Alliance 60 Plato Blvd. E, Ste. 150 St. Paul, MN 55107 Phone: 800-274-6024 Web: http://www.fieldstonealliance.org

Perfect Phrases for Dealing With Difficult People (New)

Susan F. Benjamin

In a leadership or management role, one may encounter a rainbow of personalities, some of which may challenge the guidelines of patience and professionalism. Creating a harmonious environment, especially when children are involved, is paramount. Learning to deal with staff members' personalities greatly increases chances of success for any program. Readers will learn to diffuse tense situations, motivate unproductive staff, and deal with discord by presenting mutually beneficial solutions.

© 2008 Print $9.95

McGraw Hill Two Penn Plaza New York, NY 10121-2298 Web: http://www.mhprofessional.com

Resolving Conflicts at Work: Eight Strategies for Everyone on the Job, Revised Edition

Kenneth Cloke and Joan Goldsmith

This book offers numerous suggestions for transforming workplace conflict into opportunities for positive change and maps out eight paths to hone conflict-resolution skills. Examples of these paths include listening with your heart, embracing and acknowledging emotions, separating what matters from what's in the way, solving problems creatively and collaboratively, and learning from difficult behaviors. This new edition includes case studies that will lead the reader to a better understanding of the issues that drive conflicts and how to improve working relationships. (384 pages)

© 2005 Print $17.95

Jossey-Bass 989 Market St. San Francisco, CA 94103-1741 Phone: 800-956-7739 Fax: 415-433-0499 Web: http://www.josseybass.com

The Art of Talking to Anyone (New)

Rosalie Maggio

Effective communication can determine the success of an afterschool program. This resource provides sample scripts for almost any scenario, from casually talking on the phone to conflict resolution. The author includes tips for how to be a good listener, keep a conversation going, and be persuasive and also provides useful information for a variety of social situations. Topics range from talking with family and friends to helping someone in a troubling time. (221 pages)

© 2005 Print $16.95

McGraw-Hill Professional Two Penn Plaza New York, NY 10121-2298 Web: http://www.mhprofessional.com

The Leader as Communicator: Strategies and Tactics to Build Loyalty, Focus Effort, and Spark Creativity

Robert Mai and Alan Akerson

Communication is an essential element of leadership. This resource provides an original model of the roles required of leaders in today's organizations. These roles include trust builder, critic, navigator, provocateur, learning advocate, and renewal champion. The Leader as Communicator is based on case studies from such organizations as Cadillac, Emerson, General Electric, and the U.S. Army. The publication also includes quotations from such noted authors as Peter Drucker and other experts in leadership, and it concludes with an assessment exercise that allows readers to measure their own communication skills. Anyone who wants to build effective coalitions, create enthusiasm, improve morale, and increase productivity will find this book helpful. (276 pages)

© 2003 Print $24.95

American Management Association 1601 Broadway New York, NY 10019 Phone: 212-903-8316 Fax: 212-903-8083 Web: http://www.amanet.org/books/index.htm

The Power of Our Words: Teacher Language That Helps Children Learn (New)

Paula Denton

Language is a powerful teaching tool; it can shape thoughts, feelings, and experiences. The words you choose to use, the pacing, and your tone of voice can all change the message you are sending. This book addresses how to use appropriate "teacher language" to bring out the best in children. Practical guidelines and concrete examples are given, as well as examples of language to avoid. Ideas on giving brief instructions, using open-ended questions, listening, and offering meaningful encouragement are just some of the topics covered. When used effectively, language can positively influence achievement and classroom management. (176 pages)

© 2007 Print $22.00

Northeast Foundation for Children, Inc. 85 Ave. A, Ste. 204 P.O. Box 718 Turners Falls, MA 01376-0718 Phone: 800-360-6332 Fax: 877-206-3952 Web: http://www.responsiveclassroom.org

The Sixty-Second Guide to Working Effectively With the News Media

Independent Sector

This pocket-sized guide gives advice to staff and volunteers on building good media relations. Developed with the assistance of the executive director of the Radio and Television News Directors Foundation and the president of the National Press Foundation, the guide's topics include building relationships, pitching a story, distributing a news release, and holding a news conference. (2 pages)

No Date Web Resource http://www.independentsector.org/members/60_second_guide.html

Independent Sector 1200 18th St. NW, Ste. 200 Washington, DC 20036 Phone: 888-860-8118 Fax: 301-843-0159 E-mail: info@independentsector.org Web: http://www.independentsector.org

Written Communications That Inform and Influence (New)

Harvard Business School Press

This guide serves managers and leaders who wish to strengthen their written communication skills. Topics include tone, style, and rules of influential writing. Chapters include "Communication as a Change Tool" and "When One Style Does Not Fit All." Afterschool program directors compose correspondence ranging in difficulty and importance, from introductory e-mails to complex grant proposals. Written Communications provides guidelines for these and everything in between. Learn to craft proposals under deadlines, organize the written piece, use persuasive and appropriate style, and avoid common grammatical errors. (175 pages)

© 2006 Print $14.95

Harvard Business School Press 60 Harvard Way Boston, MA 02163 Web: http://www.hbspress.org