ABSTRACT
The use of social indicators (and, indeed, of other types of indicators-environmental, economic, etc.) at a community level is increasing rapidly. In many cases, communities themselves, rather than regional or state government entities, are at the leading edge of this work. These communities see the value of using carefully chosen measures that reflect their core concerns, including those having to do with children and families. As part of this work, these communities embrace a much broader concept of accountability for long-term results, holding both traditional programs and a variety of other community actors, including ordinary citizens, responsible for measurable progress toward well-being as they define it.
